INDEDBTED TOWARDS YOU

The following morning, Lyrical woke up with a severe headache and indigestion.  She wondered what food did she eat yesterday that could have caused this hullabaloo in her stomach. She sluggishly got out of her bed to get ready for her office.

On her way out of the house, she received a call from her aunt's doctor to come visit him urgently, as he needed to discuss something important with her.  She agreed for the an appointment, and dropped a text to Melody informing her that she'll be late today.

As soon as Lyrical reached the clinic, the assistant informed her that the doctor was unavailable at the moment, however, his junior doctor was expecting her. Lyrical is then guided towards the cabin, where she meets the junior, assistant to the her aunt's doctor. 

As Lyrical sat there, the doctor kept staring intently at her. She couldn't figure, if the doctor was gazing brazenly or looking at her sympathetically. However, Lyrical had a constant aching in her head, so she couldn't care less about why he was staring at her. Lyrical just wanted to get this done with.  Lyrical had no idea what noose was coming towards her.

After what felt like a lifetime, the doctor cleared his throat, "Let me start by apologizing to you Ms. Lyrical." he said. "One, for the absence of my senior. He was needed to be somewhere, and that was an urgent case. However, he has assured, that he would return as soon as possible, and see you personally." He smiled, but only briefly. "

And the second thing that I want to apologize for, is the news I am going to bring to you." He was back to his serious tone. "I was told, that you are very close to your family members and the news Ms. Lyrical, I'm afraid is not a good one." The junior doctor said, without a hint of hoax.

That meant whatever the doctor wanted to discuss was going to be grave. Lyrical gulped trying to evade the lump that rose in her throat and braced herself, waiting for what lies ahead. For, the bad news, as the doctor said, that was coming her way.  She silently nodded. Now, along with her head, even her heart was also throbbing, making it difficult for her to focus.

He continued, "I'll get straight to the point Ms. Lyrical. Your aunt was had to be hospitalized a few months ago due to the complexity in her health and had been under our care since then. However, she has still not recovered completely.  Last week, we got a thorough check-up done and I'm afraid, that your aunt is seriously ill. Her heart is very weak and she needs urgent transplant."  The doctor explained and pushed forward a file. "Here are the details of her report. I would recommend you to visit us again this Friday and get her treatment started at the earliest."

Even though Lyrical was ready for whatever bad news the doctor wanted to share, but this was ruthless. Lyrical was back to the place where she is going to lose her mother again and this was one thing Lyrical knew she couldn't afford. Lyrical could not stand the thought of losing one more important person in her family. She took the report and quietly left, promising to bring her aunt back on Friday.

Lyrical frantically exited the hospital, with the reports and medicine in her hands.  Even as she walked slowly, she staggered many times and kept frantically looking around, but staring at nothing in particular. Panic filled in her eyes and she ignored her ringing phone. Her head was about to explode and she wanted to pull out her heart, if possible, and gift it to her aunt. Instead of losing her dear ones, she preferred to die herself.

After walking and stumbling for a long time, at last she lost her balance and ended up falling in a ditch.  Nobody noticed her for a long time and even if they did no-one came forward. Still in daze, she remained there for a long time, then she somehow managed to crawl out of the ditch and walk till she reached Melody's apartment.

By the time Lyrical reached her apartment, she was so exhausted that she leaned towards the edge of her door for support.

The moment Melody opened her door, she wanted to scold Lyrical for not answering her calls and being unavailable the entire day, however she couldn't. What Melody noticed in front of her, as she opened the door, really stunned her. Standing at her door was a women drenched in mud and dirt, she was stinking real bad and the color was drained out of her face.

Lyrical looked truely devastated.

Without inquiring anything or bothering about the stinking smell or mud covered clothes, Melody clenched the fabric on her neck, pulled Lyrical towards her, wrapped her in her arms and guided Lyrical towards the bathroom. Melody quickly undressed her, leaving only the undergarments on her body. She made Lyrical sit in the tub, scrubbed her body with warm water, washed her hair.

Lyrical had yet not uttered a single word, nor made any body movement, without being moved by Melody. Melody noticed, Lyrical was tensed and her body was stiff. Melody could vaguely figure that something must have happened and that had greatly affected Lyrical and she was in shock.

But Melody did not want to probe. She undressed herself and slipped down into the tub along with her. Sitting behind Lyrical, she tightly hugged her and held close to her own body. But remained silent.  Slowly and gradually Lyrical drifted off to sleep in the tub itself.  Melody patiently held her and remained seated.

"Melody," she suddenly heard Lyrical whisper her name. "I'm so tired." She sniffled.  "Let's put you to bed, shall we?" Melody replied lovingly.  Melody helped Lyrical put on fresh clothes and herself changed into fresh ones. But Lyrical did not put her head on the pillow, and remained seated on the bed still in daze. So, Melody scooted closer and pulled her into her warm arms. Hugged her till she finally relaxed and fell asleep.

Melody got out of the bed and washed all the clothes. Lyrical's bag and some files were scattered on the floor, she picked it up and noticed the file had a medical report that belonged to her aunt.  Melody understood the reason why Lyrical was so shattered.  She went to sleep on the couch, but Lyrical's phone started ringing and Norman's name flashed on it.

Melody disconnected the call with an emergency message, saying 'I'm drunk, talk to you tomorrow.'

Melody knew Lyrical must've not informed her aunt and uncle before coming here and by now they must be worried. Melody called Gisselle and confided in her and requested her to call up Lyrical's aunt to inform her that Lyrical was at her house. So, Gisselle did as she was told and Melody was relieved.

Melody had gone to sleep after that, but hardly an hour ago must have passed, when Lyrical woke up terrified after having a dream about what the doctor had said to her today. Melody rushed towards Lyrical and sat down beside her, while Lyrical cried her heart out. "I can't lose her Melody. I can't." she was frantic and Melody could only hold her tightly until she stopped whining. Lyrical yelled, whined, cried and sniffled. "I-I already lost my mother, not my aunt. W-what do I do.. Melody, h-help meee," she stuttered and anxiously cried for help.

Melody felt helpless. She just held Lyrical tightly to her body and rocked her. "Calm down please." Melody repeatedly soothed her. When Lyrical finally calmed down, they sat discussing about what the doctor had told Lyrical.  Lyrical told Melody about how her mother passed away, because of her a weak heart and now her aunt was also suffering a similar health issue.

Melody assured, she could pull some strings and also suggested if Lyrical wanted, Lyrical could visit her father for few days.  Change of place might help Lyrical aunt to feel better, Melody suggested. Meanwhile, they can look for a doner.  Lyrical promised to talk to her father as well as her uncle about it.

"Oh yes. Before I forget. Just to let you know, I answered your phone. Some Norman called, so I disconnected it and replied saying you are drunk." Melody chuckled, and Lyrical could only weakly smile back at her. "Also, I told Gisselle to call your aunt and lie about you staying at her place tonight. Hope you don't mind," Melody explained her.

"Melody.." Lyrical softly called her name. Her voice was barely above a whisper.  "Hmm," Melody answered expecting Lyrical to lash out at her in anger, instead Lyrical thanked her.  "You've helped and saved me so many times," She weakly smiled at Melody and expressed her gratitude.

"Anytime. I am always happy to help you, sweetheart." Melody replied grinning at her.  "Are you flirting again?" Lyrical narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "What? N-no" Melody shook her head and clarified.  "Ok. Then, can I have a beer? I don't think, I'll be able to sleep tonight." Lyrical requested and dropped her head.

Melody went to the kitchen and brought two beer cans and handed one to Lyrical, not before giving her a sandwich to fill up her stomach.  They sat on the floor, resting their back and head on the couch.  "I'm sure, you have not eaten anything after the breakfast. Eat this, before you get sick," Melody ordered Lyrical and she obliged.  "If I may ask, why didn't you just answer Norman's call or call my aunt directly and tell her I'm with you? That would've been easier." Lyrical enquired.

"Stop talking when your mouth is stuffed with food. You unhygienic woman." Melody scolded.  However, her intention was to evade the question.

After Lyrical was done eating the sandwich she took a gulp of the beer. As expected, with the first sip itself she started feeling tipsy. They both remained silent for quite some time, then it was Lyrical who spoke first, "Ok. Then tell me this Melody." Melody rolled her eyes, "Now what?" she sighed. It seemed like Lyrical was slowly getting back to her adorably annoying self. It was better than the silent Lyrical who was constantly in daze for god knows how long.

Lyrical took another gulp of her beer, but went silent again. Melody arched her brow, but let it be. If Lyrical didn't want to ask whatever it was that she wanted to know, then she couldn't care less. However... she was wrong. Lyrical did wanted to ask a very important question.. even though it wasn't exactly the right time to be concerned about it.. Anyway!!

"De yau aactoolee forgimme fo all tho thims, I hur-yau? Sspe-cialee whe I foge-tto tell yau abutt Mis-stir Park-e-sa, vi-seat? An cal yau slu-, Lyrical slurred.  "Oh..K Ms. Assistant. I think you should sleep." Melody chuckled at Lyrical. "You are becoming way too cute to handle."  Lyrical shook her head and her finger in disapproval. "Answer me." She hiccupped, but ordered sternly, "Now."

"Fine." Melody sighed, "I won't lie about it and say everything is alright. It's true that I was offended that you, if not directly but called me a slut and angry that you did not tell me about the lawyer's visit. But there was no point in cribbing about it, isn't it?"

Lyrical brought her beer can near to Melody's and clinked it "You're the best, boss," and Melody rolled her eyes.  They both had a drink to end the night.  Lyrical raised her hand in the air and slurred, "Ca-rr-eee meh"

"Tell me one thing Ms. Cuteness. How did you manage to have four drinks and still not get drunk on our first date?" Melody questioned, while she picked up Lyrical in her arms.  "Wass -hat ar date? Ow!" Lyrical furrowed her brows as if she hadn't realized it until now.  "Whatever it was," Melody laughed at Lyrical cute but funny slurs.

Melody carried her to the bedroom, bent down, and slowly placed her on the bed.  As they were inches apart from each other, Melody could see the tiniest little details of Lyrical's face. The soft freckles, the paleness of her skin.  The soft moonlight coming through the window, felt like it had illuminated her pale skin even more.  Lyrical could see the tiny mole below Melody's lips and it looked sexy and tempting.  Melody could see Lyrical' eyes flutter and then shut.

Both of them were breathing heavily and Melody was finding it hard to resist the forthcoming kiss. She cursed herself under her breath and repeatedly told herself, anything she does will be equal to taking advantage of a drunk and vulnerable person. That Lyrical is straight and will never be interested in her.

Melody closed her eyes tightly, sighed, and silently left the bed.

"Hug me. Please, Melody." She heard Lyrical pleading.  "I'll be back. Let me clean up the mess first." Melody made up something and excused herself.

Melody took her time arranging and cleaning everything and by the time she came back, she found Lyrical was still awake. She patted on the side of the bed, showing Melody she has left some space for her to sleep.

Melody came closer and laid down to sleep beside her. Lyrical quickly embraced Melody and snuggled into her. "Thank you, Melody." She said in a muffled voice. "It really feels good to have a shoulder to cry on."  Melody couldn't bring herself to hug her back, because she knew it would be difficult to stop and she would be responsible for what happened next.  Lyrical cried for some more minutes and finally drifted off to sleep.

The next day, Lyrical woke up to the smell of coffee.  As she dragged her tired body out of the bed and went to freshen up, Melody kept her coffee and omelette ready on the table.

Lyrical stuffed her mouth not looking at Melody. "Are you still feeling troubled because of your aunt or is there anything else that's bothering you?" Melody queried. "Nothing. I feel indebted towards you, I keep bothering you with my problems and you don't even complain." Lyrical expressed her concern to which Melody couldn't help but laugh.

"Should I ignore you when I know you're in trouble or complain because you need help? And why the heck do you feeling indebted?" Melody chuckled amusingly. Lyrical did not answer and still evaded her eyes.

"Fine. If you feel so bad for asking my help, then… I will shamelessly ask you to do something, you might not like that much. Is that alright with you?" Melody folded her arms around her chest and perked her eyebrows.  Lyrical slowly looked at Melody, "What is it?" she moved her head in question, still a little apprehensive. 

"You.. Can you help me with Joey?" Melody said.

Melody stooped hr body down to her level. "Uh! He called me for help. His assistant is unwell and was hospitalized yesterday. And, we have this event coming up in fifteen days. So, I was wondering if you are comfortable helping him out with the arrangements."  Melody hesitated a little to ask for her help with this, as she knew Lyrical was not in favor of working with Joey.

"Hmm.. I will help. When do I have to go?" Lyrical agreed to help and Melody was relieved to hear that. Despite Lyrical agreeing to help, Melody still added. "No pressure. If you are not comfortable working with him, you can tell me. I don't have a problem. "

"No Melody. I will help." Lyrical smiled at her.  "Ok. Good." Melody raised gave her a thumbs up and they clapped their hand.

But, Melody further added "Go home and talk to your father and uncle first. Whatever, they decide to do next, just let me know. If you want to leave for a few days, I won't mind and make another arrangement for Joey." But Lyrical shook her head and assured that she would not skip her work and go help Joey.

Lyrical left soon after they had breakfast and on her way home, she spoke to her father. Mr. Fernando was happy to help her sister.

As soon as she reached home, she secretly spoke to her uncle. Mr. Simon turned out to be brave-hearted. He assured her that he will take Aunt Marissa for her check-up on Friday and then to her father's house for few days so that they can have a little vacation.

Finally, she called Norman. She informed him about what the doctor had told her and assured him she and her boss will look into finding a heart for her aunt, he doesn't have to leave his work and come back immediately.  The brother-sister decided to keep each other updated on any development and Norman would come home when his mother's operation is scheduled.

"I'll leave mom in your care sister. So, don't get drunk and sleep at your friend's place. And, sorry for leaving all the burden on you." Norman confessed.  "Shut up," Lyrical yelled and stopped him. "She is my mother too. So, taking care of her is not a burden"

"Ok. Sorry, I meant responsibility. Anyway, thank you for taking care of everyone at home for me, but don't forget to take care of yourself too?" Norman added before disconnecting the call. Lyrical only hummed, felling a little confident in herself and hoping that Melody would keep her promise and help her find a suitable doner for her aunt.