Chapter 16: A Friendly Date

One day, I was sitting in my office when a knock on the door startled me from my train of thoughts.

“Yes.” I called out and John peaked from the door.

“Can I come in, Madam?” He asked sheepishly, making me chuckle.

“Yes you can.” And he entered in after my permission.

“Now…. I want a favor from you.” He started slowly peeking up my interest.

“Okay.” I replied with uncertainty.

“Don’t get mad or change your opinion about me after this, okay?” He asked deliberately. I straightened up, leaned forward.

“John, just say it.” I insisted & he sighed dramatically.

“Here goes nothing…” he muttered, then blurted out. “I want to take you out tonight.”

“As…a date?!” I inquired hesitantly.

“Yes…. As a date but more specifically, a friendly one if you don’t mind!” He was so unsure of himself and the expression on his face made me laugh. He looked at me strangely like I had gone mad.

“You’re so sweet, John.” I said between my laughter.

“Ooookay…. This isn’t the response I was previously expecting but…. Not bad!” He whistled, making me laugh harder than before. He waited for my laughter to die down.

“Oh sorry John but I can’t help it.” I spoke after getting sober & he winked.

“So it’s a yes, huh?!” And I nodded in response with a wide grin. “Yes!” And he air fisted with joy like he got a reward or something.

“Now, you can go now because we need to complete today’s tasks to go peacefully on this date you arranged for us.” I commented playfully and he chuckled.

“You’re so boring, but...beautiful anyways.” He remarked naughtily and I can’t help but blush profusely at his remark.

“Shut up and get out before I change my mind.” I glared at him and he lifted his hands in surrender.

“Okay okay, I’m going. Don’t you dare change this pretty head of yours.” He couldn’t help but cheekily commented and a shy smile tugged on my lips.

“John!!” I said in a warning tone and he was out… while I chortled.

+

When I reached home, I was totally worn out. I dropped myself on the couch and started rubbing my forehead to ease some of the headache.

“You look tired?” Alexander’s voice jolted me.

“For fuck’s sake, you startled me.” I cursed after closing my eyes again and he chuckled.

“I didn’t want to. Anyway, grab something for dinner and then take some rest, you’ll feel better!” He advised me, kindly but I tsked.

“I have to go somewhere. I can’t go to sleep for now.” And I didn’t hear his voice for a while. I thought that Maybe he left but then the couch dipped beside me.

“Let me help you then.” His voice seemed much closer but softer than before. I was thinking to ask him about his statement when his warm, big hands replaced my tired, cold ones on my head. He started rubbing it in circles, soothing the pain in the process. I moaned and his hands stopped for a second. “Don’t.” He muttered and when I didn’t reply, he continued his task. I fell asleep without knowing and then I woke up with a jolt. It took me a while to understand my surroundings and then when my phone vibrated on the table, I picked it up. “Hello?”

“Hey, Isabella. Are you feeling better now?” John’s concerned voice confused me and I looked at the screen after pulling the device away from my ear.

“What are you talking about? I’m fine.” I spoke with uncertainty.

“Yeah yeah, not a problem at all. I just wanted to let you know that you shouldn’t have to feel bad as we’ll go out later.” He said and then it occurred to me. I glanced at the clock, it was showing half past 12 midnight and I palmed my face.

“Ohhh! I’m so sorry. I just had a headache and I laid down for a while but then I fell asleep without knowing. Forgive me, we’ll definitely go out as soon as possible like you want. I owe you!” I apologized and he chuckled softly.

“Like I said already, we will. Now eat something because Alexander told me that you fell asleep without taking anything. So, take something light in dinner and then rest because you need it. Take care, see you tomorrow!” He concluded with care and I smiled.

“Thank you. You too, good night!”

“Good night!” And then I ended the call and sighed. My headache had faded away already so I stood up and went to the kitchen for something.

After eating my baked cupcakes, I went to get some fresh air before going to bed. I was watching the city down below when I felt his presence behind me.

“You should have to wake me up.” I said and he sighed before standing beside me.

“You’re sleeping peacefully so I didn’t feel good about waking you up. John called on your phone and I attended it. He told me about the official dinner and I told him about your condition so he assured me that he’ll manage something. I hope you didn’t mind or it wasn’t something big?!” He explained everything. So, John hid the truth and I most likely knew the reason.

“Yeah, he called again and we talked. Everything is under control now. Thank you!” I spoke softly. We watched the scenery for some time and then he grabbed my shoulders and turned me towards him.

“I..uh… wanted to talk to you about something.” He started slowly and I just nodded in response.

“Could you give up your place and stay with me like this forever?!” His question shocked me.

“Are you kidding me? How can I do this when we agreed on the terms and conditions of the contract which clearly stated the circumstances under which I’m staying with you under this roof.” I asked him with disbelief and he rubbed his face tiredly.

“I know… but I can’t…. I just can’t let you go away from me anymore. Maybe… maybe we can be toge….” I cut him off sternly.

“NO!” I bellowed and he flinched visibly. I calmed myself down and then spoke again. “No, Alexander. I won’t give up my place and I’ll leave as soon as everything gets normal. So I request you to not ask me about it again because my answer will remain the same.” Then I stepped away from him and went inside to my room to get away from his toxic self.