Chapter 18: Taking Care of Him

Thalia's POV

I am outside our gate, waiting for Zane. I have been waiting for almost 15 minutes now, and Zane is not here yet. Did something happen to Zane? Maybe I will go to school on my own because it's almost time for class.

After a few minutes of walking, I arrived at school.

"Good morning, guys," I said.

"Are you alone?"

"Yup"

"Where is Zane?"

"I don't know. I went on my own because he is taking too long. Maybe I will go to his house later to find out what happened to him,"

Fast forward, and I am now on my way to Zane's house.

I am not used to walking on my own now because Zane and I would always go home together.

When I was near Zane's house, I saw a woman going out of his house. Maybe it's his mom.

"Hello auntie"

"Hi"

"Um, I am Zane's classmate. I live in the next block. I was wondering why Zane is absent today?"

"Oh. Zane is absent because he is at the hospital,"

"Why?"

Now I am so worried.

"Because her father hit him with a bottle of beer and he got unconscious because his head was hit by the bottle. He also got cuts on his arms, hands, and feet. Zane will be discharged tomorrow afternoon,"

"Oh. Where is Zane confined?"

Zane's mom told me where Zane is confined.

"Are you going to the hospital, auntie?"

"Yes. I am going to give this to Zane,"

"You look tired, auntie. May I go there and give this to Zane instead? You need to take a rest first,"

"Really? Thank you so much, dear. Here"

"I will go now, auntie,"

"Be careful"

"I will"

After a few minutes, I arrived at the hospital. I went to the front desk to ask what room number is Zane admitted.

"Mr. Zane Mendez is in room 304, ma'am,"

"Thank you"

I went to the third floor because that's where room 304 is.

I knocked three times.

"Come in"

I entered.

"Thalia? What are you doing here?"

"I was worried that you didn't show up this morning. That's why I went to school alone. I went to your house to find out what happened to you and then I saw your mom. I asked her, and she said you are at the hospital because you were unconscious because your father hit you on the head with a bottle of beer. I told your mom that I will deliver this food to you because she looks so tired,"

"Thank you, Thalia,"

"You didn't text me,"

"I'm sorry,"

"It's ok. Care to tell me the whole story?"

"You know, my mom and dad are annulled because my dad is an alcoholic. Last night, mom and I went out of the house because a guy was so noisy, and it was my dad. He was so drunk. We argued, and that's when he hit me with a bottle of beer,"

"Oh, now I know. That is why you always mention your mom and not your dad because you are not on good terms and that your parents are annulled,"

"Yes"

There was silence.

"Oh right, the food. You need to eat this. I think this is soup. You need to eat now because it's already 5 in the afternoon,"

"Sorry, but I cannot use my hands,"

"Oh, right. Let me feed you instead,"

"Thank you"

I helped Zane feed his food.

I find this situation sweet.

Zane quickly finished the soup, and I am now feeding him fruits.

"That was very delicious. Mom's cooking is very delicious,"

"I agree. Oh, I should get going because it's already 6 in the evening. My mom would be worried. Are you ok here alone?"

"Yes"

"Ok. Bye for now. Get well soon,"

"Yeah"

Narrator's POV

The next day, Thalia told the gang what happened to Zane, and they were all worried.

"Let's visit Zane after class,"

"Yeah"

"Ok. Let's all go after class because Zane's mom said that he will be discharged today," Thalia said.

"Ok"

Class is over, and they all went to the hospital.

Thalia leads the way.

When they arrived, they went to the front desk and asked.

"Excuse me, may we know if Zane Mendez is still in his room?"

"Wait, let me check. Yes, Zane Mendez is still in his room,"

"Thank you"

Zane's POV

I am packing my stuff because the doctor said that I am discharged.

While packing my stuff, there was a knock. I wonder who it is.

"Come in"

When the door opened, I saw Thalia first and the gang.

I was surprised because they are all there.

"Zane!" They all said and went to me.

"We are so worried about you. When Thalia said what happened to you, we got so worried. That is why we've decided to visit you today,"

"Thanks, guys"

"Are you packing your stuff?"

"Yup"

"Let us help you,"

I am so happy that they visited me.

"Done!"

"Let us help you carry your stuff,"

"And let me help you walk. Hold my shoulder for support," Thalia said.

"Thanks, Thalia"

"Always here for you,"

When Thalia said that, my face got warm.

We are almost at my house.

"Zane!"

"Mom"

"Hello, auntie," They all said.

"Thank you for accompanying Zane,"

"No problem, auntie,"

"Let's go inside and have a snack,"

We all went inside, and mom gave us snacks and refreshments.

When it was almost dark, they all said goodbye.

"I'm glad you made good friends, dear,"

"Yes, mom"

"I was curious if Thalia was your girlfriend?"

"What? No mom"

"I like her. She is beautiful and a very kind lady. Your blushing, so you like her?"

"Yes, mom, I like Thalia,"

"Confess to her already,"

"I am planning to, but for now, I am happy when we are together,"

"Ok, but you need to make up your mind because what if there's a guy who will confess to her first. You don't want to regret your decision. Now, let me accompany you to your room,"

Mom accompanied me to my room.

I lay on my bed and thought about what mom said earlier, but I think it is not the right time to confess what I feel to Thalia. Being always together is enough for now.