CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Bettany's Home. Day. Joe greeted her at the door with a smile. Evelyn put her hand on top of his arm as they walked like a new wed couple walking on the aisle.

He told her just him, the maids, the gardeners, the driver, blah blah and Robert are left behind. Amelia and her husband had a business outside the town.

The couple stood below the huge chandelier. "There's someone you need to know who is also working here with us".

"Another maid?"

"No. He was Robert's personal nurse. He will explain everything you need to know while he's not here for Robert".

Evelyn nods understanding. They walked to another room where Robert's personal nurse had been waiting for her to show up. Joe led the way.

"This is where I lived you, Evie. He's been waiting for you". he slid the door open, as she entered he shut the door then walked.

Her lips stuttered for no reason, like she was about to be eaten alive. Her eyes looked around then spotted someone standing at the end of the corner. What she saw was, just back of Robert's personal nurse.

He then turned to her. "You must be, Evie. I am McDaniel. Robert's personal nurse and finally we've met".

"We are. I didn't know he had a personal nurse".

"Of course he does. I've been in charge of his health issues since.. you know. That. I was born in Australia, and the koala is my favorite pet".

"Exploring is my favorite job".

He said, smirking. "Then why the carers?" he asked. "Trying to do something new".

"I've been urged by my best friend who I love dearly to have this job".

She leaned closer to him, whispers.

"He is some kind of solidly built man with shaggy unkempt hair, he introduces himself as Robert. He tried to scare me by his threats and I'm not buying what people might expect from a man in a wheelchair, he speaks quite well, but he pushes people away".

McDaniel chuckled. Robert appears on view. McDaniel looked up at him. "How are you feeling?"

"What do you think?" as his eyes to Evelyn. "You're still here". he said in a sarcastic voice. "Though you won't, I am glad".

She ignored him. McDaniel turns the radio on for Robert then takes Evelyn back to the kitchen to the medicine cabinet.

"I know the sound is funny to hear but can you manage all of his health issues and mental health?"

"I don't understand". she blinked. "Do I have to handle drugs?" he nodded his head. "Seriously!"

"This tells you pretty much everything you need to know. I do most of the heavy lifting but there's a time table here to see what he has, when." said him. "I know you are nervous caring for another person's physical needs. This is your first time, am I right?"

She nodded, he spoke back. "Blood pressure meds to raise it in the morning when he gets up. Anti-spasm tablets, four times a day to control muscle spasms, tablets for nerve pain. Now, you can give him pain killers".

Her eyes over and over as he hands her a bottle of painkillers Robert needs in his life, slowly he takes the bottle out from his hand then gives him a fake smile she does.

Evelyn is overwhelmed by all the pills that Robert has to take but McDaniel reassures her that it's all written down and that he will be in every day at morning, lunch, and evening to take care of most of Robert's physical needs.

"If he asks so much that annoys you, just try to resist giving him sleeping pills. If possible because they tend to make him a little.. well, irritable like more irritable".

"That's a lot to remember though".

"Of course, he knows what is what. He might deny it and you got my number, most of my other patients live nearby. I am never far away".

He changed his clothes. She wanted to say this but he knew what she wanted.

"Don't worry. You're not here for any of the physical stuff like you state in your mind".

She blushed. "Thought I must". chuckle. "Alright. What am I here for?"

"To cheer him up I guess". he grabs his things then turns to her. "I'm gonna check you both in the morning, for now my patient needs me".

He stormed out without a word. "Just like that..?" she muttered.

Babu sits on top of the rock eating lunch. Right in front of him was a beautiful view of the Nile River.

Last night, the Medjai rushed to Abu Simbel as Ardeth got information through someone (not Dr. Bey) group of Europe men trying to digging ancient treasure inside the temple. The group still not showing yet as for today.

Ardeth sees the back of Babu sitting there alone, looking at what he needs. He let it out to breathe. Spoke in Egypt.

"Something he had done, am I right?" he asked the other warriors. "Something he did".

"No one doubts you, Chief. Your eyes are sharp. What is it?"

He pointed at the back of Babu. "Him. I can say he met someone". Then he walked toward Babu. He stood beside him. "How is he doing out there?" he asked, Babu looked up at him. "I know you met him. Imhotep. You've been searching for him and you found him".

"My heart keeps telling me he will go back to our old house". he replies in Egypt. "There he was, never aging, alive. The last thing I remember.. the same figure that never change".

Ardeth nods his head. "Because the irresponsible man who brought him out from the underworld is still out there. His is the cult, dedicated to defeating the Scorpion King by calling him from death and assisting him in his wicked ways".

"He knows".

"We all know, Babu". Ardeth took a seat on the rock. "Because Hafez thought he could, that is why they were hunting for the bracelet that held great powers". he sighed again. "Our job is to protect the ancient but the outsider keeps coming, that is why we are here".

Ardeth smiles. "How's your first meeting with Imhotep".

"He didn't look happy either, all he wanted was the woman and his son. He told me he won't do anything to kill me. Imhotep wants us to give him another chance to live, he won't hurt us, not them not anymore".

Ardeth nods. "You may believe his words but I don't. I never trust the death who already died like twice". he crossed his arm.

"Never trust anyone that can betray you someday". he tapped Babu's shoulder then walked.

Robert ignores Evelyn for the rest of her day with him, she even offers him a cup of tea he snottily refuses, and ignores her back again. She then goes busy herself with some chores, angry that Robert so easily made her feel stupid.

Moment that. She knows how to comfort herself by reading a book. She found the room for the first time she entered this house. Grab one of the books out from the shelves and sit on the carpet and begin to read it out loud.

"Oh my lord? I love this book". She checks the back and front book covers. "Interesting (read the title again) why didn't I find this in Dr. Bey library. Oh I forgot that it was antiquities and museums. All the books are ancient. But this is an ancient book too".

She didn't notice Robert appearing in the doorway. "Should I borrow?"

"You won't".

She jolted, looking up where Robert had appeared.

Sarcophagus: Secret of Ancient Tomb.

"Ardeth gave that book to me. He read for me while I was in hospital waiting for my soul to be collected by the death. I was in a coma and I heard him reading that to me".

Both eyes met. He spoke again. "I didn't die that day. I know you saw my photos row in my bedroom. Feel free to pity me for the life I lost whenever you want to. I should have died first".

"You treats me badly since I steps my foot in here. I don't blame you, I can still talk to you like a civilized person".

She smiled.

"You're just looking for your self-respect, that is why you are doing this. Notice you can no longer experience the kind of active thrills and adventure with your friends. And they betrayed your trust".

Smirking. "Even trying to kill you".

Not a word came from Robert's lips, he rolled away but she stopped him. "I'm not finished with you, Robert". he looked over his shoulder, where her hand lay.

"What kind of friendship is that?" there's silence, she spoke back. "For me you are just.. a nice person who is still living inside you. You pushed people away because they cannot be trusted like your friends did. I and your friends are not the same".

Another silent. Evelyn lets him go as he rolls away from her. She watches him disappear around the corner. She closes the book then puts it back on the shelves.

Robert was watching the view when suddenly Joe creeped behind him, he looked over his shoulder.

"If I may Robert. She was the nicest woman I ever met and wondered why I didn't see her anywhere. Be a good man toward a woman like hers. Because you will never find anywhere like her". he touched Robert's shoulder. "Trust her".

Moments later. Evelyn takes a step forward with painkillers McDaniel provides her to give Robert. She slid open the door and saw him pacing in front of the window, his eyes locked into a beautiful view.

He knows it's about time he needs to take pain killers, so he turns his chair facing her.

"If you don't want these pain killers it wasn't my fault but.. so I thought we could go out this evening".

"Where do you have in mind?"

"Well, I was told you have a car that was adapted for wheelchairs".

He frowned. "And you thought a drive would be good for me? a breath of fresh air?"

"What do you usually do?"

"I don't do anything. Miss Carnahan. I sit and just about exist".

She kept her smile on him no matter what, he must listen to her. "Isn't it great just you and me, walking around town, buying new things or you rather accompany me? I was about to buy something for my son".

"How old is he?" he asked, and she smiled.

"He's twelve. He is so charming". she blushed while thinking about Dakota. "I remember when I held him in my arms, he was so tiny and hungry. It was the best day in my life having him (her eyes to Robert) don't you ever talk about his father".

He snorted. "I was about to. Where is he now?"

"Somewhere. I don't know and I don't care what he is going to do with his life".

"You really hate that man aren't you Miss Carnahan?"

"I hate him when he touches me". there was silence, she spoke back. "Are we going out or not?"

Cairo market. Later. Evelyn and Robert are followed by Joe. Joe helps Robert with the chair, though she's the one who likes to buy things but turns out it was Robert.

He was too fancy to buy something he liked, lots of things even Joe had to help him out.

They three stop at the ancient shop. Evelyn brought ancient sand time and a pocket watch for Dakota.

As for her, she bought herself a scarf and groceries for home. "Your son like an ancient things Miss Carnahan?" ask Robert.

"Like a mother, like a son. Of course he is. We both share the same passion about ancient Egypt (silent) because his father was born that way".

Robert and Joe stare, she smiles changing the topic. "I like to buy apples".