Speaking openly

DAY 15 CONTINUES

When Patrick got home later that day, no one was there to greet him. He assumed Sara had gone to sleep while she waited for him.

It is not his fault. Once again, he is running late. For the rest of the day, he was occupied. He had an urgent meeting with the senior staff after lunch. Furthermore, he had made crucial calls after work and left late. The traffic could have done better, too, and the day would have been quite busy.

He produced his key and unlocked the already-locked door. The light was on in the living room; Phina was seated in one of the armchairs while Sara lay on the floor on the rug in the middle. She had nearly taken her hair out of the buns. Her hair extension had come loose from her head.

The two were playing board games while occupied with the cards and charts on the centre table. They disposed of empty food wrappers they had most likely consumed while playing the game in the small garbage bin at the end of the table.

He would have left the two women alone, but sleeping in the living room when they have their room is improper.

He called, saying, "Sara. Phina. Sara. Phina." Phina moved, so he called out louder, "Phina. Sara."

The two suddenly woke up and began scratching their eyes.

Sara got to her feet and replied, "Sir. Welcome." She was still tired but also aware that her boss had returned.

She started arranging the playing cards on the surface. She attempted to place them in their pack. She hoped Patrick wouldn't become enraged with her. He detests having disorganized belongings.

"Sara, leave it. Go and warm Patrick's food," said Phina.

She glanced up at her, then at Patrick, silently observing them. She gives a bewildered shake of her head. Still, she got up and left the room, bringing Patrick's suitcase.

She's happy he wasn't upset. His expression was expressionless, bored, and worn out. Not even a hint of rage. With relief and satisfaction, she made her way to his chamber.

Phina asked Patrick, "How was work today?"

He replied, "OK."

As she got off the chair, she heard Patrick inquire. "And yours?"

She didn't appear to believe it at first, but then he repeated it. He was staring at her, too. It was the first time he had inquired about her day.

"It was fine. And quite fun. Just bored from removing my hair extensions."

She seems unable to stop talking once she gets going. She was direct. She is unable to control her emotions. Patrick pondered.

So, a simple right or fine would have been OK.

He asked himself, "Is it difficult to remove your hair extensions?"

He was not sure why he had asked. Though he wanted to hear her speak, he would have ignored her. Speaking with her seems enjoyable.

She closed the board game box and muttered, "Ha... It's hard. I hate removing my hair extensions. It's like a death sentence to me; it is boring."

Patrick merely shook his head and laughed.

"But why didn't you make your hair?"

Despite being surprised that he was speaking openly with her, Phina answered.

"I have to wash and let it dry first." She said. He nodded in response "I, will make it tomorrow."

She correctly positioned the centre table on the black rug in the middle of the living room.

"Do so. And we are going out tomorrow?"

With amazement, she said, "Tomorrow?" "Isn't it a weekday, or is it the kind of dinner party like the other time?"

"No. It's just an evening outing with my friends at the club. They want me to bring you along. So get prepared tomorrow. My driver will come to pick you up in the evening. You can dress casually, but make sure it is OK."

Phina let out a sigh. She hoped the location would be smooth. Sara returned and informed Patrick that his meal had been prepared.

He got up and went with her to the meal.

"Sir, before you eat your dinner, won't you take a shower and change into new clothes?" Sara inquired. However, he was wearing his suit to the dining room. All he had removed was his suit and tie.

He replied courteously, "It's OK. It will do that after I finish eating." He then took a seat to begin eating his meal.

"You can go and sleep. I will take care of the dishes."

She disagreed, saying, "No, Sir. It's OK."

In a tone she couldn't argue with, he replied, "And I insisted. Go and sleep. I'll be fine."

With a nod, she answered. "OK, Sir. Thank you."

Phina was presently conversing on her phone when she went to the sitting room. She said they would see her the following day, adding that she was heading to her quarters. She then walked away.

It was past twelve already. Even so, she enjoyed chatting with her friends because everyone but Mia was online. However, she was starting to feel drowsy and wondered if Patrick was still eating because he always eats slowly or had already gone to bed.

After turning off her phone, she walked to the dining room. He was not in the dining room. Just as she turned to head upstairs to her room, she heard something clinging from the kitchen.

Now that Sara was asleep, she wondered who was there. When she went to the kitchen, she was shocked to see Patrick cleaning the plates and cups he used for eating.

Facing the dishwasher, he was supporting her. He had removed his suit, and his elbow-length shirt was rolled up.

She hurriedly approached him and said, "Why are you doing that? You could have just left it for us to wash. Let me help you." However, he extended his damp hand.

"Don't worry. I can do it."

She frowned slightly and said, "You should have called me. There are two women in the house to do that."

He turned on the tap to rinse the plate after saying, "This isn't a big deal. Moreover, I do this myself before having a maid." He then let the soapy water drain out of the dishwasher.

Phina gave a sympathetic nod. The man was a mystery. She shook her head in reflection.

"But you didn't take off your wristwatch," Phina said derisively. He rotated his wrist to examine the leather timepiece.

He gave an indifferent shrug.

He remarked carelessly, "It's fine. There are others, so it's no biggie."

Phina furrowed her brow.

She said, "OK, oh. Good night." to him.

"Good night." He said without glancing at her, and she left for her room.