Sorry, work called

I was awoken by my vibrating phone on the nightstand. I rubbed my eyes and kicked the quilt away. "Hello," I moaned. "Oh, no, did I wake you?" Alec asked. "Yes, but I need to get up anyway." I replied. "What's up?"

"I just wanted to make sure if we're still on for lunch today?" He asked. "Um, yeah, of course." I said. "Awesome." He said. I could almost see that ridiculously gorgeous smile of his, man. "Hello, are you there?"

"Yeah, sorry, what was that?"

"I said I might need to move it to 1 p.m. because I have a meeting with my first client." He said. "First?" I asked. "Yeah, I'm starting my own business. It's pretty exciting. I'll tell you all about it at lunch." He said. "Okay, can't wait!" I smiled. "'Kay, later, bye."

"Bye."

I rolled outta bed and buried my face in my hands. It's 10 o'clock. I stared at my polar bear screensaver till it faded to reveal my grinch-like reflection. I dragged my feet on the way to the bathroom. A nice, hot shower is what I need. It'd been quite a week, and I was so glad it was Saturday. I could hear my dad arguing with one of his debtors---Rob, an old friend of his. My dad isn't normally a good collector but the bank has been on us about our mortgage like fleas on a chimp. The money Rob owes will help us settle for the month. I hated myself for letting my dad do something I knew he hated but I just started working at Lockwood Industries. I won't get my paycheck three weeks from now.

"Dad?"

"Dad, are you okay?" I asked. "Oh, hey Lee. I just gotta call a couple of people." He said dialling. "Dad---"

"It's okay, honey, I'm fine." He looked at me. "I just need to call a few more people that's all." He smiled at me before walking away. I bit my lip as I walked to the kitchen. Maybe I can ask Mr. Lockwood for an advance. I sighed as I opened the fridge and took out some eggs.

***

I scrolled through friends reels while sitting upside down on the couch. I snorted as I chuckled. "They definitely weren't on a break." I shook my head. I was interrupted by an incoming phone call. "Madison, what's up?"

"Lee, you need to get down at Lockwood mansion now!" She said. "What's wrong?" I sat up. "Mr. Lockwood has fallen unconscious. I found him like this when I got here this morning." She said. "Well, what can I do?" I asked.

"I need you to watch him while I go get his medication." She said. "Okay, why don't I just pick it up? Tell me what it is." I said. "There's no time to explain. I need to leave now. Get here!" She hung up. I sighed in frustration. "Dad, I'm going out!" I said. "Dad?"

I sighed. I texted him before going out the door.

I shut the door of the Uber and headed for the front door of Lockwood mansion. "Hello?" I called. "Madison?" I looked around the massive foyer. I'd only been here once. "Wow," I whispered as I stared at the skylight with a crystal chandelier hanging from it. How had I not noticed this before? My eyes watered. It's so beautiful. I snapped out of it. I need to find Raphael. I looked at the curved staircase and decided to check downstairs first.

"Hello," I walked into the living room. So roomy, I thought. "Mr. Lockwood," I rushed towards him. He was barely awake. "What do you need?" I asked. "Madison will be back soon with your medicine."

"You're burning up." I covered him with a blanket. "I'll get a cloth for you. Don't worry sir, she'll be back soon." I located the kitchen and soaked it in cool water. "Just hang in there, Raph." I patted his forehead with the cloth. "Lee," he moaned. "Shh, just try to relax, okay." I said. He held my hand, and I looked at him. My phone vibrated, and I grabbed it. "Madison," I said.

"Hey, so, Brian is coming with the medicine. He should be there by now. I have to take care of something so I'm gonna need you to stay with him till I get back." She said. I heard Brian pull up. "Well," I thought of my meeting with Alec. "Hello? Lee?"

"Lee," Raph moaned still holding my hand. "Will you stay with me?" He asked. "I'll take care of him, Madison." I replied. "Great! The instructions for the medication are on the bottle." She hung up. "Hello, Miss Lee. This is for you." Brian rushed in. "Thanks. Brian." I smiled. "Is he going to be okay?" He asked. "I'll make sure of it." I smiled at him, and he nodded.

It was close to 3 p.m. when Raphael fell asleep after giving him medication. Oh no! I forgot to call Alec. I turned the stove to low so the chicken soup wouldn't burn. I took out my phone and saw five missed calls from Alec and two texts. I sighed in frustration as I walked to the living room to check on Raph. I heard movements so I rushed to where he was sleeping. He was shivering. He was burning up again.

I put my phone down and held my waist and bit my lip. I sat next to him and held him. After some time I felt the shiver start to go down. "Shh, its' okay."

Before I knew it I drifted to sleep.