Chapter Sixteen

"I don't wanna see you dad. Please leave." I was in the hospital and my dad was standing at the door with a grin on his face.

"Don't say that My love."He said. "I brought you here because I still love you. I am your father. You mother have left you with me ever since you were six. I've done everything to keep you alive. Don't I deserve some respect?"

"Hey, don't try that again. You scared the hell out of me. I almost thought you were possessed. I know it's that's school. I should not have taken you there. "

"Look, I'm not being wicked. If you look at these very carefully, you'll see that I'm only protecting you. I know I have a lot of enemies and I just can't trust you with anyone. Don't you understand?"

"Oh my! Get out of here dad."I said.

"I paid the bills for this place and I brought you here myself. You wrist was operated on some hours ago and paid for that also. You don't have any right to ask me out. I know boys are already getting into your head. I won't have to worry because you wouldn't go back to that school. We're moving out of the country as soon as you get discharged. Don't forget, you're a plague and you're only endangering their lives be being with them. "

What is he even saying?!

"Shit!"I groaned. My plastered wrist ached and my head ached. "You disgust me."

"Get well soon Paige. You see, dying isn't that easy?"He left.

*

There was a knock on the door, Andra noticed the vibration on the door and went to get it. She was surprised to see Damien at the door. They waved at her and she waved back. She made a sign language of her name but he only looked puzzled. She had thought he would understand.

"Hello."She bellowed. "Who are you?"

"I'm Damien."

"Nice to finally meet you Damien. I've heard a lot about you."

"Oh, Am I that popular?"

"You know you are."

"Is Paige in?"

"No."

" I'm Andra. Paige left yesterday morning. You should have known."

"Don't you?"

" she left with her uncle yesterday."

His quietness and bland look made her feel more need to explain. She knew who he was and have heard a lot about him.

 "I'd like to speak with you Andra. May I come in?"

"Sure."Confused Andra said. "Disinfect and pull off your overalls. You don't want to put me down n danger. Besides, I'm deaf. I hope you know that."

"You're also popular. Cause I know you."

He did as she requested and entered the room. 

"Hi." She took a seat some metres away from Him. "I'm curious, sorry."

"You don't need to be sorry."Damien said. She smiled.

"Sorry, I..." She trailed off.

"You apologise a lot."

"Yeah, I'm sorry for... that."

"Yh, that's enough."She was blushing and she found that a bit embarrassing. She had every reason to blush though. She has the top student in her room.

"What do you think about Paige?" He asked.

"I don't... understand your question."

"I'm her class president and it's my responsibility to ..."He trailed off. He probably was looking for an excuse for his nosy attitude. "I'm worried about her. You're her roommate so I thought you'd know something. She's so sad or sick or something."

Andra bit her lip, unsure where to start from.

"Do you care? Or Sorry. That's not it. Why do you care?"

"I don't know. Don't ask. Can't say."Damien mumbled his word. "Just tell me what you know."

"Why? Why should I? Why should I tell you?"

She was getting annoying (to Damien). He's quite domineering so he's use to getting anything he wants without being questioned.

"We have a project to complete. Then she suddenly disappears. Why shouldn't I worry? What else do you need to know? I'm just a concerned parent. I deserve to know."

"Do you know Paige?"Andra asked.

He shook his head.

"I don't know her either."

Damien stood up and turned to the door. "I know she's not okay."He was backing Andra.

"Face me if you are saying something. I'm deaf."

He turned.

"Andra, I know she's not okay. I've seen her cry so many times and..."He paused. "She stayed with you for two weeks. Would you say you didn't notice anything?"

"Notice. Sit down then. I've got a lot to say."

"I think she's just a little emotional. She's an introvert and she's better alone. She loves her alone time so much. She isn't sick but she might be sad. She won't tell, pretty secretive. I wouldn't say she is. I love her. I guess she's got that charm. "She paused. "Wait, you guys ain't ever nice to her. Why?"

"Hm. Long story."

"I'm curious."Andra teased on.

"Don't be. I won't explain. "

"Fine. That's all I know" she smiled.

"Thank you."He turned to go.

"Wait!"She stopped him. "I have a question."

"Yh, I also have something to say. It almost skipped my mind. Ask yours first."

"No yours first?"

He was quiet.

"Fine. Do you..."She paused. "Why are you so concerned about Paige?"

He ignored her question.

"You can join the physics class now. You'd be better now that the school has a sign language teacher."

Andra was awed. Though, deep down she knew she can't go out until her immune counts stats improve.

"How did you know I'm out of physics class?"

"I was there when he sent you out."

"And you helped get the teacher?"

"I did nothing but report the case."He answered nonchalantly.

"Oh my!"Andra cried. She has never felt so happy. Someone she never knew had given her a hope, just like that.

"Thank you so much Damien. I wish I could hug you. You're such a god! " 

"It's no big deal. Just... Be more attentive now. Focus on your goals."

"God!"She snorted. "Thank you!"

He had opened the door when she yelled. "Take care of Paige when you finally have the guts to!"

*