Speechless (GRETHAN)

Chapter 14: Bring on the Weekend

Grayson Bailey

A visit to the hospital. Didn't think I'd have to go back there after accompanying mother to the hospital for chemotherapy and routine checkups. They're a locus of depression, sadness and horror.

While Ethan drove me to my house, I continued to examine the black plaster and fibreglass covering on my arm. I tried to wriggle my fingers but ended up wincing in pain. Well, I tried to. So much for trying.

"I'm going to suggest something Grayson and I just want you to agree with me on this, alright? No take-backs.",spoke Ethan and I looked up at him while clutching the stuffie he got me in my left hand. "Nathan is out on his biking trip and you're going to stay with me until he returns."

I nodded my head no and unlocked my phone. 'There isn't the slightest need for trouble Ethan. I'd manage by myself.'

He rolled his eyes after reading my typed text and he passed a snarky response. "I knew you'd hesitate. Good thing I'm here. We'll do as I say." A kind and gentle smile formed on his lips. His words may have sounded harsh or direct but it was always for my betterment. His heart was always in the right place. There were times I was stubborn and having said so, Ethan had mastered the art of dealing with my stubbornness and refusals in a very short time.

At the back of my head, I knew it would be a great idea to stay with Ethan but I couldn't inconvenience him and his family over me and and my broken wrist. He pulled up outside my building and we slowly made it to the second floor.

Ethan stood with his arms around me while I opened the door and led him in. Nathan had left early that morning and he wasn't supposed to return for another 15 days or so. He's headed to Austin, Texas or so. I had overheard his conversations over the telephone.

We went straight to my room and he made me comfortable on my bed. I grabbed my old stuffie and new, both in one arm. "Now, you relax here while I pack your bag and then we'll high-tail it down to my house, just in time for tea and snacks."

Did I mention Ethan treated me to lunch and not only did he pay for the meal but he also fed me the burger since I couldn't use my right arm for anything? Yeah, he did.

I was stunned and a little uneasy with the informal and quirky looks other diners passed us in the restaurant but Ethan gave them no damn. With one arm around my shoulders which supported my emaciated body, he used his other hand to hold the burger and make me bite into it. He'd smile each time I'd nibble and allow the meal to enter my void stomach. After putting the burger down, he'd reach for the Sierra Mist and I'd sip it through the attached straw.

Despite my frequent pleas for him to eat as well and not ignore his own burger which laid wrapped in paper, he seemed to ignore my words. He made sure that I ate and finally, he devoured his own meal.

"Grayson?",I heard Ethan call louder than usual. "You lost somewhere, babe?" I nodded no. "Do you have a duffel bag or something to place your clothes in?"

I pointed to the lowest drawer of the dresser and Ethan reconfirmed the same with a pointed finger which extended towards the wooden container. I nodded yes and he pulled it open with ease. He found the duffel bag and spread it open. Can't believe I had planned to use that bag to run away once but I never really got the guts to go ahead with my idea!

Ethan furthered opened my drawer and began to place my clothes in the open bag. It wouldn't take him long for I didn't own much. I was simple and a minimalist: one grey beanie, three long-sleeved shirts, three sweatshirts, one jacket to fight the biting-cold Michigan winter, 4 pairs of boxer briefs, two pairs of skinny jeans, one black and one blue, two pairs of socks from Kohl's and one pair of badly worn-out sneakers.