Caught In Your Chaos ✓

Chapter Fifty-Four

A middle-aged woman with thick-rimmed glasses greeted us at the entrance. A smile appeared on her face the moment her eyes fell on Jake. They shared a casual greeting before I caught her attention. She gave me her mannered smile and led us into the house. That wasn't my first time visiting a Nursing Home. I had always enjoyed community services during my high school days and on our Grandfather's birth anniversary every year.

While I was busy handing over the boxes we brought along, Jake helped the caregivers keep them in the right place. I could already see the group of elderly seniors in the Common room. They were involved in their little world, talking, reading, or simply laughing at each other's jokes. How could someone not feel like visiting them more often?

"Amy! I forgot something in the car. Will be right back." Jake leaned in my ears and whispered. For some reason, he looked far too alive than I had ever seen him. That place indeed was very close to his heart.

"Don't worry. I'm having a great time here. Couldn't wish to be anywhere else." I assured him with a smile that seemed all too out of my control. Every time I saw him happy, a smile spread on my face too. I had a thing for his happy face, the one which wasn't made up or forced. His happiness is reflected in his dark orbs as well.

As he went to secure whatever was missing, I helped the staff members with the gifts. We took them to a small storage room across the hall. After that, I went back to the common area only to stand awkwardly against the white wall. I so wanted to blend in, laugh at their elderly jokes, talk to them about their day and savor those lovely smiles on their faces. But, watching them enjoy their time together as a family from far was also fulfilling.

"Hey, sweetheart! Would you mind reading me this book? I can't find my glasses." A shaky but motherly voice made me straighten up. I turned to find a woman with visible wrinkles on her exposed freckled skin. She looked at me with the most precious smile. She was in a wheelchair, and as my eyes fell on the book in her hand, I couldn't stop myself from reciprocating her smile.

"Yes, I would love to read it for you," I said, grinning. Without wasting another minute, I wheeled us towards the sofa. I was finally able to break the ice and make myself helpful. Just as I was about to settle with the book, a caregiver appeared with the glasses. She gave me a nod and handed me the glasses.

A few minutes later, I saw Jake joining the group with a Peace Lily Plant in his hand. His eyes instantly searched for me, and as soon as our gazes locked, we both chuckled for being too desperate for each other's presence.

"I think your boyfriend is missing you already. Why don't you join him? I've found my glasses and wouldn't want to keep the lovebirds separated." The woman winked at me and took the glasses from my hand. The word 'boyfriend' caught me off guard, heating my cheeks.

"He is not my boyfriend. We- we're friends," I said the last word under my breath, knowing very well that we were past the friendship stage.

"Youngsters nowadays," she shook her head, releasing a snorty laugh. "Jacob is a nice boy, you know. I say that one is a keeper."

Her words echoed in every corner of my heart and soul as I watched Jake talking to a smiling elderly redhead woman. He handed her the lily plant causing an overwhelming smile on the woman's face. She patted him lovingly and kissed his forehead. Jake looked so fragile and gentle under her motherly affection that I had an urge to give him a warm hug. That feeling only intensified as he pointed towards me while talking to the woman, probably introducing me.

"That's Brinda," the woman beside me said. "She lost her young son in a car accident last year, her only family."

I followed her gaze, and somehow it ached my heart thinking about the loss she had gone through. "That's not fair."