Versailles Series Book 7: The Ballerina [COMPLETED]

CHAPTER 43

=== A L E X A N D R I A ===

I opened my eyes the moment the door closed. I was just staring at it like I'm waiting for it to give answers to my questions.

I am not sure what Juan Miguel's intentions are. I know Agatha is the one who asked for him to care for me but I want to know why. Didn't he want me gone in his life? Kaya nga iniisip ko na nakokosensya lang siya at napipilitan lang. And isn't their company in the middle of a big change right now? Did he really leave Ireland just to look after me?

But based from the words he just whispered, it doesn't seem like that. He actually seemed to care. He cooked for me today and it was better than expected. I always knew he knows his way around the kitchen but he still surprised me. Even his thoughtfulness on preparing some things for me so I won't get bored.

He kept true to his word to follow my rules. Except five minutes ago.

A part of me is still angry at him. Still hates him. Still loathes him for what he did. But I can't deny to myself that him being around me right now brings me the comfort my friends and family can't make me feel.

This doesn't mean I am opening up to him. Sabi nga niya, hindi niya ako lulubayan hangga't makalakad ako ulit. So the only way for me to get out of here faster is to get back on walking.

Sabi ng nurse ko ay magsisimula na ako ng therapy bukas. Ipapaliwanag sa akin ni Lake ang mga pagdaraanan ko sa therapy bukas. Which is why I decided to retire early tonight para may lakas ako bukas.

When I woke up, the nurse was there to help me up. The food was ready too. He prepared avocado toast this time.

"Ang swerte niyo po sa boyfriend niyo ma'am." Nakangiting sabi ng nurse sa akin habang sinusuklay niya ako. I just finished taking a shower.

"Ahh, hindi ko siya boyfriend. We're not romantically involved."

"Ay sorry po. So...single po si Sir?"

Pinigilan kong tumaas ang kilay ko. Akala ko ba ako ang aasikasuhin niya? "Siya na lang tanungin mo."

Nang handa na ako ay nasa lounge na si Lake dala ang mga equipment na mukhang gagamitin ko. May katabi rin ito na naka-scrubs.

"Hi Ria. Good morning. I'm Dr. Lake Marasigan if you have forgotten. You can call me Lake. Your physical therapist is here with me. Siya ang makakasama mo everyday."

"Nice to see you. Well, not in this state but knowing that you're a good doctor, I am at ease. Magsisimula na ba tayo?" I subtly scanned the room but Juan Miguel isn't around. I can hear his laptop though. He seems to be working.

Lake explained everything in detail to me. Matiyaga rin nitong sinagot ang mga tanong ko sa kanya. He gave me a best and worst estimate on when can I walk again. It all depends on me on how much do I want to walk again. Lake left eventually and let the therapist take over.

The first few hours were severely challenging and I can't help but lash out at the people around me. I feel sorry pero nangingibabaw ang frustration ko. I was more angry and disappointed at myself more than the people helping me recover.

"I'll take it from here. Take an hour break." Narinig kong sabi ni Juan Miguel. The therapist and nurse went to the kitchen and we were left there.

"What the hell are doing here?!" sabi ko rito.

"You're doing great."

Binuksan ko ang bibig ko para sana sigawan din ito kasi akala ko ay papagalitan ako nito. But what he said was not something I expected.

"I'm not. Bakit hindi ko kayang gawin iyung mga nagagawa ko noon? She was asking me to do a simple thing. Bakit ang hirap-hirap?" I can't stop tears streaming down my face right now.

"Hey...this is still progress. It's the first day and I think you're doing great. Think about your progress after a week or a month right?" He wiped the tears from my cheeks. "You can do it. I know you can. You've always been a fighter." He carried me back to my wheelchair and held my hand. "Just take a breather okay? Let them know if you still want to continue for the rest of the day, okay?"

I nodded as I looked at his hand on mine. He wiped my cheeks once more before moving away. My hand suddenly craved for the warmth from his hand.

"Juan Miguel..."

He stopped on his tracks and looked at me. "Yeah?"

"Can you stay here while I do it?" I bit my lip. I know I set some rules for him not to be around me. But his presence does wonders when I am frustrated like now.

He offered me a small smile. "Sure. Let me just get my laptop."

The session went on an hour later. It was still frustrating but at least I had my emotions under control. I also sincerely apologized to the therapist and nurse for my inexcusable behavior.

I stole some glances to Juan Miguel's direction and found him engrossed in whatever he is doing in his laptop. His brows are all scrunched up. He doesn't use glasses now like he used to. I remember how adorable he looked with those glasses on while we were in college.

He got up and prepared dinner like yesterday. Pareho kaming nakasunod ng tingin ng nurse at therapist ko sa papalayo nitong bulto.

Tumikhim ako. "I think we're good for today. Thank you again. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Hindi niyo na po ako kailangan?" Tanong ng nurse na nakatingin pa rin sa direksyon ng kusina.

"I think I can manage."

I watched them leave while I settled myself in the lounge. I turned on the television and watched some random series.

"Oh. Where did they go?" Tanong ni Juan Miguel nang lumabas ito sa kusina. He was holding a tray of food.

"Uhm...pinauwi ko na kasi mukhang pagod na sila." Palusot ko. I hate myself that I am feeling this. I should feel a bit of jealousy. I need to keep in mind what he did to me. That's something that won't change.

"Hmm...I thought we could invite them for dinner." Kumunot ang noo ko sa sinabi nito. He chuckled at my expression and put the tray on the table His thumb smoothed my forehead. "As a courtesy. Nothing else."

He sat on the opposite side of the table. "Nasaan iyung pagkain mo?" Tanong ko.

"I can eat later. I'll help you first since your nurse is not here anymore."

"Kaya ko naman. My arms are fine. Kunin mo na lang din iyung pagkain mo para sabay na tayo."

I watched him walk away. I know that I am breaking my own rules. But it's just so uncomfortable to see my nurse and therapist look at him like that. Like I wasn't there! I mean sabi ko naman ay hindi kami magkasintahan pero kahit na!

"Are you okay? You look like you're having an internal struggle." He went back on his chair with his food.

"I'm good. Let's eat."

We ate in silence. Only the noise from the television can be heard. He really cooks well. Better than me actually.

"You cook well."

"Thanks." He smiled shyly.

"Take this as a truce." sabi ko. "I don't like staying in a house na may kaaway. It also allows us to move freely. So...hindi muna kita aawayin for the time being. I'm still angry at you, you know."

"That means a lot to me."

When we finished eating, I rolled my wheelchair to my room only to realize that I need to shower before bed. Great, Alexandria. Selos ka pa. Hindi naman ako nagseselos. As I said, I was just uncomfortable. He's still my ex. Sige, sabi mo eh.

Huminga ako ng malalim.

"Uhm...Juan Miguel?"

CHAPTER 44 >>