CROSS MY SIN (forgive me please)

ch 8. Unexpected Encounters

Last night, I resolved to get to know him better, whatever it is that drew me to him, I was determined to uncover. So, when I woke up this morning, all I could think about was going to his house. As I arrived, I sat in the car, waiting. When I saw the door open, I immediately got out and stood outside. There he was, my darling ice-cream boy, appearing rushed. "Nathaniel!" I called out, relishing his full name.
......

Approaching him with a doubtful look, I asked, "Hey, what are you doing here so early in the morning? Did I forget something in the car? Are you stalking me?" I bombarded him with questions in a panic. "I'm here to take you to work," he replied, surprising me. "Why?" I asked again. "Can't I just take you without a reason?" he countered. I was momentarily dumbfounded. "No, I can't go with you anywhere. I don't even know you that well," I insisted. "But you were in my car last night, and nothing happened," he pointed out. "Last night, I had no choice. But now, I do," I retorted. "But this is the easiest way, and I can see you're kind of late," he reasoned. Glancing at the time, I realized he was right. I wouldn't make it on time if I went to the bus station. "So, can we go?" his voice cut through my thoughts. "Please?" he pleaded like a child. "Okay, fine. Let's go," I relented, and he opened the front seat for me. I entered his car, and he took the driver's seat, starting to drive.
....

I felt relieved that he agreed to take him to work, but I noticed he was pouting. "Hey, why that face?" I asked him, but he didn't say anything. "Hey, I just wanted to get to know you, Nathaniel. Don't be mad at me," I pleaded. "I'm not mad at you. I'm just not used to being taken care of like that," he confessed with a vulnerable voice. "Then don't worry, I'm going to show you more of it," I assured him, and he smiled, looking aside.
.....

As we arrived at the ice cream shop, I quickly got out of his car, overwhelmed by the emotions flooding over me. I looked back and said, "Thank you," then hurried into the shop. My best friend, Ping, greeted me with curious eyes, bombarding me with questions. "Who is that? That car, oh my god! Where did you meet him? How come you came with him?" I sarcastically replied, "It's just someone who gave me a lift here after you abandoned me." "No, it's not like that. You know I had to take care of my nephew because my sister and brother-in-law have traveled," he explained sadly. "Haha, I was just joking. But let's get to work, okay? I'll answer all your questions later," I said, and he reluctantly agreed.

....

The whole day, I felt unusually happy after spending those few minutes with Nathaniel in the morning. It felt like I had found a new purpose in life. "You look so happy today!" Dr. James remarked as he entered the ward. "I'm just motivated today," I replied. "I'm glad to see you smile. It's been a while. And whoever made you like this today, make sure you keep that person close, no matter what," he advised. I smiled at him and said, "I am already stuck".

......

"As I worked, I started feeling weak. I informed Ping and my boss that I would be leaving work early. As time passed, my body grew weaker, so I decided to find a hidden place in the shop and rest.
.....

I finished my work a bit early and decided to pick up Nathaniel from the shop. Upon reaching there, he was nowhere to be found. I asked around, and a guy who worked there recognized me as the one who brought Nathaniel to work earlier. "Can you tell me where he is?" I inquired. "Oh, sorry. Let me look for him," he said and walked away.

After a couple of minutes, I heard someone shouting Nathaniel's name from behind the shop. Without hesitation, I ran inside and found the guy from earlier holding Nathaniel, who had fainted. "I'm a doctor. Let me check," I said as I touched Nathaniel's forehead. "He's burning up. I think it's because of the rain," I concluded, while carrying him to my car. I instructed the guy, whom I had learned was called Ping, to sit in the back seat with Nathaniel and a cold towel.

I drove to the hospital like a madman, every instinct telling me I needed to protect him