The Caregiver

SIXTEEN

{MONICA ARTHUR}

Waking up this morning felt like a dream, having the best sleep I have ever had all because of someone's presence,Dominic. Stretching my tired limbs, I tear the heavy comforter off my body and sit up, my white painted toes touching the cold floor. Standing from the comfortable bed, I turn and see Dominic asleep, his strong arm draped over the covers, light snores filling up the silence of the bedroom.

"Are you watching me sleep?". Dominic asked, opening his beautiful eyes. Laughing at his accusation, Monica murmurs a no.

"I have a question". Monica spoke looking at a now fully awake Dominic, meeting her eyes he raises his eyebrow for her to continue.

"How would you feel if I took Ms.Rosa out for brunch?", Monica loved the home that she was currently staying in, she found herself in awe of every detail of its interior but she also as well wanted to get out of the home, it was nice day and she wanted to spend time with Ms.Rosa outside of the house but didn't want to disrespect Dominic by not asking his permission.

Shrugging his shoulders Dominic answered, "I don't mind, I believe she would like that, what's the occasion?" Dominic asked, standing up to make his bed. Monica grabbed the other side of the bed to make it.

"No occasion, just a change of scenery.",. Monica said to Dominic. Opening the window Dominic draws back the curtains to let some sunlight in before going to the restroom. Walking to my bedroom, I go into the bathroom to start the shower, hopping into the hot water I scrub all of yesterday's germs away, the vanilla scent clouding the fogged up bathroom. Stepping out of the shower I place my feet into my slippers going to the closet and getting out my outfit of the day, i moisturize my clean body, putting on my outfit.

After getting ready, I go to Ms.Rosa's room to wake her and get her ready for the day. "You have that water on standby don't you girl".Ms.Rosa said, my hand stretched out with a bottle of purified spring water in my hand. "Of course, you have to get those med's in," I say, causing Ms. Rosa to roll her eyes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Oh honey, thank you for this brunch date" Rosa said, taking a sip of her freshly squeezed lemonade through her glass straw. The women were at a cafe called, The Brunch Bar, 30 minutes from the house, their food orders were already placed, while waiting for the food, the ladies filled it with light conversation.

"Dominic told me the story behind Lydia, I'm sorry I thought you should know that I knew". Monica said with an apologetic smile. Rosa mimicked the smile "it's quite ok sweetie, I'm not proud of who she became but I am not ashamed of myself either, her father and I raised her the best we could, so what she decides to do as an adult isn't my problem". Rosa spoke, shrugging her shoulders.

"I understand". Monica said, taking a sip of her apple juice. "If you don't mind, may I ask you a question?" "of course", "you don't talk about your family much, how come?". Straightening my posture, I tell Ms.Rosa the same story i told Dominic minus the part of my crazy ass ex tormenting my life again. "I'm so sorry honey" Rosa reaches across the table and grasps Monica's hands into her own, giving it a motherly squeeze, "thank you".

"Your orders?". The women looked up at the waiter that had their meals in hand, placing down the food the ladies began to indulge in the delicious platters. By the time the clock struck 2:15 pm the pair were up and out of their seats, they decided to go pass an antique shop to further their adventurous day.Opening the door to exit the cafe Monica was bumped into harshly.

"Oh goodness, I'm sorry". Monica heard from above her, looking up she saw a familiar face, one she hadn't expected to see at all. "Willow?"Willow looked at Monica, her dark eyes growing wide in shock, "sorry" Willow rushed out trying to go past Monica hurriedly but Monica was quick and grabbed her wrist with a firm grip to stop her.

"Why?". Monica asked. Willow knew exactly what Monica was asking but didn't not know what she was talking about to protect herself, " i-i don't know what you are talking about" willow said trying to get her wrist out of Monica's death grip. Monica had all reason not to believe anything that came out of Willow's mouth so she persisted with her interrogation.

"Just tell me why willow, why!"Monica demanded. "I'm sorry, it's not my fault". With that willow was able to slip her wrist out of Monica's hand and ran the opposite way down the street. Ms. Rosa being an innocent bystander in this meeting.

"WILLOW! WILLOW!". Monica yelled out as the woman ran away, her figure disappearing with how fast her speed was.

"Are you okay? Who was that?" Rosa asked, walking alongside Monica to the car. Getting into the driver seat, Monica answered "yes, just someone i know, they owe me something" Monica said keeping her explanation brief.

~~~~~~~~~~

As the night rolled around Rosa was already in bed, the fun but weird day exhausting her, she swallowed the god forsaken medicine and laid down, bidding Monica a good night. Walking down the stairs Monica sat on the comfortable sofa and turned on the TV, the ten o' clock news playing the live, local, late breaking news. Monica awed at the television, a woman was brutally murdered this evening , two gunshots to the chest and one to the head, as the story was being told the reporters brought up the picture of the now murdered woman, Monica's breath getting stuck in her throat, eyes wide.

Monica's heart was beating so hard it was all she could hear, Dominic entered his home after a long tiring day and saw a beautiful Monica sitting on his couch stiffly, worry evident in her eyes and fear etched on her face. Getting closer he turned his head in the direction of her eyes , which were glued on the TV, the ten o' clock news playing.

"What's wrong?". Dominic asked with a confused face.

"She's dead?" Monica answered, slowly looking away from the television, water pooling in her beautiful brown eyes.

"Who?'. Dominic asked, sitting down next to Monica on the couch.

"...willow".