GOD OF DEVOTION

2.

Remington

I may not have romantic feelings for Ariella in the way she hopes, but she holds a special place in our family, and I genuinely appreciate her as a person. Her crush on me has never been a secret. Initially, we dismissed it as a passing fancy that would fade over time. Yet here she is, in college, and her infatuation shows no signs of waning.

From subtly monitoring my social media to having her brother-in-law extract my schedule, she dedicates her free time to pursuing me for a date. Her persistence is undeniable.

Ariella isn't just beautiful; she's stunning beyond words. No one would hesitate to be with her, given her beauty and social status. Yet, she only has eyes for me. I've exhausted every effort to deter her, but she's like an elastic ball—you push her away, and she rebounds with even greater force.

It's no coincidence that she came with her friends to the same place I had a meeting. Said meeting got canceled the moment I saw Ariella swaying on her feet, clearly not okay despite her insistence that she could manage. Her steps were unsteady, and I couldn’t let her go alone in that condition.

Without a second thought, I canceled my meeting and ran towards her just as she started to lose her footing. She fainted as soon as I secured her in the passenger seat of my car. Throughout the drive to the hospital, I kept telling her that everything would be okay, though it was more for my own reassurance than hers.

She slips in and out of consciousness. After the stitches are done, I call Aunt Silver to let her know about Ariella and to come to the hospital so they can take her home.

"Hello, Aunt Silver," I greet her.

"Hey, Remi! Everything alright? You're calling me at this hour. Don’t tell me Ari is troubling you again," she asks with a chuckle.

"It's Ari, but she isn't troubling me. Actually, she's in the hospital," I tell her, and before she can freak out, I start to explain. "She’s alright, it’s nothing serious. She was out with her friends, and someone bumped into her. She lost her footing and hit her head on a chair. She got some stitches, but everything else is good. We just need to keep an eye on her to make sure she doesn’t have a concussion."

Even though I tried my best to keep everything under control so she wouldn't freak out, she does anyway.

"Oh my God! What happened to my baby? Which hospital are you in? I'm coming right away."

"St. Mary's Hospital," I reply, trying to keep my voice calm. "We're in the ER. She's resting now, but they want to keep her overnight for observation."

"I'm on my way," Aunt Silver says, her voice trembling with worry.

After hanging up, I look back at Ariella, who is now sleeping peacefully. The sight of her so vulnerable tugs at something deep within me.

When Aunt Silver arrives, she rushes to Ariella's bedside, her face pale with concern. "My poor baby," she murmurs, gently brushing Ariella's hair from her forehead. "Thank you, Remi, for being here with her."

"It's nothing, Aunt Silver," I say, feeling a pang of guilt. "I just couldn't let her go alone in that condition."

Just then, the door bursts open, and Cole Nash strides in, his face a storm of emotions. "Where is she?" he demands, his voice thick with worry.

"Right here, Uncle Cole," I say, stepping aside to give him room.

He rushes to Ariella's side, taking her hand in his. "Ari, sweetheart, are you alright?"

Ariella's eyes flutter open, and she smiles weakly. "Dad, I'm fine. Just a little bump."

Cole turns to me, his expression hardening. "How did this happen, Remi?"