After reassuring the nurse that he was in good hands, she left stating a warning that if he got out of bed again, I'd have to leave. Closing the door behind her I turned towards him, taking in the person who lay before me.
He was still in the hospital gown, but he made it look good somehow. Almost like he was a model for the hospital, trying to show people the gowns weren't so ugly. If he was, I thought, he's doing his job damn well. His hair was a chocolate disheveled mess, but he sported the look well. And he kept running his hand through it constantly, like a nervous tick. And to wrap it all up, he kept looking in my direction and quickly glancing down at his covers, like I was Medusa and one look would turn him to stone.
Taking a deep breathe, I walked towards him. If he wanted me to stay, I needed a reason. I didn't know him very well and for all I knew, he could be a serial killer. A hot one at that. I think and instantly scold myself for being so shallow and naïve. Nonetheless, he asked me to stay and ,in doing so, sparked my interest. And everyone knows that when I'm interested, walking away isn't easy.
"So," I start, getting his attention so he'd focus on my words. "You know my name, but I don't know yours." Let's start with the simple questions first, then I can get my answers. He mulls my question over for a bit as if deciding to tell me his real name or a name he tells girls he plans to have a one night stand with.
"Aaron, nice to meet you." He held out his hand like it was an immediate reaction when introducing himself. I took it, surprised at how firm, yet welcoming, his grip was. Introducing himself had seemed to ease some of his discomfort. He seemed more confident in who he was and he'd no longer zone out, but rather look off into the distance as though he were contemplating the universe. The skin between his eyebrows would crinkle, creasing his forehead. His face was set in a way that screamed business adequate, making me question, yet again, who this man was.
Minutes ticked by, although they felt like hours. His face was set in a I'm-thinking-don't-bother-me sort of way, making it nearly impossible for me to interrupt. I enjoyed the look that danced along his chiseled features. His look said determination, but his eye rebutted confusion. I could tell he was having a battle with himself. Albeit I would never know what was bothering him so profusely, helping him wasn't the last thing to do.
"Aaron," I say, not being able to help myself, "are you alright?" I bite my pinkish lips out of habit, causing the dimples on my cheek to become extremely defined. His returns back to the hospital room and turns towards me with a look of pure admiration. He tried to smile warmly, but that only confirmed the dismay he felt.
"Of course, I'm sorry for being so distant." He continues to showcase a fake smile, but I allow it simply because it's not my place to say anything. "Alright," I said with finality, "if everything is okay, I'll be on my way. It was nice to meet you, Aaron." I smile at him and grab my things from where I'd left them ,beside the bed, when we returned back to the room. I had my hand on the door handle when I heard him faintly say, "Please... wait..."
I felt a hand on the crook of my arm and I turn to find a distraught man looking down at me with all the sadness a person could muster. "Please," he started again, "don't go. I enjoy your company." He continued trying to pass it off, but his eyes betrayed him. Something was bothering this man plus I wanted to at least try.
"Okay," sighed, giving a small smile while squeezing the hand on my arm for comfort. "I'll stay." But you have to be honest with me. I wanted to finished, but decided against it when I realized I wouldn't be honest with him.
His emerald green eyes lightened at my words and he pulled on my arm to lead me back to the floral patterned chair that I'd occupied for a good portion of that day. He sat on the edge of his bed and looked at me with sadness lurking throughout the gaze.
"Um.." he said, running his hand through his chocolate hair as he took another breathe. "Can you play with my hair? It helps me sleep." As he finished, his face started to turn shades of red I never knew possible. I found the request endearing, but then again I'm used to playing with others hair.
I moved the chair closer as he laid his head on the pillow, I began to stroke his hair. Within minutes, he was out cold. I smiled towards the unconscious person who snored softly.
I could get used to this.
Author's Note
I enjoyed writing this chapter. Lots of fun things. And now we finally know his name!!!! Tada! Magic! Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Comment your responses.
-Charlie
