The Lifeguard

Chapter 20

"Why exactly are we going there?" Sean looked at me quickly, and returned his attention to the road.

I asked him to pick me up this afternoon to help me visit Connor. "He's been missing for days, and I just found out he's sick. I want to make sure he's okay."

"Do you know what you sound like right now?"

"What?"

"You sound like an actual girlfriend. Yet you're always denying it, and downplaying your relationship."

I rolled my eyes, which he didn't see. "I do not!" I declared. Sean turned his head back to me. He chuckled. "And I am not downplaying anything. Like what I always say, we're not official so that does not make me his girlfriend."

Sean glanced at me, raising his eyebrows. "Whatever helps you sleep at night."

"Yeah. Whatever."

The mood turned down, and he drove quietly. I looked at him. He's expressionless. His eyes reminded me of smoky quartz; brown and reflective. When he smiles, his eyes twinkles. He turned his head to me when he noticed me looking at him. "What?" he asked with a smile.

"Nothing." I smiled back.

He looked at me again, awkwardly, then back to the road. "Do you love him?" he asked, straight to the point. My stomach tighten. I swallowed to clear my throat. I already knew the answer, but I stayed quiet. I did not have to think about it. I didn't have any second thoughts. I know what I feel towards Connor. I could easily answer his question, but I did not answer. I tried to form the word yes, but it did not came out of my mouth. I do... I fell inlove... I love him. The car stopped. "We're here," Sean announced.

I completely ignored his question, and got out of his car. Sean grabbed the fruit basket on the back seat. Connor's place is a two stories house. The garage door is white, and it's the first thing people will see. Sean's car is parked on the driveway in front of the garage. There are trees beside the driveway, and more bushes around it. Sean and I walked to the side where the entrance door is. I saw more trees behind the house. It was very quiet. I pressed the door bell. No answer. I pressed it again. Still no answer. "Maybe he's sleeping." I shrugged my shoulders.

"Ring it again," says Sean. I rang the door bell. We stood there for a while, and looked at each other. Still waiting. Few seconds after, the door finally opened.

Connor stood on the other side of the door. He was looking wan, and pinched. He held the door for support. "What are you guys doing here?" he asked with pauses in between words.

"To check up on you."

He opened the door wider to let us in. Behind the door is few steps stairs. Sean placed the fruit basket on my hands, as he helped Connor. He put his hand around him. Sean helped Connor get back to his room. I went up to the living room. There are two living rooms between the first stairs. Sean and Connor headed upstairs, while I walked around. The house was fairly quiet and clean. There are many furnitures that are taking up all the spaces. I went to the kitchen and searched each drawers.

"Connor is resting upstairs." Sean pulled out an apple, and began cutting it.

I washed my hands. "How is he?" I asked.

He shook his head. "Weak." Sean placed the apples on the plate along with the other fruits. "He lives here alone?" He walked to the sink and began washing his hands.