Not Crazy | ✓

forty seven

a n t o n i o

Antonio led Francis and Marcus to the storeroom where all of Francis' things had been put. He could see them admiring and gazing at the paintings on the walls and decorations on the floor. Their house wasn't that big and lavish, it was normal, but what they had was good enough.

"I can't believe that I'm actually here," he heard Francis comment from behind them. "I hope that everything goes as planned."

"Don't worry, Francis," Antonio assured him. "It'll go fine."

They reached the storeroom then. Antonio opened the door and all of the stuff came in view.

"How do we make sure that Jacqueline doesn't come down?" Marcus asked, sitting on one of the chairs there.

"She doesn't really come down that often," Antonio replied. "Sure, she dressed fancy today, but she'll remain in her room for the better part."

"Great," Francis smiled as he wheeled himself towards the table. "Then why don't we set the things, huh?"

"I've ordered pizza," Antonio informed them. "Is that okay with you?"

"Pizza will do," Francis said. "I love it. Marcus you can go set the balloons and the banner on the door top. I'll place the chocolates, art set and bracelet on the table."

"And what must I do, Francis?" Antonio asked out of habit, picking up the art set and bracelet and handing it to Francis.

"Occupy Jacqueline and bring her down after half and hour or so. I'll message you. Oh, and is there a shop nearby? We need desert as well."

"I'll bring it later myself," Antonio said. "I'll be upstairs then." Francis and Marcus nodded as he walked upstairs to Jacqueline's room.

Ms. Leroy is very lucky. Sad that he's leaving tomorrow.

Once he stepped inside her room, she looked up at him from her phone and smiled.

"Who was at the door?" She inquired, locking her phone and putting it on the bed.

Antonio smiled to erase any kind of suspicion and came up with a lie. "It was just a man asking for directions. He seemed really clueless and was very grateful when I spoke English."

She laughed. "Well, that's a first. But it's nice to help people. It's tragic that not many people do so and only care about themselves."

"Being self-centred is bad," Antonio agreed, sitting on her bed. "So what were you doing on your phone?"

Really Antonio? That's how you plan on striking conversation and make her busy? By asking stupid questions?

Jacqueline laughed and raised an eyebrow. "Why would you ask that? Do you want to tell me something?"

No. But I do want to show you.

"No," he lied, hands shaking a bit now. He was slightly excited and nervous as well even though he wasn't the one who came up this plan nor he was the one executing it. He couldn't imagine how Francis must be feeling.

"OK. . ." She answered, unconvinced. "Um, I was just scrolling through my Facebook. I also ended up deleting a friend request."

"Why?"

Jacqueline shrugged. "Well, why even make friends when you won't be able to meet them in the future?" She sighed and lowered her eyes. "I mean look at Francis and me. We became friends but he's going tomorrow and we didn't even meet once. That's just leading people on my part."

"But at least you'll have someone to talk to when you're bored or when you feel down," Antonio reasoned. "I can't always be there for you. What if when I die? What will you do then?"

He didn't want to say this, but for her to understand, he needed to. From the day Jacqueline's phobia was defined and from the day she remained locked inside her house, Antonio was worried about one thing in particular: her friends. Who she would confide in, who she would talk to everyday, who she would make memories with.

She smiled. "I'd rather not think about that, Antonio. You may be old, but you are one of the coolest people I've ever met," she paused and then confessed, "You are more of a father figure to me than my own father ever was. And thinking about your. . . well, death, is difficult for me."

Before Antonio could reply to her, his phone pinged. He smiled and checked the message he had received.

I'm ready, bring her down, it read and Antonio immediately got up from the bed.

"What's wrong? Why did you get up?" Jacqueline questioned, her voice full of worry. "Who's message was it?"

"Jacqueline," he started, grabbing her hand. "You need to come down."

She got up hesitantly. "Why? Is there someone downstairs? Tell me."

"Just follow me please," he urged her as she wore her shoes. "And don't ask questions, alright?"

Jacqueline sighed and gave in. "OK. But whatever this is, better be worth it."

"When have I ever failed you, Ms. Leroy?" Antonio joked, leading her downstairs.

"Good question," she laughed. "Never."

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Sorry for the long wait, but hope you enjoyed this chapter!