365 Days with the Celebrity

Chapter 35 - Jealousy

High fever swept her entire body, causing Ariel to be bedridden for the next few days. Leon had called for a doctor to attend to her and issue her some medicine. Everyone's meals were taken care of by Vinny who delivered their gourmet meals to the house. Still reeling with remorse, Angel insisted on preparing meals for Ariel by himself. Everyone was careful to explain to Andy that his mother was not feeling well without mentioning the pool incident.

Today, Ariel was feeling a lot better. Andy plopped the pillow against the backrest and helped his mother up.

"Thanks, darling," she smiled at him.

Angel entered her room and placed a tray with a bowl of cream chicken soup and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice on her side table. Andy drew a chair forward and sat right next to her bed, feeding his mother as he'd done so since the day she fell sick.

"How kind of you, Angel. I'm glad to know I taught you well," she nodded at the taste of the food he prepared.

"You're welcome, Master," Angel gave a light smile. "I'm so sorry for what happened, if only I -"

"What are you sorry about?" Andy tilted his head in curiosity at Angel, who suddenly held his breath.

"Erm, darling, why don't you head back to your room and complete your homework?" Ariel suggested.

"But I wanna know what Angel is sorry about."

"Andy, it's private."

"Fine," he sighed and walked out.

"Let me feed you," Angel took the spoon and fed some soup to Ariel.

Ariel ate from the spoon. "It's okay, Angel. I'll feed myself," she tried to take the spoon from him.

"No, no, I'll do it," he took back the spoon. "It's my apology to you."

"Fine," Ariel giggled. "You've been apologising to me like a million times now. It's annoying me more than the pool incident itself."

"That's because I still find it hard to forgive myself," he puffed out.

"Well, I know you didn't mean to, so I don't hate you," Ariel said reassuringly.

"Really? I'm glad you don't hate me," Angel's face brightened. "I'll be sad if you did."

He got into his usual cheery prank mode and started to pull the spoon away each time Ariel opened her mouth and tried to eat.

"Angel," she grumbled, playfully nudging him with her finger.

"Oh yeah?" Angel put down the spoon and went forward to tickle her.

"Stop!" she gave out a belly laugh.

"That's right, laughter's the best medicine," cackled Angel, unexpectedly rolling into the bed as Ariel returned his tickles.

"I'll get you there!" Ariel aimed and jabbed at his tickle spots.

"Argh...stop!" Angel pleaded, unable to control the euphoric laughter bellowing out. He grabbed her hands, rolled on top of her and pinned her down on the bed. "There! Gotcha!"

Suddenly, an angry, loud clearing of the throat halted their game. They turned to see Leon with hands on his hips, shooting killer glares at them.

"Hey, bro! You're back early," Angel said candidly, releasing Ariel from his grip.

"Hi Leon," Ariel greeted softly.

"What in the world are you two doing?" Leon's tone was low and gravely.

"Oh, I'm just trying to make her feel better. Right, Ariel?" Angel jabbed a few more times at her, in which she gave his shoulder a playful punch with a giggle.