***
"How old are you?" I asked from my seat, using my laptop.
"Twenty-seven.. Going on twenty-eight this coming..." she paused. They have the same age with Kacey.
"This coming April 6.." she finished. I froze. They have the same birth date with Kacey.
"A-April 6?" I asked once more and turned to her. She nodded. "Why? Is there something wrong?"
I turned to my laptop, "No.. Nothing at all.."
A Moment of Silence..
An awkward silence.
"How many days will I stay here?" she broke the silence. I thought. "You'll leave tomorrow."
After I answered, there was silence.
"Can I have a suggestion?" she asked. "Go on.."
"Can I stay here for... 14 days?" she suggested. I abruptly turned to her. "Why?"
She bowed down her head. "I have nowhere to go... Some people are cruel..." she paused. I looked at her in sympathy. "I just want my old life back.. I want my family back.. But they're already..." she paused. " I started being alone 3 years ago... My relatives doesn't like me.. But they're already in abroad." she finished.
What an idiot me. I shouldn't have said tomorrow.
"I'm sorry.." I apologized. She remained silent. "You.. can stay here... for 14 days.."
Her head shot up, "Are you sure?"
I smiled and nodded. She smiled awkwardly. I turned to my laptop.
"Do you have extra notebook?" she asked. I glanced beside of my laptop to see my stacks of notebooks, old and new.
"What for?" I asked. "My mother always says, that I must keep a journal.. To have some memories in case I have amnesia." she paused and chuckled. "There was another word, but I forgot it..." she added.
"Some sorta... Diary?" I guessed.
"Yes! That is!" she exclaimed. I smiled. Never heard her so happy just because I guessed the word. And it reminds me of Kacey. She likes guessing game. We always play, just to learn more knowledge.
I reached for the notebooks to scan if I have extra. As I scan, I picked the green notebook to see many empty pages.
"Here." I gave her the notebook and she took it. Then I reached out my extra ballpoint from my desk. "And here."
She took the pen and stood. "Thank you, John.." I smiled in response and she headed to the balcony to write there. I observed at her for a second. It's like, I feel sorry for her. But I don't know why. Random feeling.
*
I turned off my laptop and turned at the balcony. She was in the lounger, lying. I went out to the balcony to see her asleep in my lounger with the notebook on her stomach. I kneeled beside the lounger and got the notebook and placed to the nearest table. I watched her sleep.
14 days. 14 days with her. I guess I can't survive with this. This is like babysitting. But, let's just accept it.
Why did I even chose this.
I regretted.
This was a mistake.
