The Physical State of Love; a Daryl's Story

Chapter Three: Remember the time

Cassandra's POV

I must have fallen asleep because I feel a hand on my shoulder shaking me slightly.  Miguel's soft eyes were on me and he says, “Come on Cass, lunch is ready.” “Sorry, I guess I fell asleep.” “You needed it, hun.  You've been running yourself to the bone. Now come eat something.”  I get up from the couch, stretch and follow Miguel into the kitchen.  There on the island is a bowl of toss salad, Cuban subs, and a caramel latte with whipped cream.  I give Miguel a smile showing him my gratitude and we sit together to eat.  I expect that we would have the usual silence as we did this morning but to my surprise it appears Miguel wants to talk. “Okay Cass, be straight with me.  How is he doing?” What could I say to Miguel to reassure him when I was beginning to doubt myself.  “He's doing better, I think.  Actually today, he gave me come resistance during therapy.  I believe it to be a good sign.” I'm trying to convince myself of that too.  “I'm planning on working his legs a little more this afternoon. Shit, what time is it?” I begin looking for me phone, remembering I left it in the living room.  “It's 1:30 pm, what's the problem?” “Nothing Miguel, I shouldn't have fallen asleep.  I was supposed to be working with Daryl an hour ago.” “You needed to sleep.” “I needed to do my job.”  I should have already done his afternoon workout and now I'm supposed to be leaving to head to an appointment in the city.  I had put off my own medical needs while being here caring for Daryl and it almost costed me my sanity.  But I was able to find a good psychologist and got a refill on my meds.  My bipolar disorder isn't something I talk about neither are my occasional panic attacks.  Only my mom and brother know the stories and only because of them did I get the help I needed. Now though, I need to get to my new gynecologist and see about getting back on the pill.  Miguel again pulls me back from my thoughts.  “You already work too hard and you forget to take care of yourself.  You said it yourself, Daryl is doing better.  Give yourself a break to focus on something other than him.” Oh Miguel, I wish I could.

I made it to the city just before 2pm thanks to Miguel agreeing to drive me.  I don't have a car of my own and I refuse to drive any of Daryl's without his permission.  Miguel keeps telling me that Daryl wouldn't mind but I can’t take anymore from him. Especially since he doesn't even know I'm living in his house, using all his things.  A feeling of guilt invades me and I take a few breaths to alleviate my anxiety.  I tell Miguel he doesn't have to wait around for me and that I'll have Matt drop me off since he was stopping by after work anyway.  He nobs and tells my bye before driving away.  I walk around the city for a few minutes taking in the buildings and the people.  I make a stop at a small cafe and buy myself a coffee because I'm still so tired.  Probably not the best thing to be drinking right now with all my nerves on edge but I'll deal with that issue if it becomes a problem.  I make my way into the lobby of building and push the button for the elevator.  I was so caught up in my own mind, I don't realize the doors opening or that someone has stepped out in front of me.  It wasn't until I feel someone touch my forearm that I blink and look at them.  It was Sam, well Samantha Jordan, Matt's fiancee who by the looks of it is currently pregnant.  She has a worried look on her face as she stares at me.  Oops, did she say something that I missed. “Hey Sam! Oh my God, how are you,” I say as I gesture to her swollen belly.  She giggles slightly while touching her stomach and says that everyone was doing just fine.  I was trying to remember if Matt mentioned this detail to me before but there was nothing in my memory of that.  I'm a terrible friend, so caught up in Daryl and my own problems that I forgot to ask Matt about his life.

Matt and Sam met a year and a half ago when she came to work as his new partner at a company called Carter Corp.  Everyone knew who Ryan Carter was and he was a well respected man.  He was this rich billionaire pretty boy that dated all the models but never had a serious relationship, or so the gossip magazines stated.  My brother actual knew the man back when they went to college together. But then David went a different route and joined the military and I never got the chance to meet Mr. Ryan Carter.  Working so closely together with each other on a daily basis helped build the relationship between Matt and Sam.  It didn't take long for them to become romantically involved and I remember when he called me six months ago to tell me they got engaged.  I was so happy for him that he was able to find someone.  After Lana and the accident I wasn't sure if he would allow himself to love again.  I'm glad he did because he really deserved this joy and now he was going to be a father soon.  Sam and I share a few pleasantries and agree to do lunch something to get to know each other better. As she calls it, “I would like to get to know the woman who made my Matt whole again.”  I just smile and gave her a nod before getting on the elevator.  While the elevator travels up to the 22nd floor, I begin to remember what all happened between Matt and I.