Your Love is Killing Me

Part 19

Louis and I are spending our afternoon together sitting on the couch. Watching nothing in particular on TV. Well, we don't actually pay too much attention to the TV since it's only a lame quiz that is airing. So we end up having more talk than watch.

"So you've never been bullied until you started high school?" This fact amazes me. I thought he has been bullied even far before he starts walking. Don't get me wrong, I mean he has this soft and weak feature. Even his face is screaming 'punch me and I won't fight back'.

"I had a nice childhood life. Although I look more of a loner, I had good friends back then. They could always stand up for me if anyone dared to tease me." He put on a dreamy smile while talking. "But then some of us go to different schools. And now in high school, I've only got Tim. Not that he won't stand up for me anymore, but I'm afraid I can only share him my bad luck. I don't want him to get hurt by trying to protect me. I mean, you can see it in a glance, he is not a fighting kind."

I quirk my eyebrows. "Does that mean I am one?"

He seems caught off guard. "Uh, no. I mean, that's not what I mean. I just.. Uh.."

"It's okay, Lou. Don't answer that." I offer him a calming smile and tap on his knee.

"I'm sorry."

"I said it's okay."

He nods. "Thank you, William."

"Now tell me about your parents." I ask with this particular tone again. I know he notices it. A distinct compelling tone. But now, it looks like he is already getting used to it.

"My mom is a housewife and my dad works in a hospital. But only in the administrative area, not as a medical staff."

"That's good. My family has part in the hospital business as well."

"Really? Are there many doctors in your family?" He looks curious.

"Not that. My father.. well, technically.. I own several hospitals in some different states. But not much, really."

Now he seems surprised. "Is it including the hospital where my dad works?"

"I don't know. I don't even know if I also have one in this town."

"Why not?"

"I just don't care about family business."

"You don't want to continue the business?" He frowns at me. "Does that mean you want somebody else to take it over?"

"No way." I won't let anyone do that. Including Bob, my greedy uncle. "For now, I just don't want to think about business. But I'll do it after graduating high school."

"That's good." He smiles.

"What about you? What will you do after graduating?"