What If...

15: Knock Knock

Because of my prior exchange of texts with Sylvester, I’m unable to sleep that night. I was rolling back and forth in my bed, thinking of what to do to meet this mysterious person and get to know the real score between him and Alex. I’m curious on why he wanted to explain everything in person. It must be something important.

Another reason why I’m unable to sleep that time was because of the loud snoring of Dennis. I also wonder how can my vessel survive sleeping with him with that sonorous wheezing. Then I realized that he might be tired all day taking care of me, so I should cut him some slack.

After developing my game plan to meet Sylvester, I was able to relax and have some shut-eye.

I was having my well-deserved sleep when my buddy’s alarm echoed throughout my room.

   “Good morning, Budz. Did you sleep well? I’m totally charged,” Dennis said as he turned off his alarm and poked me gently in my arm.
   “Mmmm….I’m still tired….Need more sleep,” I groaned back as I was rattled by that loud buzz. I’m too weak to retaliate in protest and it’s also not considerate of me to get angry at him after all he did for me.
   “Okay, Budz. But I’m leaving later, so hope you can join me for breakfast. I’m gonna take a shower first,” he mentioned while getting up in bed and undressing to head to the shower.
    “Fine fine fine. I’ll eat with you laterrrr. Still need to sleeeeeeeep…” I said in a groggy manner. I was thinking, this is my house and he’s instructing me to eat breakfast? Isn’t it supposed to be the other way around? I’m too wasted to make any sarcastic comments.
   “Hehe. You’ll miss me when I return home. I’ll wake you up for our breakfast after my shower. Have some sleep,” he teased me as he starts to prepare for his shower.

He was starting to undress in front of me for he thought that I was sleeping. My eyes were partly open, seeing a bit of him taking off his shirt. I’m enjoying what I’m seeing, but I’m so dazed from being up the entire night. As he was about to strip his shorts, I can no longer fight my lethargic state that I gave in to my need to rest. The next thing I remember while I slumber was this relaxing sound of water drizzling, probably from the shower.

A few minutes later, I had this aroma of freshly-trimmed grass and fine leather energizing my senses. I remember using a perfume with that scent when I visit my business partners at the country club. I slowly opened my eyes to find out where that fragrance comes from. It was Dennis, looking fresh from his shower and all dressed up.

   “Wake up, Budz,” he said while patting me gently on my shoulder and smiling warmly at me. “I was supposed to wake you up after my shower, but you were sleeping like a baby. So, I just dressed up and gargled a bit so that you have a few more minutes to spare in your sleep. By the way, I used your perfume too. It smells really good. Hope you don’t mind, Budz.”
   “Would that matter if I mind or not? You already used it. You may take that home with you, as a token of staying here with me,” I candidly replied as I got out of bed. “Just wait for me downstairs as I fix my bed and freshen up a bit.” He went ahead upon hearing my instruction.

Moments after fixing my room and prepping myself, I headed to the dining area where Tess and Dennis were waiting at the table. I sat beside her while my buddy sits across me. Tess stood up and served our breakfast: I had oatmeal and sliced bananas while they both had French Toast topped with mixed berries and maple syrup.

   “You said that you are leaving this morning, Dennis. How are you getting home?” Tess asked my buddy while having a slice of her toast.
   “I’m taking a cab after breakfast. I have to be home before lunchtime,” he replied while trying to take quick gulps of his meal.
   “You could stay a bit longer if you like,” she responded while looking at me with a sweet smile.
    “I would love to do that. I was planning to maximize my stay here until late afternoon, but Dad is coming home. I need to be there,” he answered back and drank his orange juice afterwards.
   “Is that so? Oh well, you better get going after your meal. I’ll book your ride home. Give my regards to your Dad. I rarely see him in school these past months,” she mentioned while stirring her coffee.
   “Thank you, Auntie. I will mention that to Dad,” Dennis answered.
    “My son, since Dennis is leaving this morning, I will cancel my activities for today and stay with you,” Tess remarked as she grabbed her phone and tried to check on her calendar.
   “Mom, you don’t have to stay here. You can still go to church and do your other errand,” I said while smiling back at her.
   “What are you talking about, Alex? You were just discharged from the hospital yesterday. You still need to recover at this time. I can’t leave you alone just yet,” my vessel's mother said while looking worried over me.
   “You don’t need to worry about me, Mom. I’m doing okay now. I don’t have bruises anymore and I just needed some rest. I can handle myself,” I assured her as I placed my hand on top of hers.
   “Hmmm. My next meeting after church is actually important. I really need to attend to that. I guess I have to push through with my activities,” she answered back. “You sure about that, my son?”
   “I’m sure, Mom. I’ll take care of myself,” I confidently said to her.
   “Okay, my son. Just be sure of that. I will call from time to time to check on you,” she sternly replied. “Dennis, since I’m pushing through with today’s itinerary, just wait for me at the couch and I’ll freshen up. I’ll drive you home too.”