Patience

7.Friendly Gestures

After we reach home my parents lingers around for a little while while I try to complete a few school work, even though I don't have to submit them before next week.

Later during evening they realize that, it's about time they leave for home.

One hour passes by with them giving me lectures about my medical history, not that I have many but just my blood stuff.

Me staying alone on my own and being careless is like a huge stress for them.

Well I don't do it purposely.

I just tend to forget that I have to eat. It has been a habit since teenage. Specially when I overthink. And since I came to this place I keep overthinking and keep missing my meal.

So the dizzy spell returning was nothing unexpected.

" Tessie, You promise you'll take care, right??" Dad looks hopefully at me...

" Yes dad. I promise.. This was just a mishap, while I was trying adjust to new place. I miss you guys. "

" Well, miss you too darling. Love you sweetheart"

"Love you too dad"

But bless my timing, just when they head towards the door.

The front door opens and steph walks in. Nate walks in holding her hand,. Both laughing like maniacs ..

Oh boy!!! I am in trouble.....

Now mum and dad with start judging her again. Over that Nate .

I am clueless how they are hoing to react.

" Hello Mr. and Mrs. Young..." Steph greets normally ... I widen my eye at Steph hoping she would act a little composed.

And to my surprise she does act a bit composed,

" Tessa, you did not tell me your parents are coming over? " she says dropping her bag on the couch....
" Yeah, It was kind of a surprise. They came over yesterday, after you left. They are leaving right now." I explain to her. While Nate stands beside her. I can see my dad measuring him up and down.

"Oh why, Mrs. Young you could stay one more night. I know Tessa misses you a lot..." Steph asks mom with genuine smile. I am actually impressed at her rapidly changing demeanor from the first time I met her.

She turns towards Nate, "This is my friend Nate, he was dropping me off" she says with slight blush.

Okayyyy. I get it.

" Hello Nate." my mum says before looking at Steph, "and Steph please call us Carol and Richard.."

Oh wow the ice between is melting I see. Good good.

"And we actually would have loved to stay but we have got work early morning, so you guys carry on"

Steph smiles and nods.

But then my mother does something absolutely embarrassing for me.

" Steph, could I ask a favor of you?".

What ?? Oh no no no MOM . I glare at my mom. I know where this topic is going to go.... But she is unfazed my by glaring. She has never been fazed by that anyway. I don't know why I am even trying.

" Yes carol!?" Steph sounds surprised as well... Ughh mom.

" We didn't tell anyone but Tessa has some medical issues. She keeps getting anaemic with a low haemoglobin rate."

" What ??" Steph looks at me.

"Yes , as her roommate, we needed you to know that, just in case." My says with a sad face. "And she tends to keep forgetting to eat. So if you could remind her when ever you can. Or when ever you are near her. If that is not too much to ask? " My mom add in.