Discovering myself (18+)

9. On his hands

Surprisingly, Andrew has been very nice. The tea he has prepared was good and with the hot cloth plus painkillers, it reduces drastically the pain I was feeling.

He asked me to stay on the couch while he has finished his work, and after he is cooking diner for us.

I enjoyed observing him working while I drink my tea. He is so focused, he forgets about his surroundings and his attention is one hundred percent on it. 

I admire it. I can never focus on only one thing; my mind is always a flow of completely different and messy thoughts.

I got back to my apartment to take my phone and sit back on the couch checking my new messages. I have missed three calls and messages from Steve.

"Oh shit! I completely forgot!" I speak up guiltily putting my hand over my head.

"What did you say?" Andrew asked me from the kitchen, turning with a spoon in his hand.

"Oh boy, I should have gone for a drink with Steve tonight and I completely forgot." I hate doing things like that, especially making people wait for me. I hate waiting, so I avoid doing it to others.

Andrew said something else, but I haven't paid attention to it. I already had my phone in my right ear, calling Steve. He picks up when I was close to giving up but said nothing.

"Hi, Steve." I cheer, chewing my lips.

"Hi." He replies dryly.

"I'm really sorry Steve. I got sick this afternoon, I came back home, and I fell asleep." I speak up in one breath. I necessitate taking some measured small breaths to recover from it.

"You are sick?" He now sounds curious. Well, I won't tell him exactly what I have.

"Yes, I am. I am really sorry for not letting you know. I wasn't with my phone."

"Oh, it is ok. I understand. Are you feeling better?"

"A little bit, I'm still a bit sick though," I tell him adjusting myself on the couch, feeling relieved he is not mad at me.

"I can come to bring you something to eat if you want?"

"Oh no, that's ok," I replied in too much hurry. "Don't worry, I'm at my brother's place. I will have diner here." On the corner of my eye, I see Andrew watching me, leaning his back against the kitchen counter with his arms crossed on his chest.

"Uhm, your brother's place?" He asked faltering. "Ok, it is better If I don't come then." After my brother's reaction the other day, I cannot blame him.

"I hope you haven't waited too long. I will reward you I promise. Next time drinks on me, ok?"

"Ok, it sounds good, but don't worry Kelsey. I hope you will get better soon."

"Thanks, me too. Bye Steve." I said still feeling slightly guilty, but it helps knowing he is not mad at me.

"Bye Kelsey."

Raising my eyes after I hang up, I notice the dinner table is already done. Andrew has his back facing me now, probably serving us food. When he turns around, he is scowling and avoiding looking at me. He comes towards the table keeping his eyes on the food plate. His demeanor has completely changed from emphatic and nice to a serious one.

"Here." He puts a plate of pasta on the table in front of me.

"Thanks, Andrew." I look at him giving a small smile. He doesn't reply to it, I'm not sure he even saw it.

He sits in front of me and starts eating, not spending a glance at me. I don't understand what's happening with him. He was being nice just five minutes ago.