Chapter six

We stood at that spot longer than we should have just locking eyes and smiling sheepishly. After what seemed like forever, he grabbed my hand

"Come" he said, walking me back to the shade. I gladly followed, trying my utmost to conceal my excitement. He walked slowly, I noticed and recalled he'd been operated on.

"Does it still hurt?"

"Just a little" he said, motioning me to sit. He did that gentlemanly thing where he waits for the lady to be seated first before taking his seat. My lips curled on their own accord.

"How have you been?" We asked simultaneously and burst into laughter right after.

"You should go first" he said

"Well," I said then cleared my throat "I've been all right medically though I was on the verge of dying of boredom.

He made this pity face at me "Oh, that's too bad" he said

"Your turn," I said "what about you?"

"Right" he said "how have I been?" He repeated while making a show of thinking about it. "I've been pretty much okay. My siblings, chats from friends, books and music kept me company most of the time so there was nothing like boredom at all" he concluded with a spark in his eyes.

I hated the fact that he was totally happy and never missed me whereas I couldn't say the same for myself. My countenance must have given me away because he asked me at once "Is everything all right?"

I tried to regain composure "Yes" I replied and forced out a smile.

"You know you don't have to give me that obvious reply to 'how are you'" he stated, peering into my eyes inquisitively. I wished to speak out but I couldn't (to save face). If, only if he had missed me too...

"See?" He asked pointing to my face "you're totally zoning out! Com'on, spill the beans"

Seeing that he was more persuasive than I thought, I had to say something at least "I can't wait to go home" I said.

"That's it?"

I gasped in exasperation "I was just thinking about all the things I'd missed out on and all I'd love to do when I get back"

"And that includes?"

"Why do you keep asking?" I snapped with a faint hint of rage in my tone. He turned away and was silent for a while. He was playing with his fingers again. I came to realize that it was a habit of his.

"You don't seem to realize this, Jane Doe," came his husky voice "but I'm quite interested in you". I felt my cheeks turn red that instant and eventhough I tried to be in control of my expression, I ended up smiling coyly. After what seemed like a decade, I made to say something but he continued.

"I'm glad I made your acquaintance" he said "something tells me we're going to make the best of friends".

At the mention of that word 'friends', my hopes were dashed instantly. Friends? So that was what this was all about? I began to see him in a weird light because, I mean, when a guy says he's interested in you, doesn't it mean something more than mere acquaintance and friendship? Even I know that. I rolled my eyes and pretended to be engrossed in my phone.

"Last time, you said you'd recommend some classical music" he reminded, peering into my phone screen. I poked him by the side and drew farther away from him but he drew closer again playfully. I turned and gave him the glare of his life, that he started or pretended to (I'm not so sure).

"You ought to respect one's privacy" I warned, still glaring at him. He drew away slightly and continued playing with his fingers.

Why was i angry? I asked myself and as I realized that I didn't really have a valid reason to be, my anger increased. But I wasn't angry with Tim, just so you know. I was merely angry with myself. If you've ever felt this emotion, you'd agree with me that that's the worst form of anger. I glanced at him and he was as calm as can be. I figured I may have been very harsh on him and I felt sorry but I couldn't let those words escape my lips so easily.

"I'm sorry" he said still not looking up. I felt even more sorry after he apologized for my unnecessary outburst. I feigned annoyance still and looked away. He sighed and glanced at me "I said I'm sorry".

"Are you forcing me to accept your apology?" I snapped "if that's even sincere" I rolled my eyes.

A weird silence followed suit and when I looked at him again, I could tell from those eyes that he was livid but tried to restrain himself. He looked like he had a whole lot to say to me but he tightened his fists and stayed put.

"I should go in now" I said, desperately trying to break the ice. Of course, I didn't mean that. I had hoped that he would complain or say something to make me stay longer but he just scoffed and looked away. I stood up and pocketed my hands, still waiting for a reaction from him but he didn't budge so I walked out angrily but it was just few steps before I turned back and came to where he was seated.

"Symphony no 5 by Beethoven," I said "and Mozart's Queen of the night aria"

He looked up and made a face "What?"

"The classical music I recommend" I said.

"Never mind" he scowled, getting on his feet "I never fancied classical music in the first place"

He walked out on me before I could say anything else. I wanted to run to him and grab him by the arm but instead, I summoned all the courage that I didn't have and called out to him "Tim!"

He kept on walking as though he didn't hear and I lividly made my way back to my hospital block. I know it was impossible but I still held unto a faint hope that just like in movies, he would run back towards me and grab me from behind, then I'd turn and we'd stare into each other's eyes for minutes, as the world keeps revolving around us but of course, it didn't happen. So I desolately walked into my ward and without a word to Caleb, jumped into bed and curled myself up.

"Anything the matter?" He asked

I turned, reached for my blanket which was neatly folded in the second drawer. I pulled it over my body and resumed my former position without a word. Having known me, he didn't press on for a reply and God, I really wished he did. I needed someone to vent my anger on. Caleb, is in deed, smart and his smart ass saved him that evening.

I tossed and turned restlessly for a while then gave up. I plugged in my earpods and listened to music for a while but strangely, it wasn't helping that much so I paused it. I glanced at Caleb who was totally engrossed in the online game he was playing.

"Caleb" I called softly.

He didn't turn "Yes?"

"Did you get me the novel?"

To this, he said nothing but from his body movement, I could tell he was at a critical point in the game so I didn't get mad. "Caleb?" I called again to gain his attention.

"Top drawer!" He screamed and continued with the virtual war that I was pretty sure he was on the verge of loosing. I watched him for some time make jerky movements, tapping his screen like his life depended on it and yell at his anonymous online opponent who was probably on the another side of the globe. It was quite entertaining while it lasted but it wasn't too long before he let out that final cry of defeat, dropped his phone on his lap and held his head with both hands. "I'm dead!" He screamed, sighed and repeated, "I'm dead".

Guys will always be guys, I thought. He turned to look at me knowing I'd be giving him that bemused look. He laughed out loud when he met my eyes and I shook my head. I pulled out the top drawer and found out he actually brought two novels.

"Wanted you to make a choice" he said as he took notice of my surprise. It was very thoughtful of him and I thought he was being a sweet, elder brother but I ended up just saying "I see"

I got out the two. One had a dark paperback and was titled 'lovelorn' by a certain Loveth Brown. I felt the publisher could have done better and I didn't quite like the title. It seems to already tell the whole story. So whatever it is that she wrote in the 249 pages of the book, would only modify that word. I couldn't subject myself to read what I already think I know how the plot would go and probably how it would end. I know they say to not judge a book by it's cover but I'm sorry Mrs Brown, I'm one of the legion of people who judge a book by it's cover. I tossed it back into the drawer and chose the other by default.

"The beginning of the end" I read out from the cover, then paused it think about it for a second "Hmm...interesting" I said, flipping through to the first chapter. Uninterrupted, I finished the first chapter in minutes but somewhere in the middle of the second, Caleb brought me dinner. I ate to my fill and lay down supine, meditating on the unfolding storyline.

Brenda, the main character, who had taken most of the first chapter to express her distaste for long distance relationships, and who was also seeking for admission as an exchange student to Canada alongside her boyfriend of two years, ended up getting admitted into the exchange programme but unfortunately, her boyfriend Kevin wasn't. Was it going to be the end of their beautiful relationship? Or will Brenda try to overlook the situation and hope it miraculously works out regardless? It does seem like the beginning of their end.

I shut my eyes, trying to gather my thoughts. If I were Brenda, I would just decide to give up on the exchange program. That would be very foolish, but also the easiest way out but you know one thing about protagonists in a book or movie? They never take the easy way out. So, my speculation is: Brenda would go ahead with her studies in Canada, leaving Kevin behind but sincerely hoping it works out somehow. Not that it can't work out ever. I mean, I'd seen a lot of people who were in long distance relationships end up together. She just needs to cast away that mindset that it would never work and put in the work. The situation won't just work itself out if she doesn't put in the work. My eyes popped open as I made a sudden realization.

I quickly sat up "I have to put in the work" I muttered to myself then grabbed my phone in an attempt to call him and say all I had on my mind but I dropped it as soon as I got hold of it. I realized that even then, I didn't have his phone number. I gasped and shook my head slightly, totally unaware of my brother's gaze.

"What is it?" He asked

I gasped once again, lay on my side and said "Nothing".