264: A VISIT ARIEL’S POV Andre opened his eyes and stared at me. He looked kind of energized, but he sat on the bed, and I moved closer to him. “Andre, I’m so glad you’re awake.” I hugged him. “Ouchh, take it easy,” he told me. “Oh, sorry.” I let go of him. “I’m glad you came to see me. I thought you weren’t coming back after leaving me at this hospital.” “No, why would you think like that?” “Because you didn’t show up yesterday,” he replied. “Well, I had some plans yesterday,” I replied, and he gave me a skeptical expression. “Fine, I’m sorry. “There’s no need for you to apologize; I’m not mad at you.‘ “Still, I should have come to see you yesterday. I’m really sorry.” “But you came today. So you see, it’s all okay.” “Oh really? You’re sure about that?” “Duh, do you want me to be a grumpy ass like Squidward Tentacles? Hell no!” He rolled his eyes in a silly way. I couldn’t help but laugh at Andre’s joke, He always had a way of making me smile, even in the most difficult of times. “Well, I’m glad you’re feeling well enough to make jokes,” I said, still giggling. Just then, a nurse walked into the room with a hospital food tray. Andre’s face fell, and he let out a dramatic groan. “Oh no, no, not hospital food,” he said, pretending to be horrified. “Good morning, miss. I brought breakfast for the patient,” the nurse told Elizabeth. “Well, thank you. “Seriously? Isn’t there any other stuff I can eat apart from those guys?” The nurse chuckled. “I’m sorry, it’s all we have for now. But I promise, it’s not that bad,” she said with a smile. “I’ll leave it here for you.” As soon as the nurse left, Andre turned to me with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I know you like me, Ariel.” I glanced at him immediately, and he said right away, “As a friend, as a friend.” I shook my head, laughing. “Silly.” He continued, “But I didn’t know you liked me enough to bring me hospital food,” he joked. “Hey, don’t blame me. I wasn’t the one who brought it.” “Oh really?” “Yeah,” I rolled my eyes playfully. And please, I wouldn’t torture you like that,” I replied as Elizabeth walked closer to us and handed me the tray. I took it from her with a smile before returning to Andre. “You two can continue with your conversation; I’ll be going now,” she told us. “You’re leaving?” André asked. “Yes, son.” “But come on, stay a little bit longer.” She laughed. “Ariel is here for you; she’ll keep you company. And besides, I have some things to take care of.” “Things like what?” Andre quizzed her, arching an eyebrow. “Business, of course.” “Right, great,” he said lowly, turning his face away. He didn’t look quite happy hearing that. “I promise to come back, Andre.” “Yeah, it’s okay, it’s okay,” he uttered, still looking in a different direction. “Ariel, take good care of him, okay?” Elizabeth fixed her hand on my shoulder. I nodded. “I sure will.” “What about Janice? Is she with you? It’s been quite long since I heard from her.” “Yes, she’s with me.” “I’m guessing she must be more beautiful than you right now.” I laughed softly. “She’s always beautiful.” “No lie about that. Just the way you are.” Elizabeth held my chin, still smiling at me. She let go anyway. “By the way, I’m sorry for your son’s death.” “I know, it’s really painful. But God knows why some things happen.” “Yes, he sure does,” Elizabeth whispered, looking at me. She could feel the sadness in my eyes at the mention of my son. Okay, I’ll be going now. You both take care and take good care of André, alright?” “Yes, alright,” I responded while she left the room. After that, I turned to Andre. “Okay, sir. It’s time for you to eat.” “Eat what? That?” He gave the tray an irritating look. “Yes, anything wrong with this?” “Ariel, you’re not new to hospitals. You do know what hospital food tastes like.” “It tastes great.” I smiled widely at him, and he quickly turned his face away. “Here we go,” he muttered. “Come on, André. You have to eat.” “I’ll eat, but not that. I’d really love it if you got me some real food, please.” I chuckled. “You are going to eat this.” Andre laughed. “You know, you reminded me of the time when I was still a kid, going back to school back then. And my mom would tell me to eat this, but I found the food horrible and was like, ‘Hell no.‘ But then she would make sure I ate it.” “Exactly, and that’s what I’m about to do here.” “You’re kidding, right?” 75 I shook my head, giving him a playful smile. “Oh no, I’m goddamn serious.” “I can just grab that tray now and toss it to the ground.” “I know you, André. You’re such a gentleman and a sweet soul. There’s no way you’re going to do that. 11 “Oh wow, you think I can’t do that?” “I know you can’t,” I smirked. He suspired. “Fine, you win. Now come give me that food. I snapped my fingers. “That’s the spirit.” I transposed the tray closer to him. “Thanks, Ariel. But I think I’m going to need your help. I can’t move my arms,” he said, giving me a helpless look. My face changed immediately. “You can’t what now?” “I don’t know; I just can’t feel anything.” “Since when?” “Recently, I think it should have been about five minutes.” “Why haven’t you informed the doctor about this?” I asked him, looking worried. “They shot your belly. How did… Ughh nevermind. I need to call a doctor.” The moment I stood up, Andre burst into laughter. I slowly turned around, giving him a confused face. “Why are you laughing?” “Because I was just joking with you. Nothing’s wrong with my arms.” “Are you sure?” “Yes, Ariel. I was just kidding. I wanted to see your reaction.” “You almost gave me a heart attack.” “Well, you’re right here at a hospital,” I couldn’t help but laugh, “Oh, that’s it. You’re eating this food, and your devoted friend will have to feed you. “Hospital food?” “Yes, sir. Hospital food.” Andre gave me a mock glare. He stated, “You’re enjoying this way too inuch,” although he was clearly attempting to conceal his grin. “Yes, 1 am.” I grabbed a spoon and fixed it to the food. Now, it’s time for you to open your mouth. “No way I’m doing that.” “Stop being so stubborn and open, will you?” “Fine,” he said inaudibly, and I opened his mouth and fed him a spoonful of food. “Mmm, this is kind of good. It’s not as bad as I thought.” “The nurse told you it wasn’t that bad.” “I can’t believe a nurse tells you.” I looked at him, quiet for a moment. “I literally have no idea what you’re saying. But I’m just going to keep quiet on this one.” “Yeah, right. So, how’s Luke? He’s doing okay, right?”
