[36] b
I insisted on going home on Monday. I’m already healthy! Cedric is just being too overprotective. Oh, and don’t forget that Cedric’s behavior, bordering on over-possessiveness, is fully supported by Naomi and Dona. They said I needed to rest at the hospital to stay sane.
As if Henry would come to pick me up when they’re busy working.
Crazy, right?
Isn’t there a better accusation than that? I felt like pulling Dona’s hair when she uttered those words without mercy. She was so annoying! I wanted to get angry and vent my frustration, but Cedric held me back. He even threatened me. If I didn’t comply, he would kiss me shamelessly in front of them.
Truly.
These three people in front of me make my day even more insane!
“But promise me, no funny business while at the apartment,” Cedric said in the end. That was after he asked Naomi and Dona to step out for a moment to mediate our sudden argument about my return home.
“What do you think I’m going to do? Do you also suspect me like they do? That I’m pregnant and flirting with other men? Seriously? Their minds are so small-minded!”
“That’s not it.” Cedric smiled again! That only made me angrier. Argh! Why are they all like this? Can’t anything make me happy even a little?
“While I’m at work, you really have to rest. Can you do that?”
“Where else would I go?!”
“I know you’re not going anywhere. What I mean is, don’t work at all or do anything at the apartment.”
I turned my face away, furious.
“Anya,” Cedric called softly, tilting my chin so I had to look at him. I was still reluctant. Why does he have bad thoughts about me? I know now who my priority is: the baby. Then Cedric and our relationship. Then what else? Is it still not enough for him to trust me?
“Joice?” he called again, this time forcing me to meet his gaze. “Are you angry?”
“Figure it out yourself.”
Once again, he just smiled! Did I forbid Cedric from smiling? It momentarily softened my annoyance.
“I’ll ask the doctor if it’s really allowed to go home or not. If it’s not, don’t argue, okay?”
Since I couldn’t look away, I just nodded.
“That’s better.” Now Cedric has a new hobby. The most important one that he always does without ever forgetting; he kisses my forehead. Sometimes it’s long, sometimes short. Depending on the need. I’ll tell you about his other hobbies later. For now, he’s indulging in his main hobby with me again.
Not long after, my two friends entered, replacing Cedric who wanted to meet with the doctor to ask if I could really be treated at home or not. Seeing them, I pouted and sulked.
“Anya looks ugly when sulking,” Dona said casually. She immediately sat in the seat where Cedric was sitting earlier. “If you can go back home this evening, I’ll cook Chicken Grill. Do you want that?”
Dona rarely cooks in my kitchen. She only eats what she likes and doesn’t want to be bothered unless her mind is clear. It’s Naomi who often uses the kitchen. She can cook simple dishes like stir-fry or soupy vegetables. Whatever she puts in the dish, she does it as she pleases. She says that what matters most is that it tastes good and is acceptable to the stomach. Healthy too.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
However, when Dona decides to enter the kitchen, you can be sure that your taste buds will be pampered. She once told me that her cooking skills were acquired from her mother, who loved asking her to help in the kitchen. One of those times was to cook Chicken Grill. I was in charge of buying the ingredients, which Dona carefully noted down. Naomi was in charge of cooking rice and preparing other things.
Then we would all eat together, with lots of jokes and laughter.
I’m weak when offered something like this.
“I can’t go anywhere. You guys will suspect me,” I said, still making a sour face. Dona chuckled.
“Let Cedric do the shopping. Nao will handle the kitchen. Right, Nao?”
“Sure.”
Finally, I smiled. I couldn’t stay mad at them for too long. I received warm hugs that suddenly enveloped me.
“Oh, is it a reunion?”
We were all surprised. When we turned, the doctor who usually examined me smiled as he saw us letting go of each other. And Cedric too.
“I’ll check on Anya’s condition first. Then I can determine if she can go home or not,” he added. I just nodded, allowing my two friends to move aside. They stood not far from where Cedric was.
Occasionally, I answered the doctor’s questions with a confident tone, because that’s my current condition. The pain I experienced was gone. No more cramps. My appetite was starting to improve. I took all the vitamins and medications that were recommended. Rested properly and didn’t argue too much or do too many activities. Not to mention doing many activities, I was already eager to step out of the hospital room just to breathe fresh air in the morning, but Cedric forbade me.
Annoying, right?
“Anya is allowed to go home now. Her condition has improved a lot. The baby’s condition is also good. Just take it easy on her activities, don’t overdo it.”
I smiled contentedly.
“I don’t believe that I’m already healthy,” I said with a satisfied smile. I saw Cedric shaking his head while Naomi and Dona rolled their eyes at me.
“Being healthy doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want, Anya,” Naomi said.
I rolled my eyes in annoyance.
“I’ll organize Anya’s things first. You guys can keep her company,” Cedric said as I saw him escorting the doctor’s visit earlier.
“Oh, staying here for so long makes me miss my boyfriend, Nao.”
“You can still meet your boyfriend. What about me? I’m single!”
Dona burst into laughter, the loudest among us, while I just smiled. Meanwhile, Cedric was confused by the behavior of the three of us. He gave me a questioning look, and I just shrugged my shoulders.
“That’s your problem, Nao. That’s why you should find a boyfriend. Or you could follow Anya’s way of finding a partner? It’s worth a try.”
I was taken aback as Dona really should have a filter on her mouth! She’s so reckless when she talks! Oh my God!!!
“If I end up with someone like Cedric, who’s kind-hearted and willing to be bossed around by Anya. What if I end up with a bad-tempered guy?”
Dona burst into laughter. “That’s your misery.”
“You’re such a bad friend. Not a good idea at all!”