“I know, and I am terribly sorry. I have been beating myself up over the matter.”
She asserted with a sneer, “You really should.”
“So, do you think I stand a chance at doing right by you?”
“I didn't ask you to do anything of that nature,” she rebuffed.
I had to insist, “but I want to.”
“I honestly don't know what to think or say at this point. It's not that simple,” she averred, shaking her head sadly, and wiping the tears off again.
I couldn't help it any more. I closed in the space between us, without further ado. Cupping her slender face in my palms, I leaned in and kissed her gently but intentionally. I could taste her tears as I made a thousand promises in my heart that I intended on keeping.
The world around us gradually melted away like wax. Nothing else mattered in that moment. Licia didn't break away from the kiss, but I could tell she was still stunned. I don't know if the kiss was going to change anything, but I knew for sure that things were never going to be the same anymore.
Chapter Nine
Licia
I woke up with a throbbing headache that I couldn’t explain. I tried to get up, but it felt like I was carrying a heavy weight on my head, which pulled me back to the bed.
The events at the cave flashed through my mind once again, and I pulled the bed cover over my head.
What was wrong with me?
How in the name of God did I allow myself to be swayed by the kiss?
It was unforeseen; nevertheless, it felt like it had been a long time coming. I tried not to think so much about it, but I wouldn’t lie that it succeeded in keeping me awake for a greater part of the night, chiding and berating myself.
But what did this mean?
The question lingered. I was no longer as mad at him as I was earlier. I accepted his apology, but a part of me was scared that there was a possibility that I would have a nervous breakdown and relive the hurt all over again.
After three futile attempts to get up, I gave up and pulled out my phone from under the pillow. I had to call Melony and inform her of the new development – I wasn’t going to work either. I needed to call in sick.
“Hi, Mel,” I spoke into the receiver once she picked up.
“Hello, Licia. Our celebrity nurse.” She added. I could tell she was already grinning from ear to ear. She ensured that I didn’t hear the last of Kevin's home nurse.
“What’s good?” I asked, smiling widely.
“Everything is basically how it usually is over here. You are coming in, right? It's getting pretty late.” She pointed out, forcing me to check the time. I had completely lost track of time.
“That’s actually why I called. I can’t report to work today. I feel a little under the weather and my head aches terribly.”
“Whoa, so sorry. Could it be the stress of juggling both the home care and the hospital shift?” She probed further, already trying to diagnose the cause.
“I doubt that's the issue. I will just rest it out today, either way. Hopefully, it will go away before dusk.”
“That’s cool. Don’t forget to eat and take some aspirin, okay?”
“Mel, I am not a patient,” I laughed out, “but thanks anyway. I will take your advice into consideration. Just help me report today's absenteeism.”
“I’ve got you. See you after my shift.”
“You are coming over? It’s not that serious, Melony.” I protested. She didn’t need to come over. I actually needed to be alone in order to process my thoughts.
“I have said my piece. Should I get anything on my way?”
