Hole and Corner

Yesterday's incident forced me to rest at home for a few days. Moreover, Doctor Karl has given a certificate and has submitted it directly to the class president to always be included every lecture hour. And being at home all day alone makes me feel bored. I've watched television, played video games, and all sorts of entertaining things but still couldn't shake off the boredom that seemed to be swallow me. If only Clara was playing truant and accompanying me here.

CLING!

An incoming message made me roll my eyes. Blake finally contacted me after several days without any words as if he disappeared into the earth.

[Hello, beautiful! Soon my work will be done. Wanna have lunch together?]

I—who was originally still weak, immediately rose from my position and thought of words to reply to his message. I just stared at the blank screen for a long time, not knowing what to say to reply to that sweet message.

[I'm at home, by the way.] I texted him. I kept smiling on my face, waiting for a reply from him.

[Okay. OMW]

Oh, no! He's on his way here. What should I do? Should I shower and wear my best clothes? No, no! He would not know that I was at home because I was sick. Every now and then I'd like to see how much he cares about me.

Uh? What kind of attention? And what for? Blake Gillian is a nobody. Besides, have I said that I won't be repeating the night with the same person?

No. I haven't spent the night with Blake yet, so he still has one chance. But, when I think about it, making Blake the target of one night's love would be self-destructive. I used to love him so much, that it broke my heart when I found out Blake had left without saying goodbye. There was no farewell, not even a letter that he had left through Clara—as she usually did. At that time I felt heartbroken and did not want to be in love with anyone.

But now, Blake's presence has brought doubts to my heart. Does he deserve the same place, or will he leave again? Even though he mentions Clara who made him leave without saying goodbye, can't he just ignore the girl for my sake?

Wait! I was so curious what Clara was doing untill Blake left and didn't even say goodbye? Why didn't Clara say anything about Blake and all that happened that time? Maybe I'll ask her about it later.

Now all that matters is Blake. What should I wear to greet him?

I was already sitting on the couch in more proper attire for Blake's arrival. Not long after, there was a knock on the door. A handsome figure in a full suit stood in the doorway. He carrying a bouquet of flowers and a paper bag, then handed it to me.

"For you." He smile. I accepted the man's gift awkwardly. It's still the same as before. Always give me surprises and gifts. Although our time together only lasted a short time, the memories he left behind are still imprinted to this day.

"Thank you. Please, come in." I opened the door wider, following his steps after making sure the door was closed. "Beer or vodka?" Shows him a bottle of beer and another one.

"Vodka, please," he replied, smiling. I—with a bottle of vodka in my right hand and two glasses in my left approached Blake who was already sitting comfortably. Poured and handed him a glass of vodka. He accepted and took a sip of the drink in his hand.

I took a seat right beside him, leaning my weak body against the soft back of the sofa. Blake gently stroked my hair and parted it, tucked the strands behind my ear.

"I missed you," he said, looking into my eyes meaningfully. It's just that I can't translate the look in the handsome man's eyes.

"Why didn't you call me?" I asked. I couldn't hold the curiosity that had been bothering me since yesterday. Makes me unable to close my eyes every night. He sounded tired sighing as he brushed his short hair.

"The restaurant is opening a new branch in Cessmont, I have to check what's needed there. Actually wanted to invite you to the inauguration party, but due to the sudden implementation I can't possibly ask you to come all of a sudden. Do you think you can forgive me?"

"Of course ... it's okay, at least you're back safely," I replied, weakly. My eyes just want to close. The medicine that Doctor Karl gave was extraordinary. Makes me totally unproductive.

"Uhm ... Jenna, why do you look pale? Are you sick?" Blake asked, examining my skin tone, which did look abnormal. I smirked.

"Actually, my body hasn't been in good condition lately. It's been a long time, it's just gotten worse recently. Maybe because the busy schedule makes me tired."

The man's face looked panicked, suddenly. I feel happy to see his current expression, feel that I have his attention.

"Really? Why didn't you tell me? Then ... how are you now? Are you okay?" urged the man, whose began to look worried. He held my forehead, checking whether I had a fever or not.

"I'm fine, Blake. Trust me ...," I answered, smiling.

"Are you sure?" the man asked again.

"Yes. Just a little sleepy, maybe the effect of the medicine Doctor Karl gave me, making me only sleep all day," I complained. He just chuckled.

The worried face was no longer there. Was he not too worried about my condition?

Oh, please Jenna! Do not beg for any man to love you back, even if your love is as high as the Himalayas. Remember that!

"Okay, then get some rest. Have you had lunch?"

I shook my head. He got up and took off the coat that was still attached to his body. Put it on the hanging rack behind the door, then fold up his sleeves.

He was now standing behind the counter and opening the refrigerator and taking out some vegetables and meat. "Let's see if you have anything in here ...."

"What are you doing, Blake?" I asked, confused to see he was ready with the ingredients in front of him.

"Making food for you. Since you are sick, you should eat healthy food."

He started peeling and slicing onions, vegetables and meat. I'm not surprised if he is agile in this one, because he is an expert in the field of food processing. And for me, a man who is good at cooking that sexiness level will go up a level or two. So did Blake.

I watched him from a distance. He didn't peek at the menu book at all. If I could be like that, I would definitely decide to cook myself every day. Unfortunately, I can't even hold a knife.

It didn't take long for Blake to serve stir-fried meat and vegetables in front of me. It's like restaurant cooking because he decorates the food well. Really appetizing.

"Try a taste." He leaned his hand on the bar table, waiting for my reaction, who was tasting his cooking. My brows furrowed, plus a strange look on my face.

"Is that bad?" the man asked, feeling guilty. Seeing his expression, I let go of the laughter I had been holding in for a long time.

"Why do you believe when I say bad?"

He laughed too, finally realizing my nosy prank him, then let me enjoy the dish he had made especially for me. Of course I ate it until there was nothing left. His face looks happy looking at the empty plate.

"Do you like it?"

I nodded. "I would feel happy if I eat this delicious food every day," I said, carelessly which immediately made me regret what I just said.

"I-I mean ...."

Okay, this is getting awkward. And embarrassing.

The man smiled. "I can cook for you whenever you want." My heart felt like it was going to burst at his words.

Would he really do that for me? Does that mean ... oh, come on, Jenna. Don't break your own words that romance is a waste of time and sickening. Now that Blake is back, does all that still happen?

***

A knock on the door startled me. Who else came, even though it was almost night? Is it Clara? Before I could get up, the door was already open and the girl walked in without being invited.

"Hi, baby, how was your feeling today?" Clara rushed over and then kissed my cheek. Then lay down beside me on the sofa. I let out a sigh of relief.

Luckily Blake had been home long ago, if not, how many world wars would there be. I dare not imagine.

"Why is your face so tense? What did you just do?" The girl squinted at me, suspiciously. I pretended to close my eyes avoiding his gaze.

"I'm sleepy, Clara. Don't bother me!" I shouted. Hearing my screams, she then got up from the couch and headed into the kitchen. She found the food Blake had cooked for me.

"You cook?" The girl took the remaining portion of the food. "Hmm ... So delicious! I can't believe you cooked all this by yourself."

I had to get up and sit comfortably with my eyes still half asleep.

"Th-that... I ordered delivery."

She returned to the sofa, took the remote, and turned on the television. I just let her do whatever she wants, I'm not in the mood to talk too much. My body is still weak. Blake's arrival was quite draining my energy. He was joking and trying to make me laugh. And one thing I just learned, laughing is also draining.

"You're not going to Glory?" I asked. The girl shook her head. "You haven't told me where you went that night."

The girl didn't answer, nor did she turn around in response to my question.

"Okay if you don't want to talk, I'll just sleep."

"Eh, no, no, no! Fine I'll tell you." She stopped me, when she saw I was ready to go back to sleep. She began to prepare herself to say everything. It's been a few days, and I had to force her first to speak.

"Hurry up, you're wasting my time."

"Okay. So the handsome guy took me to the hotel after you left the club."

I looked at her questioningly. "That's it? Really?"

"Yeah, that's all." This time, it was Clara who tried to avoid my gaze. "Come on, Jenna. I'm not a kid anymore, so don't always wanna know which other guy I slept with."

"Okay ... I'll let you do whatever you want since you're an adult." I raised my hands, as a sign that I would leave it like I always did.

I never interfere in my friend's business. It's just ... there was a feeling of worry that made me be protective of her. Especially for what happened to her before. Although intelligent and always accomplished, she is a clumsy girl when it comes to men. I don't want all of that to happen again.

But Clara doesn't seem to wanna talk about the problems at the Glory Club. She remained motionless and focused on the scene in front of her. I decided to go back to sleep. At least one more hour to recover my strength and health. I want to be able to carry out activities as usual. Being at home alone is boring.

All right... I'm going to sleep, just one hour.

***