Chapter 40: A New Friend

**Michelle**


“Oh my goodness. You scared me!” I exclaimed, placing my head on my chest. I remembered I was staring at him while he kept sleeping and I blushed a deep shade of red till my face became hot.

“I wasn’t staring at you,” I denied, averting my gaze away from him. “I was checking to see if you were getting better,” I added.

“Really? I didn’t think your assessment lasted over ten minutes, Michelle.” He said. I could feel his gaze trained on me, which made me fidget nervously.

“Anyways, I think you are feeling better now. I..I have to go,” I said. I didn’t know how, but I tripped on my feet and fell on him, my jaw hitting his hard rock chest.

“Ouch!” I exclaimed, rubbing on my jaw. Realizing what I fell on, I stood up almost immediately, but was pulled back.

“What..what are you doing? You are sick, and I am heavy. You are going to worsen your health situation!” I said, struggling to stand up.

“Just stay like this. You will worsen it by struggling too hard.” He whispered, his chest rumbling as he spoke, and I calmed down immediately, trying not to injure him.

“You are not heavy, Michelle. I think you need to eat more. You are all sticks and bones,” he said.

That hurts, but it was true, but he didn’t have to say it so bluntly. Ignoring him, I listened to his heart beating steadily fast, and unknowingly slept off.

~
I woke up to my neck hurting, but feeling refreshed. I hadn’t felt that in a long while. Wait, what? I remembered I had slept off while listening to Vincent’s heartbeat.

I can’t believe I did that. I looked around, but there was no sign of him. Where was he? I didn’t think he was strong enough to get out of bed, but who was I kidding?

I stood up from the bed, trying to straighten the wrinkles on my clothes and exited the room, closing the door with a gentle click.

“Well, well, well. Who do we have here?” I heard Liam’s annoying voice, and watched as he stood up from the couch in the office and walked towards me, smirking like he knew something I didn’t. I rolled my eyes at him, searching for Vincent.

“Searching for him now, are we?” He mocked, clicking his tongue at me.

“What is it now, Liam?” I asked, rolling eyes at him. He was beginning to get on my nerves.

“Are you sure there is nothing going on between you guys? You literally slept off on his bed! On Vincent’s bed! I mean how did you do it, not afraid he was going to strangle you in your sleep?” He exaggerated.

“You really need to get your head checked, Liam. Now excuse me, I have work to do,” I said walking away from him.

“You don’t want to agree you guys are in love right….”he mumbled on and on, not noticing I had already left the office.

I quickly went to do my work, noticing it was already dark. By the time I was done, almost everyone had left. I picked up my bag and left the company. Checking my phone, I realized I had calls from Evelyn. I called her back instantly.

“Hey, Evelyn. I missed your call again.” I said immediately she picked.

“Yeah. I wanted to drop you off at home,” she said. At the mention of home, my mood dampened.

“Oh, I was busy cleaning the boss office,” I lied.

“Okay okay. Have you had something to eat? Because I know you will practically starve yourself. Like who does that? I can’t just get what is running through our mind sometimes, girl,” I could imagine her shaking her head.

“I will call you when I get home,” I said.

“Okay. Stay safe, and don’t forget to call me!” She emphasized.

“I know,” I giggled before hanging up. I decided to trek back home to save some money to get enough foodstuffs at home. The wind that blew was chilly. The sky was without the moon, but was filled up with stars.

My brother and grandmother are up there watching me, and I smiled at the thought. I missed them so much. I missed my grandmother's scent and warm embrace. I miss the smiles she gives me when she tries to convince me everything will be good.

“I miss you, mama.” I whispered. Sighting the nearest grocery store, I walked in, took the empty cart and moved around. I picked up a packet of tampons, eggs, milk, bread and instant noodles. I pushed the cart down to the paying point, and stood in line.

“Hey,” someone tapped my shoulder and it was a young handsome looking guy who looked about my age.

“Me?” I pointed to myself, not sure why he was talking to me. He chuckled, moving closer to me, but gave a respectful distance.

“Obviously, it’s you I was talking to. I tapped you,” he answered.

“Oh! Just wanted to be sure.”

“Next!” The cashier announced and I moved my cart, took out the things I purchased and placed it on the counter. He scanned through it and placed it in a bag. I paid in cash and walked out of the store.

“Excuse me. Do you mind if I walk with you?” The guy asked, rushing out of the grocery store. I wasn’t really in the mood, but I didn’t turn him down.

“I’m Martin. What’s your name?” He asked.

“Michelle,” I answered simply, and soon he started talking till he hit the front of my home.

“Huh…this is my home,” I announced, cutting him off. I honestly enjoyed his talks as they proved to be a good distraction from my sad thoughts.

“Oh!” He exclaimed sadly. Do you mind if we hang out more?” He asked.

“Sure, I mean why not?”

“Can I have your contact then?” He handed me the phone, not even giving me the chance to refuse. I pressed my number in there and watched as he left, occasionally glancing back to wave at me.