The fact that it happened

**Chrissy**

So, this could mean one thing. Right?
Dayle had been asleep all night and barely woken up this morning. It took him some time to go to work. 

I had to FaceTime Mom for tips to clear his unusual sleepiness. 
I was not angry at him but I'm not dumb, something happened.

Last night, after Egan brought Fatle to our bedroom, I tried to change his clothes. Lifting the man’s arms and legs was a struggle but I managed. 
Egan didn't have to do all those for me. 
Something caught my attention, his clothes smelled like someone. 
I know Dayle’s perfume and I certainly can't be oblivious to mine. We've lived together for years and so I could tell when my boyfriend smells differently, with or without perfume. 

It didn't need a witch to tell me that the smell was from someone. 
Now, I don't want to conclude or call my boyfriend a cheat but something went wrong.
I can't fucking place my hands on what exactly.

…
Dressing up for a volunteering job at the clinic, a doctor called in for my assistance since I had once offered. Meanwhile, I tried to call Ken but he wasn't answering. Either way, I have to go see him at his house or where he might have lodged since last night was a total bummer. 

I grabbed my tote bag and finally tied my hair into a bun. I rarely give a shit about makeup but then a dust here and there and a light lipstick wouldn't be bad. 
I headed out of the room, descending the stairs as I bumped into Egan. He was also casually prepared to head out. 
 “Oh, um, good morning...” I said.
I don't but it gets awfully awkward around Egan ever since he began living here.
 “Hey, morning!” he flashed a small smile. 
 “Um, I haven't thanked you properly for everything. I mean, I wouldn't be able to lift Dayle all the way upstairs. Really, thanks,” I said like every normal person with a conscience and a good heart should. 
 “Ah, it's nothing actually! I was glad to help...” he said. “Heading out to where?” he asked, somewhat staring at me from top to bottom and top again. 
I was only wearing beige pants, a white turtle-neck top, and white sneakers. My coat is in my hand and my tote bag hangs freely over my shoulder. 
So, did I do too much? I asked myself.
 “Er, going to work. I'm volunteering at Comptown’s clinic for seven hours straight—it’s so boring around here,” I said, smiling at the very least. 
 “That's lovely... They would love you there,” he admitted and I nodded thankfully. We were both silent for two seconds, he was only wearing a t-shirt, black pants, and Nike shoes. Sleeves rolled up, hair nearly combed and nicely tucked. 
 “You? Where to?”
 “Oh, nothing important! Like you said, it's boring being by yourself!” Egan snapped, shrugging lightly. 
I nodded, “Um, I gotta run. See you later, E. And thanks for everything. Again…” I said as I headed out of the house and sighed. 

Suddenly, Egan called out as I turned to him. I was just getting on the sidewalk. I didn't want to drive, I just wanted to think and perhaps call an Uber when I'm fully refreshed. 
 “Chriss?” he called again even though I was staring at him questionably. 
 “I was thinking, would you like me to give you a ride?” he asked.
 “That's thoughtful, but I'm gonna pass. I just wanna walk a bit. The clinic ain't that far,” I assured, but he was bent on giving me a ride. 
 “Egan, back off, okay? I don't want a ride, I'm good…” I flared up. 
I didn't mean to but a lot was messing with my head and that was why I needed to for a bit. 
 “I was just… trying to help. I didn't mean to upset you, Chriss,” Egan calmly said with remorse and I instantly felt bad. 
 “No, I’m sorry Egan. I really am. I'm not in the right mood and I was trying to avoid stuff like this. I appreciate your kindness,” I said with a softer tone and he nodded. 
 “Actually, Dayle asked if I could drop you off if you needed it. Wrong timing,” he chuckled, lessening the tension. 
 “I get it,” I chuckled too. “Have a good day, E! See you later!” I finally said and he waved shortly at me as I left. 
I could feel his eyes on me. It was plunging and intense. 

When I swiftly looked back, I caught him still staring and that was when he looked away and I did the same. 

Fuck. THIS IS BAD!

I quickly booked an Uber, and it was the best. No need to refresh, I would cope. I told myself. 

….
A few hours later, I was rounding up my shift at the clinic and I saw Dayle’s text. He wanted us to hang out after work. 
Of course, I would not turn it down. Earlier, Ken texted that he would come by tomorrow and that I shouldn't bother about him. 
How the fuck can I not bother about my best friend?
Staring at our group chat, Ken, Sophy, and I, I just didn't know if I should tell Sophy. She was in Florida, her grandmother was sick and she wanted to go visit. Her grandmother raised her all by herself. Practically, that was her mother in my terms. Telling her would make her worry and I didn't want her distracted from being beside the sick woman who needed attention.  
 “Hey Chriss, can you administer the pills in room 14, please? Before leaving,” Doctor Hansen asked, holding a writing pad. The man was around how late fifties with five kids and a loving wife. 

I love the idea of having a family and raising kids. That is what Dayle and I want. We've arranged for it. 
Should I pop the question or let him do it? I'll just let him. 
 “Are you with me, Chriss?” Doctor Hansen snapped me out of my thoughts. 
 “Yeah, Doc. Right away!” I smiled, tucking my phone into my pocket, turning on my heel. 
 “Seriously, Chriss, you don't have to keep volunteering here. We can’t… afford to pay you… YOUR status is just out of our league. This is a small setup and a family—”
 “Doc, I'm not complaining. I love what I do and I don't need the money that's why I'm volunteering,” I reminded with a friendly smile. 
 “Okay, dear. It's fine. Thanks by way! Everyone loves you here, you have a special charm, and keep up the good work,” he appreciatively smiled. “And the event, how’s it going?” he asked. 
 “Oh, very great. I'm putting together a thing or two. Don't worry, we’ll gather the funds to… restructure this place. I'm working on it—my team and I,” I assured. 
He sighed in relief, “You’re Godsent! See you soon. My wife keeps calling, we have a dinner date...” he said, adjusting his reading glasses. 
I chuckled, “That's cute. Go enjoy, I’ll attend to room 14,” I said and we departed. 

A few moments after my work, I gathered my things and left. One of the ladies in room 14 couldn't stop asking about Dayle, they all know him because I talk about him a lot. 
Although she was struggling with her health, she chipped in to give me life advice. 

Stepping out of the clinic, the security guard waved me goodbye which I reciprocated with a smile like he did. 
If I leave for Med school, I’ll miss everyone. Literally everyone. 
A car pulled over in front of me as if the person had been timing me. 

It was Dayle’s car. Black, sleek, and shiny. 

A smile rested on my lips as he stepped out and we shared a deep kiss. 
 “How was work today, baby?” he asked as he took my bag and opened the car door for me.
 “It was bumpy but I did my best,” I said as he closed the door and entered the car too. He placed my bag in the backseat and started the engine. 
 “You always do,” he said. “I missed you a lot and um,” he paused. “Shall we?” he asked and I nodded. 
Yes, we have a lot to talk about. 

…
Seated in the restaurant, enjoyed the seafood, and Dayle told me about his day. He had lots of meetings, both virtual and in-person. 
 “You saved me today, if I hadn't woken up, I wonder what the shit would have landed today,” he admitted. 
 “You know that I will never let you slack on the job,” I said and we smiled. 
 “I hate to bring this up but I should, right?” he began. 
 “Yeah, why not?!” I snapped casually. 
 “At Amber’s house, I waited for her Dad and…” he swallowed and continued almost as if he didn't want to continue. “She was making advances at me…”
 “Are you kidding me?” My blood boiled. 
 “Please, let me finish…” he said. 
 “No, maybe this looks fun to you…” I lasher out but he ignored. I could feel the rage in me, my throat turned sore. 
 “I didn't give in, I remember that I texted you and I was gonna go downstairs and I don't know. I certainly can't remember… but I don't think something happened,” he said forcefully. 
 “How can you be so sure, Dayle?” I asked and scoffed. 
 “Babe, I did nothing, I would never break your trust like that,” he assured, taking my hands in his, giving them a gentle squeeze. 
 “I know you wouldn't but… how can we be sure that Amver doesn't have a hand?” I asked and he was silent. “I think you were drugged,” I pointed out. 
 “But babe, I didn't accept a drink from Amber…”
 “But the maid gave you one—you took it. And that must be where everything happened, right?” I asked, wishing so badly that I was wrong but I really thought about it. He took back his hands and slowly thought about it. 
  “The invitation was from Amber,” I added firmly. 
  “Her Dad texted me,” I retorted. 
  “When Egan and I arrived at her house, we met Amber fully dressed and it looked like she had just returned from somewhere. Meanwhile, she said that her Dad traveled that evening,” I said as his brows wrung in disbelief.
 “But she didn't go anywhere, she was naked and that was when I tried to leave…” he paused, while we both processed everything. “Does that mean that… she used her Dad’s phone to text me?” he scoffed in disappointment. 
 “If you say that she was home all through, that means Amber orchestrated everything,” I forcefully let out. 
 “Fuck!!!” Dayle punched the table, his fingers raking his hair angrily. 
 “How I could… let myself fall for her shit?” he asked as I tried to calm him down but Dayle was distraught. He instantly rose and went down on a knee, holding my arms a bit firmly but gently. 
 “I didn't sleep with Amber, baby. I would never cheat on you, Chrissy. I fucking love you so much and I can't afford to be with another woman. I love you so much, Chriss, please believe me…” Dayle was shaking, his voice was breaking and I was scared for him and myself too. 

I knew for sure that Amber slept with him, she took advantage of him and he wouldn't know because he was drugged. 
Her maid, Cynthia, is our witness. 
I assisted him up, he didn't deserve to be punished for something he didn't do. 
I couldn't bear to see him break down like that, trembling in my arms. 
I hugged him tightly, my eyes crammed with tears. 
 “I know baby, I know that you’d never cheat on me because you love me and I love you very much, Dayle…” I assured him, cradling his face in my hands. 
He was disheveled and… scared.