A/N: Edited:05/01/2018
Chapter 7
Once inside Michel's home, Lucy was welcomed by Scud, Jehan and Michel's butler who quickly went to the bathroom to get them towels. But where's Michel?
"In Ashley's bedroom with the doctor."
That was enough to send Kristin running up the stairs without a second thought. Since this is Michel's home, this isn't the right place or the right time to talk to Scud about Kristin so Lucy followed after thanking the butler for getting the towels.
"Ashley!" Kristin called out as she ran towards the bed. Even if Michel didn't explain the situation, Kristin understood what the issue is because every kid is afraid of needles. No sense in telling Ashley that it's not going to hurt because who's going to believe that? Certainly not Ashley who looks like she is about to cry. "It's just going to hurt a little...and not just you, he's going to put a needle in my arm too."
"You too?"
"Uh huh... and if I can do it, you can do it, you know why?" Kristin placed her hands over her head while gently stroking her hair. "...because you're so much stronger than I am and so much more courageous, just like that girl who rescued the helpless blonde girl in the village…remember the story I told you about…"
"…yes, but..."
"I'll be right here with you and you can hold on to my hand. And if it hurts, you can squeeze it...as hard as you want to. After that, we can open the presents together."
Boxes of presents could be seen on the floor but all realized that it would take much more than presents to persuade Ashley whose tears could be seen. Even Scud's idea to play video games with her didn't work. Kristin was about to suggest to take her blood first to let Ashley see that it's not as painful as she thinks it is but was interrupted by the brunette who requested to take her place near Ashley.
"Hey…If you do that…" While whispering into Ashley's ear, Lucy is aware that everyone is watching her and could see everyone's surprised expression when Ashley agreed. This isn't the time to explain what she said. This is the time to get the doctor to do his job before Ashley changes her mind. But even if she agrees, Lucy felt it's necessary to take her attention away from the needle and onto something else by allowing her to watch cartoon on her phone. "I'm all wet. I'm going to get myself dried up and come back later. Okay?" Getting Ashley to agree is a piece of cake but she didn't expect Ashley to continue watching the cartoon on her phone after the doctor is done. Taking the phone away from her seems cruel so she decided not to. Scud would know what to do. Scud would make sure that nobody else get a chance to look at her phone. Not that there's anything in there that would reveal her true identity, but there are personal information in there. What she also didn't expect was for Alexis to jump on her while she was on her way out. If it wasn't for Kristin who suddenly utter a short sharp cry of pain, she wondered when Alexis will let go.
"…you need to relax." The doctor ordered.
Kristin did as told, allowing her fingers to unfold and returned her attention back to the doctor while aware that her reaction caught everyone's concern. it's not like she hasn't had her blood taken before. It's because Alexis's voice startled her. It's also because Alexis' reaction towards the brunette surprised her. They know each other? Having been with the Couric's for a year, even she doesn't know Alexis that well because Alexis only comes back home during school vacation. So seeing how close their relationship is confused her since Keira did say she only met Alexis once.
"I'm glad you're okay." Not just Ashley, Alexis also found Kristin to be very likeable the first time she met her. It didn't take long for her to assess Kristin's ability because no other babysitters can handle her irritating-clever, spoiled sister this long. She was happy to see how well Ashley bonded with Kristin and now she feels even more grateful to have someone like Kristin to care for her sister like her own. After giving Kristin a cheek to cheek to show her gratitude, a sudden burst of sneezes caused her to immediately turn around.
"Keira…we need to get you out of those clothes..."
Lucy rejected the offer but couldn't get Alexis to listen. Her hand was grabbed onto, then pulled out the door while she tried to control herself from sneezing again.
"I'll get these to the lab and I'll let you know as soon as I can." The doctor said.
Michel agreed and had no other questions for the doctor. Seeing Ashley unharmed and acting normally is a good sign, but until he gets confirmation, he will continue to worry.
"c'mon, Ashley, let's go eat first." Scud took this opportunity to take Lucy's phone back.
With Ashley and Scott out of the room, this would be a good time to ask "Doctor Kalis, do you have a minute?" She could see that her question caused Michel to be concerned. "I just have a question." This will let Michel know that there is no need for concern but it didn't work. What it did do is caused him to think that she has been harmed until she assured him that she feels fine.
"Are you feeling alright?" Doctor Kalis asked after Michel left the bedroom.
Conversation between patients and doctors is confidential but in this case, he's not her regular doctor. But regardless if he is or not, Kristin didn't feel the need to make sure he won't tell anyone since she saw no harm if anyone finds out. But this is a personal question, so she didn't want Michel to be here. "I'm not sure. Today, my heart…is feeling a bit…abnormal. Sometimes it's beating extremely fast and then goes back to normal." Being examined by a stethoscope is what she expected Doctor Kalis to do even though she didn't think it would help since her heart is beating normally at this moment.
"Sounds like everything's normal. How many times did this happen and when?"
Kristin again expected this and was able to respond without thinking back. "4 times today and then my neck, face and scalp felt hot…and I had this weird feeling in my stomach but it lasted only for a short while, just once...today."
"I see. Is this weird feeling painful?"
She thought she was being very clear. If it's painful, she would've said so. If it's a sharp pain, a dull pain, or a numbing pain, she would've said so. It's because it's indescribable, she used the word 'weird.' "No..."
"What were you doing when this happened? Were you running? Were you sitting down? standing up?"
If it happened after I ate, then I would know it's something I ate. If it happened after I did something that I have never done before, then I would know what it is. Everyone's heart beats very fast while running. Sitting down? Standing up? If it happens every time I'm sitting down, don't you think I would know what the problem is? Are you serious?
"I was talking to Keira, that woman who was here before, all four times when it happened, she was there." That's the only thing she could think of which didn't make any sense.
"…and the time you felt something in your stomach, what were you doing then?"
Should I tell him? Everyone gets a weird feeling in their stomach once a while. In this case, it happened while I was hugging Keira...I mean, she was holding me...very, very tight...
"...I …don't remember."
"...and your breathing, was it normal when this happened?"
Why do I feel like I'm being questioned by a criminal investigator instead of a doctor? If I had trouble breathing, I would've said so. "...yes, normal..."
"How do you feel now?"
"I feel fine."
"I see…well...I don't think it's anything you need to worry about. But I'll let you know once I get the blood test results."
Nothing to worry about is what she wants to hear, but she realized the doctor wasn't finished with his diagnosis.
"What?" What he said didn't make sense and made her wonder if his specialty is in psychiatry not internal medicine. She thought he was going to clarify but the only response she got was:
"I have to get out of here before the storm hits."
Inside Alexis' bedroom
Taking a shower in someone else's bathroom is not what Lucy planned on doing but she did feel a lot better getting out of the wet clothes. Letting Alexis blow-dry her hair feels as odd as letting a hairdresser do it.
"...don't worry, I've done this before."
Lucy isn't worried. It's just blow-drying. If Alexis offered to cut her hair, then she would be worried.
"I was once an assistant to a hair dresser...when I was in college, I also did waitressing, masseuse, females only and…"
Lucy understood the part about females only but what she wants to know is "Why? Didn't your father pay for your education?" Who would believe that the daughter of a successful businessman had to work? Not her.
"Yes, he did. Why?... I don't know. I guess I just wanted to experience what the world is like out there. I learned a lot from it."
Lucy was expecting a simple blow-dry but realized that Alexis wasn't exaggerating her ability when thermal protection heat serum was evenly spread thru her hair. Clipping the top layers before blowing warm air against the lower strands over a small round brush is the technique professional hairdressers used on her hair. It seems that Alexis has done this more than a few times.
"...and what did you learn?"
"I learned that life is tough out there…especially when you're all alone…that people sometimes end up doing things that they never thought they would do…"
Hearing those words caused Lucy to think about how she had fallen in love with a DEB, how Amy changed her whole life, something she never thought would happen in her lifetime.
"..and people aren't always who they appear to be…"
Hearing the words whispered into her ear, Lucy wondered why since there aren't anyone else around. "What do you mean?"
"one time I was giving this guy a haircut. I was new at it but it wasn't my first time. He told me I did a good job and left me a big tip…you know when someone gives you a £100 tip for a haircut that costs £13, you just don't forget his face." Alexis began blow-drying on the left side using the same method.
"…he must be rich..."
"that's just it…the salon I worked at serves customers around the neighborhood, people with low and median income… There wasn't anything unusual about him. Then the next day, I saw him...in the newspaper. That's when I found out he was actually the head of some big criminal organization. He was murdered that same day I gave him the haircut."
"Really…" Lucy wasn't pretending and did find the story shocking. "...guess you're right about that, people aren't who they seem to be…" Never a moment did she think that Alexis was talking about her because this isn't the US. This is Paris. Even though she and Scud are no longer involved, they are aware of what's going on in the US since they needed to make sure nobody is after them.
"Like you.." Alexis said softly.
"Like me? What about me?"
"When I first saw you at the cafe, i could tell that you're not from around here but I would never have guessed that you could be the owner of a company."
"...because I look too young?..." Michel said something similar, not because of her age but because of her gender.
"Yes..."
The mentioning of the Cafe reminded Lucy of the first time she met Alexis and there is no better time than now to ask. "How did you know I'm gay?" It might be the word she chose that Alexis found funny. Should I have said lesbienne? It could be the expression on her face, giving Alexis the look of confusion. But it's most likely the question because she doesn't feel any part of her body, definitely not her looks, would give anyone the idea that she's into woman.
"Remember that blind date you had, she's blonde, tall, she's..." Alexis was about to say the name of her blind date but realized she didn't have to.
"How did you know?"
That face of confusion instantly changing into a look of worry is visible. Alexis understood why and couldn't help but smile. There's nothing wrong with going on a blind date as long as the date didn't turn out to be disastrous. In her case, it didn't but her blind date did say she was disappointed that she didn't get a call back even after leaving her a message. "She just happened to be a friend of one of the waitresses, so she told me."
"Oh…" Small country...No more blind dates ever. As her hair was being tied in a ponytail which she didn't request Alexis to do but it's what she would've done if Alexis didn't, her mind could only think of one thing. Sorry Alexis. After getting off the chair, she realized Alexis wasn't done nor was she given a choice. But she realized even if she rejected the offer to have a shoulder massage, Alexis would still have proceeded to pull her towards the bed, then crawl on top of her. Having been in this position numerous times with a beautiful woman straddling her, she can't help but think of one thing, even if she's not interested, because she hasn't done that 'one' thing for a very, very long time. "um…I don't think this is good idea." Lucy tried to get up, but was pushed back down again.
"Roll over."
Lucy understood and somehow found herself doing what she was told even though a part of her didn't feel it's appropriate to be lying in the middle of the queen size bed with someone whom she hardly knows.
"Now...close your eyes…clear your mind…and relax."
"Alexis, I…."
"Shhhhhhhh…."
Feeling her shoulders being squeezed, Lucy immediately felt the effects especially when her neck was being massaged. Her eyelids closed not because she was told to do so but because the gentle pressure on her stiff neck and shoulders allowed her to relax. "ohhh...that feels good..."
Hearing another soft satisfying moan, Alexis continued with the massage, from the left shoulder to the right, and back up the neck, rubbing away the muscle spasm and soreness.
"I'm glad you like it." All Alexis had wanted to do was show her gratitude in saving Ashley and Kristin by giving her a massage. "...and don't worry, you don't look gay, you...look...HOT..."
Being touched on the shoulder, neck, and back, Lucy had no problems with. Even a kiss on her cheek, Lucy wouldn't have found that to be inappropriate since this is Paris until she got another kiss, then another.
"Come in."
Everything happened so fast, the only thing Lucy could think of was rolled herself around because she couldn't understand why Alexis would let someone in without taking into consideration of the position that they're in. Oh...shit...no..no...no...Before she could even call Kristin to come back, the door was already closed. Her dried clothes were dropped on the floor. Kristin's apology was enough for her to know what she's thinking. It's not what it looks like... Lucy didn't realize how she looked until she noticed the opening of her white robe and how much of her bare skin was showing in the front. Again, everything happened so fast, before she could even think of asking Alexis about the kisses, Alexis already got off the bed and announced that she'll be going downstairs. Seeing Alexis closing the door behind her, Lucy could only think of one thing.
"...what just happened?..."
After getting dressed, Lucy wasn't expecting Kristin to be sitting across from Alexis in the dining room after what just happened but on a second thought, why wouldn't she be here? She's not into me...
"Thank you." Lucy wasn't planning on sitting on the end of the table between Alexis and Kristin but that's where the butler placed her dinner. Okaaaay. Clearly, what just happened is the reason for the silence. No sounds other than the sounds from eating and the contact made between the utensils and plate could be heard. But Alexis doesn't seem to be showing any emotion of awkwardness. Neither does Kristin. Maybe everyone's hungry. Maybe everyone's just tired after an exhausting day of worry. I am. "...haa chuu!…Excuse me…"
"Do you need some medicine?" Alexis asked.
Lucy said she doesn't but Alexis left the room to get the medicine anyways. With no one else here, Lucy saw the opportunity to explain but realized Kristin wasn't going to give her the chance to do so.
"Wait…let me explain." Lucy quickly got up, standing in front of Kristin to block her from going into the kitchen and didn't hesitate to say what's on her mind since Alexis could come back any second. "She was just giving me a massage…" That should explain it...it should...I hope...
"What you do is none of my business."
okay, that hurts... "Haa chuu…" She was hoping a sneeze would get Kristin to turn back around but nope. Either she didn't hear me or...she's ignoring me...because Scud who just came in heard it.
"Are you alright?"
"Fine…just a little sneeze...let me finish eating and we can go." No reason to continue to try to explain since this isn't her house and Kristin is ignoring her.
"...we can't...there's a hurricane warning...and Michel told us to stay for tonight."
"Where is he?"
"Sleeping…he's knocked out, took some sleeping pills."
Staying in Michel's house is not what she had in mind but she didn't oppose to the idea until Alexis walked in, followed by Kristin who also seemed to have heard.
"You're staying for the night?" Alexis asked, hoping she would have a chance to talk to her in private.
Scud responded but realized his response was different from Lucy's. "We're not?"
"We made it here, I'm sure we can make it back."
"But there's a hurricane warning." Alexis said in a worried tone.
"A little hurricane won't kill us, we've been through worse, haven't we, Scott?" Lucy continued eating her dinner.
"That's true, we have..a lot worse..."
Lucy would love to stay but since Kristin didn't say anything, she thought it would be best to leave. Besides, she didn't think it would be a good idea to be sleeping in the same house as the recent college grad who has been extremely upfront about her intentions.
"Okay, just let me know when you're ready." Scud left the dining room with no clue what Lucy is thinking since he was under the impression that she wanted to find out more about Kristin. Now that they have an excuse to stay, this would be the best opportunity for her to do so. No idea.
"Keira, I made this, especially for you."
Lucy was wondering what was on the tray besides a bottle of cold medicine. "Wow…this looks delicious…" This is the truth. She, herself, learned how to cook by taking cooking lessons in her spare time, so she knew how time consuming this could be. Making it look good is one thing, making it taste good is even more difficult.
"Try it..."
Lucy didn't hesitate because it does look very good. Desserts have a tendency to induce a special feeling into everyone. It seems that the Creme Brulee worked on Kristin whose attitude could be seen as different from before by the way she smiled after each bite and the compliments she gave to Alexis. Do you want me to stay? It's a question Lucy wants an answer to but also knows what the answer would be if she asks. With Alexis here, it wouldn't be appropriate to ask and with the appearance of Ashley, this definitely would not be the right time to ask.
"Can we open the presents together now?"
Lucy wasn't expecting this but how could she say no to the birthday girl who disregarded her response and forcefully pulled her up the stairs? Are all Michel's girls this impatient and pushy?
Torn gift wraps filled the floor inside Ashley's bedroom. All sat on the floor in a circle with Lucy sitting across from Kristin.
"Ashley…we can open one more gift and I have to go…okay?" A few have already been opened before they came and many more could be seen scattered on the floor. At this rate, it'll take a half hour to open them all.
Ashley agreed and picked up a small box and tore the gift wrap in pieces leaving it all over the floor with other gift wraps.
"Woww…it's beautiful…" Kristin said softly. Not only her, all were mesmerized by what they saw; the brilliance, sparkle, and radiance of the gemstone. This looks...familiar...
"You like it?" Ashley asked.
Kristin does but didn't expect Ashley to give it to her. ".…this is your present. Whoever bought this, bought it for you."
"…mhm...so now I'm giving it to you..."
It's a response that Kristin didn't expect Ashley to say. Even though she has a point, Kristin still doesn't want to accept the necklace. It might have only one diamond, but it appears to be very expensive. "Oh no, I don't think the person who gave this to you would want you to give it away."
"You should take it. It's her way of showing how much she loves you." Alexis urged and took a glance at Keira who also agreed. "Who's it from, Ashley?" Alexis has no plans of calling that person to ask if he/she would mind because most people would. What she is thinking of is how to get Keira to stay for the night not only because she wants her to but because it looks dangerous out there, but she realized later her wish was granted when Scott came in moments later to announce that their car won't start.
"Yay!" Ashley clapped her hands while jumping up and down.
Alexis didn't think Ashley was listening and certainly didn't think jumping with joy would be the appropriate response even though that's exactly how she feels.
"...All the guest rooms are taken. You can sleep in my room tonight. I'll get everything set up."
"What?" This time, Lucy heard and was able to respond fast enough before Alexis could get out of the room. "...Haaa chuu!…excuse me..." This time, she's pretending unlike other times. "...I don't think that's a good idea. I'll just sleep on the couch in the office."
"Actually, there's one more room left, Jehan is sleeping in the office..." It was Jehan's suggestion, Scud explained.
"Oh…good...that works out then..." Knowing that Kristin would be sleeping with Ashley, Alexis couldn't think of another reason so she tried not to show her disappointment as she sat back down on the floor.
12:00AM
Since a lot has happened, falling asleep is difficult especially in someone else's bed. Kristin tried not to think about it, but as soon as she closed her eyes, events that happened that day appeared in her mind; especially the moments she had with the brunette. How could she not think about her when she just spent almost an entire day with her? How could she not think about her, the one who risked her life to save her? If she didn't ask Alexis, she wouldn't have known how Keira got involved. If she didn't ask Scott for more details, she wouldn't have known how they were rescued. Stop it. Stop thinking about her. Lying still on the bed with a pillow over her head, she tried to let her unconscious mind take over. But after 20 minutes, she gave up and decided to do something else instead. Taking a walk might help but she wasn't expecting anyone to be awake at this hour. Who's he talking to?
"Yes, I think I know who …are. I'll send someone...tomor…. Uh huh.. I'll hire more body..s. I'll make ...this won't happen again."
What she heard wasn't clear, but she was able to understand some of it. Hire more bodyguards. That's what Jehan said. Kidnappers, who are they? Is Michel going to call the police? Not today, but maybe tomorrow? So many questions, she doesn't have answers to. Even if she was in her own apartment, she probably wouldn't be able to sleep either.
Who's there?
Hearing a sound, she quickly turned herself around. Keira? Is that you? It couldn't be Alexis because Alexis's bedroom has a bathroom. Through the dark hallway with several night lights, she walked closer to get a better look. The closer she got, the clearer it became. She could see that person holding her stomach, her back slouched, and her legs moved one by one as if she didn't have the strength to lift them up.
"Ohmygod, what's wrong?" She might not be able to see the look on her face, but saw the posture Keira is standing in with her hand holding her stomach, her body leaning against the wall to know there is something wrong.
Having been sitting on the toilet for over half an hour, Lucy can feel numbness in her legs. A tingling sensation prevented her from moving them. If Kristin isn't holding her, she wouldn't have fallen but she did appreciate the support. "...stomach...ache…I'm...fine...now.." Lucy wasn't pretending. That's what happens after eating something she knows she shouldn't eat but couldn't resist. "Thank you." Lucy said in a whisper as she crawled into bed.
Once inside the bedroom with the lights on, her paleness could be seen. "What are you allergic to?"
"lactose"
"Oh…the crème brulee.." No point in asking why she ate it. "Are you cold?" Her forehead is. The way she pulled up the blanket showed that she is.
"…thiiissss…alwaaaays…haaappeeenss…I'll…be…..ok."
"Let me get you some more blankets." There is nothing in the closet. All Kristin found is a bath towel.
"Wh..whaaaatttt…areee…you..you…doiiing?" Lucy asked, unable to stop her teeth from chattering.
Teeth chattering is not something that can be done voluntarily. It's not that she thinks the brunette is pretending, she now only realizes how cold she is. "Is this any better?" A bath towel isn't going to work. What might is using herself to transfer the heat from the palm of her hand onto her pale cold cheek. She didn't noticed before but now could feel the trembling of the brunette's body as she moved herself closer to hers. If it isn't past midnight, she would've called Alexis who no doubt would've gladly volunteered to take her place. Alexis is gay? She had no idea since Michel never mentioned it. Does he know? Does Ashley know?
"We…wwweren't doiiing annnyything…. she..was giivvviing meee a maassaaage."
Did she just... Keira's response made her wonder if she could read her thoughts.
"yoouuu…haaaveee…tooo..believe...me"
"ssshhhhhhh…...I believe you…" It's not to stop her from talking. Kristin truly does believe her. Rejecting Alexis' offer to sleep in the same room was enough to convince her that what she saw wasn't what it looked like.
"I..I... ddon't….th..think …I can go…d..d..d to… the mov vies…toomoorow." Lucy said, knowing full well that Kristin has not yet agreed to their 'date'.
Kristin heard and saw that those eyelids struggling to open. It might be brightness in the room but it's most likely because she's too weak to do so.
"ssssshhhhhh…...stop talking...…get some rest..." If nothing will stop her from talking, she is certain that this will. "I'll take a rain check." Kristin didn't plan on it but didn't see any harm in accepting the invite. It's not a date but she could clearly see the effect of her promise...but that smile along with those dimples disappeared as fast as it came.
