BTW, I have not received any kind of profit in the making, publishing or posting of this story. This is purely for creative purposes.
Plot: His vacation plans went sideways when the country went on Covid-19 lockdown. The girl he literally met by accident is on lockdown with him. How does he avoid cabin fever for 14 days and control the attraction he feels for her? (March 9, 2020 Covid-19 lockdown, Philippines.)
Warning: I use a lot of profanity for this story.
Note: 1. Pedro Pascal is the inspiration for this story. (Of course) 2. I named her Aize /ayz/ or /eyes/ (from parts of my real name)
Please don't get confused by my use of pronouns. This is a semi-blended POV. Thanks! Please give me a review and enjoy!
Story Song: Somebody Should Kiss You-Teddy Swims
HIDING PLACE FROM HELL
CHAPTER 14
QD2
Q (Quarantine) Day 2
Most nights are tough.
She lays there in darkness,
overwhelmed by things
she wished she didn't think about.
-o-0-o-
The first thing that registered in my slowly awakening brain was the hum of the AC. I think I woke up quite late. I got a little confused; I had no fucking idea which bed it was I was in. Stumped and a frown on my face, I sat up leaning on the headboard the sheet covering the half of me, tenting on my knees.
Then it all slowly came back to me as I rub my eyes. I could only groan as I got flashes of my 'transgressions'.
Dear lord…I was hit with this intense feeling of shame. Did I do or say another stupid mistake to make matters worse? Fuck! I drew a blank at that part and….I swept the sheets away with a curse. As I dig into my suitcase for something to wear my chest has this heavy feeling. Some items fell out but ….Just get dressed! No, not appropriate for…where the hell is it? I pulled the item from way under the bottom of my luggage and grabbed a fresh pair of pants. I tossed my clothes on the bathroom counter while I quickly check my stubble in the glass before I step into the shower.
Holy…shit! Cold! I shivered as I take the fastest shower I have ever taken. While on it I made sure to scrub all the important areas. But as I dry off my gaze fell on the trash can….damn it! Why does it matter to you? Leave it be!
-o-0-o-
But when I left my room the first thing that hit me was how quiet the whole house is. I felt a little unsettled….and it was a big letdown.
As I set about to look for Aize I went in all the doors and rooms in the house but no Aize in sight. Where in hell did that woman go?
The blue file I placed on the long wooden chair is still there. I recognize the same file folder with the crease on the edge that my hand left a mark. That was when I wanted to satisfy my curiosity last night. That's your effing karma, John. Did you like what you discovered?
Something new caught my eye on the table. I got excited as I picked up a white file folder with my name on it boldly written with a sharpie. Unbelievable! There were about three and a half pages of detailed instruction for me from how to access the internet, emergency contact people, the number of the guards at the gate. There were other lists of food delivery websites and apps, delivery companies…wow! There's even a brochure of a menu and contact number for the catering company if I want food delivered to me.
I picked up another note on the lazy Susan written in Aize's penmanship. It says what I need to do about my breakfast or lunch. Great, as if on cue my stomach grumbled. I found my food in the fridge in two labeled Pyrex glass containers and nuked it according to instructions, including, curiously, one egg. While I wait for my food the instant coffee further woke me up as I leisurely drink it by the kitchen counter. I turned in quite late after our midnight dinner...did she...did she even sleep? When did she manage to cook this food and prepare what's in that file? And now she's up and about?
I mull as I figure out what to do with my day without Aize. My frustration is now coupled with intense dismay. I wanna see her.
I glance at my watch; I assumed it would be about early morning in the States by now. I need to get in touch with some people and I hope that it would not be too late for them. I should've set my alarm but then I had to turn my phone off for my peace of mind.
At the ding, I carefully took my heated food from the microwave and as instructed I dumped the egg in the hash-looking dish. Shit, that smells great! The smell of the food had me moving quickly; I placed the containers, my file and my coffee on a tray and carried everything back to my room.
Before I entered my door I stopped for a moment in case Aize appears somewhere. But nope, still nothing.
I sighed in disappointment; I really want to thank her for all the effort she put forth to make me feel comfortable. Me, a stranger she had met in a bizarre situation, who took advantage of that situation but instead she allowed me in her house, even convinced me to stay not knowing what kind of person I am. But she can take care of herself…more than take care of herself.
That is total badass. She's a badass.
I devoted my attention to the food before it got cold while I wait for Zoom to connect. I groaned at the first taste of my meal. Oh my God. What the hell is this?! It reminded me of a kind of Spanish food I had a long time ago….
"John? My God, are you okay?"
"Hey, dad." I put down my lunch and wiped my mouth with one of the linen napkins. "I'm okay. Sorry I called la…"
"Good grief, where are you? Wait, let me get your…" Dad grunted to get off the bed.
"Dad…wait dad!" I held up a hand, I gestured on me and him. "I just want us…"
"Hm?" The video wobbled as my dad sat up from the bed, hand blindly reaching. "Oh. Okay."
"Just a few inches. Over…a little more…" I pointed at his glasses on the side table to his right.
"Right." Glasses placed precariously on the tip of his nose dad looked at the time on his own device. "What time is it there? I was getting worried…"
I checked and told him the time. "I'm okay." I nodded, hand on my chest to reassure him, "I really am."
Dad squinted at what's behind me, leaning forward, "Is that your hotel?"
I smiled, "No, it's not. It's a house." I suddenly remembered Aize's words from last night…"I'm in a house. It's a…uh…a long story…" the coffee got a little cold but it's still great.
"Hey, that country is on lock down now. Is it dangerous there?"
"Yeah, they locked down yesterday. It happened after I landed…" I smiled. "And no, it's not dangerous here, dad. It's actually very quiet. It's not like back there. I'm safe here."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I am, dad. I couldn't get any ride for fucking six hours. I even offered extra tip. I was getting kinda desperate. Then…." I looked away as there was a slight pinch in my throat. "I was really lucky, dad…I...I…I have a safe place to stay. I'm here having good food…"
"Um-hmm." My dad leaned back, scratching his head, "So…who is she?"
"Uh…what?"
"The girl." Dad shrugged. "Woman?"
"No, I never said…"
"No. That's why." Dad chortled. "You forgot who you talking to?"
"I wouldn't even ask how you knew…"
"I still got it!" Dad just shrugged. "What's her name?"
"Aize."
"Cool name." Dad and I chuckled at his pun. "Hey. Is she there?"
"I dunno. "I shook my head.
"What are you eating?"
"It tastes like Spanish food. Picadillo? Man, its good."
"She cooked it?"
"I guess she did."
"So where is she?"
"Maybe she's out. I woke up more than an hour ago." I picked up the Pyrex container again. The smell beckons to me. "The house is empty, I think. I'm not sure where she is right now. She must be busy."
"Busy? What does she do?"
"From what I learned she owns her own company. I'm living in her house right now and, dad, its …Look…" I turned the laptop for him to see my room.
"Wow!"
"Yep." I faced the laptop back. "I'll take some pictures when I have the time."
"Yes, you do that." My dad is an over thinker; if he doesn't see any proof of how safe I am…You know how parents are. "So…how long have you known her?"
"How long?" I smirked and shook my head, "Just yesterday..."
"What?"
"Yes. Just yesterday."
"Madre mia. Where?"
"At the airport…" my dad remained open jawed. "I…I need your help, dad..."
"Oh? What's wrong?"
After more or less twenty minutes of listening, interrupted here and there with questions Dad scratched his head, giving a deep sigh of disappointment. "What's …oh, son…" He gave me a look that meant 'what the fuck?'"
I shrugged, face partly hidden in my hands. "Sleepless for thirty-one hours dad! You know what that does to me!"
"I feel embarrassed for you."
"You and me both."
"We will talk again…I'm sleepy. For now, you," dad pointed at me with his spectacles, "figure out not fuck up anymore, okay?"
-o-0-o-
The toothbrush was frozen midway in my mouth when I suddenly noticed something weird to my left. I took slow steps towards that bizarre thing that caught my eye: there was a clean crack on the left side of the wall at about 2.5 meters high.
What the fuck…?! I felt goosebumps crawl my skin when I gently pushed it with a finger and the crack gave.
No. Let me correct myself; it wasn't a crack in the wall but a door! A fucking hidden door….!
I put down my toothbrush on the dark granite counter and gingerly pulled the hidden door further away.
Judging from what I see that's obviously a walk-in closet. There's a single dormer window on the right flanked by various kinds of shelves and two wide but empty closet bars. The same familiar herringbone layout parquet flooring continues inside.
I slowly and quietly enter when I spotted something a little out of place in this room.
I stepped as quietly as I could to where Aize lay sleeping. I'm still kinda blown away how I could have missed that freaking door…but I was not myself for two days so that explained it somewhat. Hands on hips I noted that most of her stuff is here and it looks like this room is her bedroom and workplace.
Why?
Aize lays on her stomach clutching a pillow. Fast asleep. I slowly hunkered down. One of her earbuds lay on the sheet… Hey, it's still playing her selection.
'Whoa!' was the only thing I could gasp as I she grabbed me by the hand and pulled me into bed. Shit! Here we go again!
My wrist held firmly, Aize scooted over to give me space, she pulled at my shirt to maneuver me on my side facing her then hooked an arm over my waist. I suspect she was still asleep when all this happened. I hope. I pillowed my head on my bent arm and other than that I couldn't move a muscle. The arm around my midriff would tighten every now and then. Goddamn! She is effing strong! It was fine at first except when my entire side began to go numb.
If I move just a few inches the arm tightened hard around me.
If I freeze, it loosened.
I looked down worriedly as Aize began trembling and then tears flowed. My ears perked up when she called out a name softly in her sleep. She mumbled something in her language. Aize seemed to calm a bit when I combed her hair with my fingers. That's good.
"John?" she murmured sleepily. She pushed away from me, tense, "Whatthe …"
"Wait. Hear me out. You did this." I hastily explained in case I get a knuckle sandwich. "Not me."
"You sure…?"
"Yes! I'm sure! I'm not fond of what you did to me yesterday. One demo is good enough." I tried to move away but that arm kept a hold of me. "Don't you wanna let go of me now?"
"Why?"
I snorted, "Uh… because you're awake?"
"So?"
"You don't need me as a pillow."
"Hm, you're a warm pillow."
"This pillow is numb." I grimaced, my bicep felt tight.
"Where are you numb?"
"The entire right side." I pointed where, "Dead."
"Zombie..." she made a face. "Do you want to turn to your other side?"
"You're….you're still not letting go of me?"
"Nope."
"Is this my punishment?"
"You think this is a punishment?" A combination of surprise and dejection flowed and ebbed on Aize's face.
"Yes." I admitted. "Kinda."
"Oh." She lowered her eyes. Then she loosened her hold. "There. You're free." She whispered. When I didn't budge she completely lifted her arm off of my waist, "You're free."
Shit. Now I felt like a cad. Dad's words came back to me. Mend. Mend. "Uh…maybe let me turn to the other side."
"No, you're free…"
"I know."
She frowned, "What are you doing?"
"Uh, turning?" I paused, about to cross over her.
She shook her head. "Not that way." She looked a little uncomfortable.
"So, how what way?"
"You go this way." She pointed and then moved a little back into the wall.
"Ah…let me get up." I stood up and went to the other end of the bed, stretching my arm.
"Thanks." She seemed to relax. "Is it better this way?" I got another pillow to lay my head on.
"It's painful."
"Pins and needles." She runs her hand on my arm.
"Ow! Yeah!"
"Ooops! Sorry." She grimaced. "John….did I…"
"Did you… what?"
"Uh…did I talk in my sleep?"
I nodded. "Yeah."
"Shit!" she quieted. "What did I say?"
"Uh…"
"Uhm…did I say a name?"
"Uh yeah…you did."
"Shit." she murmured, looking away. "Of course you wanna know who that is, right?"
I shrugged. "Of course…but if you don't…"
"Is it Ross?"
"Uh-huh," I took a deep breath, "is he your lo…"
"He's dead."
"Sorry…"
"He OD'd seven years ago."
"Shit!"
"He took the car and went to our vacation house and went on a drug spree…I thought he was just working…stupid idiot."
"So how long have you been…"
"I've taken care of him when he gets bad."
"That must be tough. Did you…did the two of you go to counseling?"
"Only him." She looked at me with a frown "Counseling? Me?"
"Uh…couples usually…"
"Couples?"
"Uh yeah…"
"He's not my husband."
"Boyfriend?"
"Brother."
"Shit!"
"Yeah." She rolled her eyes. "Shit is right."
There was a long pause that was kinda awkward but nice also.
"Your turn."
"On what?"
"Short story. I told you mine."
"Uh, okay. What do you wanna know?"
"Who is Hell?"
"Why do you think it's a person?"
"It was calling you."
"Oh…"
"She a girl or a boy?"
"Girl."
"Why'd you call her Hell?"
"She was turning my life into one."
"Sucks." She murmured. "She your ex?"
"Not even."
"One night stand?"
I snorted. "She wishes. But no."
"Stalker?"
"Somewhat."
"Bummer…" she sniffed. "Why is she stalking you?"
"For a role."
"Really? People do that?"
"Just her."
"She any good?"
"Not really…" I relented. "Okay. A little."
"Is she in love with you?"
"Maybe. I don't care."
"So you're hiding from her."
"That was the idea."
"Wait one." She frowned deeper, "You said you were in logistics."
"I am…was."
"Then?"
"I got into theater…I was very good at it and now I write plays."
"I'm not much into theater."
"Ouch."
"I'm a Philistine."
"There is still hope."
"I dare you to try." Eyes closed she settled back in her pillow, a small smile on her lips.
"Aize…" I whispered and she opened one eye. "Why are you here?"
"Here, as in sleeping here, you mean?"
"Yeah."
"Many reasons."
"The first?"
"It's quiet."
"Second?"
"Ross…Ross needed help…when…" she shrugged, eyes going deep in memory.
"Withdrawal?"
"That was hell…he didn't like rehab."
"Let me guess, his room's my room?"
"Do you mind?" she slightly pushed against my chest to see my reaction. "Does it bother you?"
"No, it's cool." I reached for a stray lock of her hair and played with it. "Thank you for my lunch."
"Did you like it?"
"It was great! How did you find the time?"
"Couldn't sleep." The back of her hand pillowed her head, "I've never slept in the evening in a long time…"
"Why?"
"Ross and other reasons…"
"What do you do at night?"
"Same as normal people but at night. I like the quiet."
"Right."
"Do you have family?"
"Yes."
"How many?"
"Seven, including two nieces and one nephew."
"Lucky you."
"You?
"Just me."
"What?" I rose to my side more. "Why?"
Aize cupped my cheek, her thumb on my lips. Her eyes stare at my mouth as her thumb slightly stroke my lower lip. "It's time to get up."
"Uh, okay" I felt a little breathless. "…sure."
"Coffee is calling."
-o-0-o-