AN: THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR READING. SPECIAL THANKS TO THOSE WHO HAVE TAKEN THEIR TIME TO LEAVE A REVIEW OR A PRIVATE MESSAGE TO LET ME KNOW YOUR OPINIONS AND IDEAS. THEY ARE REALLY WELL APPRECIATED AND ENCOURAGING.
D: LAW AND ORDER SVU AND ITS CHARACTERS ARE NOT MINE.
CHAPTER 55 STUBBORNNESS
—Oh, you are the guest?— He asks without understanding what I meant. I think I will have to speak clearly because I honestly do not want to continue with the subject.
—No, I don't normally celebrate these holidays. I like to spend it alone at home resting.—
—Seriously? Well, there makes two of us.— The young woman arrives with the drinks. I take my straw and it surprises me, because it is not normal, this straw is very big and thick. I inspect it a little trying to understand why?
—It's because of the cassava. It doesn't fit in a normal straw.— Kyle explains, he must have noticed the doubt in my expression.
—Oh ... I've never seen one before.— I assure him.
—Well, try it. If you don't like it, you can ask for something else.— he says kindly. I put the straw inside my glass and I start to absorb the tea and, unexpectedly, I feel my mouth fill with many viscous balls. In a reflex action my body tries to throw them away. I stop drinking to start chewing and avoid choking on them.
—Careful.— Doctor Beresford says hiding a smile behind his expression of concern. I simply try to continue chewing the pile of bubbles that are in my mouth. They are soft and easy to undo, and they are refreshing. Not bad.
—Are you okay?— I nod my head trying to swallow what is left of them. —You should do it slowly.— He decides to explain now that I've already did it wrong and I almost choke on them.
—Don't you say.— I complain making him laugh more. —Once you stop choking they are not so bad.—I let him know my opinion about his strange and delicious drink. I'm getting back my humor... kind of.
—I told you, it's a good combination. But take it easy.— He says, still trying not to laugh more.
The food does not take long to arrive, my stomach roars just as my eyes find the waitress with the couple of dishes on the tray. I know it is our order and I am ready to devour my food.
—Two club sandwiches.— She says, placing the huge plate in front of me. I look at the delicious and huge sandwich which is accompanied by a really green salad. I immediately put my drink aside to start eating.
I don't know if it's because of my hunger but this is delicious, the bread is a little crunchy and the cheese is well melted. I can taste every flavor in my tongue; the chicken, the mayonnaise, the ham and even the lettuce.
—Good?— I look up to see how the doctor looks at me with an expression full of surprise. I can feel the blood rise to my cheeks and the shame invades me. I try to chew more calmly now. I am sure that my cheeks are all swollen because of the huge bite I can't manage to swallow. He just laughs and begins to devour his in the same way maybe trying to be sympathetic with me.
Neither of us uttered a word while we ate. I don't think I had an empty mouth for a second to actually do it, but I've finally finished it... all of it. And I've already ordered another bubble tea, which I take my time to enjoy while chewing on the little balls.
—Delicious, isn't it?— Doctor Beresford says, getting comfortable in his seat.
—Yes. It actually exceeded my expectations.— I express to him while trying to fish another ball. I really feel satisfied even actually a little full, it has been a long time since I remembered enjoying a sandwich so much.
I watch him ask for for the bill while I keep concentrating on the last few balls left in my glass. I try to capture them with the huge straw and savor them slowly. As soon as I see the opportunity I take out my wallet so I can pay.
—This is on me.— He says, taking my money away.
—No, I want to pay, please.— I say with a serious expression. After him giving me a free appointment is the correct thing to do.
—No.— But he is not an easy person.
—Please, doctor, as a thank you.—
—There is nothing to thank me about.— He says taking out his money earning a glare from me. —What a stubborn woman you are.— he complains.
—I can say the same of you, Doctor.— I shoot back. — And I never let anyone pay for my food. We usually take turns to pay...— I try to explain, but my mind freezes in my words. I realize who I'm talking about. Who 'us' means. I am using the present tense as if he were still here. I realize that, in fact, much of what I am used to now, if not everything, goes hand in hand with Elliot. It all comes from his habits, from OUR habits. From every single thing we shared. I am made his way in so many ways. Our way. The wound on my chest begins to burn again only to make me realize I haven't feel it in all my day.
—Well, I won't let you pay.—
—At least let me put the tip?— I try to hide the burning that the memory has brought, but the hormones do not help much.
—No. Let's go now.—He says placing his money on the table and standing up just expecting me to follow. I feel scolded. He is the stubborn one. I let out a frustrated sigh and get up to leave the place. He says goodbye from the distance to the owner and then walks me out the place. The temperature has dropped even more and the snow is beginning to fall in abundance.
—I think it will snow all night.— he complains, covering himself better with his jacket.
—Damn... I should get a taxi, I don't want to be in the street later because the snow will bury me alive.— I say covering myself up. We walked to the avenue to try to get one, but few cars pass and the few taxis are busy. What were you expecting? It is Christmas Eve. I begin to feel frustrated as the wind blows stronger and stronger, making the snow fall on my face.
—You can go now, Doctor. I'll wait.— I say sorry that he is still standing next to me.
—I am not leaving you alone. I think it is better if you come with me and I'll take you in my car.—
—No.— I answer immediately. —You've done enough already. Go home, I will get one.—
—I'll wait with you.— he says without moving a bit. I roll my eyes at his stubbornness. I turn to face him somewhat angry but I'm not complaining, I have learn it won't help much. I'm more focused on the lights that are approaching and passing by.
—There won't be any free.—He says as a father waiting for his kid to understand by himself that his father is been right all the time. —Olivia, it is starting to snow harder, let me take you please.— I don't say anything. I just wait to see if the next light are from a yellow car. They are not. Suddenly I feel how he takes my upper arm and starts to walk.
—No.— I command trying to stop him but he is stronger than me and he manages to make me walk after him.
—God, you are stubborn. The snow is getting heavier.— He complains as he continues practically dragging me. A few months ago, if I wanted to I could have taken him down by now. But today I don't feel strong enough to roll him over my arm.
—I can walk by myself.— I say trying to stop my forced steps. —I can walk to my apartment, doctor.— He stops and let out a big sight as he faces me.
—Why won't you let anyone help you.— He complains. —I know you can walk by yourself but, if something happens to you, I'll felt terribly bad because it is actually not a big deal for me to take you on my car.—
—You are the stubborn one... Kyle.— I state and he just gives me a big white smile.
TO BE CONTINUED...
AN: THANKS FOR READING. LET ME KNOW WHAT ARE YOUR OPINIONS.
STAY SAFE. XO.
