A1.
…
The chiming of the grandfather clock sat uneasily on Yehezkel's nerves.
This wasn't the first nor was it going to be the last time he spends an entire noon at the doctor's office.
The door sprang open and he watched his doctor take a seat behind his desk.
Doctor Juan Roberts.
Among the top in the list of best doctors. He had wined and dined with the Fionns for as long as Yehezkel could remember and yet a cure, he was yet to achieve.
"How was your time with the nurses? "Juan turned from his files and computer to the young man, "Comforting, yes?"
"Mm" he nodded.
"Come on, you don't have to be so dull"
"Hanging out almost every noon in the hospital isn't so jolly now, is it?"
Juan feigned a thinking expression, "Mmm, but you're getting better -at least, by the records", he smiled.
"Are we done here?" Yehezkel rose to his feet carefully.
"Hey" Juan called out, "Have fun alright -be careful, but have fun" he paused a bit on his words, watching the tall young man, straighten out his suit while lifting up his overcoat, "I would have seen you out but I'm – "he paused again, shaking his head in a sigh.
"-Busy" they both echoed before falling into a light pause, "Next week?"
Juan nodded, "See you next week" and just like that, the tall young man walked away, out the door.
…
He could act uptight but Juan knew that deep down, he was still a good boy, just cautious. It wasn't out of the ordinary especially considering his situation.
The first and only son of the Fionns, the weight of such responsibilities Juan couldn't bear to imagine, from the companies to handle to the constant societal speculation and overview of his status to the subtle pressures of nestling his own future family as most are unaware of his grievous ailment.
Juan had watched the boy grow up and saw how fast he had to mature to learn to take care of himself and then, his younger sister.
Yehezkel sat back on the cushions of the back seat with a small sigh, while his Personal Assistant, Lyon Dickson, worked quietly on his iPad.
"A quick briefing?" Lyon spoke, his eyes steady at his iPad.
"Very quick" Yehezkel shut his eyes.
"From the last discussion in the meeting with Mrs. Ryan, 'Ryan Corps' has decided to go forward with the deal, some documents have been sent for you to sign, your lawyer has gone through, made the adjustments so the final copy is what has been sent and needs your signature"
He nodded.
"Starlight Media, Rocks Media and Holland Media have been seeking your approval for an interview, they promise its only a few questions in regards to speculations going on in social circles"
Yehezkel sighed again, "What exactly are the speculations?"
"Something around, your future plans, the merger of a sub company under your name with that of the Rashards leading to fueled rumors between you and the only daughter of the Rashards"
"Dear God" Yehezkel twirled his finger in the small between his brows, "Anything for entertainment and gossip"
"But sir, you are passed 30"
"I see it's about time for your retirement" he turned to Lyon who now shot him a small smile.
"I mean no harm"
"Are there anymore task left?" He asked, looking away.
"Just some, submitted files that need your proofing and signature"
… "We head home then"
In a minimalist living room, Athena walked, looking round at the plain grays and colorless art frames that sat still on the plain walls.
She promised herself not to judge the owner's taste but what she had just walked into was similar to a person with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
The order at every corner of the room struck the eye like a sore thumb.
"Urgh" she groaned.
The color palette of the room felt strict, coerce yet quiet with sharp edges and rounded silhouettes but she had come with an intention, a solution.
'Plants'.
The slow yet steady sound of the entrance door echoed in the room, she turned in expectance.
Soon, her eyes fell on the tall young man who had just walked in.
"Hmm? who do we have here?" he said dramatically as he feigned a confused look.
"Athena Fionn" she flipped her polished, long wavy hair with sass, "The goddess of wisdom and beauty -obviously"
He smiled warmly, "You're not that pretty"
She turned to him, stunned at such a remark, 'Why are brothers so annoying?' she thought within her before swallowing down and turning away as if looking for something while speaking in a loud mumble "That's why you have no girlfriend, you know no taste"
"Say that again" he dared her
She went quiet before changing the subject,
"I'm hungry, isn't there something to eat? I've been waiting"
…
"You came unannounced that's what you deserve"
She turned to him in a pleading pout and slowly, he walked over and flicked her forehead.
"Ow" she winced
"Stay for dinner" he smiled down at her, "My chef brought packed food for the day, earlier this morning" he paused, loosening his tie gently, "I'll get it done after my bath"
"I'll do it" she added.
She watched his body shift with discomfort at her words, "If you're worried about me getting hurt -don't" he said somewhat sternly, "I'm not diseased just sick"
"I know" she bent to the side to meet his eyes playfully, "I can't wait for your bath, just so you know"
He nodded and walked away.
…
He was cautious. Always so cautious and Athena understood this.
People thought him to be too busy with work to find a partner but really, he was just scared. Scared to depend, scared to lose control over situations, scared of being throw back to that past of great helplessness.
…
Athena set the table and sat quickly, sipping slowly on water while catching unto the trends through her phone.
Yehezkel walked over and took a seat,
"How was your day?"
She put down her phone and watched him put together his cutleries before resuming to eat.
"Wasn't the best of days but was alright" she paused, "You?"
"I met with Doc", he paused, shooting a glance at her mid chew. She did same.
"He says I'm getting better -by the records"
"Do you believe?"
He chuckled, "I used to" paused, "Not so much now"
The subtle sadness from his words, enveloped the cold, monochrome room and suddenly, Athena couldn't help but bite back tears, much less discuss plants.