Chapter 25: Caring
When Edward opened his eyes, sunlight was streaming in through the window. When he glanced over at the bed, he noticed Cassandra sitting on a chair, arms crossed, observing him.
"I thought you were supposed to keep me awake?" she joked. Standing up to stretch, attempting to work out the kinks in his back and shoulders. He then walks and sits next to her on the bed.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to drift off to sleep, but at least you're fine now," he said, moving a piece of hair away from her face. He was about to kiss her when a voice interrupted him midway.
"Mommy." Akia's squeals were loud as she ran towards Cassandra. Edward was able to catch her before she had the chance to jump on the bed. "Hold on, honey. Don't jump on Mommy, she's still sore. " Edward said.
Akia dashed downstairs for food after a cuddle and some hugs and kisses. She'd been going down ahead of the others lately to sit in the kitchen with Maria.
Back upstairs, Edward inquired, "Do you feel better now?"
"Y-yes," she replied as she look away.
"Good, I have a few things to take care of. Maria cook something up for you," he said, and when he went to kiss her, she moved her head away, which cut him deeply.
"All right then, I'll see you later," he said as he turned and exited the room.
Cassandra noticed the hurt look on his face as she turned away, refusing his kiss. He was hurt, but he said goodbye and left without saying anything. She felt terrible, but in order not to lead him on, she had to stop him from kissing her, to make him realize there would be no more between them because she had already gone too far.
Cassandra closed her eyes, and she fell asleep quickly. Edward went downstairs to check on Akia, who was sitting with Maria and eating french toast and fresh fruit. "Honey, daddy needs to go out for a while, listen to Maria and the others," he said to his daughter, to which Akia simply nodded.
Then Maria ate breakfast and went up to Cassandra, while Edward kissed and hugged Akia goodbye before leaving. His first stop was at Greg's house, where Edward tightened his belt because he can't wait to punish Greg for what he did to his beloved Cassandra.
~
Cassandra was sleeping when she became aware that someone was in her room with her. When she opened her eyes, she saw Edward sitting in the chair next to the bed, his eyes closed. His right hand was wrapped in bandages. When she sat up, he opened his eyes and smiled at her.
"What happened to your hand?" she inquired.
He chuckled as he lifted his hand to look at it. Someone's face collided with her fist.
"Oh, what did you do to Greg? "She asked, fearful of the answer.
Edward sighs and shakes his head. "Don't worry about him. I convinced Greg to turn himself into the police, so he's now in jail, and we won't see him again. So don't be afraid anymore. I'm just here, and I'm going to protect you from those who want to hurt you," Edward said as he attempted to kiss her forehead.
"I'm sorry you hurt your arm because of me," she apologized.
"This," he said, holding up his hand, "is nothing, sweetie. You and Akia are always my priority." Cassandra then felt sometimes her heartbeat as she blushed secretly.
"Edward, why would you have someone like that working for you? He does drugs and drinks a lot; I'm sorry, but I don't want Akia around that. My daughter is so precious to me and I don't want her to be endangered to that kind of bastard."
"I only decided to hire him as a favor to his sister; Greg had promised me he had stopped doing drugs or drinking, and I did believe him, but somewhere inside I was never really certain of that, and I would never have anyone around Akia who could be a danger to her," Edward explained.
She points to the small plastic bag beside the chair. "What exactly is in the bag?"
Edward picks it up and places it on the mattress before trying to hand it to her. "I stopped in the city and got you this. Akia says it's your absolute favorite sweet."
She laughs as she takes the chocolates from the bag, a hearty laugh that lights up her face.
His pupils dilated. "What's so hilarious about it?" he inquired.
"You've been conned, our child; chocolates are Akia's favorite, not mine."
"That little sneak," Edward said as he shook his head and laughed.
Akia burst through the door. "Daddy, you're back," she said, carefully climbing up onto the bed so she didn't hurt her mother. She smiled as she saw the box of chocolates.
Edward supported the box. "I thought you said these were your mother's favorite."
"No, I forgot to tell you, daddy, that mommy's favorite is a chicken burger with double patty," she said as she looked at the box of chocolates.
Edward and Cassandra exchanged smiles, realizing Akia knew exactly what she was doing.
When Edward opened the box, he asked if she likes one. Akia turned to face Cassandra, who smiled and said yes. Edward scooped up Akia after they had all had one.
"We're going to let you get some rest now, and I'll be up later to check on you," Edward said as they exited the room.
When Cassandra awoke from her nap, Edward asked how she was going.
"I'm feeling better, just a little sore, but I can manage myself, we need to go back to Manila now. How is everyone? "She inquired.
Looking back at her, he could tell she was bored and possibly irritated and lonely. Taking her robe, she instructed it was up to her to put it on.
"What is that look?" she inquired.
"I'm taking you downstairs so you can be with the others, I know you're bored here," he replied, picking her up and walking downstairs.
She gave him a friendly smile. "You should put me down before you hurt your back." Cassandra couldn't help but blush as she sensed his genuine feelings for her.
"I carried you for 3 miles the other day; I think I can handle a few stairs," he says, his dimples showing. "Aside from that, you're as light as a feather."
"But Edward," Cassandra grumbled, "we need to go back now."
"Just give me this day. I'll promise I won't stop you from leaving tomorrow. Just give me this day to enjoy it with you and Akia. You know how much I love you, Cassandra, so I hope you can give me this moment to treasure this day with you," Edward said.
She couldn't help but be turned on by what he said, and he was so strong as he carried her down the stairs with effortlessness.
