Chapter Five
The driver, ("just call me Willy," he cheerfully said) was very eager and hurried to open the door of the Mercedes Benz for me.
Mission District, where I lived and where the hospital was located, isn't exactly a poor part of town. It's a vibrant and diverse neighborhood known for its murals, lively music scene and delicious Latin American cuisine. One of my favorite spots is Mission Dolores Park, a sprawling green space that offers stunning views of the city and is a popular spot for picnics, sports, and people-watching (which is my favorite pastime because it helps me to study their habits and responses to add to my database of cues and prompts).
In the heart of the park is a very popular historic Catholic church, and though I see people going in and coming out often, I haven't visited it yet.
When I am walking home after a shift, and it's very late at night, I walk past trendy bars and clubs. Sometimes I wish I were like everyone else, and I could go in and mingle, make friends, find a man and laugh as carefreely as they probably felt.
But I love the restaurants and would get a lone booth or corner table and sit by myself and enjoy Mexican taquerias and some good coffee. I enjoyed solitude and never felt lonely. Not most of the time.
I visit the San Francisco Musuem of Modern Art, and admire the work of artists like Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Marcel Duchamp, Frida Kahlo, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol, taking in every detail, stroke and technique. Then I enjoy many excellent art from emerging local talent on display.
As Liam's car swerved around the corner to my block, several passersby pause to glance or stare. The chrome and black exterior, with the tinted glasses, did look 'big' for this neighborhood, and I snuggled deeper into the upholstery, hating the attention.
Willy opened the door for me, touched the tip of his cap and said, "Just let me know if you need help bringing any of the stuff down."
I nodded and hurried up to my apartment.
The drive from Mission district to Seacliff took less than thirty minutes. Willy played classical music and I allowed the cool interior and luxury of the car to help me relax.
I held my breath when I caught a glimpse of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate bridge.
As we drove further, the neighborhood turned quiet and peaceful, with an air of isolation I immediately loved.
Willy said Liam lived at Presidio Heights. He said Liam liked it here because it was quiet. But one glimpse, and I knew it was much more than that. The place was gorgeous.
The gate is made of ornate ironwork, with the property's initials etched into the metal.
I sit forward, awed by the sight before me. We drive through the gate; I am struck by the immaculate landscaping that surrounds the mansion.
The driveway is lined with tall trees on either side, their branches providing a canopy of shade as we make our way up to the front of the house. The gardens and lawns are impeccably maintained, with a variety of colorful flowers and plants adding splashes of color throughout the property.
The sheer size and grandeur of the property strike me.
The mansion sits atop a small hill, allowing it to tower above the surrounding landscape. The front of the house is lined with a series of grand columns, which support the ornate architectural details above. The white marble exterior gleams in the sunlight, adding to the overall opulence of the property.
The mansion is made of gleaming white marble, with columns and ornate architectural details adorning the exterior.
It's almost another three minutes drive to the mansion, and I enjoy every bit of it. Finally, Willy parks in the driveway.
A uniformed butler opens the heavy wooden door. I immediately liked his lined face and white hair.
"Good afternoon, Ms. Emilia. Welcome to Blaine Manor. You can call me Philip. Please come in. Mr. Blaine is expecting you,"
"Thank you," I responded and followed him into the mansion.
As I enter the house, I am immediately struck by the soaring ceilings and the expansive open spaces. The foyer is grand and spacious, with a sweeping staircase and a sparkling chandelier overhead.
Plush carpets line the floors, and expensive artwork adorn the walls.
I glance through large doors and see a spacious and comfortable living room with plush sofas and armchairs arranged around a fireplace. The walls are adorned with more expensive artwork, and large windows provide views of the gardens outside.
The attention to detail and luxury evident throughout the house is amazing.
Philip cleared his throat, and I turned to him, slightly embarrassed to be caught staring.
"It is beautiful here, isn't it?" I nod and he smiled. "Mr. Blaine is in the first floor library. It's the second door to your left on the first landing. You should be able to find it easily." He bowed slightly. "I'll bring you a drink presently."
I smiled and thanked him. He turned away and I climbed the wide staircase to meet Liam.
But when I got to the landing, I couldn't tell if Philip meant my left as I land or my left after I step into the hallway. I shrugged and walked down the wide hall, enjoying the feel of the thick, soft carpet..
I could hear Liam's voice and I hurried toward him. The door to the room he was in was slightly open, and I raised my hand to knock but his words drifted to me and I froze.
"Yes, I feel weaker every day.." He listened then exclaimed, " I don't know if it worked or not, you tell me." Then his voice softened. "I'm expecting someone. A neurosurgeon. If anyone can make this work, she can."
Was he talking about me? I leaned closer, making sure my body was well hidden behind the door.
"Well, she should be here any moment from now. Yeah, sure."
He paused to listen. "Of course, I want to live a longer and heathy life. Why else would I be doing all this? You were on the team of doctors and you know my prognosis said I had less than six months left to live. He sighed, "I hope this experiment of yours is worth it in the end. Yes, I hope she cooperates. I'll do whatever it takes to keep her quiet."
I let out a sharp breath just then and the next minute, Liam had opened the door wide and we were staring at each other.
"Oh God," he groaned. "You have a way of listening in on things that don't concern you, don't you?."
I made to turn and run, but Liam grabbed my arm and pulled me close to his face.
"You heard? Everything?"
I was shaking. I didn't respond.
"Please, Liam. Whatever it is that's going on, leave me out of it. Just let me go home. I - I won't tell anyone. I promise."
His laugh was forced. "I'm sorry, Emilia, but I need you."
"I-I" I was trembling so hard I couldn't get any words out.
Just then, Philip came up behind us. He cleared his throat and Liam let go of my arm, but moved his hand to my wrist, making it look like we were casually touching. But I could feel the steel grasp of his fingers.
"You must have missed your way, Ms. Emilia but I see you found Mr. Blaine. Would you like me to take her to the library, Mr. Blaine?"
"It's alright, Philip. Emelia and I will just talk in my room."
"Very well, sir."
He cleared his throat, "And the drinks? Perhaps Dr. Hemsworth would like something cool."
Liam looked at me, then sighed. "Yes, okay. Put it in the room and leave us alone, Philip."
Liam pulled me into his room and indicated a chair. I sat down while Philp placed the tray he held on the tea table beside me.
He filled two huge glasses from a decanter, bowed and left, quietly shutting the door behind him.
"Emilia, what the hell?" Liam let out a heavy sigh and ran his fingers through his hair.
"What am I going to do with you?" He walked across the large room and sat on his bed.
I saw what I thought was my chance and hurried to the door.
I grabbed the handle with both hands and jerked several times. The door wouldn't budge. How did he do that? Philip just l walked out of that same door.
Liam walked up to me and firmly unclasped my hands from the handle.
He let out a heavy breath. "Emilia. This is not whatever it is you think it is. Okay? I just need your help. That's why I brought you here."
I looked at Liam, and I knew that he wasn't a bad man plotting something illegal. He was just trying to live.
I swallowed hard and nodded.
"So, will you stay?"
"But you refused to tell me the truth in the hospital. You owe me that much."
"I'll tell you everything. But not tonight. And Emelia? You have to stay with me here."
"Here; where do you mean?"
"Here, in my room. We'll share the same room." He said this very casually and walked away.
"I-I can't Liam. You know I can't stay too close to anyone. You know about me."
"I've touched you several times already Emilia."
He came close to where I stood and gently bent to kiss me.
Oh my goodness. Even though I did not expect that, it was very thrilling and my arms went around Liam's neck.
After some time, he lifted his head. "And now I've kissed you, Emelia. You seem fine with me."
He walked over to a phone and put it to his ears.
"We'll be coming downstairs for dinner. Emilia will be staying in my room with me." He put down the phone.
"Liam." I hurried to him, but Liam closed the space between us first.
"Emilia. I am not well. But I've done something that may save my life. I just need you to stay with me for two weeks, let's monitor my progress and when I'm better you can leave if you want to."
"Okay. But I would like my own room." I wanted some privacy in case I had one of my episodes. I didn't need to bring my baggage on Liam right now.
Liam gestured. "Come." he gestured with his palm when I failed to move. "Come."
I slowly walked toward him. He walked to the end of the room and slipped open a door.
"That's your room. The door locks from the inside."
That was when I noticed that Liam's room was not actually a room but a suite.
His bedroom was the central area, but there was a living area through a wide arch and a second, smaller bedroom which was where he called my room.
He stood at the door, holding the door open for me. I stepped into the room, watching his eyes twinkle in amusement.
Liam's suite was white with gold trimming, but the room I stepped into was a luxury haven.
My eyes are immediately drawn to the plush king-sized bed with its fluffy white comforter and pile of fluffy pillows.
The bed sits atop a soft, cream-colored rug, and is surrounded by elegantly carved wooden furniture.
To the left of the bed, there is a beautifully crafted wooden armchair upholstered in a soft, shimmering fabric.
Next to the armchair sits a small table with a delicate, hand-painted vase filled with fresh flowers.
On the opposite side of the room, there is a vanity table with a large, framed mirror. The vanity is adorned with an array of perfumes, creams, and other beauty products.
A plush chaise lounge sits next to the vanity, providing the perfect spot for relaxing and pampering oneself.
The walls are painted a warm, inviting shade of peach and adorned with elegant artwork.
The windows are draped in luxurious, flowing curtains, and the entire room is bathed in soft, natural light.
My hand went to my throat and I let out a breath of pleasure.
"You like it?"
Like it? I loved it. I turned to Liam.
"I do like it." I nodded.
"I'm glad you like it, Emelia." He held me by the shoulder.
"I never once saw you as someone who was autistic. You've always been a beautiful, brilliant doctor to me."
"I'm still unsure what's going on, Liam, but I'll stay. But for now, and for only 2 weeks."
Liam nodded and I felt I needed to explain to him why I needed time to adjust to another person being so close to me.
"Liam, I-" and right before my eyes, Liam slumped to the floor.