CHAPTER 29: AFTERMATH II
On seeing James, Harry chuckled and called out from across the room, "I thought you were bringing the new Mrs. James! Don't tell me I left my lovely wife at home just to see your familiar face."
James offered a wry grin and met his friend's gaze. "Where's the, uh, stuff?" He stretched out a hand, anticipating the package.
Harry settled on the sofa, his bag thudding softly on the coffee table. He pulled out a pain relief cream and some pills, holding them out with a concerned look. "James, what happened this time? Don't tell me you already beat her to a pulp."
James's eyebrows shot up playfully. "Cut the dramatics, Harry. Just give me the meds and scoot back to your wife."
Harry rolled his eyes but handed over the supplies. He zipped up his bag and rose, grumbling, "At least you could've brought her along. Jared won't stop raving about his sister-in-law in the group chat. He says she cooks like an angel and keeps you whipped."
James blinked at the last part, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face. He stayed silent, and Harry continued, mimicking Jared's voice, "Now we're all dying to meet her, this mysterious woman who has you tamed. The African Queen, he calls her." Harry chuckled, but the humor didn't quite reach his eyes.
James offered a tight smile. "She's not ready to meet the pack yet, Harry. She's... shy and new to all this. Wouldn't want you lot scaring her off with your bad jokes and wicked antics."
Harry's brow furrowed. Was that the truth, or just a convenient excuse? He decided not to pry. "Alright, alright," he conceded, clapping James on the shoulder. "I'll leave you to your love nest. Wouldn't want to be here if she came down and caught me."
James chuckled and escorted him to the door. They exchanged a final nod, and Harry hopped into his car, the weight of unspoken questions hanging heavy in the air. He pulled away, leaving James standing alone on the porch, a hint of mystery clinging to him like the setting sun.
As Harry drove home, he couldn't help but ponder his friend's new life. A flicker of concern crossed his mind, but James seemed happy, and that was all that mattered for now.
James returned upstairs, finding Diana still in the same spot, now absorbed in her phone. "Diana," he called softly. She looked up, startled, to see him holding a bottle of water.
He sat beside her, concern etched on his face. "I need you to take this for your pain, alright?" Diana's eyes widened as she saw the tablet in his hand. Shrinking back, James realised she flinched and got scared easily at the sight of pills. He wanted to laugh, but sensing her distress, held back.
"Diana, come on," he coaxed. "This will help the pain go away. Please."
Diana shook her head, panic creeping into her voice. "No, I don't want it."
James sighed. "How about a deal? Take this, and I'll get you a special gift."
She scoffed. "I don't want your gifts." She protested strongly.
"Then tell me what you want, anything, if you just take the medicine," he pleaded.
"What i want is to not take the medicine James". Diana squeezed her eyes shut, offering silence instead and pitiful sobs.
Exasperation flickered in James's eyes. He gently pulled her legs onto his lap, drawing her closer.
"Diana," he murmured, his voice softer than usual. "This is important. Please, take the medicine and stop crying."
Tears streamed down her face as she shook her head, whispering, "I'm allergic to medicine", she blurted. "I swear, I promise I'll do anything else, anything at all. Just not that." Diana said in a desperate attempt to dissuade him.
James's brow furrowed. Her fear was genuine, and her offer tempting. He had a long list of things she could do, but her health came first. And why the fuss over a single tablet, she always seemed strong on the surface, but she was just another weak woman and one he especially wanted to protect with his life.
"Diana," he said firmly, "you're not allergic. I checked with the doctor. This medication is safe." He held the water and tablet out again.
Diana: .....!
She hesitated, then blurted, "What if I throw it up?"
James smiled reassuringly. "We'll handle it. Don't worry."
Just when she was about to protest again, James said in a threatening tone having had enough of her protest. "Diana if you don't take this medicine now, i will..,.....!"
Diana didn't wait for him to finish. her fears slowly gave way to resignation. She took the medicine, staring at him with tear-filled eyes.
"You are really going to force me right?" she accused, her voice barely a whisper.
James met her gaze, his expression serious. "If it means you getting better, yes." He paused, then added gently, "This is my fault, remember? I'm trying to make things right."
"Well i don't fucking want you to anyway".
James ignored her and said instead. "Diana take the water, this is for your own good".
Diana looked away, her resentment softening as James handed her the water.
"Just a little sip," he instructed. "Tilt your head back and swallow quickly."
She did as he said, the medicine disappearing down her throat. A shudder ran through her, followed by a gag reflex. James rubbed her back, encouraging her to drink more water.