Today Ralph was getting discharged, and I was helping him pack his things. It's been 10 days since he was hospitalized. Thank God he is safe for now.
Everyone was waiting outside. I don't want things to drift the same way as before, not this time.
After packing his stuff, I called my assistant and informed him to carry the luggage to the car. "Hold on, why? My assistant is on his way."
Well, it's showtime. Damn, suddenly I am feeling sweaty all over. "Because you are going to stay with me." Ralph was perplexed clearly confused. It was only for a few seconds all of a sudden there was angry mode. By crossing his arms over his chest. "And why would I do that?"
There were so many snarky comments that were lingering on the tip of my tongue, which I just held back in time. It was not time for this, showcasing his stupidity. "You need change and also you need to take a break from the so-called things that swore to ruin you." "Thanks, but I can take care of everything. Inform your assistant to get my luggage back." I huffed. My patience is depleting, and I am going to lose it, though. "Ralph." "What? Fuck off from my life, got it. I can fucking take care of myself."
He is clearly boiling, and I should be damn careful about my words. I am a great example of minding my damn business, and without turning back, I would walk out from this ward telling him to fuck himself. I would trust me without any remorse; I would, if only there were someone else in Ralph's place. This was Ralph, who didn't know the effect he had on me.
"The recent incident is proof of how you are good at it." He was silent. I tried my best not to bring up the incident, but I had to. Whatever happened is not healthy, and we need to have a long conversation about how things turned this way. It was not the right time and place. I need to get into the depth of this with him at the right time and in the right state of mind.
"If you go back to your apartment or your parent's place, you know how things will turn out. It's high time you needed a break from everyone." All of a sudden, his features turned soft. That's a good sign, right? I exhaled relief when I saw his face. "You are right. It's high time I need a permanent break from everyone, including you." My breath hitched. Only if I could grab the chance of these words and escape like before.
In the past, I would always find an opportunity against him; if I found one, I would grab it, stick to it, dwell on it, and never discuss it. The word coward is getting stronger and stronger as the day passes, and realization has started hitting me. I wanted to argue that Ralph was an equal contributor to whatever I had done and felt.
Is it? Didn't you force him somehow?
My mind and heart both mocked me at the same time. They were the ones to blame when things went the opposite way. They were the ones not getting along when it came to Ralph. Now they are teaming up to mock me, like seriously.
Am I making any sense?
"Ralph, please listen to me once, just this one. You can't stay in your apartment. Asher will find some opportunity to speak with you, and I know the aftereffects. Please stay with me, and I promise I won't cross my limits. Please, I beg you." "How many times do I need to tell you that I can take care of myself? Mistakes happen, and I am not going to repeat it. Got it." "I know you are not going to repeat your mistake, but what about Asher, your parents, and friends? They are not going to let you live peacefully, and right now you need a break from them, especially from that elite jerk. For the time being, stay with me, please."
Patients should not contemplate so much in the given condition, and I badly wanted to give that suggestion. I saw his features engrossed in mind-battling, and I wanted to remind him that he is patient, and it's bad for his health. Also in the given condition, there is a high chance of patients losing their patience, and these days, nothing is working my way, so it's better to shut than sprout.
Holding back something is so stressful I never knew it. I was good at ignoring or not addressing it, and I thought the problem would be solved that way; never in my dreams did I think a day would come when it would start to bite back.
The first step when realization started to hit was followed by Ralph needing a damn break from me.
I need a break from this guilt trip; alone, I am not responsible. I wanted to shout, but my mind was fast enough to taunt me for feeling this way. This day could not get any better.
"I get your point; at the same time, I don't think I need to stay with you. I got money. I will use some means and this time I will damn well make sure to stay the hell away from whomever I want. Do I make myself clear, or do you want me to repeat it?"
I wish I could google the person who phrased the sentence, 'Patience is a bloody virtue.' I sighed loudly; clearly, this was going nowhere, and for the first time, I was not backing down from this or anything related to Ralph.
I need some kind of encouragement, like something my energy is bloody draining, and it's not the best time to think about our sex to gain some encouragement. He should stop fuming at me like I am the bloody responsible for the whole thing; technically, I am not, ironically, too. I gulped when it was slipping as yes.
"Ralph, 3 times you have forgiven that elite scumbag. Suddenly there was a pang in my heart when I thought of Ralph and how lucky that bastard was. How can he be so lucky in getting masked of his betrayal and grabbing a bloody chance with the same person? I can guarantee that once you step out from this ward, you are going to repeat your mistake. You need to get stronger to work this out, and for that, you need time and to stay away from a few things. Trust me, money doesn't solve everything, especially heart problems. I wish I could muster up and say I was the live example.
I achieved and earned everything; I thirsted for my craving for money, but I couldn't get over my yearning. I don't know why, but I can't let him slip away this time. I should make sure he is coming with me to my damn flat. I can't let that bastard win over Ralph once again. Asher will start plotting, but before that, I should make sure of so many things. I need Ralph by my side; this time I should make sure he stays by my side.
Ralph was in deep thought; he knows every word of mine is so fucking true still, struggling to agree with me. I am not a cruel person, can't he just say yes and come with me? Common, show some mercy for God's sake things happen. It's not like the first time for both of us as you are good at getting swamped by a bloody betrayer again and again. Why the hell so much thinking to come with a genuine guy like me?
Suddenly, Ralph turned toward me with a sharp gaze, and I couldn't believe it, in a fraction of a second my angry mode totally turned into a pitiful one. I never thought I was this talented.
"I need my space when I stay with you." Like I would be all over him once he entered my flat. I can do a lot together in my dream. "Of course, Ralph, you know me. I am not good when it comes to a few things, but when it comes to character, you know how I am. Rest assured." He nodded his head.
Ralph got up from the bed and once again glanced at the ward to check if he left anything and met my eyes. "We should get going, I guess." I nodded my head. Ralph started walking, and I followed him.
As we exited the ward, his parents approached him, followed by his friends, of course, the asshole with concerned eyes. Why the hell is this guy even allowed around Ralph after everything is beyond me?
Asher approached Ralph in the same pathetic state and hugged him tightly. Everything about him gets really interesting. I couldn't help but cringe at the sight. Oh god, he started plotting.
"Thank God, you are finally discharged. I am going to take a break from my schedule and look after you, I promise." And I coughed at that, which gained everyone's attention. Oh, please don't give me that bloody look.
"Let's go, Ralph." He held Ralph's hand I didn't waste a second before removing his hold harshly. "Ralph is coming with me to my place." He was shocked, including his parents. "You've got to be kidding me, right?" "I wish I were." I didn't want to deal with this jerk right now; it's not the right time. I started dragging Ralph; thankfully, Ralph didn't protest.