A Little Too Dark

Twenty-Three

Although Farrah did notice that her sister was still disturbed by what happened with her at the party – she didn't press Andrea to talk about it. It took her two days to feel normal – whatever drug she was given was strong. Kevin and Rose personally came to see Andrea and to apologize to her – Kevin was very worried and embarrassed by what his sister did while Rose was quiet. Andrea didn't want to drag this matter so she dismissed it and both sisters offered Kevin and Rose to stay for dinner but they both declined. There was visible tension between the siblings that none of them addressed. Even though Farrah was seeing Kevin – she didn't feel like asking him anything – if he wants to – he will tell her himself. It has been days since that event happened and Farrah was hoping that Andrea would come back to her quirky self but it appears to be that she hasn't recovered completely yet.

Andrea couldn't concentrate on her work – all that happened at Lorenzo's place was running through her mind for days. She couldn't help but feel guilty each day. Even though she was drugged, she remembered the most of it, and what she did was not okay – she should not have slapped him. But she has to agree that his reaction to that slap was too intense. Her jaws throbbed for a day. She didn't think that he would manhandle her but then she provoked him as well. She also knew that Lorenzo regretted it as well – he kept himself locked and didn't come out – even after Kevin came to get her. Andy blew her cheeks out and leaned back to her chair – stretching her legs out. It was lunchtime and she decided to go out on a walk – she wasn't very hungry so, she decided to just get some coffee before she returns. There weren't any patients to Dr. Timberlake, so she was asked to take her break a few minutes earlier.

Even when she was out – all she could think about was Lorenzo. For the past few days, all she could think about was him – the guilt was making her mind wandered to Lorenzo. She recalled the first time she met him, then when she met him again in New York. And then all the interactions between them – Lorenzo never seemed happy – he was always so stiff and always had a scowl on his face. Then what happened last week – and the fear that sparked in his eyes when he realized that he was manhandling her. All this time, she used to think that it was her that made him act so rude, but she doesn't think that it was the case any longer. Something was wrong with him and Andy was curious to know what it was. But she would never talk to him about it and nor he will ever want to speak with her either.

Andrea walked into a coffee house and ordered a cappuccino for her – she was about to walk out of the coffee house with her burning drink in her hand when she heard her name being called by a familiar voice. She turned around to see, Roselle standing behind her with her takeaway coffee cup in her hand. She had a hint of a smile on her face. Andy curled her lips into a smile, "Oh – hey, how are you?" She asked and moved aside to let people in and out as she was blocking the way. Rose shrugged and smiled, "I have been better," She replied. Andy smiled and nodded her head. She was a little hesitant around Rose – although she apologized and Andy let it go – she still couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable around her. None of them spoke for a while and Andy was about to excuse her when Roselle broke the awkward silence between the two of them, "Listen, can I please talk to you? If you have time – of course," She added. Andy didn't have any reason not to talk to her. When Rose came with Kevin to apologize to her for her friend's behavior – she didn't talk much. It was like Rose was troubled. Andy smiled, "It is my break time, so why not." She shrugged.

"Oh," Rose exclaimed. "Well, in that case, let me treat you with lunch." Rose offered. Andy shook her head, "Oh no, please – that isn't necessary. I am not hungry." Andy tried to politely decline the offer but Rose insisted, "Please, let me just treat you with some salad – that is the least I can do," Rose said. Andy didn't want to but she couldn't say no to her – it would come as rude if she will decline it after Rose was been so insistent. Andy smiled, "All right then," She said. Rose smiled, "Thank you so much. Come on, let me take you to the place where they have the best range for salads," Rose said as she walked out of the coffee house and Andy followed her out. Rose turned to look at Andy, "It is about ten minutes' drive away from here – hope you don't mind," She said. Although Andy would have preferred to go someplace near so that she doesn't have to take a ride back to work but she was being too polite to decline so, she only shook her head and got in the car with Rose.