THE GOOD SISTER

Chapter 7 - Justify

"Ron........was it the same for you with Diane? I can talk about it now, I'm sorry I never gave you the chance to explain. I'm just trying to understand what happened to us. Maybe if I do, I can decide if I want this thing with Jay to continue."

"Dei, Diane was just friendly. She's a neighbor, she's close to my mom and visits our house sometimes. I know it's a little daunting for you to know that someone like her visits us at home. I started confiding in her when you became distant."

"But you were kissing her, Ron."

"Yes, and I deeply regret doing that to her. She was there for me as a friend when you caught us. I was drunk and I made a pass at her."

"But she didn't stop you, right?"

"Maybe because she understood I needed that moment to feel better about myself. I don't know."

"Do.......do you still see her?"

"She's still a friend, we're still close."

"So it's possible for him to succumb to this girl sooner or later? Please Ron, be honest with me."

"I don't know him, Dei. It's hard to say. Over there, things are done differently."

"That's what worries me. Here, they just fall into a relationship naturally. And I'm scared about the physical side of the relationship, you know I want to wait."

"Then don't give in. If he likes you enough, I'm sure he'll understand."

"But what if that causes him to move to this other girl?"

"Then he doesn't like you enough, Dei. It's that simple."

-----

She took a nap after ending her call with Ron. By late afternoon, her doorbell rang and she opened the door to find Richard looking haggard and solemn-faced.

"Dei.....can we talk?"

She silently pulled the door wider and stepped aside to let him in. She gestured for him to take a seat, and she purposely sat a safe distance from him.

"How are you feeling? I was trying to call you today."

"I'm ok. Was running a fever earlier."

He quickly moved closer to touch her neck and forehead. "You're still warm. Do you have meds for the fever? Have you eaten anything? "

"Yes I do have meds and no, I don't feel like eating."

"Dei......goodness. You have to take care of yourself. Wait, I'll be back."

He left before she could stop him. Twenty minutes later, he was back with some Bouillabaisse soup and fever medication. Dei was touched and at the same time embarrassed.

"Jay, you didn't have to do this."

"Ano ka ba, I would have done this earlier if you just answered my calls. Come on, eat...."

He blew on the hot soup and fed her. Dei had no choice but to eat, he wouldn't allow her to feed herself, thinking she would merely let the soup grow cold because she was still angry with him. Halfway through the bowl, she held his arm.

"I'm stuffed, Jay. Really......"

He took the bowl to her kitchen and got a pitcher of water and a glass. He poured water for her and popped a pill from the foil pack for her to take. He took off his jacket and wrapped it around her when he noticed she was shivering. Worried, he transferred to the couch beside her and took her in his lap to hug her. He kissed her forehead and hugged her tightly.

"Why are you so nice to me Jay? I'm still mad at you."

"I know it's easy to jump to conclusions based on what you saw. But I'm not doing anything to betray your trust."

"Jay, I take relationships seriously. I don't sleep around, nor do I don't jump into relationships just like that."

"So what are you implying, that I sleep around? Or that it's easy for me to jump from one relationship to another? Dei, pareho lang tayo. I'm not taking us lightly. I don't play or fool around."

"I'm sorry."

"Have a little faith, ok?"

"I've been through this before. I saw my ex making a pass at someone he said was just a friend."

"That's not the same as what happened last night Dei. Shaan tried to kiss me, not the other way around. I'm not like your ex. Sana yung kasalanan niya, wag mo naman ipasa sakin. I haven't done anything to betray your trust."

That effectively shut her up and made her sorry for judging him. She snuggled to him, enjoying his closeness, loving his scent.

"I'm sorry I over-reacted."

"Happy na lang tayo, ok? Don't worry about Shaan. I'll talk to her."

"No, wag na. Let's just move on from what happened."

She swallowed her well-prepared speech and closed her eyes. She was all set to tell him that she preferred they remain as friends, but seeing him now, being held in his arms did things to her. It felt good to be here, nestled close to him. His warm palm rubbing her back was comforting, his scent was addicting.

I'm sick, I can't do this today. I can't say my piece, not when he's taking care of me like this.

Maybe tomorrow. Maybe not.