CHAPTER 7—Concerned

CHAPTER 7—Concerned

Raffi's Point of View

TWO days passed quickly. Fortunately, my feet and legs are fine. Anyway I can walk and I can work in the hospital. I wake up early to shower and get dressed. Since I haven't been on duty for three days, I'm excited to go in today.

When I got down to the living area I was stunned. I don't know if I need to tell Rock that I'm leaving or not. I don't even want to face Dad now. I still haven't moved on from what we talked about the night he brought me to my room.

I took a deep breath before continuing to walk until I exited the large door. I was even more surprised to see that Daddy had just gotten off the car with Rock. He is wearing a white short-sleeved polo shirt and pants. He even had shades and took them off when he saw me. They were both stunned by Dad. Their eyes were looking at my whole body as if they were studying my appearance.

Even though I was nervous, I still greeted them with a high forehead. I stopped in front of them. Even though I don't want to say goodbye, it looks like I can't do anything else. I took a deep breath before speaking. "I'm going to the hospital."

The two looked at each other. They seemed to communicate just by looking at each other. Dad looked at me first but my attention was on Rock who slowly looked at me.

"Raffi, you can't go to the hospital anymore," said Daddy so I raised an eyebrow.

"What? Who said something?"

"Calm down, Raffi. You can't work anymore, right, Rock?" Dad turned to Rock who was just looking at me.

"Why not? It's my job and I have to go in. I've been absent from my duty for a few days." I'm starting to panic because here they are again. It seems to limit my movement. I looked at Rock. "I'm going to the hospital whether you like it or not. Excuse me!" I said. I passed them both.

"Raffy!" Dad called but I ignored him.

I heard Rock say something but I ignored it and continued walking. I'm very annoyed. I want to be angry with them now but it's too early. I don't want my whole day to be ruined because of them.

I just walked out onto the main road where there were cars. It's far and to be honest I'm very tired right away. Add to that my leg just recovered and I think it's going to be strained right away.

"It's annoying! Why is the mansion so far from the main road?" I still ask. Fortunately, the weather is fine. I will not be shot. I'm still wearing white.

I heard the sound of a car behind me but I ignored it. As long as I could not look back I did. I'm ashamed because I'm walking now.

When the car honked and I noticed that it had slowed down a bit, I turned around. I stopped when I saw Rock driving the car. The car also stopped and Rock got out. I didn't know what my reaction would be because I was really surprised by him. He stopped in front of me causing me to stare at him. "What are you doing here?" I will ask.

He looked at me but I couldn't read any emotion. "Get on board."

"Huh? Why? I'm going to the hospital to do my duty." I was scared because he might take me home to his mansion.

"Get in because I'll take you."

“Really?”

He turned around and returned to the driver's seat. I was stunned for a while and couldn't believe what Rock said. I don't know why he suddenly appeared in front of me. Do I feel like I did something wrong that he followed me? When Rock blew his horn I was slightly surprised and jumped.

"Get on board now. You might be late for your work," he said.

"O-okay." I hurriedly got into the shotgun and put on my seatbelt.

While we were on the road, we were both relentless. The smell of the inside of his car. I've only just ridden it, that's why I'm amazed. Every part of the car looks custom because I even saw the initials of his name. I secretly looked at him and he just looked straight at the road.

I still have no idea why he would take me when my stepfather stopped me from working. I'm just disgusted by the idea that my dad will make money again and doesn't care about what I want to do. Is my work as a nurse also illegal? I really don't agree.

It didn't take long and we arrived at the hospital where I work. "Thanks," I said briefly and got out of the car. I just went straight and didn't look back at him.

When I entered the nurse's station, I immediately disinfected my hands. I also timed in and started working.

I had just returned to the nurse station when Naya approached me. She looked at me as the teasing type. I have no idea why she can look like that. "Why do you think of me like that?"

"Nothing. I saw earlier that someone brought you here," she said and came even closer to me. "So you're doing the things that newlyweds do?"

My eyes widened. "What?" I asked her firmly but weakly. I looked around because someone else might hear us. "What are you talking about, Naya? Rock and I are not doing anything wrong, no!” I feel like my face is as red as a tomato. What is my friend thinking?

"Raffi, what do you think you're thinking? Isn't it the job of the newlyweds that the husband escorts his wife?"

I blinked my eyes. ‘Ah.. is that what you mean?”

"Of course. Why are there others? I guess you're the one thinking about something there, huh!" Her eyes narrowed as he looked at me.

"Don't worry because when it comes to that matter I won't ask because it's private matters." She was relieved when I hit her lightly on the arm. “Ouch!”

"Naya, your imagination is too broad."

"Is it really necessary to hurt me? You're obviously defensive, aren't you?" She still hasn't lost teasing me even after being hurt. "What is Rock's real score to you?" she asked after a while.

"What score are you saying? Nothing. It's still the same." I looked at her. "Why? What are you talking about? Your imagination is so vast. Why did you become a nurse? I think you should have become a writer so that your thoughts are not happy." I stood up but he grabbed my arm. "Why?"

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going to work again, Naya. Where do you want me to go?"

She immediately stood up and picked up the chart in her hand. "Why did you come in? You're still on your honeymoon, aren't you?" Naya's voice got a little louder, that's why my eyes widened and pulled her. "Raffi! What is that?"

"You know if I'm not just my friend, I'll really hurt you!"

Instead of cringing at me, Naya laughed. "You can't. I'm your only friend."

"Ah, so you're using that now, huh?"

Naya laughed harder. "Let's get to work. I know you're excited to go home."

"No ah? If I could have gone back to our real house, I would have done it."

"How about that house of yours? Is your daddy also going to live there in Rock Redwood's mansion?"

These past few days Dad stayed at our house and slept there but when it was clear he was in the mansion and always followed Rock. He was like a dog that followed his master.

"I don't know about him. I hope he stays at the mansion and then at his mommy's house, I'll be there. I don't like the mansion."

We entered a room and briefly attended to two patients who were staying there. Naya and I have been busy because there was an accident near the hospital where we work. I was on duty for almost ten hours, so it was late when I got home.

I was so tired that I could hardly move my body. I used to be on duty for such long hours but now it seems that the tiredness I feel is different. I immediately said goodbye to Naya and I purposely did not want to talk to my friend for a long time because I knew that she would tease me again. I'm running out of patience with my best friend so it's better if I just separated with her.

WHEN I got home to Rock's mansion, the whole house was quiet. The lights were on but I knew there was no one inside. If anything, it's maids and other staff here. Wherever Rock is, I have no idea where he is at this time. I slowly walked towards the kitchen because I wanted to drink some cold water because I was thirsty. It was difficult for me to go home because no one came on board this side of the land of the Redwoods.

I immediately took cold water and drank it slowly. I was looking out the window when I felt someone suddenly enter from the backdoor. I almost jumped in shock.

“Rock!” I called while clinging to my chest. My chest was still slightly wet, which is why the chest almost bulged out. I immediately hugged myself then turned away from him. "Why are you just popping in there?" I asked despite all the avoidance that he might see me.

I received no reply from him. Instead, he came closer to me and our bodies were almost touching when I felt him open the refrigerator door. I saw how he took the wine that was in the can. When our eyes met, he grinned.

"I'm thirsty."

"You're thirsty but you get wine to drink? There is water," I said in a weak way. I'm not concerned about him but why do men drink alcohol? They just destroy their bodies.

"I heard that." He opened the can.

I turned to him immediately. "So what? I don't care if you even heard what I said. It's true." I walked away from him and took my bag that I had put on the table earlier.

"My wife is concerned now?" He kicked the can and then fell on it three times. I couldn't avoid observing the way he drank, especially the movement of his Adam's apple. Even I swallowed because of that. I seemed to come to my senses when I noticed that he stopped and licked his lips.

I still blinked and looked away. "W-what concern? I will never care about you, Mr. Rockwood.” I quickly walked out of the kitchen and then made my way to the second floor where my bedroom was. As I walked I couldn't help but frown and whisper. "Whatever that man is saying. Why should I be concerned about him? What did he think of me?" I immediately closed the door of my room then locked it.

Because my blouse was wet and I chose something to wear from the big cabinet. Fortunately my clothes were brought the other day. Dad just ordered the maids to take and bring to the mansion the things I left behind and I was not allowed to take them myself. After choosing what to wear, I entered my own bathroom to clean my body. I can't take a shower because I'm on duty at the hospital. Even if I want to take a bath, my body can't handle it because it hurts.

When I finished fixing myself, I climbed on top of the bed. I took the phone from the nightstand and started watching my favorite series. It also took me a few minutes from the time I watched until I felt my eyes close. I quickly turned off the phone and put it on top of the nightstand then slept the tired feeling in my whole body.

When I woke up the next day it was noon. I was so upset because I didn't hear my phone alarm. I seem to have enjoyed my sleep that's why I'm even more annoyed with myself. I hurriedly showered and dressed. Carrying my bag, I was still combing my hair when I came down. I heard dad's voice from somewhere but I had no intention of approaching him to greet him. I'm late and I need to leave the mansion.

I was about to go out the big door when I heard dad's voice from behind me. It was yelling but it wasn't anger. I turned around but didn't turn my whole body. One hand is still holding the doorknob while the other has a comb. "Why?" I will ask.

"Are you coming in?"

"Yes."

"Come here and eat breakfast first. I cooked breakfast for the three of us with Rock," he said and waved at me.

I noticed that Rock took another bite of meat and didn't look at me. "Not anymore, dad. I'll just eat at the hospital." I was about to go out but the next thing I heard was Rock's voice. I turned to him. "What?"

He was standing while wiping his mouth with a white cloth. He stepped forward and patted daddy on the shoulder as he passed. Dad's smile was like he was proud for some reason I don't know.

"What is it? Why?" I asked Rock when he got close to me. I looked at the watch I was wearing because what time was it? "Do you have something to say? I'm going to be late. Hurry up," I said, running out of patience with them.

Rock straightened up and put his hands in his pockets. "I'm leaving too so come with me."

"No longer."

"It's a long way out from the main road. Aren't you hurting and struggling?” he asked me.

"I'm fine." I turned my back on him but I felt him following me. I was disgusted to face him. "Didn't you hear me?"

"I heard you."

"Why are you following me?" I raised an eyebrow when I asked.

Rock laughed softly. "I'm not following you. Here is the way out and there is my car. I will probably pass by here.” He walked and passed me.

It seemed to embarrass me that I stared and laughed out of annoyance. "Wow! What a bad attitude!" I said weakly. I just watched him until I got in and when Rock started the engine of the car. After a while it left and really left me. "Can't you ask me again?" I said to the umamba who seemed to punch the wall.

When I got to the hospital, my body hurt even more. I think I've been hot all day but I don't feel like I'm doing my job. All I really know is that I have a hot head with Rock. The behavior of the one I married is bad and there is nothing I can do about it. When break time came, I made coffee while looking at the phone. There were a few miscalls there from my stepfather. I had no intention of calling or texting him but it struck me that he was calling now so I answered.

"Why?"

"You are really stubborn, Raffi. Did you think I didn't see what you did to Rock this morning?”

"Which one?"

"Why didn't you go with him in the car?"

"Dad, I don't want to be with Rock. We are being discussed here at the hospital because he delivered me yesterday."

"So what, Raffi? He is now your husband. There's nothing wrong with him dropping you off and picking you up there."

"Dad, I still have a lot of work to do so if possible, we can talk later." I was about to call when I remembered something. "Dad, it's my car, I'll pick it up later at home."

"Your car is broken, Raffi."

"I have money to work there, dad. I will not ask you. I have my own money,” I said. Actually, my savings are very little because mom's treatment is almost used up, but if I just fix my car, my money will still be enough.

"You can use one of Rock's cars."

"What? No, dad."

"I will talk to him."

"That's what you should never do, dad. Think about my pride for once!” I couldn't help but raise my voice. My day is so bad because of Rock, my body still hurts so I shouldn't be accompanied by anything like this nagging.

"Whatever, Raffi. I'll talk to Rock no matter what!”

"Dad—" I stopped when I noticed that the call ended. "Oh my God!' I just said.

Actually, Daddy Cannor is even more stressful because he makes a lot of decisions that I don't like. It's always followed even when I say I don't want it.

"Hey! Is there a problem?"

I turned to Doctor Lyndon Suarez when he asked me. He is holding two cups of coffee. "Ah, yes, doc."

He looked at me and reached for the coffee. "Have a coffee first. It looks like you're stressed out too much."

I accepted that and smiled at my doctor friend. "Thank you, doc." I have been friends with this Doc for a long time. Lyndon. Besides Naya, this is one I can trust. It's just that it doesn't know about my marriage to Rock. Besides being ashamed, I don't want my family to think about it.

"If you have a problem, don't be shy to tell me. You know I have time when you and Naya come."

"Thank you, Doc. I know that." I took a deep breath. "When you're free because we're both on duty."

Doc smiled. Lyndon to me. "Sure. I'm going to the pedia ward first. Finish your coffee."

"Okay, doc. Thank you again."

When my doctor friend left me, I decided to go out first. I will breathe while drinking the coffee it gave me.

When my duty at the hospital was over, I decided to go to our house first. I have a duplicate key so I was able to enter from the gate as well as the house itself. The last thing I remember was fixing my car with broken brakes before my mother died. But I haven't been able to use it again because I've been busy with things.

When I tried to start the car, I just smiled because it worked. There was also a brake that's why I decided to go home to the mansion. Rock's garage is big.

When I arrived at the mansion, I met a few people who seemed to be enjoying themselves. Dad immediately appeared to me with a glass of wine in his hand and a woman next to him who was very close to him. He was sitting on the sofa and immediately stood up when he saw me.

"Raffi! You're already there!" His face showed shock. "My friends and I are just having fun." He looked at three elderly people whose faces were familiar. But the women who were with them, I saw only now.

I raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing?" I asked them. "Why did you bring girls here?" I can't believe they were able to bring their girls to Rock's mansion. Aren't they ashamed?

"Raffi, let us go. Rock knows this. I said goodbye."

"Dad, mom died less than a year ago. What is it?"

My stepfather and his male friends looked at each other. "Raffi, I'm just entertaining myself. Isn't that possible?"

I looked into his eyes as I clenched my hands together. Why is he so quick to change my mommy? Is this what it takes to forget? I looked at them one by one with a bad look then turned away.

My feelings are overflowing because dad no longer respects mom even though she is dead?

When I got into my room, I immediately closed the door and locked it. I put my bag on top of the bed and sat on the side.

"Rock knows about bringing dad's girl here? So he still tolerates it?" The anger in my chest doubled. I think I need to talk to Rock because what dad did was wrong but he just let it go.