Chapter 4 - Perplexed

Tara's POV

"Captain Smith, thank you for saving our president's life," General Rossini's low and authoritative voice boomed inside my living room while I saluted the good general. 

"It's my duty and honor to do so, General," I responded with absolute respect to the man in front of me. 

Indeed, I respect this man like a father. He exemplified good leadership and was really loyal to our president and our nation. 

"May I speak to you in private?" His tone changed from a superior to a loving father. 

"You may, General," I said and gestured to him, "This way general." 

We walked into my study. I had him come in first before I followed behind him and gently closed the door. 

He sat on the couch and looked up. "It's no secret to you that our president has many enemies and this matter should not be divulged." 

I know the president's condition should be concealed or else his enemies will use this to bring trouble to him. 

And it wouldn't be beneficial to our nation. 

"I have talked with other trusted generals who are loyal to him and the nation. They said that it wouldn't be wise to bring him to the base or bring him back to the capital while injured," he explained and I knew what would ensue. 

I nodded in understanding. 

"It's not hard to talk to an intelligent person like you, Captain Smith," General chuckled, his eyes sparkled with admiration. 

Looking into his eyes, my heart drowned with longing. 

I missed the two most important men in my life. Two men who doted on me. 

My dad and my grandfather. I was their princess. They protected and cherished me like a treasure. 

They were always beaming with pride at every progress and achievement I made. 

And even at times of failure they loved me the same. 

How I wished they were still alive. Sadly, they won't come back. 

After the small talk with the General we went into the living room. 

There were already five female military personnels in the living room. 

After saluting, I took them to my room. 

My room is the most spacious and comfortable room in my house. 

I had a cleaner who comes three times a week to clean my house and she came yesterday to clean the house for me. 

Although it was clean and pristine, considering that it will be the nation's president who will use my room, I have to have it cleaned to the standard of my guest. Or should I say, "Patient"

The General came into my room to inspect it. 

"Will the president mind if he wakes up in a girly room?" My tone was a bit wry as I talked. 

I may be a soldier but I still preferred my room to have feminine interior design. 

"Oh that would not be a problem, he would be delighted to wake up in your room," he winked at me and cackled. 

I did not put any meaning to his words as I know he was just joking with me. 

The president was transferred to my room when my room was ready. 

General and I stayed in the room waiting for the president to wake up. 

For about an hour of waiting, the president stirred. 

I watched him open his eyes and carefully observed him as he took in the surroundings. 

"Mr. President, you're awake?" General Rossini asked and headed to the bed. 

I followed behind the good general. 

He turned his head and looked at the General before our eyes collided. 

I came close to the bed and sat at the edge of the bed. 

I didn't bend down afraid that if did I would be exposing my bosom so I chose to sit at the edge of the bed to check him. 

"How are you feeling Mr. President?" I asked him. 

Silence was his answer to my query. His red and supple lips were shut into a thin line. 

I know he was in pain seeing his pale face. But I can't find anything to say to ward off the awkwardness. 

Remembering how naive I was when I scolded him that night.

I wished I didn't open my mouth to fight for that woman. 

That woman shamed me when she threw herself in his arms and forced herself at him. 

I thought that woman was innocent and was forced to do it. 

I almost snorted when I recalled that woman's accusations. 

I couldn't be bothered with what she said.

Probably, I reacted to her that way as I was exasperated when I was awakened from my sweet dream. 

I had a dream that in an unexpected way, I met my future husband. 

He was proposing marriage to me when Major Kavanaugh pushed the door open.

Disturbed and unable to see the face of the man proposing to me in marriage, I was vexed. Really vexed. 

I smiled at the president and took his temperature. 

I sighed in relief when the digits in the scanner indicated his temperature. 

Thankfully, he's got no fever. 

I held his wrist and checked his pulse. 

I became anxious when his pulse rate was abnormal. His rapid pulse made me frown and I looked at him. 

For a while I was lost in his gray eyes staring at me. 

"M.. Mr. President, a - re you not feeling well?" I stuttered while he stared at me expressionlessly. 

He didn't answer me again and I was beginning to panic. 

I took my stethoscope and placed it on his chest. His rapid heartbeat perplexed me. 

I looked at him but his face expressed no discomfort. 

Wanting to make sure, I took my sphygmomanometer to check his blood pressure but he was in good shape. 

"Please, do tell me if you aren't feeling well, Mr. President," I asked anxiously.