The Caregiver's Close Call

“Mr. Harper,” Leah called out steadily.

Jeremy turned around swiftly and Leah saw him face to face for the first time. Yes, people had described him to be very wealthy and commanding and good looking, but no one ever described how he looked perfectly.

Pictures of him on billboards didn't even do justice. This man was dripping in finesse.

“How can one man be this good-looking?” Leah wondered.

“Leo, is it?” Jeremy asked, his piercing blue eyes scanning her from head to toe. He was a very classic man.

Leah swallowed her nerves, deepened her voice and answered, “yes, sir.”

“You start tomorrow,” he said, dismissing her with a wave of his hand.

Leah almost skipped out of the mansion. She'd done it. The job was hers.

On reaching home, she saw that her mother had been discharged, and it was Noah who had taken care of the hospital bills.

Her mother had been in a myasthenic crisis but was doing better after receiving treatment at the hospital. She only had to keep taking her medication, avoid stress and have enough rest, then she'd be fine.

Her siblings were around their mother. Noah was there too. She could feel the love and warmth in the atmosphere. Even though they didn't have money, they had what mattered the most – love.

Feeling mischievous, Leah put on a sad face and dropped her bag. Noah quickly approached, concerned.

“Is it about the interview?”

Leah just feigned a frown. She didn't say anything. Everyone then turned to console her. Then she screamed, laughing, “I did it!”

“Everyone, you are looking at Leo, the caregiver for Mr. Jeremy Harper,” she said, sounding manly.

“What? Come here! I'm so proud of you. I knew you could pull this up” Noah lifted her off the ground. Her siblings and mother congratulated her.

Keira and Ivan, her siblings, suggested a celebration, and mama supported.

After they had supper, Leah's mother asked her when she would resume work and how long she planned on putting up the show. She was afraid Leah could get caught anytime, and the pain of starting afresh. She couldn't bear to see Leah sad.

“Mama,” Leah interrupted her mother. “It'll all be fine. I've got this, trust me. I'm resuming tomorrow. It's you I'm worried about. While I'm there looking after Mr. Harper, who'll care for you?”

“Do you not see how strong I am now?” Mama stood up and playfully shook her waist, making everyone laugh.

“It's your boss who's on a wheelchair that needs to be cared for. You just do your job diligently, you hear me?”

“Yes, mama,” Leah nodded.

“Listen, my dear, I will be fine. Keira and Ivan are here, and Noah, too. Am I right, kids?”

They all nodded in affirmation.

When she and Noah were alone, he handed her a few of his clothes and schooled her on how to act manly. He gave her a few tips on things to do and what to avoid, so that she didn't get found out.

“What would I do without you Noah?” She hugged Noah really tight and it meant a lot to him. Noah wanted to be more than just friends with Leah. He liked her a lot, but didn't want to risk losing their friendship. He only hoped that she'd eventually realize how much he loved her and love him back.

– – –

Leah, as Leo, arrived at the mansion the next day. Maggie showed her around, pointing out her room and the areas she wasn’t allowed to enter. She advised Leah to stay calm and remain in the boss’s good graces. She knew the boss was tough.

The first few weeks were tough. Jeremy was bitter and demanding, barking orders at her for the smallest things. He’d lost the use of his legs in an accident, and though he was physically helpless, his attitude was anything but.

“Your cooking is atrocious,” he said one morning after Leah served him breakfast.

“It’s not Michelin-starred, but it’s edible,” she shot back before realizing she’d spoken aloud.

Jeremy’s eyes narrowed, but instead of lashing out, he smirked faintly. “Watch your mouth, Leo.”

Despite his harshness, Leah saw glimpses of vulnerability in Jeremy – like the way his voice softened when he spoke about his late parents or how his hands lingered over old photographs on his desk.

One evening, he was drinking in his wine bar. Leah came around to inquire if he needed anything, but he just commanded, “sit.”

She obliged. She was extremely cautious whenever she was around him. Her posture, her voice, everything had to be in check.

“You see, this is my favorite spot in this mansion. Can you guess why?” Jeremy asked.

“For obvious reasons, sir,” Leah answered.

“Which are?” Jeremy pressed, watching her intently.

“I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean to…..”

“Speak up! What are the obvious reasons? Speak up,” he interrupted, his voice laced with bitterness. “You think I sit here to drink and drown my pain over that damned accident that made me a cripple?”

“I'm sorry, sir. That's not what I…..” Leah was terrified. She found it difficult to speak.

“Get out!” he snapped, his frustration boiling over. “Get the hell out!”

Jeremy’s anger stemmed from his accident and an unspoken burden that weighed heavily on him.

One night, Leah overheard him crying and begging someone to come back to him.

“I'm miserable without you. Why'd you leave me? Please, come back,” his voice was breaking as he spoke.

“You'll throw away all we shared just like that? I love you, babe. I love you! Please, come back,” he pleaded, his words drenched in desperation. Leah pressed her ear closer, her heart twisting.

A long silence followed, and Leah imagined the painful rejection on the other end of the line. Suddenly, a loud thud startled her. She peered in to see Jeremy throw his phone across the room, shattering it against the wall. His wailing filled the air, a storm of rage and sorrow.

He drank himself to stupor that night. He was wailing and cursing,

“I hate you. I hate you.” His voice cracked with anguish, raw and unfiltered.

Then he passed out. Leah felt pity for her boss. He was a miserable man. Someone had broken his heart. Perhaps, that was why he was haughty, because deep within, she'd seen his soft side.

She helped him to his room. There her phone rang, and believing he was fast asleep, she answered and spoke with her feminine voice.

“Noah, you’ve been calling me repeatedly. What's up?”

Jeremy stirred. “What the fuck?” he slurred, barely conscious. His eyes fluttered open for a brief moment, his brows furrowing. Then he passed out again.