Page 67 of Fairy Godmen
I sighed.
***
Jacob spent the entire day with me, a busy one at that. As he ended calls, he got into business meetings, though he tried as much as possible not to be absent from my vicinity.
The sun soon set over the bluff and though the hospital never did retire into the night, a fresh quietness hung in the room as my mom drifted to sleep at the edge of my bed.
I could not blame her, my being admitted to the hospital was all too sudden, and she was no longer as young as she used to be.
“It’s ready,” Jacob said quietly.
“Mom?” I tapped her shoulder, trying to rouse her from sleep. I wanted her to sleep comfortably on the recliner that Jacob prepared for her.
“Hm?” She opened one eye and then the other.
“You can sleep comfortably in the recliner,” I said.
“I’m so sorry I slept off. How are you doing, my dear?” She touched my face affectionately.
“It’s fine, Mom. I’m a lot better.”
“Are you sure, my baby?” She pouted.
“Yes, mom. You should sleep now. It’s well past nine pm.”
“Okay. Goodnight, sweetie.” She rose from her chair and settled on the recliner.
“Goodnight, Mom.” I watched as she lay down, and then her eyes slowly closed.
Jacob was sitting quietly on the sofa. He was scrolling up and down the screen of his phone.
“Aren’t you going to sleep?” I asked, curious about what he could be doing on his phone.
“I will. I just have to wrap some things up.” He responded.
“Sure, goodnight.” I turned on my side to sleep.
“Goodnight.” I heard him say as soon as I shut my eyes.
In the middle of the night, I struggled to sleep and was forced to open my eyes and sit up. Everyone was fast asleep by then. My mom had turned on her left side, and Jacob was reclining on the sofa, eyes shut.
I slipped down the bed, took my phone from the bedside table, put on my slip-ons, and stealthily walked out of the room.
The view outside was breathtaking with several glittering stars in the sky. I felt relieved as I inhaled the crisp, cool air. I was certain I was feeling much better, after all, my mom was here with me.
And Jacob, too.
My heart had begun to warm up to him, I must admit.
I glanced through my phone, and though I fought very hard not to brood over my problems, I was unsuccessful. A part of me could only choose to trust Jacob on it.
“Are you unable to sleep?” I was suddenly startled by his voice.
His eyes were sparkling with mischief.
“Were you not sleeping?” I whispered.
“I was until your footsteps woke me up.” He responded.