She's My Sleeping Pill

“They’ll call us first to ensure that it was fine on their end,” Stefan told Cayenne while she continued to watch the anime she didn’t finish yesterday. She only nodded her head at him and he didn’t say anything more. Since the incident, Stefan almost glued himself to her side and was observing her all the time. Nightmares frequently visit her at night and it breaks his heart to hear her screaming in fear.

Her family was worried for her but they entrusted her to Stefan because they didn’t know how to help her as well. They didn’t want to make a mistake and make things worse instead.

Just to ease the burden on Stefan, Kyle was responsible for bringing their meal since Cayenne prefers to eat inside their room and Stefan would always accompany her. When he needed to use his laptop for work, Luiz will come around and talk to his sister about his photo shoots. They never left her alone, making sure that her mind is occupied with other things rather than having her think of the hijacking incident.

In the afternoon, during the agreed time, the mother of the victim finally called and Cayenne took over the phone to see the woman. Stefan was sitting beside her, listening to the mother’s explanation why her daughter couldn’t talk to them at the moment.

“Ever since the operation and because of the medication she needed to take, she’s craving for more sleep. The doctors told us that it’s normal for her since she has to take a lot of painkillers. She’s safe from death’s door and I am really thankful for your husband. He helps us a lot.”

“When will she wake up?” Cayenne asked, wanting to get another chance to talk to the victim herself.

.....

“In three hours, I guess. However, I need to leave for work and my husband will take my place to look after our daughter. He didn’t like anyone disturbing her rest so, I don’t think he would agree to make a call.”

“I see.” Cayenne nodded reluctantly in understanding. “I’m glad that she’s safe. I just really wanted to know because she was sitting behind me and ... anyway, if there’s anything that we could do, please don’t hesitate to let us know.”

“Ma’am, we’re already blessed that our daughter came back to us. We can handle the rest on our own. Thank you so much for your concern.”

Cayenne talked to the woman for another minute and once the call ended, she heaved a sigh of relief. She felt like a thorn has been lifted off of her chest and she could breathe easily now. She was really happy to know that the woman was fine.

“Are you satisfied now?” Stefan questioned after a minute of silence. He just wanted to make sure that she was really over it and won’t ask for another call. After all, he has already lied to her about the real status of the victim and he didn’t want to lie to her again.

“I’m happy that she’s safe.” she finally uttered with a faint smile gracing her lips. Her caring nature would always make her worry about people but still, it was because of this characteristic that Stefan fell in love with her. He can’t blame her for having a kind soul because this was what complemented his cold nature.

“Now, let’s talk about yourself.”

“What about me?”

She didn’t know that something was wrong with her which was why she was stunned to hear that Stefan wanted to talk to her about herself. Her eyebrows almost meet in between when she frowned deeply while looking at him. She couldn’t think of any topic that would involve her at all.

“I’m also fine.” She insisted on thinking that Stefan was worried about her physical health.

Indeed, he was worried for her but, it was not because of her physical health but her emotions and mental stability. At the same time, he wouldn’t tell her about it. He didn’t want her to think that she has gone crazy because of that unfortunate incident. He wanted to take things slow until she was completely aware of what was real and what was imagination.

“I want to talk to you about your class.” Stefan expressed to let her know where this topic will bring them to. “With our current situation, I wanted to safeguard you and keep you by my side but I know that it’s forceful and barbaric. Although, honestly, I really want you to stay at home and study through conference but the decision will still be in your hands. How do you want to arrange your school attendance?”

“How are you planning to do the conference call?” Cayenne inquired back to his initial plan. Since he raised this concern, surely, he must have thought of a solution already. She didn’t really want to think about money at this point but she has this inkling that he will use his power and money to solve her issue about school attendance.

Stefan took her hand in his, keeping them warm while wording the solution he has in mind. “I plan to ask your teacher to bring their laptop during class and you will attend using zoom.”

“And how are you planning to make them agree?”

“Your father and I had donated a huge amount to the university. I am pretty sure that they will agree to my request. You may not get a high honor once you graduate but you will still get the grades you deserve for projects and activities minus the attendance since you won’t really be coming to their class physically which is unfair for your classmates.”

“If I insist on going to school, will you agree?”

“If that’s what you want? I’ll just reinforce the security around you and you are not allowed to leave the campus until I come to pick you up.”

“Great! I just found a way to deal with Napoleone.” Cayenne blurted out happily as her brain continued to process the plan she has to deal with the man once and for all. “It will be of great help to you.”