Chapter 34: Chapter 34

I must sound crazy. I couldn't sleep well last night. Cedric's words kept me awake. They kept playing in my head like a broken tape. It's like what happened inside me was really making him have to put in extra effort. A burden, I guess?

It doesn't mean I don't appreciate Cedric. Not at all. I feel like he's too hard on himself in life. Well... even though I don't know for sure if he only works part-time there? Because, when I examined and tried to recall Cedric's appearance two nights ago, it was very different.

Cedric's appearance was far from that of an office boy. I'm serious. Even the black shirt he wore when he dropped me off three months ago was much less cool than Cedric surrounded by beautiful women. So, if I suspect that he's some women's plaything, wouldn't it be reasonable?

I glanced at the wall clock, and it was already three in the morning. Damn it. My head suddenly felt dizzy. Can I take medicine with a drowsy effect? But I need to sleep now. Ah, I don't care if my body feels a bit feverish later. I reached for the eucalyptus oil that was always available on the nightstand. I applied it to my feet, hands, and neck. The aroma had a strong effect.

Strange, right? But I liked it. I started to relax little by little. And before I knew it, I fell asleep, and the ringing of my phone made my pounding head even worse. I held on to the edge of the bed to keep from falling.

"Who’s there?" I answered softly.

"Did you just wake up, Joice?"

My forehead furrowed. Who's bothering me at this hour of the night? And why does my head hurt so much, and why does my body feel like I just finished running around Monas ten times?

"I'm in front of the door, Joice."

Oh, there's only one person who calls me like that. Cedric.

"It's still night. You're so annoying, you know!"

Then, the doorbell sounded even louder and clearer. Cedric is really annoying!

Slightly staggering, I walked out of the room. My vision was slightly blurry, and the light in the living room suddenly turned yellow. I didn't change the lamp setting. It should be bright, right? Not to mention, the headache intensified. Moreover, the apartment's doorbell didn't seem to lessen its existence.

As soon as I opened the door, Cedric glared at me, and the next thing I remembered was my phone slipping from my grasp.

***

I don't know how long I dozed off, but when I opened my eyes for the first time, I was greeted by the smell of disinfectant and medicine that made my nose scrunch up. Where am I? Wasn't I just sleeping?

My memory replayed the recent events. Waking up to the phone and apartment bell ringing, Cedric being there, and then I don't remember anything. Did I...?

As I suddenly sat up, the pounding in my head intensified, making me wince in pain.

"Anya, are you awake now?"

Dona's voice was like a breath of fresh air in the desert. I was so happy when I looked around and saw not just Dona but also Cedric and Naomi. Wait, aren't they supposed to be at work?

"Are you trying to give me a heart attack, Anya?" Naomi exclaimed suddenly. My friend lacks manners or something. I still didn't realize what happened, and here she is scolding me. Did I do something terribly wrong?

"Come on, Nao, stop it," Dona intervened. "Anya just regained consciousness. Be kind, okay?"

I saw Naomi rubbing her face with frustration, her face turning red. I'm sure she was trying not to get too angry.

"What's wrong with me?" I asked weakly. I briefly massaged my temples hoping to alleviate the headache, but it seemed to be in vain. "I feel so dizzy."

"You fainted earlier, Anya." Now Cedric approached me. From the corner of my eye, I could see Dona giving him space so that he could be by my side. At this point, I don't care. I just need to know my condition. "How do you feel now?"

"Nao, can you call a doctor? Seeing lovebirds, I want to go home. I miss being cuddled."

If I were healthy, I'm sure I would've punched Dona's shoulder. Instead, this is represented by Naomi, who looked annoyed by Dona's comment. But it didn't deter her from leaving me alone with Cedric. I don't want to be trapped in this situation, but what can I do? I'm powerless.

"You worried me," Cedric said as he tidied my hair that was obstructing my view. I flinched in surprise, not liking him touching me suddenly like that. "Sorry."

"Miss Krystal!" Suddenly, I remembered my beautiful boss's face. I hadn't given her any updates. My mind was filled with today's schedule, which just passed by, and financial reports that were part of my overtime tasks. But it's not uncommon for me to forget things like this. Oh my gosh!

The brink of termination for Anya Joice is right in front of me. I'm flustered, and my only goal now is to find my phone, which I apparently forgot where I placed it. No, not forgot. I don't know where my phone is. This is causing me to panic even more. The headache in my head is nothing compared to the fear and panic that now reigns in my heart. Seriously, I'm sure Krystal must be looking for me.

What time is it now? Oh my gosh, why is this happening to me again? Usually, I'm not this stupid. Last night, I couldn't sleep until three in the morning. Then, all of a sudden, my head started pounding like crazy.

"I told Miss Krystal that you're in the hospital."

My movement to get out of bed and find my phone halted. My eyes looked at Cedric in suspicion. Then, a flat, soft pink object was handed to me by Cedric.

"Miss Krystal called not long after you fainted. Once she heard about your condition, she immediately told me to bring you to the hospital."

What was I hoping for? Cedric, who took the initiative to bring me here? That can't be, right? The truth is, if Krystal didn't call me in the morning, then by some twist of fate, Cedric would be there. He saw my condition and surely told Krystal about it. That's why my boss ordered him to do it.

It's not because Cedric was worried about me, right? It's because of Krystal.

"Oh, okay," I said softly. Then, I unlocked my phone screen, feeling like it could slip from my hand and fall to the floor. I checked my precious gadget's condition. Luckily, nothing was scratched. I decided to inform Krystal directly because it wouldn't be fair if only Cedric knew about my situation.

Anya P: Miss, I'm sorry, but I won't be able to come to the office today.

There were many messages I wanted to send her, especially my apologies for not being able to work today. It's not like me, as during my time working with Krystal Kesuma, I rarely missed work due to sickness. And usually, when I do take leave, I apply for it a month in advance.

Not long after, Krystal's ID caller appeared on my phone screen. I hesitated to answer, but I must apologize to her directly, right?

"Miss..."

"But are you okay now, Anya? How do you feel? Dizzy? Did you not eat last night? I told you it's better to have Anna at the office. It's for your own help."

I didn't know how to respond to Krystal's barrage of questions.

"I'm on the way to the hospital. What do you want me to bring you? Fruits? Milk? Bread?"

Krystal and her peculiarities, I didn't know how to respond to all her remarks.