It was morning, and Megyn had overslept again. Her mum had woken her up on her way out, having left earlier than usual to coordinate a meeting at her office.
Megyn groggily turned to check her bedside clock—7:30 a.m. She needed to be at the hospital by eight to be introduced to a new ward where she'd be working that week. But she felt utterly exhausted.
Her phone rang.
It was Dr. Lucia.
"Hello, Doctor," Megyn answered, rubbing her eyes.
"Hello, Megyn. Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, I did."
"I know yesterday was tough. Please take two days off and rest. Report back on Wednesday."
"I appreciate it, Doctor, but I don't think it's really necessary."
"Then take it as a gift from me."
"I can't refuse a gift from you, Doctor, even if I tried. Thank you so much."
As the call ended, Megyn lay back, bewildered. Two days off? Her body, suddenly aware of its fatigue, welcomed the idea. The moment her head hit the pillow, she drifted into a deep sleep.
She didn't know how long she slept, but she woke to a knock at her bedroom door—and to the loud grumbling of her stomach. Amanda stood at the door, all smiles.
"Megyn! I didn't know you were in. I assumed you left early." Amanda was clearly excited.
"Amanda… how long have I slept?"
Before Amanda could answer, Megyn glanced at her clock—10 a.m.! She sat up, alarmed.
"W...What?" Megyn could not believe she slept that long. This was something foreign to her.
"Did Cindy look for me?" she asked.
"Yes. She stopped by, but I thought you'd already left. So she just went on to the hospital—she looked a bit dejected, though."
"Oh no. I forgot to tell her about the days off. I should've called her. I'll do that after I shower."
"Good. Freshen up and come to the kitchen. I'll make your favorite breakfast," Amanda said with a knowing smile that needed no explanation.
Megyn simply smiled back and headed into the bathroom.
She called Cindy immediately she was from the bathroom, who was only thrilled to hear from her. Cindy had tried to get hold of Megyn, but every time she called her the phone went unanswered.
It sounded like Cindy was not even in the hospital grounds that time. She was somewhere with Doctor Jerry, and definitely not in the hospital. She had missed her shift, reason being that they had been assessed.
Megyn wondered how bold Cindy was!
An hour later, Megyn sauntered into the living room. "Amanda, I'm famished. I could eat an elephant!" she called out.
But it seemed she was the only one in the house.
Soft music floated from the stereo in the living room. A song she liked was playing, and she started to hum along.
She peeked into the kitchen—empty.
Then, in the dining room, she spotted her breakfast neatly covered on the table.
As she stepped in, strong arms suddenly wrapped around her from behind. She nearly fainted with fright—until a familiar baritone whispered close to her ear:
"My Gazelle."
She turned slowly.
Benjamin.
He kissed her forehead gently, then held her at arm's length. Their eyes met, and Megyn opened her mouth, but no words came. She was stunned.
No man had ever come to their house looking for her before.
"I went to the hospital to see you, but my aunt said you were taking some time off. I panicked—I thought something had happened." A playful smile curved on his lips.
Megyn was still wide-eyed.
"Benjamin… you're here!" she gasped, touching his face. He leaned in and kissed her palm.
Her hands fit perfectly into his. "How long have you been waiting, Benj?"
"Benj…" he echoed with a smile. "That sounds so sweet. Like I'm hearing it for the first time."
He kissed her hands again, slowly and deliberately.
"You mean that?" she teased, mimicking his tone.
"I do."
"Have you waited long?"
"Long enough. But it's nothing compared to the pleasure of seeing you."
Megyn beamed as he pulled out a chair for her. She sat, and he took the seat beside her.
"Eat your breakfast, Princess." Benjamin said as he tested his elbow on the table. "Then we'll talk some more."
"Join me, Benj?" Megyn requested, looking at him.
"No. Thanks though. I already had a heavy breakfast before coming. Besides, Amanda served me a soda and some snacks."
Megyn savored her pancakes and sausages, washing them down with hot cocoa. She glanced around.
"Benj… where's Amanda? Did you hide her?" she asked jokingly.
"I chained her in the backyard—needed some alone time to steal you away," he replied, straight-faced.
Megyn narrowed her eyes, trying to read his expression. "You're joking, right?"
"Maybe," he smirked. You don't believe me Princess?" Benjamin was all smiles.
Megyn shifted on her chair and felt very comfortable. She then said, " Benjie,
even though I haven't known you long… it feels like I've known you forever. I trust you. Completely. It's a little scary, isn't it?"
"The train's already moving, Princess." He whispered. "I trust you too."
Amanda returned, humming a tune from the stereo, her apron wet from doing laundry.
"Megyn, you've eaten! The gentleman insisted on waiting for you. He seems like a good guy, so I let him in. I swear, he wasn't any trouble." Amanda said, halting her movement, and looking at the two people.
"Thank you, Amanda. You did well—he'd have roasted in the sun otherwise," Megyn said, smiling at Benjamin."…And now he'll need to leave before Dad comes back for lunch."
"Please, ladies," Benjamin interjected, "I'm right here. May I speak for myself?"
Amanda winked at Megyn and left them alone.
Benjamin leaned toward her. "Remember our conversation last night, Gazelle?"
Megyn nodded silently.
"You have time today, don't you?"
"Yes.". Megyn responded with a nod.
"Then let's have lunch out." Benjamin suggested.
Megyn realized that that there can never be smoke without fire. Rolling her eyes, she exclaimed, "Wait. You you planned all this!"
"Let's just say I gave my aunt the puppy-dog eyes," he said, scratching his neck. "I needed time with my Gazelle." Benjamin confessed.
Megyn excused herself to grab her clutch from her room. When she returned, she slipped her hand into his. "Your wish is my command." she repeated the now familiar phrase they have been using recently.
Outside, she gasped. A sleek blue Toyota hatchback sparkled in the driveway—like it had just come from the showroom.
Benjamin opened the door and ushered her in. The car smelled like his cologne—familiar and comforting. The grey leather seats were spotless.
As Benjamin entered and sat beside her, he noticed her quietness.
"You alright, Gazelle?"
"I'm fine. But… I wish I'd informed one of my parents. I don't even know how to start that conversation."
Benjamin admired the innocence and honesty in her. "My shy Gazelle… give me your phone."
Without hesitation, Megyn handed it over.
He scrolled through her contacts. "Let's find… your mum." He said.
She pointed to Martha M. He dialed and, once the line connected, handed the phone back to her.
"Mum, I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. I took two days off duty, and Benjamin came over. He's taking me out for lunch. I just thought you should know."
"That's alright, my daughter. I trust Benjamin. I know he'll take care of you."
"Thanks, Mum. I'll text you where we dine. Love you."
Megyn smiled, a weight lifted off her shoulders.
"You see? That was easy," Benjamin said, grinning. "Shall we?"
"Let's do this," she replied.