CHAPTER 2

Lanelle's favorite part of the day was arriving at work and checking on her patients. A truck load of good mornings, laughter and daily blessings. Patients loved her. She had a bubbly personality, different from every other caregiver around.

"Good morning, Teddy", said Lanelle as she opened the curtains in Teddy's room.

Teddy was a 90 year old man. In his early days, he used to be a film director. Although his memories came and went, he never seemed to forget the days he spent with his late wife. Her photo was beside his bed, like a perfect trophy,

"Last night I dreamt of my wife", said Teddy, with a smile on his face. He stared at the ceiling like he was replaying the whole dream in his head again.

"Yeah? What happened in the dream?",

"She said you're a very nice girl",

"Me?", she was surprised, but mostly flattered, "She really said that?",

"She did", Teddy nodded, "She asked me to tell you to keep being you",

Lanelle was genuinely touched. She gave Teddy a warm kiss on the forehead before helping him sit up.

"I'm happy to hear that. You've just made my day so perfect, Teddy. Thank you",

"You're welcome, Seri",

Of course, Teddy could remember a dream, but not her name. She had been correcting him when he was first admitted, but now, to him, Lanelle was Seri. There's no going back. Matter of fact, she was starting to like the name,

"We're going to take a shower today, Teddy. Are you ready?",

"Yes", but no excitement was detected in his tone. Teddy detested showers. Only Lanelle could persuade him.

..

5 hours later, Lanelle was done with the rounds, bathing patients and helping with their medications. Her whole body rejoiced when she finally placed her butt down on a chair.

"I'm about to order lunch", said Yuster. She had stopped by the nurses' station, "State your order fast",

"I'll just have kiwi juice today", said Lanelle, trying not to doze,

"All righty",

Yuster left. Other nurses were at the station but their relations were hostile. It was most of those who talked behind Lanelle's back, claiming she's stealing patients. Many rumors circulated the nursing home, accusing her of doing 'something' to patients to make them obsessed with her. It bothered her at first, but then her heart became as hard as a stone, disregarding every piece of information about her.

Lanelle had been dozing for almost 10 minutes when her nose caught onto a very familiar scent. She opened her eyes slowly, first seeing blurry. As the vision cleared, she saw a figure of a man, and once the vision was crystal clear she saw that it's Tevyn, Teddy's 39 year old son. He was an architect, visited his dad from time to time, and whenever he did, he always created whispers.

Sleep escaped Lanelle's system like it never existed 10 minutes ago.

"Tevyn, hi", said Lanelle, obviously feeling awkward that he saw her nearly drooling in her sleep,

"Tough day?", he chuckled,

"You have no idea. Teddy is in the garden, just fyi",

"Can you escort me?",

"Sure",

She got on her feet and began the trip to the garden with him. Tevyn wasn't a huge man, he was average built. He wasn't dreamy, but he had the perfect eyes that one could get lost in and a really nice smile. He smelled nice, his scent was unique and expensive. He was very easy to talk to. Strangely enough, he was always in a good mood, something which Lanelle didn't buy,

"How's work? How's the family? How're you?", Lanelle floated the questions out,

"Let's see; work is fine, my family, weell not so much, and me? I'm _ happy to be here", he replied, "Same questions to you, go",

"Work is, as witnessed a few minutes ago, going fabulous. My family is loud as usual, and I'm _ also happy to be here",

Tevyn smiled.

One rumor was true, although not confirmed. It was said that something was going on between Lanelle and Tevyn. And it surely was. But who'd admit it? For starters, romantic relationships between nurses and patients or patient's families were forbidden. And two; Tevyn was a married man, another forbidden apple in the garden of Eden.

But Lanelle was good with whatever they were having. She had tried to focus on other guys but that backfired on her badly. She had decided to leave it as it was. Whatever fate decided, she was certain that she'd be okay with it. She never made a move, flirted with him or gave him signs that she was in too deep. She killed that part of her whenever he was around, or so she thought. It was very hard acting emotionless in front of him.

…

Eris Endellion stared at her new home. It was smaller than what she left. She inhaled a heavy puff of air with her eyes closed, then exhaled and opened her eyes again. It was time for new beginnings. She was sick and tired of city life. It was impossible for her to go anywhere without being recognized. Every outdoor plan turned into a crisis the moment she met those who used to be her fans. She'd had enough of that.

The movers carried her stuff inside. It was the first time she stood outside, people walking by without bugging her or making her feel like they're onto her. For the first time in a while which seemed like forever, she felt peace.

Another truck parked in front of the building and Deborah got off. The trunk bed was now empty. She was done with deliveries. She was immediately excited to see Eris. As she approached her, Eris started smelling something fishy, literally. Debby reeked of fish, and she knew it. She noticed the expression on Eris's face change and she instantly halted. She took no other step closer,

"Hi, I'm Deborah, but everyone calls me Deb. I'm your landlord. We've only been speaking on the phone", brightly, Deb spoke,

"Hi, I'm Eris. When I came for a tour, you weren't _",

"Yeah, I asked someone to help. Sorry about that. No more confusions",

"It's all good",

"Well, I'll come greet you officially when I take a shower, because right now it's a struggle", she chuckled,

"Good idea",

"We have to go to the town's administration's office to finally register you as a member of The hill. After that, I'll give you a tour, if your legs will still be up for a stroll. We don't allow too much driving around the streets, only bicycles and walking",

"I read that on the website, and I think it's cool. I'm up",

"Great. Be ready in one hour",

"You know where to find me",

Deb headed inside. Eris knew it was wise to do the same.

***