The Castillo's Caregiver

13. Under the Pear Tree.

"You know, maybe I should attend this final convention and give the closing speech at least. I think I'm strong enough for that." My father says as Olivia unwraps the Blood pressure monitor on his wrist and we both look up at him at the same time.

"No." we both say, causing him to blink in shock as he stares from Olivia to me. I turn to Olivia too and she briefly glances at me before turning back to my father.

"The doctor said bed rest for the rest of the week, Raphael. There's no bed on that stage." She jokes coyly and I stare in surprise when my father chuckles at her joke. "Not unless you want Frank and Henry to carry you to stage on a makeshift mobile bed." She adds in giggles and it's a moment I didn't think I would ever witness.

How does she manage to do that? To bring out this side of him so easily while playing the part of his nurse?

"Oh God, no." my father says as Olivia prepares his tea, her focus and attention to detail unmissable. "And have everyone there see me like this? It's bad enough they know I'm bed ridden."

"Bed resting." Olivia corrects as she hands him his tea, setting the tea tray on the bed and I remain where I am, leaning on the far end of the bedroom wall as I watch them. Since he left the hospital that day, she's barely left his side all week... and at first, I thought she was trying to avoid me again, but every morning when I walked into his suite to check on him, Olivia would be here.

Checking his temperature and blood pressure, giving him his medication and making his tea. Then she would play his audio book or a playlist of classical piano music for him, while telling him lighthearted and subtle jokes in between.

Was this out of professionality, fear, or genuine concern?

"Leo?" my father's voice calls, drawing me back to the present and I stand up straight.

"Hmm?"

"I was saying perhaps you should help Olivia today and rescue her from her self-appointed prison by my side." He says, setting down his cup and turning to Olivia who turns from the audio speaker at the sound of her name.

"Rescue her?" I repeat while she looks at me, then turns to my father before I can read her eyes.

"She won't leave my side. She's been here all week."

"Raphael, I'm your nurse. And I'm not complaining." Olivia says, moving to his side and he shrugs.

"I appreciate that, Miss Washington, but I am. I've been getting better each day and to have you just sit there waiting on me until night is unfair, not to mention it makes me feel older than I already am." He says and Olivia chuckles.

"Okay, but—"

"My mind is made up. It's the last day of the retreat and Leo will give you an employee pass so after the convention this morning, you can join the other CASTACKS employees in their last day activities. I think there are some hills and boat rides you should enjoy." He says and I turn to Olivia, catching her gaze this time because it's planted on me.

"Right, Leo?" My father says and I shrug, my gaze still on Olivia.

"Sure." I say and a look of surprise features on her face.

Did she think I was going to refuse?

"What if... What if you need help or there's an emergency?" she asks, turning back to my father.

"I have Frank, Henry, and my emergency Call button." He says and for a moment, Olivia looks speechless as she turns from my father to me, then back to him.

"Umm, alright then. I guess I'll go get ready. Thank you, Raphael, and I'll check on you later, okay?" she says and he nods while Olivia heads for the door, passing me briefly and allowing me to get a whiff of her lavender scent.