Trust in You

Chapter 35 - Madeline

Tell me about Ethan Hall?

If you asked me 3 days ago, I would say he is the most sweet and gentleman guy I've ever known.

If you asked me now, I would say he is a jerk!

I inhale deeply. Calm down Mads! Calm down!

"If you keep frowning, in a few months Helen will look younger than you," Jack says behind me.

I glare at him (in my imagination, of course, because I still want to stay alive. Even though I say he is a nice guy. But with his tall and big body, I'm just a piece of jelly). "Tell me again why are you flying with me today? Do I look like I need a babysitter?"

He shrugs. "The boss worried about you."

"I thought I didn't exist in his world anymore," I murmur.

By the way, did I mention to you I'm sitting on the plane with Jack right now flying back to LA? Yes, Ethan Hall puts me in his jet once the doctor clears me out.

This morning I tried to chat with him as usual, but he answered me curtly. I am clueless. What is wrong with him? What did I do? Is it because of Ben's accident? Ugh, my head is hurt when I try to figure out Ethan Hall.

I check at my phone. "Jack, I want to sleep in the room. Is that okay?"

"Go ahead. Don't forget to drink your pain killer."

I nod and go to the room. I stare at the bed. The last time I was here with Ethan, my heart was so full. But now, I'm here alone. I check my phone (again). He doesn't even text me. I turn off my phone. I can't keep looking on the phone like I'm obsessed with him.

***

We arrive at Long Beach's private airport. The black Bentley is waiting for us on the tarmac. Jack sits in the front seat. I sit at the back alone.

I study the street. This is not the way to my apartment. "Jack, where are we going?"

Jack turns to me. "Your phone is still off?" I nod and reach for my phone to turn it on.

Wow... Ethan texted me.. so many times.. over 10 text messages, actually. All the message is asking about me and why I haven't turned on my phone. He also asked me to contact him once I saw the message. I am giddy now. I call him, biting my lips.

"Ethan," I say, controlling myself. Finally he is back!!

"Why'd you turned off your phone?" he says without preamble.

"What?"

"You know you don't need to turn off the phone when you are flying in private," he says, annoyed.

"Sorry, I was asleep during the flight. I turned off my phone so it won't disturb me." Not that I lie. I was disturbed by checking my phone every minute to see whether there was a text from him.

"Oh," his voice softened. "You okay? Do you need Jack to take you to the hospital?"

"No, I'm okay." I smile to myself. "By the way Ethan, you said in the message that you want me to sleep in your house. Why?"

"There are many people there. You'll be safe. And Consuela can take care of you in case you need anything."

"But you're not there," I whisper to him.

Silence.

"Ethan?"

He clears his throat. "Just go there and take a rest. I need to go. Bye." He hangs up.

I glare at the phone. I'm going to change his name into Ethan Stupid Hall NOW!

***

2 days at Ethan's house. I love the house. Not because it's Ethan's, but because Consuela, Paolo and the other staff are so nice to me. I feel loved. They are not nosy about my life. Most of the time they are busy with the house, but when we're having time together, normally after dinner. They will tell stories that make my belly laugh.