She let out a relieved breath. "Oh my goodness. I was so worried. I've been calling you nonstop, are you okay?"
Evans scoffed. "As if you care."
"Uh? Did you say something?"
He hesitated then replied. "I have been sleeping, Mom. I must have been so deep asleep that I did not know my phone was ringing."
"Oh, great. How is your fever? I sent you a text last night if you had used the drugs you bought but you did not reply. Is everything alright? And are you even at school? It seems like you're home, are you?"
Evans clenched his jaw. "You don't have to worry about me, Mom. I'm not a teenager or a baby, I'm twenty-two. I'm very much legal and I can take care of myself well."
There was a pause.
"Did someone say anything to offend you, Evans? You..you don't sound yourself."
Evans exhaled. He knew he could explode with words anytime, he could feel irritation all over him.
"Like what? What do I sound like, Mom?"
"I don't know. You sound like you are offended and you need someone to talk to." She said softly. "Did something happen at home?"
His grip tightened around his phone as he shook his head. "No. Nothing happened and I'm alright. Okay?"
"Are you sure?"
He almost said it. He almost wanted to ask her what she hid from him but he stopped as he recalled Ophelia's words. What if she really did everything to protect him?
"Evans?"
"I'm here. I just got lost in thought." Evans replied softly, tears filling his eyes.
"I understand. Get some rest, I wanted to tell you how things have been here but I don't think this is a good time. We will talk about it when we arrive tomorrow, okay?"
"Okay," Evans answered back, his tone quieter now.
"Bye. Love you, sweetie."
The call ended.
Evans lowered the phone to his lap and stared at the screen for a few seconds before dropping it on the bed. He cleaned the gathering tears in his eyes with the back of his hand and exhaled sharply.
"This is too much..this is…
A knock from the front door interrupted him.
He frowned then stood up…could it be Ophelia?
"Hello? Is anyone home?"
He recognized that voice, it was Jasmine's but what was she doing outside his house?
"Hello?"
He walked out of his room and headed for the front door. When he reached, he let out a breath and fixed his gloomy expression then opened the door.
There she was, clad in a dark pair of jeans and a light-colored button-down shirt with a pair of black loafers. She had shades on and her phone in one hand. She was chewing gum and her brows were slightly furrowed.
"I knew you'd be home."
"What do you want?" Evans inquired.
She lifted her phone slightly. "We were given assignments today. It is group work. I was asked to put everyone in various groups but I don't have your contact information. The practical is tomorrow."
Evans stepped aside. "Come in."
She obeyed, her eyes scanning the room. "This is a cozy house." Evans closed the door and then turned to her. She stopped then shifted her gaze to him. "Before I forget…you look terrible. Did you not sleep well last night, there are dark circles around your eyes."
Evans looked away. "I am fine."
She folded her arms, a look of indifference in her eyes. "Did you get into a fight with someone? You look somewhat annoyed."
"I said I'm fine." He replied bluntly.
"Evans…
"What!" He snapped back loudly.
Jasmine raised her hands instantly. "Take it easy, man. Relax. I'm not here to get on your nerves..I just need your contact."
She handed her phone to him and he collected it calmly. Then she noticed his standing posture, he was standing as if he was injured somewhere around his upper body.
Curiosity got hold of her.
"You are standing as if someone gave you a heavy punch in the stomach." She said jokingly but he didn't react. That was when she knew something was wrong. "Are you hiding something?"
Evans stiffened then raised his gaze to meet hers. "I'm done adding my contact information on your phone…you can leave."
She ignored him as she stepped closer but before he could react, she grabbed the hem of his shirt and lifted it. Her eyes widened as she saw the visible blood-stained bandage. Evans stepped away from her but it was too late.
"Evans…what is this? You are injured." She let out softly.
"You may leave now. Please…
"Do not tell me that." She shot back. "Sit…I will find how to treat that."
"Jasmine…
"Sit." Her tone got stricter and he was forced to obey. She took off her shades and placed them on the table then looked around sharply. "What do I do?"
"I am okay. You don't have to worry about me." He said but it seems his words fell on deaf ears. She was engrossed in her thoughts. Finally, she turned her gaze to him then to his stomach.
"Here is what we will do. I'll remove that bandage and check your injury then we will take you to the hospital." She proclaimed. Not waiting for his response, she bent and carefully lifted his shirt. Her fingers moved to the bandage and Evans grabbed her hand.
"I told you I'm fine. You are crossing your limits." He let out in a low tone.
Jasmine yanked her hand from his grip and began unwrapping the bandage layer by layer. She looked up for a moment and he looked down, their gazes met. They paused, then he looked away. Jasmine looked down and continued, then she stopped. Her brows furrowed and she brushed her fingers against his skin.
"What?"
Evans looked down.
He saw the reason for her confusion.
The wound was gone.
As if nothing stuck him in his stomach.
Not even a scar remained.
Jasmine blinked, unsure of what to say. "What is going on? You were injured…that bandage had dried blood on it..how did it heal?"