Chapter 43

The ride back home was uneventful. Richard let Maine sleep for the whole duration of their journey home. He just kept giving sidelong glances at her, reaching out every so often to feel her forehead, cheeks and neck for signs of fever. Doctor Burnz mentioned that the alcohol in her system would burn the steroids, so he needed to check for symptoms that the body was rejecting the heart.

It worried Richard somewhat so he kept checking her temperature as Doc Burnz mentioned that would be the first major symptom to watch out for. Maine remained asleep, the alcohol kicking in her system making her drowsy.

When they reached home, he noticed that the Mendozas still haven't come home as the house was completely dark. He decided to let Maine stay at their house instead. Once he parked the car in their garage, he tried to wake Maine up. But the alcohol in her system added to the steroids kept her asleep. Richard sighed. He checked once more if her temperature rose but thankfully it didn't. He just hoped that it would stay normal the whole night.

He unbuckled her from her seat and he carried her inside their house. He was surprised to see his mother in their living room, reading a book. She looked up and was shocked to see her son carrying Maine in his arms. She immediately stood up and approached them, worry etched on her face.

"Oh my God!" She exclaimed. "What happened, Jase?"

"Jerald pulled a prank and spiked Maine's drink," he replied with a sigh. "She has alcohol in her system and it's warring with the steroids that she's taking. Why are you still awake, Mom? It's past midnight."

"Your father's not home yet," she said as she reached them. She checked Maine for signs of fever and she sighed with relief when she felt her temperature was normal. "Bring her up to the guest room. I'll take care of her there."

"No," Richard said. "I'm taking her to Rich's room. It's right beside mine. It would be easier to check up on her there from time to time. Besides, she's familiar with his room. At least she won't panic when she wakes up."

Rio let her son go as she followed behind him. When they reached the top steps, she went ahead to open the door for them and pull out the bed cover and arranged the bed for Maine. She left for a while to get a basin and a washcloth. Richard carefully placed Maine on the bed, taking off her shoes and jewelry. He brushed the lock of hair that fell on her forehead when he laid her down and his fingers lingered on her cheek. He immediately stood when he heard his mom come in once more.

"Can you find clothes for her to wear tonight?" Rio asked as she placed the basin down and started to wash Maine's face with the washcloth. "My clothes are too small for her."

Richard just nodded and went to his room. He took a shirt and a pair of drawstring shorts from his closet, checking first to make sure that the shirt wasn't too big or the shorts too baggy. He rushed back in time to see his mother take off Maine's top, exposing her bra. Richard gawked at the sight of her. Her skin was flawless and creamy, save for the scar that she had from her operation. Even from where he stood, he could imagine it smooth to touch though. He wondered how soft her skin might be if he ran his fingers through her body. He stood still unable to move, blood rushing to his face at the sight of her.

"I know I didn't raise a pervert for a son," Rio shot a glare at Richard, who jumped at the voice of his mother. "Leave and shut the door behind you, Richard Jason, before I throw this washcloth and basin at you. Leave the clothes by the bed."

"Yes, mom," Richard gulped and hurriedly placed the clothes at the foot of the bed and turned, almost tripping, as he hurried to leave the room. His face was so red with embarrassment. He shut the door behind him and leaned by the door. He took a deep breath and let it out in a huff. He decided to take a quick cold shower to get the vision out of his system.

-oo-

Author's Note:

Just a disclaimer: I haven't been making research on the symptoms of organ rejection. So the symptoms of the fever is just my own speculation and not actual fact. I just thought of it because we usually get fevers when our body wants to tell us something is wrong. So, remember this is fiction.