Afraid To Love

EPISODE 7

Edwin Broderick smiled weakly. He was on drip. He reached for his son’s hands.

“Don’t worry about me, dear son. How was your date? Purity, I guess she looked so pretty.”

Jeremy raked his other hand through his hair. Seeing the sorry state his father was in, Jeremy couldn’t dare let him know that the date ended in disaster. It never even began, there was never a date between them. How was he even sure that woman was Purity? Her evil smile and tongue lashing words told him so. He beamed at Edwin.
“Um…it was quite a success.” Remembering that breathtaking kiss, he beamed even more. “At least, I enjoyed that.”

Struggling to sit up, Edwin questioned, “What?” his eyes twinkled with delight. He suddenly looked like a two year old. “Tell me son, what did you enjoy?” his grip tightened.

Aww. Jeremy was touched. This Purity got his father all excited and full of strength. What she had that made his father this way, he didn’t know. He was glad he was no more sad. If getting married to Purity would heal his father, then marry her, he would.
Jeremy grinned. “Ah, dad. Its a secret.”

Edwin shot up a brow. “Is it what I’m thinking?”

Jeremy flushed. “I don’t know what you’re thinking.” He released his hand from his father’s and looked away. He felt like a boy in his teens.

Edwin laughed. He choked a little. “I am feeling much better,” he expertly changed the topic, answering his son’s earlier question.

Glad that his father did, Jeremy turned to face him. “I’m happy about that. What did the doctor say is wrong with you?”

“Nothing yet.”

“I’ll see him later. Papa, have you eaten? I brought food.”

“My ever caring son. I have, but will eat what you brought for me.”

“Great!” Jeremy rushed to the chair where he’d dropped te lemon cake he’d bought on his way. “Here, father.”

He laid them on the bed. Helped his father to sit up straight.

“Yummy. This is delicious.” Edwin commended Jeremy.

“Here’s a cup of coffee too.”

“Thanks son. Here, come eat with me.” Edwin offered.

Knowing his father wouldn’t take no for an answer, Jeremy joined him on the bed and started eating.

“I’m a dying old man.”

Jeremy’s throat dried, he coughed. “What do you mean by that?”

“Marry Purity and I’ll live.”