Ting Tong! Ting Tong Ting Tong!
Phill looked puzzled as the bell went berserk.
He rarely had any visitors if not none , that too in the middle of the night, when he already had someone over.
Lea looked at him with her question filled eyes as she held the files in her hand.
Phill had brought Lea home because she wanted to go somewhere away from the hospital.
Jake had paid her another visit and just like all his visits, she was left vulnerable and broken after he left.
Phill and Lea were discussing work over a cup of late night coffee.
" You should take the door. " Lea had to urge Phill on because he looked unsure about what he ought to do.
Phill went to check the CCTV and frowned as he looked at his sister.
" Mercy!!!What the heck are you doing at my house this hour? And... do you have bags with you? What's going on? " He asked over the speaker which pissed Mercy off.
" Open the damn door, Phill. What am I? A thief that you are interrogating over the... "
Phill quickly yanked the door open before she could wake the entire neighborhood.
She left the bags outside for her brother and walked straight in.
" Goodness gracious! " She clasped her hands over her mouth at the sight of Lea. "You have a girlfriend living-in with you? Why did you not tell me? Did I disturb you? That is why you were talking so long. "
She referred to the time Phill took to answer the door.
Phill looked apologetically at Lea as he dragged Mercy out of that room.
" Where are your manners, thick head? Why are you embarrassing me like this? "
Mercy looked confused.
" Embarrassing you? That's not your girlfriend? "
" No! Lea is my patient. I am thinking about employing her. She has had an accident. She is still being treated. I just brought her home to discuss some work. " Phill joined his hands and shook them at Mercy.
" I beg you, princess, please don't make this any more awkward. "
Mercy shrugged.
" So it's already awkward! Fine! I don't have room for any more drama tonight. I have had enough of it today. You got food in your fridge? "
She stormed out of there and headed towards the hallway, leading to the kitchen.
Phill came back in the study as Lea moved forward in her wheelchair.
" Is that a girlfriend? Are you in a relationship? Did I create any problems? "
Phill was too stunned to speak.
" No! No, hell no! That's my sister! Who on earth would want that lunatic as a girlfriend? "
He looked disgusted at the very notion of his sister being in a relationship, just like any typical brother.
Lea heaved a sigh as she smiled. She could almost see history repeating itself but with role reversal. She was relieved that she was not in the wrong.
But Phill did not understand the meaning behind her smile.
He felt good that his single status made Lea happy somehow.
" Gosh, Phill! You call this a home? You got absolutely nothing edible in your fridge. I am calling delivery. "
She turned with her sassy a*s towards Lea and asked,
" Hey you, what's your name. I will get some food to feed ourselves. What do you want? "
Lea could not understand if Mercy was being nice or hostile.
Phill understood her dilemma.
" Don't worry. That's her natural tone. " He added without uttering another, just mouthing the words,
" She is crazy! " As both Lea and Phill enjoyed a secret giggle.
As they waited for food Mercy could not stop talking about all the injustices that she faced at their mother's house.
She went on and on as Lea and Phill listened patiently.
"And you know what, I am going to prove myself. I am going to make a place for myself without my mother's name. I swear I will. "
Her phone rang as she went to the door to collect the delivery.
Phill had that moment alone with Lea, so he whispered in her ears,
" I think she is here to stay, " He pointed at her luggage which still lay in the hallway.
"Do you want me to take you back to the hospital? "
He asked even though he hated to see her go.
" You will be able to rest there. She will keep you up all night. "
" Ok, ok everyone. Gather around. The food is still very hot. Let's dig in. I am starving."
She announced with a drum roll.
" Hhmmm! This is delicious! " She blew a chef's kiss in the air as the food travelled down her food pipe.
She suddenly looked at Lea was smiling while looking at her silently.
"Where did you find her again? "
She turned towards her brother.
" You guys have the exact same personality. You reek of the same aura! "
Mercy snorted.
Lea could not understand what she meant.
She looked at the clock on the wall and said,
" I would like to go back to the hospital, Doctor Phill. I don't feel too well. Can you please take me back? "
" Awwwwww! Why are you asking so cutely? I can take you back if he doesn't. Oh sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Mercy Rodgers and you are? "
She extended her hand as Lea took it with a smile.
" Call me Lea. "
Mercy stuffed her mouth with the rest of the food as she jumped up on her toe.
" Oh fine. I will be taking her back to the hospital, big brother. Hand me the keys. "
She blurted as she chewed and pieces of food flew everywhere.
" Mercy! Where are your manners? At least finish your food before talking?" Phill frowned at her.
Mercy laughed aloud.
" I am loving my new found freedom. I had to follow rules for too long. Let me live just like this for awhile. I am sure Lea doesn't mind it, do you? "
Lea found herself hopelessly caught between the unnecessary sibling fight.