CHAPTER30

There are times in your life when words want to burst out of your mouth but no word can come out. Well, I guess that's my predicament presently. I didn't know how to react, especially in front of Carter. I didn't know what to say probably because I didn't have an exact clue as to what Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was all about. "Uh, I really wished I know what that means because I look like a fool right now" I declared, earning a light chuckle from him. "I obviously know that you don't have a clue, I mean you are not that smart" he replies with a soft smile. Even in the face of a problem, he knows how to lighten the air. "Just tell me" I demand. "Well, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a long-term, progressive lung disease that makes breathing difficult. It's a disease that slows the breathing process of a person and well I do have it" he spoke as a matter of fact. I wish I understood this more "What's the cause, did you smoke or something?" I crease my face. "Well there is a cause and no I have never smoked before. According to my doctor, he said it is a result of a genetic thing. You know my mum died from heart issues, but I was too young to know the exact problem. He also said it might have been from family history, with the AATD gene being linked to from, it could cause it" "Uh, what is AATD?" I just had to ask. "Something like Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, at least that was what he said" he shrugged, running his hands through his hair. "What do you mean that's what he said? This is your life. Please don't be non-chalant about this please" I begged. "You think I want to have this life because I do not" he raised his voice but levelled it after realizing it "I just don't want to think about it" He stiffened, on the verge of breaking down, his voice holding pain and distress. Two things that Carter never exhibits. I hold him for as long as I could, sending him encouraging words, to make him feel better. I've never once seen Carter this broken like his world was coming apart because it sure felt like it. No, I wasn't going to give in to it. I'm not going to lose Leon and I'm definitely never going to lose Carter. "You are even crying more than I'm supposed to" he pointed out that was when I noticed that truly, tears were pouring out of my eyes. I quickly wiped it and cleared my throat. No, I won't cave in, so I asked "what did your doctor say about treatment and cure" His face hardened "that's the thing, there's no known cure, although I just have to take inhalers and all that stuff" he dismissed. "Don't worry, I'm here for you" I assured him. "Thanks Lorrie, and please not one word to anyone" he pleaded with me and I totally understand for his sake. My friends would over worry, and they will make him feel sicker than he is. So I agree and give him a hug. "Uh, am I interrupting something?" Lexis asked as he stepped into the room. I quickly cleaned my tears and replied with a no and left the room rather awkwardly. ***** "Come on Amelia, neither of us wants to know what Carter's lips taste like. God gross" I gag. Due to the cancellation of our nights out, Brooke decided that we had it at my house, mostly because it was big enough. "But I got to admit, he's really good" Amelia blushes in thought. "Okay, this is too disgusting for me" Brooke launches at her, having had enough of it as I laugh at their mess. "Okay oof- I get it I get it" Melia surrenders, making Brooke get off her, not without sending her a warning glare which Melia sticks out her tongue at. "Grow up dude" I playfully punch Melia's arm. "Watch it princess" Melia warned and I gape at her. "Ooh close your mouth princess" Brooke teased. "Please stop calling me that" I said flatly. "Yeah we really should stop Brooke, it's only for Alex to call" Brooke laughed and I really could not hold myself from blushing. I cover my face in shame but it didn't go unnoticed by my friends who kept on harassing me. I had to stop the madness before it became too much and God knows who else in the neighborhood will hear. "Okay guys I get it, I blushed. Now moving on, I was trying to let you know what I saw on Eriel on the intern-" "You were digging dirt on Eriel?" Brooke asked causing an eye roll from me. "All those while you weren't even paying attention? and yes, I did" "Brooke hold it. Lorrie now, tell me, what did you see?" Melia silenced Brooke. "Now that's what I'm talking about. Love the enthusiasm girl!" I cheer "Well, when I did a random survey of Eriel, at first I didn't get much, only the usual Eriel married Hetty after his first marriage with late Elizabeth blah blah" "Late?" "Yeah, it wasn't on the internet though. Alfred told me that pa-" I stopped myself. Was I warned not to say anything? I guess so. "Alfred? The driver" this time Melia interrupted. "Not tech- you know what? Let's just forget that whole part entirely" I said in an attempt to dismiss the topic. "Okay, so what's the dirt?" Melia inquired. "Yeah so, it states that Hetty has no child for him of course" I state as they nod. "But here's something I found from a site I found while I dug through the night. It's a blog owned by a Donald Shaw, thirty-two-year-old man who worked with Eriel Wayne for quite a while until he was sacked a month after his wife died. See this, he said and I quote; Eriel Wayne was lovingly married to Elizabeth Wayne for a period of twelve years. The businessman was in love with Elizabeth right up to her demise even though they had no offspring and no heir of their own. Elizabeth died a barren woman. Do you see this? Which means-" "Elizabeth never had a child because she was barren" Melia says warily "Then who the hell does Alexander belong to?" Brooke matched up. Now we are on the same page.