Falling for the Maid

Part 19

I stop to think. "I'll have to check my schedule, but I will let you know. I try to always make time for friends." I say and walk into the kitchen. Niles hums happily. "You're in a good mood." I comment. "Yes, now sit down. I've made you cake and coffee." He says. "I'm in the middle of work." I answer. "You can rest a minute." He says leading me to the table.

I sit down and eat the cake. He sits there smiling at me. "This is really good." I compliment him. "Thank you very much.," he says happily. After I finish the cake and coffee I go back to work. I'm cleaning in the office. Sheffield walks in. "Have you decided what kind of dance you'll do for our show?" He asks me. I stop cleaning. "Maybe ballet, I'm not really sure. I haven't had a chance to think about it." I answer. "Oh, okay. Just checking." He says. I finish cleaning the office and empty the trash can. He watches.

"All right, well I'm done for the night." I say. "Okay, have a safe trip home " Sheffield says. I nod and walk away. He opens and closes his book, distracted. As I'm getting ready, Niles walks out. He Carrie's a small box. "Take the leftover cake with you." He says. "Oh, if you say so." I say taking it from him. "Of course I do. Enjoy it and get home safe." Niles says. I nod, grab the cake and my bag and walk home. It's a nice night out. I have my headphones in listening to music as I walk.

I reach my building, pausing to check the mail. I see a letter from Aunt Frances, and the travel brochure I was expecting. I put them in my bag. I walk upstairs with my headphones still in. I set the cake down and look for my keys. A shadow moves by my door. I jump back and swing my gym bag as hard as I can.

"Ohhhh!" The shadow grunts when my bag hits it. The shadow falls to its knees. I find my keys and unlock the door. I flip on the outside light and gasp. Benicio was the shadow. He's doubled over holding his stomach. I put my bag and the cake inside. I take out my headphones and rush outside. I put his arm over my shoulder and help him stand up. "I'm sorry!" I say bringing him inside. I sit him on the couch. He lays sideways. "Its okay, I probably deserved that " he gasps. I run to the kitchen and get him some water. I set it on the coffee table and sit beside him.

"Are you okay?" I ask when he can sit up again. "Yes. Thank you." He says. We sit there in silence. "What were you doing out there anyways? You scared me." I ask. "I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier." He answers. "That's okay. I understand. I had a talk with everyone again after you left." I reply. "Thanks, you're a good friend." He replies. I smile at him. "And I am sorry about that kiss. I shouldn't have done that. " Benicio apologizes.

"Oh, it's okay. It happens, you were probably just caught up in the music and dancing and stuff. " I say oblivious. "Yes, that's probably it." He mutters. "Okay, well I'll see you tomorrow?" I ask. "Yes, I should go. Have a good night. " Benicio says as he gets up from the couch. "You too." I say. He pauses at the door. "I still have those ballet tickets, if you wanted to go?" He asks. "Of course! I was hoping you'd ask!" I reply excitedly. "Good. I'll let you know." He says leaving.