The next morning we drive to the hospital to see Mark.

“Hey, you’re back,” Mark says, unable to hide his joy.

“We promised,” Blessing responds. “The doctor called me. He says you can go home today.”

I turn to Blessing in surprise. He didn’t tell me that. He shrugs, but only I notice.

“Awesome,” says Mark. “I can’t wait to see my mother.”

“Actually, you won’t be able to see her for a while longer,” Blessing says apologetically. “We just want to wrap up a few things before this whole debacle becomes public. I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”

Mark nods. “I understand. I’m just glad that we’ve come this far and are still alive.” He looks into my eyes and squeezes my hand. I smile a smile that does not reach my eyes, feeling Blessing’s steamy glare on my back.

After a thorough examination, the doctor signs Mark out. Blessing announces that he’s coming with us. That was clearly the cop Blessing talking. It’s going to be super awkward being with the two of them under the same roof.

On our way back, Mark asks us questions about the outside world and what we’ve figured out thus far. Blessing gives me side-glances. I think it’s only now that it has sunk in that we’re going to be under one roof together, and there’s no going back.

He shows Mark the other room. I had moved my clothes in there too, before we left for the hospital. “Not too shabby,” I mutter.

“It’s better than a hospital room,” Mark says, sitting on the bed carefully and studying me.

“What?” I ask.

“Why are you standing over there?” he asks. I am standing by the door. I walk in and sit down next to him. He takes my hands into his, playing with them like he always did.

“I can’t believe I’m looking at you,” I say. “Until I found out that you were in hiding, I thought you were dead.”

“I was almost dead in many instances, and if it weren’t for Blessing I’d probably be dead,” he says, tightening his hold on my hands. “I will forever be indebted to him for what he’s done for us. Incidentally, where is he?”

“He went to buy some food,” I say, helping Mark into bed. I give him some pills. We talk for a little while and he falls asleep, much to my relief. I cannot face his questions about Blessing. I have already omitted substantial information as it is. I am dreading telling him how close Blessing and I got in his absence.

I am sitting on the couch when Blessing comes in. Something tells me he intentionally took his time coming back. “Where is Mark?” he asks.

“He’s sleeping,” I say.

“I bought a few things, what do you want to eat?” says Blessing.

“I’m good for now, thank you,” I reply curtly. The living arrangement has put me off food. Blessing doesn’t eat either.

The following days are slow torture, having to tiptoe around two great guys. Blessing mostly busies himself with his work, leaving Mark and I alone. Mark is getting stronger by the day. Except when we are talking about the case, the atmosphere is so thick and heavy that you could touch it.

Mark is tickling me on the couch while Blessing hides in his bedroom, working.

“Okay, you’re right, I run my mouth,” I acquiesce, so that Mark can stop tickling me. It’s been a long time since I laughed so vivaciously. He stops and gently wipes my tears with his knuckles, gazing down at me as I lay on his lap.

“Though these days you’re not so talkative,” Mark says with a serious expression.

“A lot has happened lately,” I say, looking up at him.

He leans down and plants a soft kiss on my lips. For a second of bewilderment I don’t reciprocate, but Mark doesn’t stop until clarity returns to me and I kiss him back.

A commotion compels us to stop rather suddenly. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb,” says Blessing, pulling up a chair. I straighten up, guilt-stricken.

“It’s OK, we got carried away, and we were playing,” I mumble. I notice Blessing’s face hardening.

“Sorry man,” Marks says, embarrassed.

“Hey, you guys are a couple and you recently rediscovered each other, it’s totally understandable,” Blessing drones on. “Anyway, I just came to let you know that you might get out of here in two days.”

“Two days?” I panic.

“Yes, I was talking to the President and this will all be over soon. We have a tight case against LG, Ruben, John and the thugs who were hired,” Blessing says, avoiding eye contact with me.

“Well, that is great news, isn’t it? You know what that means, baby?” Mark says excitedly, tugging at my arm and forcing me to look at him.

“What?” I feign excitement.

“It means we have our lives together again, we can pick up where we left off!” Mark says happily. Before I can reply, he grabs my face and kisses me. “I can’t believe it!”

I hug Mark, and look at Blessing behind Mark’s shoulder. His wounded and bleak eyes mirror mine. We look at each other quietly, but all too soon I have to release Mark.

***

Tell us what you think: Will Alex ever tell Mark the truth about what happened between her and Blessing?