Fifty Two
The next day. 
Dana woke up in a good mood the next morning. She did some stretching, while calculating on how many hours did she sleep last night. She realizes that she slept for exactly eight hours.
When she was still in the Metropolitan City, she's having a difficult time sleeping 
because she's been mostly out partying with friends, until the wee hours in the morning.
She took a quick glance on her left foot. It's not fully recovered, but the good thing is, it's not that swollen anymore, and it doesn't hurt that much.
Her mind went back to what happened yesterday. The annoying guy, who's name is Marcus, escorted her back into his house as he carefully assisted her. His mother warmly welcomed her into their house, and she was the one who did the first aid on her swollen foot.
Afterwards, the woman treated her with a nice cup of warm tea and some pastries. It was not the expensive kind of treat, but nevertheless, it was very delicious.
She was really given a nice and warm welcome by Marcus and his mother...
Dana decided to brush her hair while looking outside the window, just to look at the morning scenery. She can see the vast rice fields and the tall mountain. She can't explain why, but she feels calm and relaxed while looking at the wonderful nature...
 
"Good morning, Dana!"
Dana stopped on brushing her hair and she looks down from the second floor window of their ancestral home. She lets out an airy smile when she saw Marcus waving at him. And he's carrying something...
Dana was about to say something when she heard someone knocking on her door.
"You have a visitor, Dana." her Aunt Maggie informed her with a knowing smile.
"I'll be down in a minute, Auntie." Dana didn't have any choice but to talk to that weirdo.
Dana changed her pajamas to presentable clothes. She checked her reflection at the mirror and once she made sure that she looks okay, she decided to go downstairs to welcome Marcus who's already waiting at the living room. 
"Good morning, Dana. I just came her to check up on you. Is your foot okay?" Marcus immediately asks her.
"Well, it's much better now, thanks to you." Dana tries to be polite.
"Thank you for helping my niece yesterday, Marcus. By the way, I'll just be in the kitchen to prepare some food for you." Aunt Maggie said, then afterwards, she made her way back to the kitchen.
It looks like her foot is getting better.
"Oh, before I forget, I bought some fruits for you, Dana. They are all fresh, sweet and delicious. I'm sure you'll like them." Marcus happily announces, while giving a fruit basket to Dana.
"Whoa! This is heavy! But thanks." Dana thanked Marcus with a smile.
Marcus started talking non-stop, telling her many stories about their small town. Dana tries her best to listen to him, but she can't help herself but to feel bored.
After a few minutes, Dana heaved a sigh of relief when her Aunt Maggie came back to the living room again.
"Breakfast is ready! Come and join us, Marcus. And by the way, if you're not busy, you can also join us for lunch later... How about that?" Aunt Maggie suddenly suggested.
"I would gladly accept your invitation, Aunt Maggie! Thank you very much!" Marcus said yes rightaway, without thinking twice.
Dana groaned inwardly as she watches her Aunt and Marcus going to the dining room while chatting non-stop.
She initially planned on just staying in the house just watching television, eating and sleeping the whole day, but now it's clear that it's not going to happen.
Dana dragged her feet to the dining room and prepared herself with another tiring day with Marcus... 
============================
Dana was just eating silently, while listening to Aunt Maggie and Marcus' endless chatter.
"You should come with Marcus to the mango harvest, Dana. You'll have fun harvesting mangoes with the locals here." her Aunt Maggie suggested.
"Aunt Maggie's right. You'll meet lots of interesting people there, we'll have free food and they give us a salary!" added Marcus.
Dana was about to say no, but her Aunt Maggie has been giving her a knowing look. She's been staying with her Aunt, letting her live at her house for free, the food is free, so she has to repay her back somehow by being obedient...
"Alright, then. I'll join the mango harvesting." she finally gave in, because she doesn't have any choice.
It was almost early evening when Marcus finally bid goodbye, much to Dana's relief. She feels tired and weary because if his energetic presence, but she can't deny the fact that Marcus is such a sweet, kind, and gentle soul, he is well-liked by other people...
"Thank you for inviting me to your home, Auntie Maggie. Your cooking is really delicious, and I had so much much today!" Marcus happily exclaimed.
"You can drop by at any time, dear. I'm just so glad and relieved that my niece finally got herself a good friend." Aunt Maggie smilingly relayed.
"But I'm not friends with him!" Dana wanted to say it out loud, but she decided not to because she doesn't want to cause trouble.
Marcus then turned his attention back to Dana.
"I'll see you around, Dana. Take care of yourself and I hope your left foot will recover just in time for the mango harvest." Marcus chirped at her.
"Well, I hope so." Dana responded, in a flat tone.
After a few moments, Marcus finally left.
Dana helplessly sighed while watching Marcus go until he was out of sight.
She wondered where does he get all his positive energy. But on the other hand, her Aunt really likes him, so he must be a really great person... 
She's also thinking on what kind of person Marcus really is... What is his family background? What is his academic background?
She's starting to get more and more curious about Marcus...