Next morning
Ann opened her eyes gradually. "Where am I?", she thought.
Ann tried to get up, when she noticed Michael holding her hand and sleeping peacefully.
Ann smiled looking at his face. She remembered how he stood for her and protected her from that jerk Oswald. It was a heart-touching moment for her. She stared at his bewitching face.
Her heart began to beat very fast and there were butterflies fluttering in her stomach.
" Stop it Ann! Get a hold of yourself".
She tried to wriggle her hand free but couldn't, since Michael was holding it tightly.
Ann sighed and stopped making further movements as she felt it may wake him up. She looked around. " I am in a hospital. What happened? The last thing I remember was asking him whether we knew each other before. What had he said? Ahh.. I cannot remember."
She tried hard to remember it when a sudden pain hit her head...
Aaahhh.... She groaned..
Michael suddenly opened his eyes hearing her cry.
"What happened Anna? Are you feeling pain? I'll call the doctor.
He dashed out.
The doctor came quickly.
" Hello Annastasia. How are you feeling now?"
"I was having a headache just now. But now I feel ok doctor."she said
" Oh! That's good to hear", the doctor smiled. "How often do you have these headaches?"
"I was not having headaches for the past few years but it has returned in the last two days. What happened to me yesterday, doctor? I am getting headaches when I try to think about yesterday".she asked the doctor worriedly.
The doctor first looked at Michael and then at Ann. "You had a panic attack yesterday. You are alright now." He smiled warmly. "Is this your first time or have you had this situation before?"
Ann was shocked to hear that. "No doctor, I haven't experienced anything like this before. This is my first time".
"Ok, There is nothing to worry about. There are some things you need to follow when you encounter a similar situation like this in the future. You need to try to focus on your breathing, take slow and steady breaths, take your mind out from what triggered panic in you and focus on something else - like a happy memory. Count one to ten and try to stabilize your breathing. I will detail it to you later. Now you can relax and take rest. We will observe you for today. If everything is fine you can go home tomorrow.". He smiled and patted her shoulders.
The doctor left the room leaving both of them alone.
"So what do you want for breakfast, Anna?" Michael asked while walking towards Ann.
"No Mr.Smith. I don't want to trouble you anymore. You have already done so much. I will tell Linda to come over." Ann told him sincerely.
"I asked you what you want for breakfast. Nevermind. I will go and buy something for you. And no need to call Ms. Johnson. I bet she has so much work to do in the office and besides, I will be staying here with you". After saying this he turned around and left.
Ann was astounded, mouth agape.
"He will be staying here? Oh my God! Why is he behaving like this? We only knew each other for three days".Her heart was pounding fast against her ribs. "I don't want to get another panic attack. Ann, relax! Don't let your thoughts go wild. He is the chairman and you are a mere employee. Nothing can happen between us. He is just an extremely friendly boss". Ann sighed and closed her eyes .
After some time the door opened slowly. Michael came in with many bags. He placed them on the couch. Ann opened her eyes slowly.
"Hey there, sleepy head. Come, lets eat." Michael said, with an alluring face and coy smile. He stood in front tipping his head down slightly.
Ann's heart skipped several beats.
"Ooo...No no no...If this continues my panic attack will soon turn into a heart attack. Oh.. God... Please help me." She thought taking a deep gulp.