(Aurora)
I got a free ride back home by a kind stranger as I had lost my purse which contained money and my credit card.
A car which I didn't recognize drove out of the garage on my arrival. I was pretty sure it wasn't one of Adrian's.
The main door flung wide open and I was welcomed by some maids. They helped me carry Stacey to her room, upstairs.
Then I instructed that she should be given a shower and fed after taking her medications before I headed for Adrian's bedroom.
I walked in on Aurelia feeding a bowl of hot soup to Adrian in bed. She stopped when they noticed my presence.
Oh. She was the supposed guest.
She dropped the bowl on the bedside table, raising her both hands in surrender. "I swear, it's not what you think."
Those were the cliche words of guilt. It wasn't a new thing. Everyone in that situation would try to defend him/herself, right?
"Carry on," I said, walking to the closet. I grabbed a towel and nightgown, then I left for Stacey's room.
They had put her to bed. That was my greatest joy.
I took my bathe in silence, dressed up and headed for the kitchen. Everyone had gone to bed, so the house was quiet.
God. I think I just developed new phobias– scared of the dark and being alone.
It felt as though someone was after my dear life.
Someone actually was.
But she wouldn't risk coming here, will she?
The dark figure sitting on the kitchen counter made me scream.
I felt a hand over my mouth, preventing me from screaming further and the other hand lingered on my waist.
Not again.
"Hey. It's just me."
Breathe, Aurora. Breathe.
I rolled my eyes, dramatical.
"Oh, Adrian. I almost had a heart attack."
I could still hear my heart pounding.
He gave a small laugh. "I'm sorry for not switching on the lights."
"It's fine," I said, walking over to the light switch and turned it on.
"So, why are you up so late?"
"I should be asking you, too," I replied, not sparing him a glance.
"Right. I was feeling thirsty, you?"
"Craving apples."
"So, can I help you slice it?" he asked, jumping down from the counter.
I gazed at him. A bandage was wrapped around his right arm and his head. "I don't want to cause you more pain."
"But I insist–"
He was unbelievable.
"No, thank you," I said, picking up a knife.
The pain in my wrist kept stinging, but I tried to hide it.
"Gush, you never do things right," he said, snatching the apple. In attempt to fight back, my hand landed heavily on the counter, inflicting more pain in the affected area.
I cried out, loud.
He held my wrist, giving it a close look. His eyes widened in shock. "Blondie, you have a cut? Was it me? I'm so sorry. Wait here while I get the first aid kit."
"N-no. I can handle myself. It wasn't you–"
He stopped halfway, glancing at me over his shoulder. "Did she do this to you?"
"Ye… yes, but I'm okay," I stuttered.
"Stop saying this when you're not. Tell me, how is Stacey doing?"
My face went white as snow as I struggled to force out the words in my mouth.
"I don't know. She managed to catch some sleep. We went for a medical check-up and the doctor… he said sh… she was sexually assaulted. She's suffering from an emotional disorder."
His face had a blank expression, somewhat. I knew he was thinking about something.
"What else did the doctor say?" he asked as he began cleaning the cut with an antiseptic. I flinched in pain as it was hurting.
He lifted my hand and brought it to his mouth, blowing air to soothe the pain.
He was so… cute. God.
"At it stands, she has gone mute and I don't know how long she's going to remain that way. But he assured that Stacey will be okay and prescribed some drugs for her."
"Has she taken her medications?" he asked again, plastering my wrist.
I nodded.
"Thank you," I said when he was done packing the kit.
"This has gotten out of hand. I will report the case to the police–"
Then he will be endangering our lives.
No, I can't let that happen.
"You will do no such thing!" I yelled.
"Anastatia is our daughter and we have equal rights over her. Besides, it's her right by law, too," he explained.
I hated when he was right.
"Exactly." The lawyer in the house just walked in on us. None other than Aurelia.
I arched a brow. "Wow. You have turned my best friend against me and she's taking sides with you, now?"
"What?" she looked at me as though startled.
I crossed my arms, glaring at them. "I know everything. You both know what? Goodnight."
"You're getting it all wrong. Will you hear us out, now?" Aurelia asked.
"There's nothing to talk about. Out of my way–"
Adrian lifted me in his arms and placed me on the counter, breaking off my speech.
"You don't have a choice, do you?" he asked, smirking.
"Put me down."
"Just shut up," Aurelia said, making Adrian laugh.
What were these two up to?
"Okay. I'm listening," I said, holding up my chin with my hand.
They stared at one direction, grinning ear-to-ear.
The melodic sound of a guitar filled the air, but neither Adrian nor Aurelia had a guitar in their hand.
Strange, wasn't it?
Then that voice, singing to my favorite song. The sounds were becoming more audible as time went on and I kept peering through to see who it was.
My joy knew no bound when I saw the face behind the beautiful rhythms, tears of joy rolled down my cheeks.
She had grown prettier. Her smile dropped when she couldn't control her tears. Aurelia took away the guitar and she ran into my opened arms, pulling me into a tight hug.
I– I wasn't dreaming.
Annabel is alive. I could feel her skin against mine, her tears which soaked my dress. I wasn't exaggerating.
Everyone teared up.
"Anna…" I whispered in her ears, still hugging her.
"Shh! Don't scold me like you always did. I'm taller than you, now," she teased, making everyone laugh midst our happy tears.
"Silly girl, I will save that for later. I just wanted to say I missed you more than you can imagine."
The endless 'awwn' that we got from Adrian and Aurelia as they kept clicking photos of us. Soon, they joined us in the hug.
The hug didn't make much sense without Stacey.
"I never believed this day would come," I said, aloud.
"Me too," Annabel said, giggling. "Thanks to brother-in-law and Aurelia."
Adrian frowned, pouting. "Hey. You called Aurelia by her name and called me that?"
"You can call him whatever you wish. I call him Mr–"
"Blondie, don't say that silly name in front of everyone, please," he begged, pulling out cute puppy eyes.
He just called mine, why shouldn't I?
I smiled. "Mr Arrogant."
That earned me a light smack on my arm.
"I'm jealous. You guys make an amazing couple," Annabel teased.
They passed funny comments, but I was lost in their conversation.
It was a wrong timing, tonight. I had a major task to carry out.
How was I going to tell him I needed a divorce?
"Big sis, is everything okay?" Annabel asked, making everyone turn in my direction.
I nodded, barely.
"Er… Adrian, please follow me to Stacey's room." That was were I hid the papers.
"Why? Are you still scared?" he asked.
"Maybe."
"Okay. I'm at your back."
"Goodnight everyone," we chorused, taking the stairs.
…
"Why did you bring me here?" Adrian asked.
I got up from the bed and locked the door. "I want us to talk about something important."
"Is it Aurelia? I swear, nothing is happening between us. I needed her help to find Annabel. I couldn't tell you because it was going to be a surprise. Then I found out you lied about Anna, saying a lady took her away. I felt so bad that I hadn't earned your trust yet, but I blamed myself for mistreating you. Aurelia fed me because I couldn't eat well with my left hand. I'm so sorry–"
Did he have to say all that?
I couldn't help, but pull my arms around him. His cologne filled my lungs.
God. I missed him so much.
When I realized myself, I broke the hug, wiping away my tears.
"I forgive you, but I hope you'll forgive me, too…"