(Aurora)
I kept tossing around in my sleep. I tried opening my eyes, but my eyelids were kinda heavy.
They snapped open to the sight of an unfamiliar environment after I gave a second attempt.
I rubbed my eyes in disbelief.
Where was I?
I didn't panic, instead I felt safe and at ease, but I had a million of unanswered questions on my mind.
There was an ice bag on my head, soothing my headache. I put the bag aside, and sat up, resting my head on the headboard.
My eyes darted around the room and I said to myself, "This got to be a fairytale dream."
The beautiful sky could be seen through the glass walls of the room, which was well furnished and decorated.
No honking of cars. No children playing in the neighborhood. There was no one running to catch the bus. It was so peaceful.
I called this place MY PARADISE.
My eyes caught a bouquet of red roses on the bedside table, with a get-well-soon tag, my favorite chocolate, and a pink teddy.
I reached out for the teddy as she looked familiar.
Right.
It was the exact one Adrian got for me on my first morning with him–my first surprise gift.
I named her right after him; Adrianna, but called her Rihanna or Anna for short. No big deal–Rihanna was one of my favorite female singers.
I never went a night without my teddy in my arms, except the earlier night. It felt awful.
My heart rejoiced as she came to me instead.
Now, I knew who was behind everything. It was just so obvious.
But how did he find me?
He kicked me out of his life for good. So, why was he acting like he cares if I got hurt?
I couldn't recall asking him for anything–the flowers and everything he got me. I didn't want his stupid sympathy!
I started plucking out the rose petals and threw them on the floor, then shredded the note into bits.
The chocolate was tempting, and he knew I can't resist it. I wanted to prove him wrong, for the first time.
But I found myself taking back my words as I began unwrapping it.
God, I hate him. I really hate him.
…
Knock. Knock.
My heart skipped and I threw the bar of chocolate under the pillow, licking my fingers.
Then I lifted my gaze, hoping it was Adrian who knocked on the door.
If not for anything, to shout at him for bringing me to this place against my wish.
But again, what if he wasn't the one? I mean, anyone could pretend to act like him. Someone like?
I paused to think and the right name clicked.
Like Kendall!
She was full of surprises and no one could predict her next move.
Save me, Lord.
I quickly hid behind the door and said, "Come in."
The doorknob twisted and someone walked into the room. Though I couldn't see who it was, but I was certain it wasn't Adrian.
My mouth watered as a sweet aroma hit my nose, making me forget all my worries. Food was my life.
The room was silent and I was dying to know it was.
"Hello. Sir, she isn't in the room," a feminine voice came in front of the door. It was nothing like Kendall's.
"Please, wait. Let me check the bathroom–"
I popped out of my hiding spot, unexpected, making her gasp in fright.
Then I lowered my voice to speak. "I guess it's me, right?"
She gave me a strange look, and nodded before returning to the call.
"I'm sorry, sir. It was a false alarm. I found her."
I couldn't hear what was said at the other end, but she replied, "Alright. I will call you if we need anything."
She slipped the phone into her pocket and turned to me. "Good day. May I come in?"
I scanned her appearance, head-to-toe. She had a yellow hairband around her hair; styled in a pigtail, matching her amber eyes and a blue knee-length dress.
"Hold up. Who are you, and what's your mission?"
I interrogated, preparing for a fight if her intentions weren't as innocent as she looked.
She smiled. "I'm Clara. I was assigned to work for you."
"And who's your boss?" I asked for clarification.
"Mr. Garcia."
"Oh," I acted surprised, before asking another. "Did he cook that, too?" I asked, pointing at the food tray in her hands.
"Yes. He made it specially for you."
I crossed my arms, walking back to the bed, then turned around to face her. "Take it away. I'm not hungry."
My stomach growled, saying otherwise. Thank goodness she didn't hear it.
The smile on her face faded. "Sorry, but I can't defile my boss's order. I'm risking my job if I do so."
I accepted defeat, at last. "Fine. Just leave it here and go."
She walked into the room and placed the tray on the table. I stole a glance at it, but the dishes were covered.
I knew the moment she was going to leave, I'd devour the whole plate, having no trace of food left.
Because my Adrian cooked it!
He would feed it to me if he was around. That was if we were still in talking terms.
I wanted to forget the memories we shared, but why did he always remind me?
"I can't. He instructed me to watch you until you're done eating."
"Gracious Lord!" I sighed.
"My apologies. I didn't mean to cause any inconvenience, but I'm just doing my job."
"Well, then. Have a seat," I said, patting a spot beside me.
"Thank you."
"So, have you eaten yet?" I asked, picking up a random cutlery.
She shook her head. "Nah. I've been helping sir, all day."
I pouted, apologizing. "Oh, I'm sorry. It's my fault–"
"No. Please, you don't need to apologize. It's okay," she said, and I smiled.
"We can eat together. I, honestly, don't mind."
She squealed. "Really? Do you trust me already?"
I shrugged. "Adrian won't let any harm happen to me. That's why he chose you, I guess. So, yep!"
"Thank you so much. You're really kind, ma'am."
"We just met and you're concluding already?" I asked, laughing. It was quite funny.
"Sir told me earlier and I didn't believe him until now," she explained.
He still talks good about me.
"Did you say something?" she asked, raising a brow.
Gush. I think I said it out by mistake.
"Did I? No, no. Let's eat."