(Adrian)
"Hello?" I mumbled in my sleep.
A male voice came across the phone. "Sorry. Please, am I speaking with Mr. Adrian Garcia?"
I rubbed my eyes and sat up. "Yes. Who's on the line?"
…
A call from the police station got me on my feet as early as six o'clock in the morning. It sounded so urgent, and was something related to my parents.
I brushed my teeth, took a quick shower, and got dressed in a plain white tee-shirt, black cargo pants and a white pair of sneakers.
I was about stepping out of the room with my briefcase when Aurora's voice came through. "Wait for me, Adrian."
I turned around to see her in bed, still tucked under the duvet.
"Go back to sleep. You must be tired from last night, and you haven't even taken a shower, this morning."
"Who cares, baby?"
"I care a lot about you. Besides, you're still in my shirt and pants."
"We can go shopping later in the day, but I would still love to go out in yours. They're so loose and comfortable… and uh, they smell nice, just like you."
My cheeks got heated from hearing that compliment. "Thanks. I guess I'll go out in yours, too. Imagine me in your bikini, uh… lingerie–"
She blocked her ears with a pillow, and interrupted. "Shut the fuck up, Adrian. That sounds so… absurd."
I chuckled. "Like it's ever going to happen."
"I know," she said, taking the pillow off her ear, and began to arrange her hair.
"Enough of the chitchats. Get your lazy ass off the bed or we are going to be late."
"Ok ok. Give me a few minutes, let me freshen up, then we will le–Wait a minute, where are we going?"
"Just imagine. You don't even have the slightest idea."
She sat up with her legs crossed. "Yeah, that's why I'm asking. So, tell me, please."
"The police station."
"O–okay."
"Yep."
Unlike her, without asking for more details, she stood up and went into the bathroom.
In ten minutes time, she came out, wrapped in a white towel.
"Hey…" she called out to get my attention. I tilted my head to her direction. "Can you–uh… turn around for a minute, or two, please?" she asked.
"Are you kidding?"
"Of course not. Look here, I want to dress up–"
"We're married. What's the big deal?"
"I just need some private time, please," she pouted, pulling out cute puppy eyes.
Why did she have to look so adorable without even trying?
I wanted to reconsider her request, but knowing the main reason behind it, I didn't. "No, Aurora, and don't argue. It's too early."
"Okay. Then you have to promise me that you won't freak out."
I walked up towards her and stood at a close distance. "I promise, but on what?"
She turned around, facing the mirror, then dropped her towel to the ground. My eyes began scanning from her slender legs and stopped at her back region.
I wasn't able to get a close look the previous night because I was angry.
They were scars, some were partly covered with floral tattoos. Most scars I had seen were ugly, but hers was attractive.
I pushed her hair over her right shoulder, then ran my hands over her back. She shivered, and forced her eyes shut.
"Aurora, look at me…" I whispered in a husky voice.
"No, I… I can't. I'm sorry for hiding it away from you for so long. Please, forgive me. I was scared–I was scared you'll leave right after you find out, Adrian."
If only she knew, I wasn't mad at her, but at the bastard who made her feel insecure.
And I didn't need a soothsayer to tell me who he was.
It was the same psycho she talked to me about. I had heard rumors about him previously, and I was forced to believe them, now.
'He'll have to deal with me later,' I made a mental note.
"Look at me…" I whispered again, and she turned around, this time. Her eyes glistened with tears as she looked up at me.
"Don't go, Adrian, please," she pleaded in a shaky voice.
I hugged her to my chest, patting her back. "I won't leave you for any reason, baby. I can assure you forever. Even if you push me away, I'll crawl back to your feet. I can't live without you. And your scars–"
Her breath hitched, and her gaze fell. "They are ugly, I know. But don't say it to my face, please."
"No, I love them," I confessed.
"Really?"
"Yeah, they are beautiful. I saw them the previous night, but not as clear as now."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Cos I was mad at you."
"Sorry," she apologized.
"It's okay." I checked the time on my wristwatch, then my eyes fell back on her. "Dress up, now, we're running late."
A smile flickered across her face. "Thank you, Adrian."
I smiled. "I did nothing, but acknowledge your beauty. Anyways, you're welcome."
She nodded and proceeded to apply her body lotion. Then got dressed in a white t-shirt, blue jean skirt and black leather sandals.
She did a light make-up with only her eyeliner and a nude lipstick, and we were good to go.
…
TO BE CONTINUED.