CHAPTER 5 : THE VOICE FROM PAST
"What special condition?" Ethan, who was standing by the door, empty handed, asked.
"Dr. Ethan."
"Eth."
Both Olive and Eleanora called simultaneously.
"What happened? What were you talking about?" Ethan asked while taking slow steps inside the room, his eyes taking in Eleanora's weak state and the gown on the floor.
"Nothing Eth. Also where is my mocha cookie crumble frappuccino?" Eleanora asked weakly while signalling the sister to not say anything in front of Ethan.
"I forgot my car keys and came up to retrieve them. Now answer me." Ethan said, his tone calm yet firm.
"Eth it's nothing. No big deal. We were just having a casual chat-" Eleanora was trying to explain when Ethan interrupted her.
"Sister Olive, were you talking about Ellie's claustrophobia?" And Eleanora lowered her face dejectedly.
She just didn't want to trouble anyone anymore after all she had made these people suffer in her past life.
"Yes Dr. Ethan." Olive answered in a low voice.
"You may go now." Ethan's statement was directed towards Olive but he was only looking at Eleanora.
Olive nodded before retreating, knowing she didn't need to third wheel between the doctor couple.
Ethan went and hugged Eleanora tight, his grip gentle but affirming. He raised another hand, rubbing her head as Eleanora melted in his arms.
"I am there with you. Always." Ethan said, his voice sounding distant.
'I am here.. with you… always..' a magnetic but gentle voice reverberated in Eleanora's mind, reminding her of Alexander's voice from moments ago.
'What are you doing Ellie? Look at Ethan!! If you want, he will bring the moon for you! And what are you doing? Remembering the devil who tainted your past and is not in your life right now? Stop being so stupid Ellie!!' Eleanora said to herself, before humming to Ethan's statement.
"I will help you put on the gown." Ethan said, breaking their hug.
"No cheating, Eth!" Eleanora said while giggling like a five year old kid.
"I won't look. I will close my eyes and help you put on the gown. I promise." Ethan said seriously while a small reassuring smile played on his face.
"No." Eleanora said while laughing.
"Ellie, we need to put on that gown right?" Ethan asked patiently.
"Sister Olive can help me." Eleanora shrugged.
"I don't trust anyone else after what happened minutes ago. Please let me stay." And Eleanora could no longer refuse Ethan's pleading.
This way Ethan called the sister to bring another gown, while he stayed by Eleanora's side.
Once the hospital gown was brought, Ethan stood by the bedside, waiting for Eleanora's decision.
"You turn around but stay within my range. If I feel claustrophobic again, I should be able to reach you." Eleanora said and Ethan followed, though this time the gown wearing event went uneventfully and nothing happened.
Ethan, instead of going to bring the frappuccino, ordered it directly to the hospital and stayed with Eleanora till she fell asleep.
"You said one hour would be enough. What happened?" Ethan, who was standing in the hospital room balcony, while looking at Ellie from the glass door, asked in a chilling voice.
"Mr. Blackwood, this person is something else. I had accidently seen him at the Laurent Agency annual function and recognised him. But basically there is no other info on him anywhere. I have been searching for him for hours now and all this seems suspicious to me." The boy said in a confusing voice.
Ethan kept silent for a minute, thinking this through.
"Alexander Laurent right?" Ethan asked.
"Yes." The boy replied.
"Fine. Leave the case over here. He is here in the country anyway. We are bound to cross paths." Ethan said, before hanging up on him, his gaze fixated on Ellie.
'Don't worry sweetheart. Nobody is supposed to come near you, no matter how good their intentions are. Not to forget that this guy harmed you. I will avenge you for sure.' He said to himself, those hints of gentleness were nowhere in the scene.
*1 MONTH LATER*
The air had started to feel invigorating and energising but at same time harsh and unforgiving. This was how the winters had always been.
People could be seen layering up clothes and anticipating the snow this year, while eating hot-street foods. It was near the year end where people had started forming plans for family get-togethers and friend reunions.
"Finally, I am free!" Eleanora exclaimed while buttoning up the last button of her beige cardigan, happiness evident on her face.
"As if we had caged you." Ethan said monotonously, but nobody could miss the small smile of affection on his face.
"Didn't you?" Eleanora raised her eyebrows, before laughing.
"Wear some more clothes, it is cold outside." Ethan said as he straightened the neckline of Ellie's cardigan while observing her white top and blue jeans.
"Ok. Also, if you don't mind, can you please please bring me some frappuccino. I am in dire need of one!" Eleanora said.
"Why not grab one while we return home?" Ethan asked.
"Sister Jennie asked me to sign some papers before discharging. And I can't wait. Please. Pleaseeee. Pwweaaasseee!" Eleanora was already puppy-facing him when Ethan accepted.
"Okay okay. I will go. You don't have to come down and wait for me in the parking lot. I will come back, I have to look at a few documents as well. Then we can go home together. Okay?" Ethan was rubbing Eleanora's hands, making sure she wouldn't feel cold.
"Okkiieee." Eleanora said with a grin.
With that Ethan left to bring her frappuccino while Eleanora left the hospital room and went to the reception, going through her files.
"Doctor!! Call the doctor immediatelyyyy!! Bring the doctor quickly or else I will burn down this damned hospital!! Right nowww!"
"Where the fuck are doctors here?"
"Move aside!!"
A lot of noise could be heard from outside as Eleanora kept her pen down and went to see the fiasco outside.
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Hello Lovelies!
This is your poor author again. After the end of 5th chapter, I am here to ask for your honest reviews on the book so please do let me know. Positive criticism is definitely accepted so feel free to share any changes or suggestions you would like to add. Once again thank you so much Fam!
- Kizy