Chapter 35
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I sat up straighter and stared more at the documents. Was that why Father wanted those documents so bad? Was it really because Mom wrote in her will that I should be the one to inherit the company when I was twenty? Five years ago? Was that really Mom's will that I was looking at?
A set of yellowed papers compiled with other white papers describing how Father was illegally taking over Gorj was what I was staring at. A set of papers revealing a lot of Father's dirty shit. So many pages of what Father did and what he deserved for each felony.
I felt my heart sink surprisingly.
Wasn't that what I wanted? What the hell was I waiting for? I got all the evidence between my hands that would not only dethrone Father from Gorj but would also sue him for the rest of his life.
I flicked through the pages feeling bitter at my victory. Was that it? Should I really submit all these files to the police? Would that make me happy?
I didn't know.
I re-read mom's will and her wishes many times. Hoping to get a clue about what the hell should I do.
Should I call father and tell him I found the documents? It'd surprise him and probably scare him that I found out about the truth.
He'd be surprised just like I was when I realized that I didn't care. I didn't care about anything at all. Not the fact that I was Gorj's legal CEO. Not the fact that I could crumple father by a call and maybe a visit to the police station.
I found out that I didn't care after all of that hard work. I no longer was keen on revenge like I was, now that I had it. Now, Audrey's promises seemed empty and irrelevant. It didn't matter anymore.
I just felt like the solution to my problem wasn't to look for trouble, but to simply choose normal. I wanted to live away from all of this mess. Might as well hand Father all those documents so that he could destroy them. And by that, I'd be set free. He could have the company, the money, everything I could've possibly had. I wanted nothing. I just wanted to be normal again. I wanted to get away from everyone and everything. I wanted to run away from my fate. I wanted to start from scratch and live a rich life. A rich life, not in the sense of money. I wanted to lead a healthy life.
But that was crazy, wasn't it? Who in his sane mind would give up such an enormous opportunity? A golden one?
I squeezed my eyes shut and took in deep breaths. I needed to calm down and think it right. Any recklessness from my side could have dire consequences.
I closed the file with a snap and got up to put all the documents in the closet. No one would open it. And as far as I was concerned, Father wouldn't.
I looked at the time. It was already midnight. I sighed and dropped on my bed tiredly.
Suddenly, my phone rang causing my heart to leap out of my chest.
I reached for my phone with a heavy sigh and looked at the ID of the caller. It was an unknown number. I glanced at the time again.
12:05 a.m
I frowned slightly and ignored the call. If anyone wanted me, they should know when to call. And definitely not midnight.
I laid down again and was surprised to hear the 'beep' of a message.
I sighed angrily and picked my phone to find a message from the same unknown number. I then unlocked the phone and checked the message curiously.
Unknown number:
That makes it twice. We don't forget :)
I stared at the message and raised my eyebrows. Who got the audacity to send threats that made no sense to me? It was actually funny. I remembered smiling at my phone.
I then rolled my eyes and chucked my phone away. I got lots of threats all the time, but this was trivial and non-consequential. I liked face to face threats. More authentic and real.
Sending text messages is for pussies and lovers.
I switched off the lights, took a deep breath and slept.
---
I was currently sitting in the hospital's waiting room, waiting for the doctors to 'ready' Samantha to meet me.
I sat there fidgeting with my ring on my middle finger and daring myself to actually smoke a cigarette in the hospital.
That would've been so cool.
I rolled my eyes at the thought, but was about to reach for a cigarette anyway, when a nurse came and asked me to follow her.
I dropped my hand from my chest's pocket where my cigarette box stayed teasingly. I then got up and followed her, excited that I'd get to see Samantha and that she'd get to see me too.
My heart even jumped at the thought and a smile found its way to my lips involuntarily. The nurse stopped with a tight smile and opened the door to Samantha's room while I was almost suffocating from excitement.
She was sitting on a hospital chair bed, grinning and talking to the doctor animatedly. Hearing her silky voice and seeing her almost explode from delight sent satisfying chills down my spine. I was just so relieved.
The doctor glanced at me and smiled as Samantha and her ponytail turned to me.
I stared at her and she stared at me as the doctor excused himself and left. Her eyes were literally heart-stopping. I inhaled sharply at their vibrancy. The colour of the purest, bluest oceans. The breathtaking light of greenish-blue auroras. And I thought -God, wow. And I also thought- I need to get closer, cause wow. Her eyes were beautiful. She was so exquisite. And seeing her face as a whole without having half of it concealed by sunglasses was so refreshing. I couldn't not grin.
She was just so magical, sitting there, pale, pink lips parted, in white, plain pyjamas and jet black hair pulled in a high, immaculate ponytail. I approached her and her eyes followed my movements before I sat on the chair so I was facing her. I continued staring at her in silence. And I thought- I want to capture this moment, this feeling and keep it in my pocket forever.
"Words fail me," I whispered with a sincere smile tugging at my lips as she turned pink and looked away. "But I'll start with, hello, Samantha," I breathed and she looked back at me speechlessly and bit her lips, drinking in my face over and over again with a smile threatening to stain her lips.
"Hello." Her voice was low and shy and my heart grew more. "Caesar," she added, bit her lower lip gently, then looked away. And I thought- maybe, she is trying to kill me by being so effortlessly lovely.
"You're awfully quiet," I said and she slowly turned her head to face me. "I'm still the same person you spent your time with. For months."
"I'm sorry." She then breathed out a chuckle before staring at me. "I -uh- it's just- you're so much different than I imagined." A smile played on her lips as she fumbled with her fingers.
I cocked an eyebrow and smirked. "Good different or bad different?"
She blushed and I nodded at her, urging her to answer. "Actually-" she started, caught her breath and smiled. "Bad different."
"Bad different, huh?" I looked at her suspiciously and her face broke into a beam.
"Totally. You look repugnant. For me," she was smiling and I was flying or dancing or melting. "I don't know how to describe you. The words to use."
"I can help you," I volunteered uselessly and she shook her head. I continued anyway. "I'm so extraordinarily and impossibly mouth-watering and delicious."
Samantha gasped and shook her head. "You're not food." I raised my eyebrows at that but grinned. "You're -ugh, fine. You are good-looking. I mean, I don't think I saw someone. Like you." She whispered the last part and my heart skipped another beat.
I got up and sat next to her on the chair bed. "That's literally what I said," I whispered in her ears and she craned away. "Delicious," I scooted closer to her so that our arms were touching, but she scooted away.
"That's a different context," she said defensively, clearing her throat. "I wouldn't describe any person as 'delicious'. That's cannibalism," she said looking at her bare feet that swayed with her anklet.
"Oh. Alright. But I'd totally describe you like that," I said smiling, looking at her as she tried suppressing a smile. In the end, she failed, looked away and grinned.
I smiled at her and then she turned to me. "Your hair is unique. I absolutely love it," she said quickly out of nowhere.
"That's it? Only my hair? Come on, Mantha, step up the game! For the last few months, I was the one constantly complimenting you. I was like, the girl's blind and I gotta be forgiving-" I started sarcastically and she laughed adorably.
She then shook her head. "That's all you're getting from me for now, Caesar. Don't hope for too much. You'll end up with a broken heart."
I then grinned at her as I watched her stare at her hands. "I'm glad."
"That I like your hair?" she asked smiling, glancing at me and I smirked.
"Nah, I knew you'd like it anyway. Eventually. But I'm really glad you're doing okay," I said sincerely and she beamed.
"And I'm glad that you didn't stand me up. For a moment I had-" she started and I shook my head, cutting her off.
"Never," I said and she stared at me, lips slightly parted. "I would never do that. I tend to stick around with those whom I care for," I said as she blushed and looked away.
"You're too sweet for me," she said shyly after a pause and I grinned.
"You deserve much more," I said, remembering how her family disowned her with a heart lurch.
"Oh God," she exclaimed out of nowhere. "I can't wait to tell Amanda!" she then turned her back to reach for her phone that was on the other side of the chair bed. I then saw her chuck it away with a disappointed sigh. "My phone's dead." Her shoulders slumped a bit.
I gulped, guessing her next question, which she asked enthusiastically. "Hey, Caesar, can I borrow your phone? I wanna call Amanda. She must be worried sick."
Quick thoughts ran all over my brain. Lie or be honest? Is she ready? I didn't think so. Not then. Not when she was so happy and expecting support from her closest ones. The ones whom she thought cared. She sure was soft. But she was also as strong. I just had to tell her when the right time comes.
When the right time comes.
I let my eyebrows furrow slightly feigning slight disturbance. "Oh, about that-" I started.
"Amanda called yesterday because you obviously didn't turn up," I said slowly. "She was indeed worried. Very concerned. I could tell from her voice-"
Just blabber any details. Any unnecessary descriptions. Got to get time to think well.
"She said she didn't expect you not to turn up. You know, she thought we were out on a date-" I started and watched Samantha nod her head as she stared at a vase full of flowers in front of her.
"But, she told me to tell you that she had to leave. She said that your phone was dead-" I added with a little risk. "-or else, she would've called you herself."
"Did she say where she will go?" Samantha said in a small voice and I felt my heart beat faster.
Good question.
"She sai-"
"Maybe Glasgow," she then said suddenly, her face brightening. "She said she always wanted to go there! She had her best friend to visit whom I think just had a baby. Oh, but did she tell you when she'd return?" she asked softly, looking in my face.
"No. She didn't," I hesitated for a bit. "But she said that you shouldn't worry. If it took her long that is," I said looking into her eyes and immediately felt bad that I was lying to her.
She nodded slowly, diverting her gaze from mine and I wondered for a second if she felt my deception.
"Oh. Okay." She shrugged.
"So shall we get to the important stuff now?" I said changing topics and scooting closer to her.
She didn't scoot away this time.
"What stuff?" she said as I rested my head on her shoulder.
"Stuff like going out? On a real date?" I said as I felt her play with my hair.
"Hmm...what about that?"
"When would you like to go out? I want to be the one with whom you explore the world with, with those beautiful eyes of yours," I said and she immediately shrugged off my head.
"I don't know," she said and I frowned playfully.
"How about we go out tonight?" I asked and she shook her head.
"Not yet, Caesar." I sensed discomfort in her voice. "I have to have time to prepare," she said and I raised my eyebrows.
"It's still fourteen hundred hours. I'm sure you can pull it off," I tried and she frowned confusedly.
"Fourteen, what?"
I grinned at her and shook my head. "I meant, two in the afternoon."
"Oh." She then nodded with raised brows. "Not really. It's just the first time in eight years to be able to see, Caesar. I need time," she said softly with a sincere smile and I nodded. She was right.
"Yeah, you probably do," I then said, sighing disappointingly. "Alright, Mantha," I exhaled with a smile. "Are you ready to leave?" I pointed my thumb at the door before getting to my feet and standing in front of her.
Her eyes studied me again, before she nodded, took a deep, shaky breath and looked into my eyes.
"I'll just take some of those flowers. They look absolutely beautiful," she then said casually, glancing at all the flower bouquets surrounding us and I laughed.
"They're just some roses and lilies, Mantha. I promise you, I'll get you a load of them if they make you so happy," I said and she looked up at me in glee.
"They do, Caesar! They make me so happy," she said getting up and standing in front of me, grinning.
I looked down at her and felt my heart skip a beat. I remember wanting to kiss her at this moment. And I remember how pink she was as she tried pushing back some hair behind her ears. I remember lots of energy and static when my fingers grazed her right arm.
Then the doctor barged into the room. And I dropped my arm as I stared at him incredulously.
But Samantha seemed unfazed. She smiled at the doctor and left me to thank him. I then remember her signing some papers and listening to some doctor advice before we finally left.
I also remember Samantha slipping her hand in mine and I remember how my heart swelled with warmth. Because this time, Samantha didn't hold my hand because she couldn't see and just needed a guide.
But simply because she chose to.
***
A/N: Heh...any thoughts, lovelies?
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
I sat up straighter and stared more at the documents. Was that why Father wanted those documents so bad? Was it really because Mom wrote in her will that I should be the one to inherit the company when I was twenty? Five years ago? Was that really Mom's will that I was looking at?
A set of yellowed papers compiled with other white papers describing how Father was illegally taking over Gorj was what I was staring at. A set of papers revealing a lot of Father's dirty shit. So many pages of what Father did and what he deserved for each felony.
I felt my heart sink surprisingly.
Wasn't that what I wanted? What the hell was I waiting for? I got all the evidence between my hands that would not only dethrone Father from Gorj but would also sue him for the rest of his life.
I flicked through the pages feeling bitter at my victory. Was that it? Should I really submit all these files to the police? Would that make me happy?
I didn't know.
I re-read mom's will and her wishes many times. Hoping to get a clue about what the hell should I do.
Should I call father and tell him I found the documents? It'd surprise him and probably scare him that I found out about the truth.
He'd be surprised just like I was when I realized that I didn't care. I didn't care about anything at all. Not the fact that I was Gorj's legal CEO. Not the fact that I could crumple father by a call and maybe a visit to the police station.
I found out that I didn't care after all of that hard work. I no longer was keen on revenge like I was, now that I had it. Now, Audrey's promises seemed empty and irrelevant. It didn't matter anymore.
I just felt like the solution to my problem wasn't to look for trouble, but to simply choose normal. I wanted to live away from all of this mess. Might as well hand Father all those documents so that he could destroy them. And by that, I'd be set free. He could have the company, the money, everything I could've possibly had. I wanted nothing. I just wanted to be normal again. I wanted to get away from everyone and everything. I wanted to run away from my fate. I wanted to start from scratch and live a rich life. A rich life, not in the sense of money. I wanted to lead a healthy life.
But that was crazy, wasn't it? Who in his sane mind would give up such an enormous opportunity? A golden one?
I squeezed my eyes shut and took in deep breaths. I needed to calm down and think it right. Any recklessness from my side could have dire consequences.
I closed the file with a snap and got up to put all the documents in the closet. No one would open it. And as far as I was concerned, Father wouldn't.
I looked at the time. It was already midnight. I sighed and dropped on my bed tiredly.
Suddenly, my phone rang causing my heart to leap out of my chest.
I reached for my phone with a heavy sigh and looked at the ID of the caller. It was an unknown number. I glanced at the time again.
12:05 a.m
I frowned slightly and ignored the call. If anyone wanted me, they should know when to call. And definitely not midnight.
I laid down again and was surprised to hear the 'beep' of a message.
I sighed angrily and picked my phone to find a message from the same unknown number. I then unlocked the phone and checked the message curiously.
Unknown number:
That makes it twice. We don't forget :)
I stared at the message and raised my eyebrows. Who got the audacity to send threats that made no sense to me? It was actually funny. I remembered smiling at my phone.
I then rolled my eyes and chucked my phone away. I got lots of threats all the time, but this was trivial and non-consequential. I liked face to face threats. More authentic and real.
Sending text messages is for pussies and lovers.
I switched off the lights, took a deep breath and slept.
---
I was currently sitting in the hospital's waiting room, waiting for the doctors to 'ready' Samantha to meet me.
I sat there fidgeting with my ring on my middle finger and daring myself to actually smoke a cigarette in the hospital.
That would've been so cool.
I rolled my eyes at the thought, but was about to reach for a cigarette anyway, when a nurse came and asked me to follow her.
I dropped my hand from my chest's pocket where my cigarette box stayed teasingly. I then got up and followed her, excited that I'd get to see Samantha and that she'd get to see me too.
My heart even jumped at the thought and a smile found its way to my lips involuntarily. The nurse stopped with a tight smile and opened the door to Samantha's room while I was almost suffocating from excitement.
She was sitting on a hospital chair bed, grinning and talking to the doctor animatedly. Hearing her silky voice and seeing her almost explode from delight sent satisfying chills down my spine. I was just so relieved.
The doctor glanced at me and smiled as Samantha and her ponytail turned to me.
I stared at her and she stared at me as the doctor excused himself and left. Her eyes were literally heart-stopping. I inhaled sharply at their vibrancy. The colour of the purest, bluest oceans. The breathtaking light of greenish-blue auroras. And I thought -God, wow. And I also thought- I need to get closer, cause wow. Her eyes were beautiful. She was so exquisite. And seeing her face as a whole without having half of it concealed by sunglasses was so refreshing. I couldn't not grin.
She was just so magical, sitting there, pale, pink lips parted, in white, plain pyjamas and jet black hair pulled in a high, immaculate ponytail. I approached her and her eyes followed my movements before I sat on the chair so I was facing her. I continued staring at her in silence. And I thought- I want to capture this moment, this feeling and keep it in my pocket forever.
"Words fail me," I whispered with a sincere smile tugging at my lips as she turned pink and looked away. "But I'll start with, hello, Samantha," I breathed and she looked back at me speechlessly and bit her lips, drinking in my face over and over again with a smile threatening to stain her lips.
"Hello." Her voice was low and shy and my heart grew more. "Caesar," she added, bit her lower lip gently, then looked away. And I thought- maybe, she is trying to kill me by being so effortlessly lovely.
"You're awfully quiet," I said and she slowly turned her head to face me. "I'm still the same person you spent your time with. For months."
"I'm sorry." She then breathed out a chuckle before staring at me. "I -uh- it's just- you're so much different than I imagined." A smile played on her lips as she fumbled with her fingers.
I cocked an eyebrow and smirked. "Good different or bad different?"
She blushed and I nodded at her, urging her to answer. "Actually-" she started, caught her breath and smiled. "Bad different."
"Bad different, huh?" I looked at her suspiciously and her face broke into a beam.
"Totally. You look repugnant. For me," she was smiling and I was flying or dancing or melting. "I don't know how to describe you. The words to use."
"I can help you," I volunteered uselessly and she shook her head. I continued anyway. "I'm so extraordinarily and impossibly mouth-watering and delicious."
Samantha gasped and shook her head. "You're not food." I raised my eyebrows at that but grinned. "You're -ugh, fine. You are good-looking. I mean, I don't think I saw someone. Like you." She whispered the last part and my heart skipped another beat.
I got up and sat next to her on the chair bed. "That's literally what I said," I whispered in her ears and she craned away. "Delicious," I scooted closer to her so that our arms were touching, but she scooted away.
"That's a different context," she said defensively, clearing her throat. "I wouldn't describe any person as 'delicious'. That's cannibalism," she said looking at her bare feet that swayed with her anklet.
"Oh. Alright. But I'd totally describe you like that," I said smiling, looking at her as she tried suppressing a smile. In the end, she failed, looked away and grinned.
I smiled at her and then she turned to me. "Your hair is unique. I absolutely love it," she said quickly out of nowhere.
"That's it? Only my hair? Come on, Mantha, step up the game! For the last few months, I was the one constantly complimenting you. I was like, the girl's blind and I gotta be forgiving-" I started sarcastically and she laughed adorably.
She then shook her head. "That's all you're getting from me for now, Caesar. Don't hope for too much. You'll end up with a broken heart."
I then grinned at her as I watched her stare at her hands. "I'm glad."
"That I like your hair?" she asked smiling, glancing at me and I smirked.
"Nah, I knew you'd like it anyway. Eventually. But I'm really glad you're doing okay," I said sincerely and she beamed.
"And I'm glad that you didn't stand me up. For a moment I had-" she started and I shook my head, cutting her off.
"Never," I said and she stared at me, lips slightly parted. "I would never do that. I tend to stick around with those whom I care for," I said as she blushed and looked away.
"You're too sweet for me," she said shyly after a pause and I grinned.
"You deserve much more," I said, remembering how her family disowned her with a heart lurch.
"Oh God," she exclaimed out of nowhere. "I can't wait to tell Amanda!" she then turned her back to reach for her phone that was on the other side of the chair bed. I then saw her chuck it away with a disappointed sigh. "My phone's dead." Her shoulders slumped a bit.
I gulped, guessing her next question, which she asked enthusiastically. "Hey, Caesar, can I borrow your phone? I wanna call Amanda. She must be worried sick."
Quick thoughts ran all over my brain. Lie or be honest? Is she ready? I didn't think so. Not then. Not when she was so happy and expecting support from her closest ones. The ones whom she thought cared. She sure was soft. But she was also as strong. I just had to tell her when the right time comes.
When the right time comes.
I let my eyebrows furrow slightly feigning slight disturbance. "Oh, about that-" I started.
"Amanda called yesterday because you obviously didn't turn up," I said slowly. "She was indeed worried. Very concerned. I could tell from her voice-"
Just blabber any details. Any unnecessary descriptions. Got to get time to think well.
"She said she didn't expect you not to turn up. You know, she thought we were out on a date-" I started and watched Samantha nod her head as she stared at a vase full of flowers in front of her.
"But, she told me to tell you that she had to leave. She said that your phone was dead-" I added with a little risk. "-or else, she would've called you herself."
"Did she say where she will go?" Samantha said in a small voice and I felt my heart beat faster.
Good question.
"She sai-"
"Maybe Glasgow," she then said suddenly, her face brightening. "She said she always wanted to go there! She had her best friend to visit whom I think just had a baby. Oh, but did she tell you when she'd return?" she asked softly, looking in my face.
"No. She didn't," I hesitated for a bit. "But she said that you shouldn't worry. If it took her long that is," I said looking into her eyes and immediately felt bad that I was lying to her.
She nodded slowly, diverting her gaze from mine and I wondered for a second if she felt my deception.
"Oh. Okay." She shrugged.
"So shall we get to the important stuff now?" I said changing topics and scooting closer to her.
She didn't scoot away this time.
"What stuff?" she said as I rested my head on her shoulder.
"Stuff like going out? On a real date?" I said as I felt her play with my hair.
"Hmm...what about that?"
"When would you like to go out? I want to be the one with whom you explore the world with, with those beautiful eyes of yours," I said and she immediately shrugged off my head.
"I don't know," she said and I frowned playfully.
"How about we go out tonight?" I asked and she shook her head.
"Not yet, Caesar." I sensed discomfort in her voice. "I have to have time to prepare," she said and I raised my eyebrows.
"It's still fourteen hundred hours. I'm sure you can pull it off," I tried and she frowned confusedly.
"Fourteen, what?"
I grinned at her and shook my head. "I meant, two in the afternoon."
"Oh." She then nodded with raised brows. "Not really. It's just the first time in eight years to be able to see, Caesar. I need time," she said softly with a sincere smile and I nodded. She was right.
"Yeah, you probably do," I then said, sighing disappointingly. "Alright, Mantha," I exhaled with a smile. "Are you ready to leave?" I pointed my thumb at the door before getting to my feet and standing in front of her.
Her eyes studied me again, before she nodded, took a deep, shaky breath and looked into my eyes.
"I'll just take some of those flowers. They look absolutely beautiful," she then said casually, glancing at all the flower bouquets surrounding us and I laughed.
"They're just some roses and lilies, Mantha. I promise you, I'll get you a load of them if they make you so happy," I said and she looked up at me in glee.
"They do, Caesar! They make me so happy," she said getting up and standing in front of me, grinning.
I looked down at her and felt my heart skip a beat. I remember wanting to kiss her at this moment. And I remember how pink she was as she tried pushing back some hair behind her ears. I remember lots of energy and static when my fingers grazed her right arm.
Then the doctor barged into the room. And I dropped my arm as I stared at him incredulously.
But Samantha seemed unfazed. She smiled at the doctor and left me to thank him. I then remember her signing some papers and listening to some doctor advice before we finally left.
I also remember Samantha slipping her hand in mine and I remember how my heart swelled with warmth. Because this time, Samantha didn't hold my hand because she couldn't see and just needed a guide.
But simply because she chose to.
***
A/N: Heh...any thoughts, lovelies?
I sat up straighter and stared more at the documents. Was that why Father wanted those documents so bad? Was it really because Mom wrote in her will that I should be the one to inherit the company when I was twenty? Five years ago? Was that really Mom's will that I was looking at?A set of yellowed papers compiled with other white papers describing how Father was illegally taking over Gorj was what I was staring at. A set of papers revealing a lot of Father's dirty shit. So many pages of what Father did and what he deserved for each felony.I felt my heart sink surprisingly.Wasn't that what I wanted? What the hell was I waiting for? I got all the evidence between my hands that would not only dethrone Father from Gorj but would also sue him for the rest of his life.I flicked through the pages feeling bitter at my victory. Was that it? Should I really submit all these files to the police? Would that make me happy?I didn't know.I re-read mom's will and her wishes many times. Hoping to get a clue about what the hell should I do.Should I call father and tell him I found the documents? It'd surprise him and probably scare him that I found out about the truth.He'd be surprised just like I was when I realized that I didn't care. I didn't care about anything at all. Not the fact that I was Gorj's legal CEO. Not the fact that I could crumple father by a call and maybe a visit to the police station.I found out that I didn't care after all of that hard work. I no longer was keen on revenge like I was, now that I had it. Now, Audrey's promises seemed empty and irrelevant. It didn't matter anymore.I just felt like the solution to my problem wasn't to look for trouble, but to simply choose normal. I wanted to live away from all of this mess. Might as well hand Father all those documents so that he could destroy them. And by that, I'd be set free. He could have the company, the money, everything I could've possibly had. I wanted nothing. I just wanted to be normal again. I wanted to get away from everyone and everything. I wanted to run away from my fate. I wanted to start from scratch and live a rich life. A rich life, not in the sense of money. I wanted to lead a healthy life.But that was crazy, wasn't it? Who in his sane mind would give up such an enormous opportunity? A golden one?I squeezed my eyes shut and took in deep breaths. I needed to calm down and think it right. Any recklessness from my side could have dire consequences.I closed the file with a snap and got up to put all the documents in the closet. No one would open it. And as far as I was concerned, Father wouldn't.I looked at the time. It was already midnight. I sighed and dropped on my bed tiredly.Suddenly, my phone rang causing my heart to leap out of my chest.I reached for my phone with a heavy sigh and looked at the ID of the caller. It was an unknown number. I glanced at the time again.12:05 a.mI frowned slightly and ignored the call. If anyone wanted me, they should know when to call. And definitely not midnight.I laid down again and was surprised to hear the 'beep' of a message.I sighed angrily and picked my phone to find a message from the same unknown number. I then unlocked the phone and checked the message curiously.Unknown number:That makes it twice. We don't forget :I stared at the message and raised my eyebrows. Who got the audacity to send threats that made no sense to me? It was actually funny. I remembered smiling at my phone.I then rolled my eyes and chucked my phone away. I got lots of threats all the time, but this was trivial and non-consequential. I liked face to face threats. More authentic and real.Sending text messages is for pussies and lovers.I switched off the lights, took a deep breath and slept.---I was currently sitting in the hospital's waiting room, waiting for the doctors to 'ready' Samantha to meet me.I sat there fidgeting with my ring on my middle finger and daring myself to actually smoke a cigarette in the hospital.That would've been so cool.I rolled my eyes at the thought, but was about to reach for a cigarette anyway, when a nurse came and asked me to follow her.I dropped my hand from my chest's pocket where my cigarette box stayed teasingly. I then got up and followed her, excited that I'd get to see Samantha and that she'd get to see me too.My heart even jumped at the thought and a smile found its way to my lips involuntarily. The nurse stopped with a tight smile and opened the door to Samantha's room while I was almost suffocating from excitement.She was sitting on a hospital chair bed, grinning and talking to the doctor animatedly. Hearing her silky voice and seeing her almost explode from delight sent satisfying chills down my spine. I was just so relieved.The doctor glanced at me and smiled as Samantha and her ponytail turned to me.I stared at her and she stared at me as the doctor excused himself and left. Her eyes were literally heart-stopping. I inhaled sharply at their vibrancy. The colour of the purest, bluest oceans. The breathtaking light of greenish-blue auroras. And I thought -God, wow. And I also thought- I need to get closer, cause wow. Her eyes were beautiful. She was so exquisite. And seeing her face as a whole without having half of it concealed by sunglasses was so refreshing. I couldn't not grin.She was just so magical, sitting there, pale, pink lips parted, in white, plain pyjamas and jet black hair pulled in a high, immaculate ponytail. I approached her and her eyes followed my movements before I sat on the chair so I was facing her. I continued staring at her in silence. And I thought- I want to capture this moment, this feeling and keep it in my pocket forever."Words fail me," I whispered with a sincere smile tugging at my lips as she turned pink and looked away. "But I'll start with, hello, Samantha," I breathed and she looked back at me speechlessly and bit her lips, drinking in my face over and over again with a smile threatening to stain her lips."Hello." Her voice was low and shy and my heart grew more. "Caesar," she added, bit her lower lip gently, then looked away. And I thought- maybe, she is trying to kill me by being so effortlessly lovely."You're awfully quiet," I said and she slowly turned her head to face me. "I'm still the same person you spent your time with. For months.""I'm sorry." She then breathed out a chuckle before staring at me. "I -uh- it's just- you're so much different than I imagined." A smile played on her lips as she fumbled with her fingers.I cocked an eyebrow and smirked. "Good different or bad different?"She blushed and I nodded at her, urging her to answer. "Actually-" she started, caught her breath and smiled. "Bad different.""Bad different, huh?" I looked at her suspiciously and her face broke into a beam."Totally. You look repugnant. For me," she was smiling and I was flying or dancing or melting. "I don't know how to describe you. The words to use.""I can help you," I volunteered uselessly and she shook her head. I continued anyway. "I'm so extraordinarily and impossibly mouth-watering and delicious."Samantha gasped and shook her head. "You're not food." I raised my eyebrows at that but grinned. "You're -ugh, fine. You are good-looking. I mean, I don't think I saw someone. Like you." She whispered the last part and my heart skipped another beat.I got up and sat next to her on the chair bed. "That's literally what I said," I whispered in her ears and she craned away. "Delicious," I scooted closer to her so that our arms were touching, but she scooted away."That's a different context," she said defensively, clearing her throat. "I wouldn't describe any person as 'delicious'. That's cannibalism," she said looking at her bare feet that swayed with her anklet."Oh. Alright. But I'd totally describe you like that," I said smiling, looking at her as she tried suppressing a smile. In the end, she failed, looked away and grinned.I smiled at her and then she turned to me. "Your hair is unique. I absolutely love it," she said quickly out of nowhere."That's it? Only my hair? Come on, Mantha, step up the game! For the last few months, I was the one constantly complimenting you. I was like, the girl's blind and I gotta be forgiving-" I started sarcastically and she laughed adorably.She then shook her head. "That's all you're getting from me for now, Caesar. Don't hope for too much. You'll end up with a broken heart."I then grinned at her as I watched her stare at her hands. "I'm glad.""That I like your hair?" she asked smiling, glancing at me and I smirked."Nah, I knew you'd like it anyway. Eventually. But I'm really glad you're doing okay," I said sincerely and she beamed."And I'm glad that you didn't stand me up. For a moment I had-" she started and I shook my head, cutting her off."Never," I said and she stared at me, lips slightly parted. "I would never do that. I tend to stick around with those whom I care for," I said as she blushed and looked away."You're too sweet for me," she said shyly after a pause and I grinned."You deserve much more," I said, remembering how her family disowned her with a heart lurch."Oh God," she exclaimed out of nowhere. "I can't wait to tell Amanda!" she then turned her back to reach for her phone that was on the other side of the chair bed. I then saw her chuck it away with a disappointed sigh. "My phone's dead." Her shoulders slumped a bit.I gulped, guessing her next question, which she asked enthusiastically. "Hey, Caesar, can I borrow your phone? I wanna call Amanda. She must be worried sick."Quick thoughts ran all over my brain. Lie or be honest? Is she ready? I didn't think so. Not then. Not when she was so happy and expecting support from her closest ones. The ones whom she thought cared. She sure was soft. But she was also as strong. I just had to tell her when the right time comes.When the right time comes.I let my eyebrows furrow slightly feigning slight disturbance. "Oh, about that-" I started."Amanda called yesterday because you obviously didn't turn up," I said slowly. "She was indeed worried. Very concerned. I could tell from her voice-"Just blabber any details. Any unnecessary descriptions. Got to get time to think well."She said she didn't expect you not to turn up. You know, she thought we were out on a date-" I started and watched Samantha nod her head as she stared at a vase full of flowers in front of her."But, she told me to tell you that she had to leave. She said that your phone was dead-" I added with a little risk. "-or else, she would've called you herself.""Did she say where she will go?" Samantha said in a small voice and I felt my heart beat faster.Good question."She sai-""Maybe Glasgow," she then said suddenly, her face brightening. "She said she always wanted to go there! She had her best friend to visit whom I think just had a baby. Oh, but did she tell you when she'd return?" she asked softly, looking in my face."No. She didn't," I hesitated for a bit. "But she said that you shouldn't worry. If it took her long that is," I said looking into her eyes and immediately felt bad that I was lying to her.She nodded slowly, diverting her gaze from mine and I wondered for a second if she felt my deception."Oh. Okay." She shrugged."So shall we get to the important stuff now?" I said changing topics and scooting closer to her.She didn't scoot away this time."What stuff?" she said as I rested my head on her shoulder."Stuff like going out? On a real date?" I said as I felt her play with my hair."Hmm...what about that?""When would you like to go out? I want to be the one with whom you explore the world with, with those beautiful eyes of yours," I said and she immediately shrugged off my head."I don't know," she said and I frowned playfully."How about we go out tonight?" I asked and she shook her head."Not yet, Caesar." I sensed discomfort in her voice. "I have to have time to prepare," she said and I raised my eyebrows."It's still fourteen hundred hours. I'm sure you can pull it off," I tried and she frowned confusedly."Fourteen, what?"I grinned at her and shook my head. "I meant, two in the afternoon.""Oh." She then nodded with raised brows. "Not really. It's just the first time in eight years to be able to see, Caesar. I need time," she said softly with a sincere smile and I nodded. She was right."Yeah, you probably do," I then said, sighing disappointingly. "Alright, Mantha," I exhaled with a smile. "Are you ready to leave?" I pointed my thumb at the door before getting to my feet and standing in front of her.Her eyes studied me again, before she nodded, took a deep, shaky breath and looked into my eyes."I'll just take some of those flowers. They look absolutely beautiful," she then said casually, glancing at all the flower bouquets surrounding us and I laughed."They're just some roses and lilies, Mantha. I promise you, I'll get you a load of them if they make you so happy," I said and she looked up at me in glee."They do, Caesar! They make me so happy," she said getting up and standing in front of me, grinning.I looked down at her and felt my heart skip a beat. I remember wanting to kiss her at this moment. And I remember how pink she was as she tried pushing back some hair behind her ears. I remember lots of energy and static when my fingers grazed her right arm.Then the doctor barged into the room. And I dropped my arm as I stared at him incredulously.But Samantha seemed unfazed. She smiled at the doctor and left me to thank him. I then remember her signing some papers and listening to some doctor advice before we finally left.I also remember Samantha slipping her hand in mine and I remember how my heart swelled with warmth. Because this time, Samantha didn't hold my hand because she couldn't see and just needed a guide.But simply because she chose to.***A/N: Heh...any thoughts, lovelies?
