The morning breeze was chilly. I got up and close my window. The clouds were dark. I took a 2-day leave on my part-time jobs. I have to finish my draft today and send it within the day. Furthermore, I thought of going to my favorite café to write. For once, I want to treat myself a cup of hot chocolate while I write. I went nonetheless.
I wore a black turtleneck sweater to hide the bruise on my neck and some comfy pants. Combed my loose curly long hair and bun it with a ribbon. And I'm done. I checked if my things are complete before I leave the house. Laptop, checked. Notebook, checked. Pencil, checked. Bag, checked. Purse, checked. I'm ready.
"I haven't seen my aunt since yesterday" I thought.
I went outside and it was so chilly outside. Good thing I wore a sweater.
Ten minutes later, I am inside my haven. The café looks rustic, and it's perfect for someone like me who needed a peaceful place to write or to relax their minds.
“Hi, Heather! It’s been a while. “Greeted the owner named George.
George is two years older than me. He is a decent-looking guy. Tall and with dimples. Like every woman will take a selfie with him. What I admire most about him is that he has a warm personality. I wish I have a brother like him. I thought.
I smiled at him and greeted back, “Hi, George! How are you?”
“I’m great! The café misses you! How’s your draft doing? By the way, same drink? Our famous hot chocolate with marshmallow on top?”
I chuckled. “Almost done. Yes, please. Thank you!”
“You're always welcome, milady!” He said with a bow and winked.
I laughed and shook my head.
Then, my favorite spot was not yet occupied. I sat and prepared my things while I wait for my favorite drink.
My phone message alerted. It’s Sophia. “Hi, H! I’ll see you tomorrow! Don't be late! No turning back with our deal, okay?”
I almost forgot the party. I replied, Deal’s still up. See you tomorrow.”
My hot chocolate now served.
“Thank you, George!”
George winked again and said, “I’ll take my leave now, milady. Enjoy your cup of our premium hot chocolat.” Then he welcomes another customer.
I sipped on my cup. This is the best drink ever! Now, I have to zero in on my draft.
An hour later...
A felt someone’s staring at me. So, consciously, my head tilted towards the person who’s looking at me. Then we had an eye-to-eye contact. He was the rude cold chiseled guy slashed savior of mine. He was sitting one table away from me.
I averted my gaze. “What a weird dude.” I thought.
I re-read my draft and once I am satisfied, I sent it. Likewise, I feel relieved.
I touched my neck, still in pain. I massaged it a little. But it hurts. I noticed that the chiseled guy was now walking towards me. And spoke, “Can I take this seat?”
“Um,” before I answered, he cutted me and sat on the unoccupied chair opposite side.
“Well, what do you want?” I said annoyingly.
“I’d like to apologize for what happened last time. I should not say that to you.” He spoke coldly but sincerely.
“Is that why you're here? Don't tell you searched for me just to apologize?” I was being sarcastic.
He creased his eyebrows in a second then replied, “No. I don't have time for that. It was a coincidence that I’m here.”
I can't believe this guy. To finish the unwanted conversation, I said, “Apology accepted.” I smiled and I fakingly looked on my drafts.
Then I felt that he's still staring at me.
“Thank you for your time.” He said and left.
George asked me if everything's all right. And if I knew the guy.
I answered, “All good. Just a random guy. “
He looked at me confused. “You don't know that dude?”
“Should I recognize him?”
“What?! He’s the notorious Alexander Huxley! A billionaire. Famous to many women in the city. Good that you don't know him. He’s a playboy. “He said it from praising the guy to bashing.
Ah. That's why he’s wearing a suit.
“I don't how popular he is. I don't care. He’s just a random rude guy. I’ll take my leave now. Thank you!” I left my payment to the counter. As I opened the door, George shouted, “ Heather, wait up!”
I stopped and waited for him.
George asked, “You free tomorrow?”
“No, I'm not. I have a prior commitment tomorrow. Why you asked?”
“No. Nothing. I’ll see you some other time, milady.”
Confused, I said, “Okay. See you around.” I smiled at him and left.
As I walked towards the pedestrian lane, I feel genuinely happy and grateful for finishing my draft that I wanted to jump. I looked up at the sky and wished, "I wish I’ll be picked on the next round of competition.“ then it poured.
Oh, no. Bad omen? I thought. I ran as fast as I could.
The traffic light was now red. And the pedestrian signal says go. It's pouring heavily, and I am running towards the other side. When I hear a car screeched so badly and rapidly going on my way, my survival instinct is to move quickly as much as possible. My body was able to move, but I saw the car still moving hastily towards me. The beam of the headlights blinded me and I squeezed my eyes so hard. Then, I blacked out.
His thoughts.I drove somewhere far from the office. Then, I saw this little café that seems quiet. I parked my car and went in the little café called “Coffee Bloom House”. As I entered, I could smell coffee. It smells so wonderful. The place is tiny, but the interior is desirable.“Good morning, sir! “I was greeted by a tall and blonde guy on the cashier.“Hi. One Americano, tall. Thank you.” I looked on his nameplate. He’s called George.“That’s $2.50 sir.”I paid him the exact amount.“Thank you, for paying the exact amount. We’ll be serving your coffee in a moment. Please have a seat.” George smiled.I nodded at him once.While I searched around for a perfect spot, I saw a familiar face. Ah!
We are now at our hospital. She’s still unconscious. Someone knocked on the door. It's Annie. I let her in. Annie is my personal assistant, and she’s working with me for 5 years now. She’s 35 years old. She brought me two pairs of clothes.“Changed in this while I changed her clothes. I also brought you your coat.” She told me. She’s like an older sister to me.“Thanks, Annie.”I went to the washroom and changed clothes. I'm now wearing a white t shirt and grey joggers. And good thing Annie brought my winter cotton coat. I feel warm now.I went and asked for our family doctor who’s on duty and the one who checked on the lady. He’s my Uncle.“Uncle Louis, how's the patient?” I asked.“Hey, Alex. The lady is all safe. Just a minor concussion but nothing's serious. She may experience d
Her thoughts.I opened my eyes. My head is aching. I looked around. This is not my room. Wait, I know I was walking down the pedestrian, then there was a car — ugh, my head hurts.I breathe deeply. And told myself not to panic. You're okay, Heather. Relax.I'm in a gigantic room. Is this a hospital? My clothes are now different. It's kind of big, but warm. No one's here. Checked the time on the digital wall clock. It’s past six o’clock in the evening. I got up, whoa! I felt dizzy. Likewise, I noticed that my right elbow and right knee has plasters. Then, I tried looking for my things, the only that's familiar on that room was my purse on the table. It's wet. I opened the door, and I'm actually at the hospital. I rushed outside until I was out of the hospital. I feel super dizzy. I think I have a fever.I rode a taxicab and told him the flat address of Sophi
I have to go back to the hospital to retrieve my things, especially my laptop. But not today. I still have a commitment to do.Sophia and I were having our breakfast. And she told me again about the plan. This is the first time I had my breakfast without worrying about work. But thinking about sabotaging one's engagement party is insane.“How are you feeling?” She asked.“I'm great.” I lied. I feel feverish.“Okay. Oh! H! Aside from ruining my mother’s plan. I’m super excited to doll you up! I haven't seen you wear a dress. But today I’ll make you look like a princess!” Did I tell you that Sophia has a royal blood? That's how rich she is.“No. I'm good. Just don't mind me.”“You don't trust me?” She’s quite sad.“No! That's what not I meant. I just d
I found him! But I felt unwell and feverish. I unconsciously touched my forehead. Likewise, I staggered a little but found my balance.Alexander moves towards me and tried to help me stand up straight and asked me in his cold but beautiful low voice, “Hey, are you all right? Are you hurt somewhere?” He sounded concerned.“Yes, I'm fine. A little dizzy, but I'm good.” I without a second thought hold his arms for support.“I retract that, I don't feel well. Can you help me sit somewhere? Please.” My face almost touches his chest, but I tried not to. He smells great. Then he scooped me. Like my weight was nothing to him. I stared at him, shocked and puzzled. He sounded worried and annoyed.
“Hey, Sarah! Quick! The devil’s here.”I overheard one of the staff when I walked to my office. And just how superficial human beings are they greeted me with a smile “Good morning, sir.” I continued to walk like I never heard them.Someone knocked on my door. I responded, “Come in.” It’s Annie.“Alexander, your today’s schedule is full.” Told Annie. She’s the only one I permitted calling me by my name in the office. She’s like a sister to me. Likewise, she went on.“That's all for your schedule today. And someone already delivered your red suit in your house. You cannot not go to the party.”
Her thoughts.Two weeks later.The results are in.My palms were sweating. My heart was pounding so hard. I tried to calm myself down.“Breathe, Heather. Breathe.” I told myself.Today is the result if I got in to the next round of the Writer’s Luck competition.I opened my repaired laptop and went to my mail inbox.Five unread emails.Whew. I have to read the mail. No matter what.Then, I saw “The Writer’s Luck” email and opened it.It says,Hi Ms. Russell,Congratulations! You passed the next round of competition.For the next round of event, please click the link below for instructions.HTTP://x
I was looking intently outside as if I could see the hooded man. I cannot comprehend if I am just imagining things back in that alleyway or not. One thing is for sure, I will never try wandering in the alleyway next time.My entire body is in shock. You know the feeling when you wanted to cry, but you are too numbed to weep? That feeling.I am not certain if I should trust Alexander. The dude who almost killed me and also the gentleman who helped me. I cannot read this dude. Should I leave? But what if the hooded man was there lurking in the dark waiting for me to go outside? I wished to call Sophia, but I cannot. My battery’s already 35 percent. I cannot wait here any longer. But I am too petrified to go outside. I scanned my contact list. Sadly, there is no one to call for help.“Heather.” I looked up and saw Alexander. I felt relieved to see him and to hear his voice. Likewise, I know