As Caleb left me in the kitchen to tend to the meal, my thoughts swirled with uncertainty. Charles had already disappeared into the living room, leaving me alone with the daunting task of preparing a meal for an unexpected gathering. The clatter of pots and pans echoed my racing heartbeat as I pondered over my place in Caleb’s life.Does he love me? The question lingered like a stubborn shadow. Had he ever uttered those words to me? I couldn’t recall, and the uncertainty gnawed at my insides as I mechanically cleaned the shrimp, trying to distract myself from the whirlwind of emotions.Outside, the sounds of boisterous laughter reached me through the kitchen window, drawing my gaze. I peered out to see six men arriving, their camaraderie evident in their easy banter and hearty laughs. It was a rare sight—Caleb seldom had visitors, let alone a group of six.Turning off the stove, I hesitated for a moment, debating whether to join them or retreat to the solace of the kitchen. Before I c
Caleb's warm hug still lingered on my body, a comforting memory that I never expected. Hugging myself, I closed my eyes, replaying his words in my mind: “I will always be with you.” Opening my eyes, a sudden wave of nervousness washed over me. Why was I feeling this way?Caleb's visitors were different. Although I enjoyed their company, there was something off, something they were hiding. Even the glasses I washed earlier had unusual scratches. It was strange.Shaking my head, I tried to dismiss my suspicions. I walked into the kitchen to check the glasses again. The scratches were not just superficial; they were peculiar. I ran my fingers over them, feeling the rough lines that marred the surface but didn’t break it. Something was wrong.I took a deep breath and decided to focus on Caleb. The memory of his embrace brought a smile to my face. His declaration, “I will always be with you,” had sent warmth through me. His touch and his words had begun to dissolve the pain in my heart. Cal
My body ached as I moved my hands before opening my eyes. The room smelled of lavender, and as I looked around, I realized it was not the room in the mansion. Where am I?"You are awake." I turned toward the door and saw Charles, one of Caleb’s friends. "You need to stay here.""Why?" I asked. He just smiled and left me. What was happening? I thought everything would be alright. I shifted sideways, trying to think of what to do next. I shook my head and got up. I needed to find Caleb. I opened the door and noticed flowers scattered on the floor.I followed the trail of petals, hoping it would lead me to answers. My mind was a whirlpool of confusion and fear. Why was I taken here? What was Charles hiding? The corridor was dimly lit, adding to the eerie atmosphere. I walked cautiously, my heart pounding in my chest.The trail of flowers led me to a large wooden door. I hesitated for a moment before pushing it open. Inside, the room was lavishly decorated, with a large bed covered in silk
I enveloped my hand around my body and silently closed my eyes. I don’t know what is happening; I just feel so much pain inside my chest. Am I afraid? What if it is just infatuation? What kind of enemies does Caleb have?Still, I don’t know who he is. I thought I knew him but realized I don’t know him completely. His change of mood before must have had a reason. He has deep pain. In the blink of an eye, the light turned on, and Caleb stood before me.“Are you afraid?” he asked. I gulped. I did not answer. He sighed and tapped my hand. “Just calm down. You’re shaking.” That was the only time I felt my body, and he was right.I took a deep breath and tried to steady myself. Caleb's presence, usually so calming, felt different now. There was an intensity in his eyes that I hadn't noticed before, a flicker of something dark and unresolved. I wanted to ask him so many questions, but the words seemed to be stuck in my throat.“Caleb,” I began, my voice barely above a whisper, “what’s going
Staring at the vicinity of the Safe Haven Orphanage—primarily painted with red and blue walls, gives overwhelming rejoice. It is a school and a place to stay for orphans. I closed my eyes and averted my gaze. I grew accustomed to the people and environment after living here for 17 years but hearing the conversations inside the Headmistress’s office shattered my heart; I sighed and leaned on the wall. Another turned down to adopt me, but it hurt me even more because I could hear Headmistress Rosie pleading with the wealthy married couple inside.“What are you doing here, Eliana? Return to the classroom!” Miss Lalita suddenly appeared and yelled. I nodded and started walking. Since I was ten years old, I’ve used this cycle, which still breaks my heart.“How was it, Eliana? Are you going to start living in a villa now?” Risa inquired as she stood at the door, wiggling her curly hair. I entered the room with a half smile on my face. She is one of my cheerful friends.“Risa, don’t irritate
“Eliana!” I opened my eyes to hear Risa’s loud voice. Her face was pale, and she gave me a frown. “How come you slept on the floor?”“Huh?” As I stood up, I uttered. The girls in the room were all staring at me and shaking their heads. “What transpired?” I inquired. Risa and Mary assisted me in getting up on the floor and directing me to my bed.“We found you unconscious on the floor.”“Do you have a fever?”In the sudden gust of wind, I clutched my blanket and shivered. “Hey!” Mary exclaimed.“I’m cold,” I mumbled, adding, “Could you please close the window?”They exchanged glances as a line appeared on their forehead. “The windows were closed, Eliana.” When I looked out the window, memories flashed through my mind—blurred faces of a girl running and a boy chasing her. They were content to enjoy the beauty of the forest while watching the sunset. “Eliana!”The glimpses faded as I focused on my friends. They appeared concerned and handed me a cup of hot coffee. “Drink this; I’m going
A stream of cold water rushed into my body. When I opened my eyes, I found myself in the bathroom.Things are gradually returning to my mind. Why do I keep catching a glimpse of that woman? I stood up and looked in the mirror. Our face is the same shape as hers, identical, but her hair is curly blonde. Who is she?“Eliana,” two knocks were on the door before the familiar voice yelled.“Yes, Mary, I am going out,” I said while drying myself on the towel.“Are you okay?” She asked, giving me my dress and undergarments. I smiled and assured her that everything was fine. “By the way, we’re going out tomorrow. Will you accompany us?” She voices out.“What are you going to do?” I asked, wearing my dress.“We’ll watch movies outside because it’s Saturday. We are fortunate that the headmistresses have agreed to this.” She responded, giggling, as she walked up to the door. They appeared to have forgotten my birthday, and I watched her leave with a sad smile on my face. I noticed the meal on th
I smiled at the two men thinking they had a good intention in approaching me, and I felt at ease, but my smile faded when the moonlight directed on their faces. It is not a mustache they have but fur, not the usual look of a man. My eyes flickered, and I continued walking. “Young woman, what are you doing here in the dark alley?” The tall man asked; he wore a brown polo shirt and a black cap while the other wore a black polo shirt and slacks. I came to a screeching halt and turned around. The sudden intense fear hit me. I gradually stepped back and glanced at the road.“Yeah, we can help you. Where are you going?” The short man inquired. They both look like a monster of the night. I pinched my arms, thinking I was dreaming, but they shook their heads when I opened my eyes.“You are not dreaming. Come with us. We can help you.” They grinned and held my hand.“Let me go!” I shouted, but they gripped firmly. They are stronger than me. “Help!” I screamed, but it seemed no one was walking