Chapter 2: Snap Out of it

Fred slowly walked into the ward. Ruth was still sleeping. He stood beside her bed watching her sleep peacefully. The doctor's words echoed in his mind. "She could hurt herself". He would have disagreed with the doctor if he hadn't witnessed it himself. He knows this moment is tragic for her having lost the two people closest to her. He would have loved to stay with her but he also had his own family. His son especially is also going through a tough time and needs his attention.

Torn between his own family and his late friend's only survivor. He made a decision that seemed to be the best at that moment. He knew it was not going to be easy but he'd still give it a shot. He stood up and left the room in order to get some food Incase she woke up.

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Ruth slowly opened her eyes and scanned her surroundings. She realized she was in a hospital ward. For the second time. She groaned frustratedly. Her eyes went to the door as she heard it creaked open. She tried sitting up but her belly hurts. She groaned painfully. Fred rushed to her side and helped her sit up. He gave her some food. Soon enough, the nurse came in and gave her some medicine. She took them and soon went back to sleep.

Ruth was discharged after two days in the hospital. Fred was given strict instructions not to let her be by herself.

Fred was still fidgeting with himself how to tell Ruth his plan. He didn't want to take any chances by leaving her all alone in California with no supervision. His friend will never forgive him if anything was to happen to Ruth. He was preparing some milk for her while she laid on the couch. Fred emerged from the kitchen and met Ruth staring blankly at the ceiling. She sat straight when she heard him clear his throat. Fred handed her the glass and watched her take some sips. He sat down and cleared his throat again.

"Ruth there's something I will like you to know" Ruth tilted her head up to listen to him. "I will be leaving for Massachusetts soon. And I'd really like it if…" he cleared his throat again "the doctor advised you shouldn't be left alone so as not to repeat what happened. So I'd like it if you'd consider coming with me to Massachusetts" he paused scanning Ruth's face for an answer but her face held no emotion whatsoever.

"It would be good for your health. You will have people around you, you won't feel lonely. You would have a fresh start. You'd…"

"I'll come with you," Ruth interrupted.

Fred looked at her. He didn't think it would be that easy.

"I have nobody here anyway so leaving won't make a difference" she added.

Fred nodded and stood up.

"I'll make preparations for us to leave soon. Will tomorrow be good?"

"I want to leave now if possible," Ruth said, tearing up a bit.

Fred walked towards her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder while she sobbed gently. He understood she was so desperate not to feel sad "We'll leave tomorrow morning. Get some rest now" he said before going to make a call. After making sure he clearly tucked the poison bottle and every other harmful material away, he went to bed.

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Ruth was surprised when they were led to the private jets section at the airport. Was Mr Fred that rich? She had heard tales about him from her father a couple of times about how rich the Sinclairs are, she never believed they were this rich.

After a ride of 5 hours and a few minutes, they arrived at their destination. Fred told the driver to take Ruth to the mansion and show her to her room. He had to leave as he had some important things to take care of.

Ruth was marveled at the beauty of the Sinclair mansion. The outside view was breathtaking. The expansive mansion was a stunning sight to behold, with its towering columns, sweeping staircase, and numerous balconies overlooking the rolling hills. The fountain was captivating but she didn't have enough time to marvel at it because the bodyguards were walking briskly. She almost broke into a run in order to keep up with their pace. The interior of the house was something else. It has golden stairs, a giant fireplace, and a luxurious dining hall. The hallway, decorated with the finest of artificial flowers, seems endless. For a second, Ruth thought she was in a royal castle. "No, a royal castle has got nothing on this one.", she said out loud.

While she was walking absentmindedly, she accidentally bumped into something. It was a hard surface. She took a few steps back and tilted her head upwards. She realized that the something she bumped into was actually someone. A man.Her gaze was met with a pair of deep blue ocean eyes. She felt she could drown in those eyes and found herself almost drooling. He looked so handsome, like a prince out of some fairytale. Oh heavens, those eyes again! She could look at them all day long.

"Snap out of it" she heard a deep voice say harshly. She immediately recollected herself and stared at her feet. "I'm…so sorry" she stuttered. The man just brushed past her harshly and walked away.

'So rude,' Ruth thought to herself.

"This way ma'am" she heard one of the bodyguards motion to her. She nodded slightly and followed immediately.

She was led into a room and given the key. She was left stunned. Beautiful will be an understatement if used to describe this room. It was beyond beautiful. She stood still admiring the room and taking in all the necessary information when she heard a voice, "You're here". She quickly muttered a silent prayer, "Dear God, let it be someone my age and not as grumpy as the man I met in the hallway".

She turned abruptly to see a girl around her age standing arms akimbo.