Someone was playing with my hair. Odd. I slowly opened my eyes and blinked to get a clear picture of where I am. Yesterday’s memories flashed back to my mind like thunderbolt. I froze, once I realized that my head was pillowed on his chest…on his chest! And my left leg was slung carelessly over him. I was almost on top of him. As a reflex reaction I tried to get up…too fast, forgetting that we were sharing the same T-shirt! I was momentarily thrown back against him, my forehead smacking hard against his chest.
“Ouch!” I muttered breathless.
“Oh my, did I startle you?” he asked completely clueless of what just happened. I couldn’t answer. My head was spinning.
“Ana?” he was anxious.
“Wait a sec, I’m…I’m little dizzy” I murmured. I blinked furiously and shook my head to clear the fuzz. Such an idiot. I sighed.
“How I’m going to get out, Ethan?&rdq
I struggled to keep me afloat. The water was too strong, it swirled me along the current, and threw my arms and legs around like a ragdoll. My arms refused to obey me, they were too weak and helpless against the monstrous rip currents. I tried not to panic and stilled for a minute, trying to calm myself down. I kicked my feet and tried to pull myself above the water, I don’t even think I moved as much as an inch. I tried again and again, it dint do me any good, but to deplete the little energy I possessed and left me completely drained and futile. The water continued to throw my weight around, as if I was nothing more than just one of its many twigs it decided to play with. It tired me out, my limbs screamed in protest when I tried to move them. I was running low on oxygen, my mind clouded. The constant gush of water in my ears slowly diminished as if they were tired of my futile attempts. I was so dizzy from all the tossing,
Ethan jogged towards me steadily and scooped me up in his arms gently. He carried me to a hut, I think that’s how I could describe it, it was just like a hut, a semi-dome, made up of leaves. I noticed that there were three camp fires burning at the mouth of the hut almost enclosing, It from the cold outside. There was a huge pile of dry leaves and dry branches stacked up on one side of the cave. When he took me in, the warmth that flooded me from all the three sides was heavenly. I felt little less cold than I did few moments ago. Just when he placed me down, I realized something. Fear and panic gripped me trying to rob me off the little oxygen, I manage to force down my wind pipe. I cursed myself for realizing it just now. Ethan took my hand, sensing my sudden panic, I cringed away from him terrorized.“Ana?” he was confused, his eyes made no attempt to mask the hurt that flitted across his face. He reached for my hand again.“No, Eth…Et
The first thing I felt was the blissful warmth that enclosed my right palm. I opened my eyes to see Ethan staring at my hand, clasped between both of his. He was sitting there with nothing to cover his upper body, looking completely lost. He was holding onto my hand, as if it was his only talisman that anchors him to earth. His hair was a complete mess, there were dark circles under his eyes. He was worn out, but still, perfect as always. As if he felt the weight of my gaze, he turned his head towards me sharply. He gasped aloud, when he found my eyes open. He din’t say anything. He just started at me wide eyed. As if he couldn’t believe what was happening. I waited for him to say something, but he dint. His eyes claimed mine possessively not letting them flutter away from his. The intensity of his gaze pinned me down, leaving me breathless. I wish I could fence myself in, from the electricity that draws me to him.
I can feel the tension radiating off him in heavy waves. He was clutching my hand tightly."Don’t panic ok? Stay with me, they are here" he said urgently. Now, it was me who was clutching his hand tightly, my heart thumped painfully. They shouldn't hurt him, they shouldn’t hurt him. I chanted in my mind."Freeze!!" Two voices shouted. My ears buzzed from the sudden adrenaline rush. Just like, Ethan warned there were four of them with heavy loaded guns pointed right at our chests."Put your hands up in the air, right now!” one of them shouted. Ethan partly obscured me from their field of vision. We lifted our hands up slowly.
I opened my eyes to see two grey oceans staring right at me. They shimmered, reflecting the sun rays that stole glances of us bundled together under the same mattress. I did not panic this time, I dint move away either, I couldn't, ‘cause I dint want to. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't resist my heart that was running a marathon to catch up with his. We were lying on our sides. My was head comfortably pillowed on his right arm. He was too close that, his sweet breath assaulted my senses and muddled my thoughts. My eyes quickly fell on my right hand tightly fisted around his shirt color. Blood flooded my cheeks. I wonder how long I have been holding him as a prisoner. I slowly pried my hands open."Sorry" I murmured. I watched as my hand tried to unruffle the creases on his shirt. He gently relieved my neck from the lock of hair which has managed to wrap itself around
I dint know how long I have been asleep, I glanced at the dashboard it read 4:00 in the evening. I looked around and noticed that we were just entering a forest area. This was nothing like the one, we have been struck in for days. It was more like mountain area with lot of trees and valleys. The road was flanked by dense trees on both sides. I rolled down my window to hear the soft rustle of the leaves brushing against each other, topping it all was the melodious tune on the bird chips. I put my head out the window and inhaled deeply, letting my hair flutter in the hands of the playful wind. It was enthralling. He was driving through the flush of trees slowly. I looked up at him questioningly, what place is this? The road came to an abrupt end, only then did I see the huge fence that ran, for almost a mile on either side. My eyes widened. Ethan drove through the automatic gate, I guess it was an equipped biometrics lock. My mouth fell open when I the house came into view, it w
For some unknown reason I dint feel like using the elevator. As we climbed up the stairs, few questions that I missed in the past popped in my mind. I dint make an effort to reign in my curiosity. “Ethan? Does everyone in Jo-Haan speak English?” the question tumbled out of my mouth. “No Ana, we have our own language. After a great deal of debate and confrontation, English was chosen for communication between the neighboring planets, ‘cause, as the Terrans are not yet aware of our presence, they sort of act as a middle ground for us. Inevitably, it has become mandatory to learn English. The citizens of Jo-Haan are welcomed to use the language of their preference, that is, either English or Johein” I dint even give him time to breath, I promptly fired the next question as we climbed second flight of stairs. “How far is Jo-Haan from Earth?” “Umm…approximately thousand times further than you are from sun” my eyebrows flew up. “So far…” I trailed.
We were seated at the press conference. Ethan has been narrating the whole incident for half an hour now. I duly listened. Once Ethan ended his narration the officers permitted the reporters to ask three questions. Almost every one of them raised their hands. Ethan pointed at an older woman.“The doctor’s reports claim that Ana has post-viral fatigue. How did she live through that?” I tried my best, not to react. She was dangerously close to the very thing we are so bent on covering.“Yeah, that is a miracle, we did struggle with it. I almost thought she wouldn’t make it. Her system fought it off on its own” he said and looked down at me, “she definitely is much stronger than she looks” he added. The old woman flopped back into her seat smiling, understandingly. Ethan pointed at a man, who was close to dad's age, his spectacles were sliding off his nose.“Why do you think the tribal
Ethan’s memories were little hazy and I wouldnt have recognized liam cause he had never been in his true form. In Ethan’s memories Kaden was just learning about his powers...his power to change into anyone, a clone that looked exactly like the original person. He must have mastered his gifts now and that’s why I couldt get a clear picture of him in Shindae or Felix’s mind. My mind was swimming with possibilities and questions. “That makes you my cousin” he grinned at me. “Why did you do it?” he understood what I was asking. “Because I was such a fool, those aliens came to me with a brilliant idea for the improvement of resources in Johaan. And I like a fool believed them and led them straight into my father’s chambers under my authority and they wanted to loot our royal coffers. When people resisted they killed them all and looted it. Everyone believed that it was my idea and outcasted me. Though my mother stood up for me I don’t think she tried to locate me on Earth. “She did!” I
I jerked my eyes open with an inaudible gasp my body relaxed as soon as I realized I was in Ethan’s arms. Ethan opened a single eye lazily and studied me. He closed his eye and pulled me closer, a smile playing in his lips. I grinned hugging him back. I just want to stay like this all day. I sighed content. Ethan’s chuckle resonated in my chest. “Oh you should see what I want to do all day” he murmured nipping my ear. I gasped when I caught his thoughts of undressing me and kissing each and every inch of my body. I playfully, bit his neck. “Ouch” I exclaimed as he bit my ear lightly. I leaned back smiling. He slowly leaned in, his eyes roaming on my lips. His screen blared to life, he groaned, cursing under his breathe and leaning back. I couldn’t help the disappointment that spread through me. He leaned towards me again., “We just have thirty minutes before the meeting” he murmured flicking my nose with his finger tip “Don't pout” he whispered and kissed me lightly on my lips befor
Gentle hands were gripping my left hand in between them. My eyes fell open on my mom seated to my left looking anxious. “Mom” I croaked smiling. I slowly sat up and found Ethan standing in the corner looking lost. I sighed. I keep hurting him. “How are you feeling?” mom asked cupping my cheek. “I’m fine mom, it just nicked me” I said patronizingly and touched the place where I got shot there was only smooth skin, the Johaan’s gifted doctors does a wonderful job. “If Gale has hesitated a moment you...you wouldn't” “Mom, I planed it al well” I said biting my lip and sparing a glance at Ethan. ‘Planned?” she was surprised. “As soon as Felix left the room in a hurry when he found out about her gifts. She had visions of him working against Johaan. She worked with Flint to make sure she wasn’t jumping into conclusions. She asked him to meet her and knew that Felix will try to run away as soon as he was aware of his schemes. She knew that the first person, Felix would go to is me, so
I blinked my eyes open to find Ethan staring at my face. He grinned as soon as he found my eyes open. I couldn’t help but smile back at my personal sunshine. I tapped on his dimples with my finger tips. He grinned wider I looked down at my body. I was wearing one of his T-shirts that Ethan hunted down down at midnight as I started to shake with cold.“How are you?” he asked softly tucking my hair back. I know what exactly he means, he knew its my first. “Better than good” I replied honestly and kissed the tip of his nose. He smiled wickedly and brought his mouth down on mine. I gasped as sudden pain shot through my lower spine. My skin started to burn as if the very blood that runs through my views is on fire.“Ethan!” I cried out digging my nails into his shoulder as blinding pain clouded my vision.“Ana, I’m going to get help!” he exclaimed moving away.“No!” I shouted. “Stay!” I gasped out. I blinked against the darkness clouding at the edges of my vision. “Ah!” I screamed. The pa
I woke up with a start coughing up dust. “Ana! You are okay. Clam down!” Ethan was siting on the bed on which I was lying on. He was covered in dust from head to tow, there was a cut in his chin and his arm was bleeding. I sat up slowly. As I tenderly touched his chin to examine his wound realization dawned on me. “You followed me!” I bellowed. “What happened?” “She is fine, Ana and he is too” he added reading my mind. “I'm sorry Ethan” I murmured. He lifted my chin up and looked me in my eyes. “I did the same when it was you” he acquiesced. He tucked my hair behind my ear. “Ethan things are going to get hard, isn't it?” I whispered softly. He nodded. “I’ll be back after the meeting” he muttered apologetically and left. I dontt know how much burden he must be carrying on those shoulders. Gale entered the room with a knock. After a quick examination with his eyes, he said in a low voice, “We have to leave within five minutes” I got up and strode towards him. “I’m sorry” I cr
It has been ten minutes since I returned to my room. I was lying face up on the bed provided for me, staring at the ceiling, we have been talking for almost five hours, she wanted to know so much about me, and when I mentioned Clare the questions were endless. And when I asked about her she said there was very little that happened to her. Though I wanted to stay forever with my head on her lap feeling her fingers softly combing through my hair I had to leave before dawn broke, Gale wouldn’t compromise on that. I left with a promise that I will soon return. But when I left the building there were almost eight guards trailing behind me and Gale. Ethan, must have sent them. There was a knock on the door and a moment after Ethan stepped inside the room his face dreadful. I sat up waiting for his wrath, but it never came.“You could have told me” he said at last his voice desolate. “I dint want to disturb you” I said. Of course I dint. I chanced upon a news, to my way to the room t
I opened my eyes to find Ethan seated before me, his eyes intent on my face. I sat up straight, closing my eyes as my mind collected itself.“Hey” I mumbled unintelligibly as I looked back at him.“Hey” he replied his face betraying no emotion.“What is it?” “Ana…” “It’s ok” I said too quickly before he apologizes for something that is not clearly his fault.“I heard my…mom is being transported to a nearby building” I mumbled getting out of the bed. He stood up.“Yes, at midnight”“I want to see her”“Of course, as soon as we secure everything, within two days…”“Two days” I mumbled to myself as I made my way to the dressing room.“Ana, what’s wrong?”“How can the Cante help the revolts here Ethan?” He blinked at my sudden question.“Yesterday night there have been sudden surge in appraisals and revolts, not just here but also in few other planets who have been little reluctant to let us make the final decisions, we don’t know what triggered this sudden reaction…we can only hope t
Ethan and I were fully dressed to have breakfast with the other royal members of Jo-Haan. Right outside my room, I found Gale, he looked couple of years younger than my father. My eyes lit up as he smiled down at me. Without sparing a second thought I hugged him. He has been a constant silent presence in my life since I met Ethan. I guess he was appointed by Ethan to ‘ensure my safety’. “It’s good to see you Gale” I said earnestly as I stepped back. He was completely taken back, he quickly schooled his features and smiled down at me. “It’s good to see you too, M…Ana” he completed with a smile when I narrowed my eyes. “Sir” he said and with a curt nod at Ethan. “Gale” Ethan said with a slight dip of his chin. We briskly made our way through the corridors without being interrupted by anyone. As soon as we entered the room everyone rose. The long dining table was adorned with plates and glasses and candles giving it a vintage look. There were almost twenty chairs on either side of the
Today Dad and Clare are coming to Jo-Haan. I’m so anxious, standing on the space ship paddock waiting for the door to slide open. There have been so many riots recently…the door slid open jerking me from my anxiety. There they were standing like two frozen figures on top of the steps. As soon as they saw me they rushed towards me. I could see Clare’s tears as she was almost in my hand’s reach. Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open as she was about to say something everything around me froze. My eyes scanned her to find what has triggered the horror in her eyes. Then I noticed the two punctures right where her heart should be. I blinked. My dad who was just few feet behind her fell to the ground as Clare fell right before my eyes. The scream that escaped my lips shattered everything around me. I gasped. I gasped like a fish out of water tank and still couldn’t get enough air. I’m sure I will die I will die soon cause I deserve it. I should die for risking their lives. I dese