THE LAST GAZE OF OUR EYES

CHAPTER-2 MELISSA

I felt comfortable where ever I was. The bed was soft and scented like honey and peace. I opened my eyes a little to see blue curtains over the window place. The sun was shining bright and it danced between those curtains. I was alone in bed and it is a knowing case as Ethan leaves the house early nowadays for his work. But then my eyes glared to a big shadow in front of me. Somewhat 6 feet in height with brown eyes , the darkest shade possible. The white shirt he was wearing was revealing his muscular arms and a sharp jaw. I slowly looked up and my mind struck that it was not Ethan.

Gosh! Aron,

Ethan bruised me yesterday

The fight

The girl inside his house

Those bruises

Terror and fear seized through my body and I curled myself like a deformed shrimp. I was holding the blankets tight with my hands and my body started aching, both from the cuts and guilt.

I again ran to Aron.

I was being selfish.

I noticed the figure move but I kept my eyes shut.

"Hey? U ok?" Aron had a deep manly voice, his voice was calm and caring. He slowly sat down on the bed , beside me. His hands caressing my hair . I tremble beneath his touch. Guilt and overwhelm stuck me as I was again interrupting his life but I had nowhere to go. I felt scared when Ethan had raised his hands to me. He became a different person , he had angrily raised his hands towards me and I was shocked and was trembling. I remember yesterday's incident and recapped those words again,

LIFE ISN'T A FAIRY TALE.

But I always saw the best in people. Since my childhood , I had always trusted people I came across. They used to use me and betray me every time . I never tried to hurt anyone or had bad intentions but real life is different. It is always unfair I guess. I miss Fritz now. Perhaps the saying is right,

You cannot understand the value of the person until that person isn't with you anymore.

And I felt it.

I didn't respond to Aron and he kept the silence alive by inspecting the cuts on my hand , his hand slowly taking mine and searched deep like something has pierced through it. His expression was unreadable. "Good Morning , Melissa". He paused. He sighed a deep breathe and spoke up , "Breakfast is on the table , I'll have to report to work but don't worry , the nurse would be coming any minute for dressing some of your wounds." I shot a quick glance and slowly got up , he hold my arm for support as I felt dizzy from the last night. I really want him to stay but I shouldn't be more selfish. I already feel guilty. "I am fine, I don't need anyone", my voice was barely a whisper but he still smirked and helped me get out of bed . I walked towards to the bathroom and was terrified to see myself.

The bruises on my hands

The cuts

The clotted blood

I looked hilarious

I looked helpless

My eyes slowly started to fill up and unknowingly I screamed , I screamed hard , loud , tension releasing from my shoulders. I heard the bathroom door open quickly and someone grabbing me by my arms. I fought against it , I was too mad to see myself that I didn't know that I was struggling against Aron. He was powerful enough to hold my arms tightly and was busy steading me. He took my face in between his palms , shifting my direction from the mirror. "Hey hey , calm down , he isn't here , you are safe" His voice was reassuring and I gave up on my body. I gave up. He was careful enough to hold me tight and brushed my hair that was like a curtain over my face. I felt miserable. "A..aron...I...uh..need some time alone here.". My voice was trembling but my eyes were still at him. He nodded like he was asking me whether I can handle myself? I nod. He carefully released me out of his grip and I hold onto myself, face down , drowning in thoughts. I was still till I heard the washroom door close behind me. I careful looked at the mirror again and assessed my wounds. He had treated them so patiently. I remember the last night when his hands yet strong but was so gentle to my skin. I felt safe with him but the thought of Ethan getting angry , his sweet and sound mask coming off really did scared the hell out of me. I quietly washed myself from head to toe , taking time in the hot shower to soothe my pain. The shower did hurt my wounds a little but I was too drenched in my thoughts to even notice it.

It took me a while to come out of the washroom and I was startled by a feminine figure in front of me , standing patiently , calm and composed. She looked at me , I had nothing but a towel wrapped around as my dress was too hurtful to wear. She didn't take offense to that , instead picked something from the floor , a pile of clothes , and handed it to me. That is when I realized that Aron might have bought it for me as I didn't bring any for myself. It was a sweatshirt and skimmed shorts , which I generally prefer to wear. Aron has a heart of gold and it always hurts me to see him disturbed because of me. He understands that we can never be together but then , he tries so hard to express his love. I had fully recovered from my early accident but sometimes I go blank thinking of the day at the hospital , Aron came running towards me and I couldn't recognize him at the first instance. I just felt him , he meant so much but I couldn't understand why. The permanent marks that I had intentionally left on my left wrist with my beloved blade still teases me into nightmares. It is me , I am like that , I leave my anger on myself , if I am hurt , I hurt myself more , it gives my pleasure in a certain way. It sounds so psychopathic but it is just a point of view of mine. During the course of relationship with Ethan , I faced multiple challenges that made me think that he will drift away from me. I was surely hurt by that thought and as a result , my body had to compromise for it. I silently took the clothes from her , and she gave a sweet , tight smile to me. I returned it with my own thankful smile and hoisted myself towards the washroom. The sweatshirt fit me perfectly and it still had the smell of his hand, rich leather and expensive cologne. I gave myself a final look at the mirror , I brushed my hair with the hairbrush that was keep near. I gave a look at the washroom and realized that it was well-maintained with all the needful toiletries. Aron might have prepared it for me. Guilt and shame crept to my throat. I wanted to disappear at this moment. Gaining courage I stepped out of the room. I was careful enough not to make a sound.

"It fits perfect", The nurse said when I opened the door. She looked a bit aged probably in her 40s. She had a hair tied in a bun, her hands were kept crossed in front of her and she seemed really nice. Her black eyes were shining skimming my dress.

"Yeah , uh...thank you". I said greeting the lady. She didn't talked much but asked me to follow her. I went down to the kitchen where she motioned me to sit down and served the food. Bagels and eggs , it looked tasty.

"Aren't you gonna eat?" I said looking at her. She was caught off guard by my question but quickly wiped it off her face.

"You eat dear , don't worry about me please." She said motioning towards the plate. I didn't ask any more questions but I quickly got off my chair and went to the kitchen , grabbing a plate and then distributed my food equally with her. She looked at me with big black eyes.

"Here" I gave her the plate. "Let's eat together" I said probably feeling bad that she might not have eaten anything. The lady smiled. "You are really something Melissa" She grabbed her plate and sat beside me.

Wait , she knows my name?

Oh of course , Aron might have introduced me.

"If you don't ,mind can I ask your name ?" I asked , popping the bagel in my mouth. I instantly closed my eyes at the taste.

"Ella it is" She said , grabbing her food. "So , how do you know Aron?" I wanted to make a conversation and she seemed good. "Ah , yeah Aron.....I work for him in his office in the medical department" She stated. Her voice was low and composed. "oh" its all I could say. We ate silently and she bought me the meds to take. She dressed my wounds gently not trying to hurt me and she indeed was gentle. I took it and went to sleep. I was probably tired and wanted to call my parents but yeah , my phone isn't here. I covered myself with the comforter making it a protective shield. Aron would probably come late and as he is now a CEO , his working hours and stress might be more now.

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