Feelings of A Waiting Heart

Chapter 3: Confusion, Rejection and Decision

"Someday everything will all make perfect sense. So laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears and keep reminding to yourself that everything happens for a reason."

                                                                                          -Unknown

Sapphira's POV:

*********

***Recap***

"What's his name?" was all I could ask out of curiosity. I want to know about the person who was successful in adorning the top position and even more, Tyler is speaking so highly of him.

"Alessio Zyan Winfred" was Tyler's simple reply.

***End of Recap***

"Sapphira."

      I could faintly hear Tyler calling out my name. Somehow, I could not act in response and the reason is so evident for me. It is because for the first time in my life, I could feel the skin on my left shoulder unveil some pain right at the spot where my mysterious mark is set, hidden under my thick dark curls.

"SAPPHIRA?" Tyler called out again eyeing me with concern and that brought me out of my reverie.

"HUH?" I asked. I could barely comprehend anything.

"You spaced out and you look a bit flushed. Are you all right dear?" He asked apprehension marring his features.

"Uh, yes, I'm fine. It is just...um nothing." I rambled. My answer seemed transparent to myself and so I continued, "I was thinking of the person you just mentioned and how you actually praised him. He must be a proficient employer." I said as stiff as I could and hoping he would not perceive the onslaught of tremors coursing through my being.

Tyler regarded me with a look of uncertainty for a few seconds. Whilst, I strained a placid smile to let him know that I was all right, assuring him and myself.

"I believe he is. Fine then, just let me know if you require any further clarifications on any other data." He said and I nodded so he could take his leave.

      As soon as he left, my right hand went straight at once to touch the mark that is still throbbing and rocking my entire flesh and bone in ways I could not fathom at the mere mention of a stranger's identity for the first time.

Alessio Zyan Winfred.

      I rushed to the loo in my cabin and brushed my hair locks to the side. As I stand before the mirror and peer at the four small-incised pink specks, which looked a shade darker as if they were recognised, I could barely contain my gasp that now gathered in the vacant privy.

      Has anyone ever felt as if you have found something that was never lost in the first place yet you feel you have triumphed in your pursuits the minute you know of its existence. If I did not know it before, I do know the feeling now. I am baffled at myself. As soon as I heard his name, every muscle of my body froze yet there was the feeling that stretched throughout my whole body. It felt as though I was anticipating his name when I heard it, even though I have not heard it before. A scorching pain suspended at the juncture of my neck and left shoulder at that and all my senses scrambled away. The mark throbbed continuously yet the warmth that spread my entire being was pleasant.

Looking at the mark in the mirror, I lifted my thumb and caressed it.

"AH!" I screamed as a muffled gasp. My skin feels so thin-skinned and it was not the case before. My birthmark, no matter how strange it appears, never felt as if it was on fire. It is a part of my skin and is not supposed to hurt. So why does it appears as if it is receptive to touch now? I stepped into my cabin in a daze and sat in my chair idly.