Green-minded (EDITING) ✔

E L E V E N: Signed

An unpleasant, sharp pain takes over me. This headache is intolerably bad. I had to stifle a cry as I wake up from my slumber.

I hear my stomach growling. I mouth, "I'm hungry." These two words came out of my lips without a sound. There's a low, heavy grumble at my far right. I open my eyes to check what it is and then catch a glimpse of Tony sitting while sleeping on a chair next to our bed, his hand is intertwined in mine. My face breaks into a smile. His warm hand feels so good. My heart races at my chest.

At the bedside table, the digital clock shows 5:20 PM, "I slept for about three hours. Why did I take a nap? I thought we're busy today?" I say in a slow, low whisper. Feeling weak, I close my eyes and sigh.

Tony's large, soft hand squeezes mine. He's now awake. He's staring at me with a worried look on his face. His brows pulled together, "Babe?"

Whoa, Babe? Babe... Babe... That sounds really nice... But I still correct him, "My name's Ash."

He continues, ignoring what I just said, "You were sleeping for more than 24 hours already."

"Really?" I gasp. Confused, I look around and just notice my other hand. There's an intravenous line situated on it. My eyes grow wide, "What's going on?"

"You had an allergy attack, the doctor mentioned Anaphylactic shock to be exact. You almost died in my arms." His voice cracks. Are those tears forming in his eyes?

Pushing myself to a sitting position on the bed, I let go of his hand. Panic and fear swallow my entire being. I lean against the headboard, my body shakes heavily as I recall what happened at the restaurant yesterday, I lost consciousness at Tony's arms. I open my mouth but I'm out of words. Unwelcome tears fall on my cheeks. My mind is whirling with so many thoughts right now. Why did that happen to me? Why is my life so pathetic? Why do I have to suffer these problems in my career and family? Why do I feel so hated and unloved? Why did I not just die when I had that attack?

"Babe..." Tony stands up.

"I said don't call me that!" I snap, which I regret immediately after, realizing Tony has nothing to do with my problems.

To my surprise, warm hands pull me to a tight hug. I find myself burying my face to his neck, crying uncontrollably.

It dawns on me that for so many years, I never cry. My last tear was on the day that Dad turned his back on us. I did not shed a tear after. I feel that I have to be strong for Mom. She always cries herself to sleep and she lost the twinkle on her eyes since Dad left. A surge of emotions fills my body that I found strength in his stout arms and comfort in his embrace. He stroke my back lovingly. In our silence, I fathom his genuine concern for me. His heart beating calmly on my chest, I recognize that my heart has found her home. Without thinking, knowing at the back of my mind that this is right, I say, "Let me sign the blank oath."

He releases me in his arms, I feel him tense beside me but his eyes are shining, "Really?"

"Yes, but on one condition." Something squeezes my heart as I look into his eyes.

"Sure, what is it?" His blue stare drills on my face.

"Let's date in public only. Not privately." I'm so afraid, I fear that I'll fall hard for him, especially with how I respond to his touch, his words, his eyes. I have to set a barrier between us or else, I know I'm set for a heartbreak.