Heart Beat

Chapter 1 A strange feeling

I looked with a scorn at the girl in the rectangle figure meant to show reflections. She had, undoubtedly, tried really hard to make her face look more amiable but alas, it went in vain. Just an average female you would be likely to find in every high school class with brown eyes, brown hairs and a head on her shoulders.

Ah, this was not a time to find words to describe yourself. I had a person to visit, my little brother. He had asleep for over a year now and though, the doctors say he will wake up, this strange fear still strangles me. He is the only family I have after that accident and now loosing him would be too painful. His family had given me everything. A roof on my head, a mother, a father, a brother and probably, the feeling of existence which I never even could have dreamed to own in the condition they got me. The least I could do was to pay the bills of their beloved son, even if it meant I had to drop out of college to work full-time.

The hospital was quite close to my dwelling, saving the time and money for a cab. The staff recognized as I visited Niall pretty much every day.

"Hi, Elinor. Niall is resting." A kind nurse informed me.

"Hi, thanks for telling me."

When I got inside Niall's room I like always, got a strange urge to cry. Seeing him at such a pitiable state just because of me really breaked my heart. Yep, if only I had said No then, probably he would have been saved. And Dad too. I began to break. My core would always become spontaneous whenever I would remember that day in the rain. It happened an year ago but still manages to make my veins tremble. Oh! If only...

Suddenly, as if a miracle, a finger twitched in my hands. I instantly looked up and who else but Niall was the doer. His heartbeat was increasing rapidly and I called out for help, " Sister!" She came at once and began to examine Niall. A strange feeling rushed over my body. Perhaps, Niall could be saved. Perhaps, my prayers were heard! Every increased my anxiety. I knew that I should go home now as the bakery must be waiting for me but, I just couldn't. I wanted to know whether my little brother was alive or not. After what seemed like 24 days, a nurse arrived and instructed me to the doctor's chamber. I knew the doctor like a heirloom.

"Good Morning, Mr. Gillet." I greeted.

"Good Morning, Elinor." He said, "Sit."

"So, there is a good news that Niall is conscious now." I practically jumped in happiness but then his gaze darkened, " But, his mental condition is still unstable from the accident and I wish you to not reveal anything about his parents to him. It can produce fatal effects probably even a heart stroke." This made me gulp.

"Yes, doctor. I will keep it to myself. So, can I meet him?" I asked and he nodded.

With each step I took to his room, my excitement seemed to grow. But fear also held me as what would I answer if he asks for Dad? I can't really say he doesn't has the time to meet his own child. This was a great obstacle.

"Niall." I called.

"Is it you, Nora?" I heard the voice so familiar which had been awfully distant from me.

"Are you fine, Niall?" He nodded in agreement.

"Come sit." he motioned, " Where's dad?"

I froze.

"He had tons of customers at the bakery. And then your waking was completely a surprise." I began to stutter, "Uh, Should I call him?"

"No, just let him know I am fine. I know how much dad loves the bakery." the bakery for which he died

"You know what Niall, I am so happy you are back. I had been so lonely." I said the last sentence in a very low voice and began to pull him in a hug.

"Oh, Nora." he answered my hug." How's Sakura?" he asked in a seemingly low voice.

I had to reach Tory as soon as possible. By now a huge line must have hoggered up it all. And my poor friend, Sakura wouldn't have been able to hold them in. She is fine for half an hour but, considering I must have taken at least 2 hours in this little outing of mine, she must have gone crazy.

"Sorry, Sakura!" I announced as soon as I reached the counter. I hurriedly put on my apron and began helping her with the cakes. there was a crowd assembled asking for different varieties of sweets Tori's menu proclaimed.

"How's Niall?" she asked.

"He is finally awake. was looking for you" I answered delivering the chocolate muffin to the lady who lives down the alley.

" Oh, that's cool." she blushed? After working hours I and geisha sat to relax. Apart from being a great friend, Sakura was also an employee of Tory, the bakery. She was a normal Japanese college third year who lived on her own. She moved here at her freshman year. Dad quite liked her but Niall was a bit mean to her. He wouldn't talk to her or even say hi but just stare at her. Which I believe, must have been creepy for her. Needless to say, I was surprised when he asked about her whereabouts.

Sakura left leaving me alone. I was just asking Alexa to play some Japanese music when I noticed a letter lying innocently on my counter. It was designed in a purple envelope with a smell of hyacinths. But something ringed inside me. Something which I wanted to remember but couldn't. The whiff the letter produced was too nostalgic to me. Ans somehow, I wanted to cry? Huge pictures formed in my mind in negative filter. Somebody was groping my neck and somebody started writing on my back with a knife. What was he writing? Is it that? No!!!