Strange Desires

Trouble Begins

Chapter 15

I was memorizing every moment of this time to the fullest. He wore me the ring, it was made of pure gold with a small diamond in it. The gold was shining softly as if with its own warm and loving spirit. We were taking the night in, when a call broke us apart. John cut his call, without seeing from who was it. Then my phone rang. I saw it was of mom. I did it on silent. Again my mobile rang, this time my father calling. I picked the phone up and what I heard was not the slightest I was in the mood of.

"Bells, where are you, come quickly to the hospital. Its Kevin, he is badly injured, he is in coma. Is John with you? Why aren't you two picking up your phones?"

"We are coming, dad!"

And there, we left to the hospital. John drove in hurry and in no time, we reached there. We went up and I saw mom and dad. They both were looking pale. Henry was crying. John went and hugged him. He asked what had happened. Dad told that Kevin took a huge sum from drug dealers but hadn't returned it. He was brutally beaten by them, while his friend managed to escape from him, but the cops came at that point and arrested them all. Kevin was in precarious state so he was brought to the hospital.

The doctors told us that he would be fine but he would than go to jail after his recovery. I was alarmed hearing all this. It was like a mountain had fallen upon our family once again. After Amelia's death, Kevin had gotten worse and now this.!

I went up to Henry and patted him. I told him that everything would be fine, dad would bail him out once he would recover, but he wouldn't just stop crying.

Life is really strange, one time it gives us everything we want and the next time, it takes from us things like they never belonged to us. I went to the bathroom and took off the ring. I glanced at it with tears in my eyes and put it in my pocket. How could I tell mom and dad in this situation that John and I have engaged? They both looked so pale and white from tension and stress. I cleared up my tears and went out. I was worried for poor Henry. He lost his mother and now his little brother's life was at stake.

I went out and joined where all others were sitting. I sat with John and Henry. He looked at me with a sad expression and then to my fingers. I gestured to him that the ring was in my pocket. He again looked away. John was looked so petrified. I wonder what was going on in his mind.

3 days passed. We were still at the hospital. Kevin was better now but still in a bad condition. My father was circling around the police station to bail him out. Mom was also worried and was sad for me, that I just came for a week and now Kevin had put us in a mess. I could understand them. The days passed as that and it was time for me to leave. I wanted to tell mom about my engagement and I was sure that she would be very happy but I never found the right time. John drove me to the airport.

"When will you come again, dear?"

"Probably after my finals. They are four months from now."

"Take care, Cassie. I love you. Goodbye." With that, he kissed me.

Even in difficult times, John was the only happiness I had for my survival. He was always so brave and gentle, caring for everyone.

"When I 'll come back, I'll bring a ring for you. Love you too, John. Goodbye."

He smiled and with that I left for my flight. All the time, I just kept thinking about John an that wonderful evening he gave us. It was just like a miracle in my life. I would soon tell mom about him and everything will be great again. Kevin was always a source of discomfort for everyone but we could leave him alone cause he was also a member of our family.

I reached California the next afternoon. I got my room mates and we all set to study again for our medical professionals. Soon I forgot everything and the stress my exams took over.

Fortnight after my return to California, I was studying in my room when y phone rang. I was displeased to see the caller, who was again my teacher, Peter Byers. I didn't take it. It rang again and then I picked it up.

"Hello Cassie"

"Hello Sir. How are you?" I replied sulkily.

"I am so offended. You didn't even met me before your departure. I was awaiting for you all this time."

He said in a coaxing tone.

"I am so sorry sir, my cousin Kevin got hospitalized so I couldn't come to meet. I am really sorry."

"Its okay, if you apologize. Where do you live in California?"

"Umm, its the Girl Medical College hostel, Sir. Why do you ask?"

"Cause I am also coming to California to attend a marriage. I was thinking to meet you, since you couldn't meet me last time."

I was now as scared as hell. Why did he want to meet me especially. I had never gotten so lose to any of my teacher nor did I want to. It was all getting awkward. I just ignored it and again indulged in my studies.

Two days later, the hostel warden came up to me and said someone had come to meet me. I followed her to the guest room. She left and I pushed the door open. My eyes grew as wide as they could. Sir Peter was standing there, smiling. I reluctantly came up to him and greeted him.

"Hello Sir, I didn't really expect you.."

"Yes Cassie, I wanted to give you a surprise, just like you gave me." He said, laughing.

I really didn't like it. But I thought I would be bad manners to be rude to him, so I smiled professionally.

"Will you like to join me to lunch?" he asked.

"Sir", I hesitated but still forcing a smile, "the hostel won't let me go. We have our exams starting after some months so, I don't think, I'll be able to come with you. I am so sorry." I gave my best acting excuse but it was all in vain. He told me that he had a family relative here. He would grant me leave for 2 days. And I excused for how much course I still had to prepare, he just told me that a day or two will refresh my mind.

He was not giving any good vibes and I could feel now that something was really going wrong. Despite my refusal, I still had to accept his offer. And went with him to lunch.