Beneath The Orange Sunset ✔️

44

~44~

Samuel felt surprisingly tired. Considering how healthy he was or thought he was, it was frustrating to him. It brought panic and fear of the unknown.

The simple act of taking a bath turned into a painful chore. His joints ached not to mention the bruise in his left elbow. His mind wandered into space but he couldn't keep his head afloat of everything that is happening now.

How will he protect Maxime if he can't even protect himself?

Will everything ever go back to normal? Again? Like ever.

"What am I going to do?" the young man finally whispered aloud. He twitched his jawlines so hard he leaned on the wet walls.

Lord send help. Anybody. If you can hear me. I need help.

Samuel dried his body and put on a dry boxers. He slid open the bathroom door then he paused. He stepped back in and rummaged the side drawers for any balm or ointment for his wound. He found one.

Scrunching his face in pain he dabbed the ointment on the open purplish bruised spot. His skin was totally peeled off leaving a charred flesh.

He didn't notice Maxime standing at a corner watching him.

"Did you hurt yourself?"

Taken aback by Maxime's voice, Samuel pulled his arms behind him and looked up.

"No. Its nothing serious."
He quickly replaced the ointment in the drawers.

Maxime gave him a scrupulous look and walked towards the room.

"Max..." Samuel called.

"What...?" Maxime swirled around.

Samuel felt bad. Was he hurting Maxime indirectly by wanting to protect him?

"Sorry I got so worked up. I had to see someone," Samuel said walking up to Maxime who was already in the small room.

"Who?"

"A lawyer."

"How did it go?"

"Bad."

Maxime paused. "How come you are  hurt?"

"I'm not hurt. It was just a scratch. I wanted to get a lawyer fast."

"And end up killing yourself?"
Maxime lifted Samuel's hand exposing the wound.

"It was an accident."

"Someone tried to kill you?"

"I wouldn't totally agree with that. It could have been a coincidence - crazy driver."

"You got hit by a car?"

"Mmm," On a second thought. "There's no way Emile would have known I was in Provins, if that's what you are thinking."

"We cannot be too sure and take chances. You need to be careful."

"I intend going back."

"What?"

"Yes."

I am not giving up that easily.

"You don't have to go to Provins. You don't need to," Maxime breathed. "I remember someone who can help."

"Who?"

"I have been thinking. There's this friend of my dad. He was very close to us. Sebastian. He's actually a lawyer."

Samuel was elated.
"Give me his contact I will find him."

"I don't have his contact. I need to ask Antoine for it."