Perfect Proposal

24.

When I regained my consciousness, I was in a bed, covered with white blanket. I squinted through the room but couldn't find anything.

I was confused and suddenly the door creaked. I quickly closed my eyes as I was in a confused state.

"Helen Jane."

The sound was so soothing yet familiar. Bloody hell.

Stephanie.

"Steph."

Our eyes met and mine was welled. She came to rescue me midst of all the things happened in past.

"How did you know that I was there?" I asked trying to sit up.

"Don't. You're tired enough. Take rest. The security outside that bar informed me about a girl using my card. That's why I came to check."

"But..I thought I could use that without your knowledge."

"Yeah. It's expired now and besides I don't validate that anymore. That system of clubs have been stopped earlier."

"Then why did they allow me?"

"Because it was my card you have shown there. Had it been any other one you'd have been instantly kicked out." She giggled.

"Mm, I see. So you've grown much, huh?"

"Yeah, I am taller than you." She glared at me, there was a smile draping her face masking all those worries.

"Ah, stop it Steph! Um, can I call you that?"

"No, Hel, you can't," she chortled as she took the medicine strip to give me a tablet. "You've to take rest."

"I can't. My brother is in hospital. I've to go to him now."

"I've made arrangements for that. You don't have to worry."

"Where's Luca?"

"He's in next room."

"Oh, have you talked to him?"

"He'll be leaving soon as he said he'd some work to do."

"He..Um..He said that to you? You two talked?"

"Nah, I won't be talking to him."

"Mm, ok. Do you own this house? It's pretty much big."

"Actually me and Nick own this. We build this with the money from the club."

"Wow!"

"Not much of for a wow factor when the large house won't ever equals for the love you once had, it became a remainder for me of being in poverty of love. Stings always."

"I..I have to ask your forgiveness Steph. There isn't one moment in my life where I don't think of you."

"Me too, Hel coz I hate you."

"Ah, I love you too idiot." We hugged, and she snuggled towards my shoulder, our eyes were closed, this was what I'd call an eternity, having her back.

"What about Willie?"

"He was beaten black and blue."

"I wanted to kill him."

"Me too, for touching you and your brother. But then I thought letting those memories to haunt him until the moment he will be taking his last breath. That'd be a better one. I don't want to end his misery in a second."

"Wah, when did you start thinking like this?"

"When I started to explore life!"

"But where's my old Steph! Bubbly, always happy,"

"She's dead. That's for my own good. If I remained same you wouldn't be ending up in here."

"Oh!"

"Well, leave it."

"Hey ladies."

"Nick."

"Oh you came back! Where is that contract deal? Andy had called asking for it."

"It's in my room."

"Okay, I'll get it and I have to go for an urgent matter." Stephanie strolled out of the room while Nick stood in the door way glaring at me, I could see a tinge of smile lacing his lips.

"What are you staring at?" I asked.

"Mm, deep into your soul where I would cherish my eternity and would be enthralled to see you lying beside me, for I would just wander in you, searching myself!"

"Ah, so you rebooted the artist in you."

I was astonished. He never said such words for me. All I got from him waa teasings, scoldings etc. Not a moment he'd appreciate anything done by me. Heck, he would always taunted me, calling me...

"Uh, ugly duckling, yikes."

Yes, here we go again.

"Fuck you Nick."

"Always welcome my Hel."

"Don't you dare call me your Hel."

"I..I am sorry. I was lost for a second. It won't happen again, Helen."

"Alright." I sat up, casting my glance at him. I thought he would go, given my repulsive nature against him but he stayed and came closer, sitting on the bed, he smiled at me.

"How did you get into these? Stephanie told about Luca accompanying you then what were he thinking of doing? Is he foolish to go right into the trap?" He was furious.

"It's my fault. I thought that bastard won't see us coming but I was mistaken." I replied, looking away.

"If Stephanie hadn't decided to come then what would have happened? You could've get killed."

"She'd come."

"And how do you say that?"

"She gave that card only to me. It was special one."

"Oh, sweet buddies. I sometimes hate you guys for your friendship, I never had one." There was a sadness in his face when he uttered it.

"Maybe you could be more open to others...." I trailed as my mind went back to some memories.

"Maybe I never wanted anyone except...."

"Sir, you have a call."

He left me with a thousands of thoughts where I wanted to dwell deeply, for all I wanted to forget the things, the things that hurted me, sting me from the behind of my mind.

"Helen, the party about which I told you, is happening tomorrow. Can you..Can you come with me?"

"Sure, Nick. I'd gladly come."

As Nick went downstairs, he attended the call and after that he asked his servants to get good dresses for Helen.