Mysterious Chime (Book #1)

C H I M E 12

¹²|EPHIPHANY II

I paused for a bit knowing that it's going to take more than an inhale of air to recollect myself. I needed to ensure I kept my heart steady without any beats of quiver and pain. "If I tell you can you at-least promise me that you'd keep your judgment at bay?" Axel's face changed from crossed to serious which I couldn't exactly point a difference in. Though he opened his mouth which I comprehended was to reassure of no such irrational behaviour I jumped back to the continuation with a raise of a hand signalling him to stop there.

"When you hear the end of it you are going to draw the line with an emphasis of pure judgement, Axel. We all are human; accept it already. Just like no person can go on for long internalising their problems so can't they go on without throwing shades of judgement," I explained hoping some part of him would grasp where I'm going at rather being obstinate enough to chose some angelic side and stick to the 'No judgement' policy.

Axel stared at me, his eyes burning holes in my skull deeper and deeper as though seeking answers from my brain would be a better method of intel than my mouth. I watched impatiently as he touched his stubble eliciting a frustrated groan out of me. Having declared it's going to be my final attempt to get him blurt something out, I shot my brows up at his direction with a "What do you say?"

"I was patching up the pool of disappointment you architecturally designed, love. One thing you need to get straight is that people who empathise are the same people who don't judge. You can call me any inhumane name for all I care as long as you believe I stick to my words. I'm an empathetic person, love. Now go on with what's troubling you." He's obstinately sticking to the 'No judgement' policy, isn't he? He's a bloody Saint.

Shaking my head in disbelief I started from the place I mentally rehearsed.  "Let's dig in to the starters from 'le repas' and see how much you could digest now, shall we?" I hissed mentally unable to imagine Axel endure the dramatic path of my life.

Axel replied with a nod which encouraged me to create a certain distance between the two of us in the couch. "It all started when I woke up in a beach..."

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It's been half an hour since I finished describing the mini series of my life yet all I get from Axel for a response is the silence. I tapped my feet on the cold ground continuously, my fingers fiddling nervously as I listened to the passing ticks of the modern clock hung on the wall across me. Right when the minute hand reached the digit nine, Axel sat up straighter. His silence was unnerving enough for me to assume he's already judging me in his head though he swore otherwise. Afterall getting things done in the head is easier than having to puppet the mouth with strings that feed lies.

What if he's recollecting the address or the contact number of the nearest rehabilation centre?

"If you can't remember a thing about your past, how come you're left with the memory of your name?" I sprung to life when his mouth opened but seeked death instantly when my brain registered the question. I obviously skipped the part where I had the small chit chat with my parents which got me into knowing my name because I didn't want him to peter out I'm some crack head who ventured their way to heaven and back.

"I don't know when I woke up for the second time like I said that was the first thing tattooed in my head." Frowning at his expression I got up from the couch. "You don't believe me just as expected."

Axel ran his palms gruffly across his face before grabbing me by my hand, once again, forcing me to sit. "I told you to believe me when I say something. Trust me, love, I'm just sinking it all."
He continued with inquisition clouding his blue orbs. "The day inside the mall you did say you heard this haunting sound and I offered you help but why did you decline it?"

"You were a complete stranger at that time, Axel, eventhough you've given me reasons to believe you at the very start I just simply couldn't," my voice was broke with guilt and sudden sadness as I told the truth.

"It's understandable, Nora," shortly in came his reply.

"I'm sorry for accusing you—my anger it was uncontrollable I didn't know what came over me," I apologised realising I owe him one.

"Do you still doubt my intentions on helping you?" He asked intertwining his hands together inhaling slower breaths off the tensed air.

"No I'm a fool actually, for not hearing you out."

Axel gave me a tight lipped smile before bowing his head down as though he's ashamed. "I'm happy you decided to tell at-least now. Perhaps, I owe you an apology for forcing it all out." So this is what it's about.

"You don't have to, Axel. I would have done the same if someone comes pointing their finger at me," I winced at the impact of putting myself in his shoes. It's awful— what I've done.

I whispered guiltily again,"I'm truly sorry, Axel. I shouldn't have."

Axel pulled me into a hug before whispering, "It's okay, love. We all live in a world beyond our imagination with so much puzzles to put in."