Mysterious Chime (Book #1)

C H I M E 13

¹³| THE THERAPIST

"Rise and shine, sunshine," sang the British boy welcoming himself inside my room as he pushed the blinds apart, freeing the sunlight from being obstructed. Wincing at the impact of abrupt light in my face I rolled to the corner like a vampire seeking for darkness.

"We've got stuff to do, love. Don't make me drag you out of the bed by your legs," Axel's threat only earned a groan out of me with a pillow pressed hard against my ear.

"Blimey! Would you ever wake up?" He exasperated. I know he offered me help yesterday and I was glad that he's got things handled but the act of freely barging into my room doesn't make him own credits as a good person who's trying. Therefore I decided to stay put.

A pregnant pause grew in the air from Axel before my ears picked up the sound of powerful strides getting louder and clearer, all in my direction. Before I had the chance to react Axel had thrown me off the bed- to the ground with a thud like dropping a book on the floor with no care.

My breaths came in short and once I stood up, I stomped my feet on the floor like a three year old showing their anger tantrums. "What's wrong with you!" I yelled with my fists clenched tight enough to punch Axel square in the face for waking me up.

Axel defended himself with a scowl,"Oi! It's not my fault since I gave you a bloody warning which you didn't heed, ofcourse."

Choosing not to argue back took every willpower of mine as I saved the energy for what's awaiting today in my schedule that Axel squeezed in, sincerely. Feeling grateful instead of angry I heaved a sigh."I'm sorry, I'll get dressed now," my voice came out soft that in response replaced Axel's scowl with a softened feature. "Before anything let's get you something to eat." Axel pushed me all the way out of my room towards the kitchen, placing me on my usual seat as I watched him getting busier with breakfast preparation.

"What plans have you got in mind for me, Axel?" I asked unable to contain my patience further long.

The hand which was clutched to the plastic frying spoon stopped its movement for a second before continuing. He chuckled, turning to me with a look of mischief and just by that look, ladies and gentlemen I knew he was testing my patience which was long gone. "It's for me to know and for you to find out, love. Whatever it is I'm sure you'll get used to it. Perhaps, fancy it even."

"I can't wait,"I replied sarcastically with a roll of an eye doing my best to keep my frustration in bay.

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"You know what? I changed my mind,"I turned around upon seeing the contemporary building in free space but Axel grabbed me by my upper arm before I could get any further, forcing me with him towards the entrance. "No can do, darling. You and I both know this has to be done."

Allowing him a taste of victory in successfully dragging me to this place I groaned internally while stepping in with a look of interest. "Where am I, Axel?" I questioned again as my eyes narrowed with curiosity taking in on the view before me. I could tell for sure this wasn't a mall where people could gain a fill of merrymaking while they dillydally- spending off their time and money. In fact the interior with a reception desk at the front with two ladies dressed professionally yet faces caked with an expression of monotony told me this isn't a convivial atmosphere but otherwise. Where has Axel taken me?

I gripped Axel's denim clad arm with force halting him from stepping into the area where the reception desk was at. "I want to know where you've taken me, Axel." The man- probably in his late fourties, early fifties- who passed by gave me a distasteful look as if I'm disturbing the silence. Maybe I was since the tone I used on Axel came out demanding and loud.

Axel's eyes flashed with guilt but a smile curved his mouth making the corner of his eyes crinkle. He placed his large palms on my shoulders, massaging the tensed knots. I frowned at his action although he made my curiosities and worries go away by placing a gentle peck on my cheek. There's no way I could get used to how Axel catch me off balance every day. "You wanted help with restoring your memories so I brought you to a therapist. Like I told you, Nora, you will get used to this but all you have to do is trust me. Can you do that for me, love?" I didn't know I was bowing my head down until I felt Axel's fingers lifting my chin up making me face his warm blue eyes that held a strong emotion.

I immediately responded with a tight hug which, I could say for certain, he didn't see it coming. I felt his body go rigid but soon eased. "I trust you, Axel. I'm more than willing to do whatever it takes to get back my memories to learn what happened to me and my parents so I could avenge them."

Axel pulled away rather quickly after hearing the words that came out like poison in my mouth. "Baby steps, Nora."

"Baby steps," I whispered in agreement.

"Wait here while I get it done," Axel left me to the reception desk; by the time he made it there gone were the monotony in the faces of the two ladies as they sported on a flirtatious look. Their behaviour drew me to a conclusion that they've never seen a fresh face-specially that of a hot, young man. I do admit Axel's a real head turner with that alluring body of his. Today is indeed one of those rare occasions for the ladies to enjoy the man's presence plus it's hard not to notice how they're making hay while the sunshine.

Axel's retreating figure towards me made the ladies victimise me with their scowls and envious glances. I had the urge to throw my hands in the air and ask what their problem was but chose not to. I did say to myself this morning that my energy is preserved for what's awaiting. And its behind one of these doors.