CHAPTER ELEVEN
1019 Words
“We need to find a safe place, away from this,” Marcus said, guiding us through a less congested street.
But safety seemed elusive. The disaster seemed to have consumed the entire neighborhood. Desperation lingered in the air.
“Let’s head to my brother’s place,” Marcus suggested, his voice a reassuring anchor amidst the pandemonium.
He drove, the breeze entering into the car doesn’t seem to blow away my worries and fears.
Finally, we reached Marcus’s brother’s house. The relief of finding shelter washed over us, yet the fear of the unknown still gnawed at our hearts.
As we sat in the dimly lit living room, exhaustion and worry etched on our faces, Marcus turned on the TV. The news was a grim reminder of the severity of the situation.
Buildings were ablaze, and the authorities were struggling to contain the inferno. Reports of injuries and casualties only added to the mounting sense of dread.
“This is like a nightmare,” Aviva whispered, her voice barely audible.
“We’ll stay here until it’s safe to go back,” Marcus assured, his eyes reflecting the concern we all felt.
Despite the uncertainty that lay ahead, I felt a glimmer of gratitude for having my friends and Marcus by my side. Together, we would face whatever came our way.
“But the hotel,” I said.
Marcus came closer to me, placing his hands on my shoulders.
He tilted my chin up, locking eyes with me. "Your dream lives within you. A fire like this can't extinguish it. You'll rise from this, stronger and wiser."
I nodded.
Aviva and Kylie were ready to leave as they had another house to stay in, unlike me.
My eyes were heavy with tears as I hugged them to say goodbye.
“Our hotel is protected.” Kylie whispered to my ears as she hugged me.
Her words formed a little smile on my lips as I chuckled. I wiped my tears with my hands.
They left.
“Our hotel is protected.” Kylie’s voice echoed in my head and smoothens my mind.
That wasn’t a confirmed statement, but I don’t know what she did. It worked.
I smiled and went back to sit.
Their comforting presence was replaced by the haunting silence of the charred remnants.
Marcus sat by my side, a pillar of strength in this desolation. His eyes mirrored determination, urging me to find resilience within.
"It's so hard to accept this reality," I mumbled, my voice heavy with grief and frustration.
Marcus gently placed his hand on my shoulder, a touch that sent shivers through me. "Emily, what if your hotel is safe? What if your apartment is safe?”
His words were a lifeline in the storm, pulling me back from the abyss of despair. I looked at him, seeking solace in his unwavering gaze.
“It doesn’t look like it.” I shook my head.
“What if it does look like that, Em?”
Okayyyy, was that a nickname?? I looked up to set my eyes on his gray eyes.
“Okay, he’s attractive.”
I whispered to myself.
“Thanks for the compliment.” Marcus replied with a smile.
I jolted in surprise. “You heard?” I grasped.
He answered with a slow and gentle nod.
"I thought it was all gone," I said trying my possible best to sweep all these unnecessary emotions aside.
Emily must not be caught growing any emotions.
This time around, I was careful to be sure that was said inside.
Our gaze locked into each other. It was just the two of us.
His hand gently cupped my face, I felt a spark all over my body at his touch.
His finger traced a circle on my lips, without breaking eye contact.
He brushed his lips with mine. His lips were soft as usual, a dance of emotions, each touch igniting a yearning within me. We both leaned into the kiss, a collision of passion and pain.
His hands were traveling places. I wanted to resist but my emotions said otherwise.
I let in and enjoyed each of the touches.
He pulled away abruptly. Conflicting emotions warred within me—desire and vulnerability.
"Emily," Marcus whispered, his voice raw with emotion. "I didn't mean to—"
"It's complicated," I stammered, my heart in turmoil.
“I just can’t hold what I feel for you. I’m sorry.” Marcus said with all sincerity obvious on his face.
“You shouldn’t be sorry for loving. It’s not you, it’s me. I’m the problem.” I knew it was me not him. He won’t understand that somewhere, Aiden is hidden in my heart.
About Aiden, I’m ready to forget him. And if it means being with Marcus.
Emily! You should be smarter. Don’t use guys to get over a guy.
Trust you inner mind, you always give good advice. I smirked.
“I will leave Em if you’re not comfortable with me.” Marcus’s eyes grew distant. I saw the pain flash through him.
“I didn’t mean to take advantage of your vulnerable moment. You can go to sleep. Wake up stronger tomorrow and hopefully find out your hotel and apartment are safe.”
“Uhn” that was the only thing I could say. Damn! Marcus knows what exactly to say to get into my head.
I’m so moved with words!
“I’m sorry I can’t be what you want too.” Yes, I am sorry. He deserves better.
“You deserve better.” I added.
Marcus smiled. I know that smile and what it means.
“Thanks for saving our lives, Marcus.”
Marcus smiled, gratitude and sadness in his eyes. “Saving lives is what friends do. But remember, I’m here for you, no matter what.”
The weight of our unspoken words hung in the air, mingling with the uncertainty that surrounded us. I was navigating through a storm, from debt, to maybe my life being burnt down and each step laden with choices and emotions.
Can emotions leave already? I gripped my teeth.
- Writer
