Another love

chapter 7

Slowly, as I opened my eyes, the antiseptic smell of a familiar place Wait, the hospital hit me hard, like a naked human exposed to the harsh blizzard of winter. Beeping machines and muffled voices created a chaotic symphony. Ouch, feeling so heavy and aching all over in pain, trying to remember what happened and why I'm here, but one sound pierced through the noise, intruding on my thoughts. Atlas's worried voice. "'Babe, you're awake!' he exclaimed, relief washing over his face like a tidal wave, but hisface was face was still laced with fear and something II couldcouldn't forgetforget. But I was far from relieved. Panic set in as I tried to remember the events of the previous night. The party, the music, the laughter—it all seemed so distant, like a fading dream. And then, Atlas's face——the strange look from last night. "My mind raced with lots of questions, but one stood out,out, screaming more important thanthan the rest: What happened last night? Why can't I remember?? The memory loss was like a gaping hole in my mind. My. My mind feltfelt like a single planet in the Galaxy,Galaxy, and Atlas's evasive gaze only made me more suspicious. "'You don't remember, do you?' he whispered, his voice laced with fear or something I could not forgetforget. I shook my head, my heart racing like a runaway train. What was he hiding from me? And what did it have to do with the strange, unexplained events that seemed to be happening around me? "The silence between us was deafening, heavy with secrets and unspoken truths,truths, andand so uncomfortable. I knew one thing for sure: I had to uncover the truth, no matter how dangerous it might be." What happened last night? I asked, trying to sound brave without fear, hoping to hear the truth and nothing but the truth.Feeling the air around me change, it felt cold and icy.somewhere in me, trusting and hoping to hear the truth from Atlas, this disturbing feeling that he would lie to my face Oh, about last night, you passed out. I think you were drunk. I don't know you were this light-headed, he said, earning me a light-hearted look on the head while giving me a funny look.Giving him a skeptical look So you're saying nothing is happening... Stellaaa Emily's worried voice interrupted my question. How are you? I heard what happened. I hope you're okay. I rushed down as soon as I heard the accident. Ahhhhhhhhhh, she screamed suddenly. Looking lost and confused What happened to your face? she asked, tears streaming from her beautiful eyes. What do you mean by my face?Then a sudden pain washed over me like a needle pricing a newborn baby's buttocks. "As I gazed up at Emily's horrified face in confusion, my mind raced with questions. What happened last night? What's wrong with my face? And what was Atlas hiding from me? "'Your face!' Emily shrieked, her eyes brimming with tears. 'Oh, my dear god, Stella!' I felt a chill run down my spine as Atlas's grip on my hand tightened as I looked at him with fear. 'It's okay, my queen,' he whispered, his voice laced with reassurance and comfort that I didn't quite believe. With a sense of fear, Slowly, I reached up to touch my face. And that's when I felt it—a gruesome cut that ran from my temple to my chin. Like a gruesome smile etched into my skin, it felt like the claw mark of a wild dog.In fear, I grabbed his phone, using the screen as a mirror, before anybody could stop me. My heart raced as I snatched my hand away, my mind reeling with panic. What had happened last night? And why was Atlas's expression a mix of guilt and fear? Was I attacked by a wild animal? 'I need to know what happened,' I demanded, my voice shaking with urgency. 'Tell me the truth, Atlas. Now.'"In horror, I looked at the Atlas. Panicking I need to see my face. What do you mean? Babe, calm down. Just relax. His comforting voice came in. Relaxing my muscles a little When you fainted, there was no one to catch you on time, and you fell on sharp edges, cutting your face a little. But you will heal. The doctor said you would be alright.Giving him a skeptical look You said I fell and cut my face. This looks like an animal attack. I'm trying my best to stay composed while I'm losing it.I raised an eyebrow, my skepticism evident. That's it?? it?? I had this injury from drinking too much. I asked, my voice firm but shaky. Well,yeah....... He hesitated, his eyes darting around the hospital room, begging Emily for help. His expression was almost too neutral, making it almost impossible to see any sign of deception.Well, I don't believe you. I yelled, losing it as I tried to hit him. Atlas's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched. In frustratingCan you get a hold of yourself, Stella? He yelled back, grabbing my shoulders like a beast, ready to tear his victim into shreds.Calm down?? I interrupted, my voice rising in disbelief, ignoring the pain in his grip.'You expect me to calm down with no memory of what happened last night, lying in a hospital with a face that looks like it's been clawed by a wild dog???The room fell silent; the only sound was our ragging breath and the steady beep of the machine monitoring my vital signs.********** Emily***********Gosh, it's getting pretty heated here. I have never seen Stella act this way, nor has Atlas. I don't really know,but something but something feels pretty off about him and about the whole situation. Clearly,this does not look like a simple injury from a fall, but why is he hiding it?? What's Atlas hiding? God, what should I do? I hate this feeling. "Okay,"Okay, everybody, calm down." " Emily intervivesintervives, trying to make the atmosphere a little lighter.Calm down, everyone.Shesaid it said it with a firm voice.voice. Now you,you, Atlas,Atlas, tell me what really happened last night?? Clearly,Clearly, this is not a simple injury.injury. So would you mind opening up now,now, Mr.Mr. Atlas? As you can see,see,you are you are hurting my friend'sfriend's feelings by lying..Atlas looking defeated: Fine,' he spat out. ' ' We were at the party;; it was all fun,fun, and Stella got drunk.. I don't know when sheshe wandered off, and I couldn't find her.The next The next thing I knew, she was lying on the ground, in the pool of her blood.blood. That's a lie. lie. MyMy mind screamed.. That's not what happened... Somewhere,Somewhere, I still doubt he was not telling the truth.I can clearly remember that feeling of fear. It felt like I came across an abomination; why is he lying?? Stella'smind is mind is having a conversation of her own.A call came through,through, breaking Stella's heart.heart. I have topick up pick up this call! Excuse me, bye Emily.. PleasePlease take care of Stella.. I will be back soon.soon.Immediately,Immediately, he left. Stella tried to stand up, expressing her feelings to her best friend Emily. 'No, that's not what happened,' I insisted. 'I remember being scared, and someone chasing me...' Emily's eyes widened. Are you sure about that??Yes, I know what I felt last night.I may not remember the details, but my feelings... I know Please promise me you will help me get to the button for this. Stella said with tears in her eyes.Never has she felt so scared about something in her life. Awwnnn, my baby, don't cry. Emily said, acting like a caring mother to her weeping child, feeling pity for her best friend, I will help you, my love, so wipe those tears, don't cry, my love. I'm always here for you.