Lost (Beautiful Beast I)

Chapter-15

Leia

On the day of my evening work at the birthday party, I borrowed one of Marie's gowns and dressed up pretty simple as well decent to the function. Since it's a rich man's function, it'll be inappropriate if I go in jeans and not in gown, though I'm nothing but a pianist.

Liam insisted me to go with him and that made Marie agitated as I am supposed with our group. Nevertheless, not wanting to disappoint both my dear friends, I agreed on going with Liam on the way back.

I picked up my purse and locked the home before getting down to the parking lot when I heard our vehicle's horn. It's a black van with the name of institute written on it. I hoped on carefully, avoiding the piano and sat in my seat. We have pianos of varying size and it all depends on how big the stage is to make sure it looks perfect.

I watched out of the window, enjoying the cool night breeze. I remember when I played for the first time in a function. I was a nervous bundle and if it wasn't for Marie standing at the end of the room and cheering me up every time I lifted my head, I doubt I would've ever done it. After that, Marie started offering many opportunities to me and soon I got the courage and enjoyed it when the audience enjoyed with me. It's something about playing piano that makes me feel so different. My fingers don't stop once my mind registers what I need to play and the rhythmic music filling my ears is so pure, so soothing. I do not know how I've acquired this talent because father never knew a syllabus of piano. As far as I remember, mother wasn't a pianist either and for me to master in this is truly surprising. It's like it's in my DNA and yet not.

When the vehicle came to a stop, the piano was carried right behind the building through the back and then to the stage. The party was full on that no one seemed to notice. The party reminds me so much of the one in the Crawford's hotel and brings back the memories which I've tried hard to push back.

I walked out and stayed under the night sky while my team mates decided to get something to feed themselves. After this is over, I need to shop for clothes with the I payment I receive from this. I've borrowed some of Marie's clothes and she bought me some too. I need to repay a lot to Marie. If it wasn't for her, I don't think all this would've been possible. I can't even imagine how my life would've turned if Nicholas didn't save me and Marie didn't help me with everything.

It's so unreal how my life changed with just a blink of an eye. The world is big and they are so many people and yet it feels like I'm alone. The only family I had was my father and now I don't even know where he is. Sometimes I wonder whether it was really my father I saw in Dell.

'Leia' A familiar voice interrupted me from my trance.

'You're too early, Liam' I said while checking him out. He's wearing a black suit 'And not to mention you look incredibly handsome in suit' I said.

He came forward, his hands at the back.

'Thanks' he grinned 'You look beautiful and I...truly believe this will look good in your hair' he brought his hands in front that had a red rose.

I smiled wide and took the rose from his hand. It's big and beautiful shade of dark red.

'Thank you' I smiled and tucked it in my bun.

'Is it correct?' I asked him.

'Perfect' he replied. 'So, what are you going to play?' He asked me a question for which I didn't have an answer.

'Well, the client didn't demand  for a specific category, so I guess whatever comes to my mind at that moment' I replied.

'What?' He gave me a confused look ' You didn't even decide what you're going to play?'

'I will, once I'm going to play' I shrugged.

'Well, I'm ready to listen even if it makes no sense' he replied, amusement in his features.

I couldn't help but scoff 'My music makes sense even if I play something that I created or if I play another artist's'

We were interrupted when one of my team mates called me out and said it's time.

'I'll go grab myself a seat. Goodluck, Leia' With a warm smile on his face, Liam left and I made my way through the back door.

I could hear the man talking in a microphone about his wife and how much he loves her and how great she is. I smiled at the choice of his words. Years have passed and yet their love seems to be young. Finally he finished by saying that he's arranged the best pianist for his love and left the stage for me.

I took a deep breathe and walked to the stage. The crowd went silent once I reached and I saw them all sitting around their respective tables. I don't feel nervous, not even a bit. Once I took my seat behind the piano, the lights went off, with just the white light focusing on me and the instrument.

I pressed one of the keys, letting the tune fill the room and echo back. I took a few second to register what to play and then my fingers started to flow on the keys easily as I indulged myself to the rhythm. At first all I could hear is pure ecstasy of the music filling the air and then as I sped up, I heard the crowd cheering.

My eyes were shut and my fingers were flowing as they knew every key correctly. My mind was wondering to places and memories that I tried hard to push back. I've played this music several times and yet it seems to be more mesmerizing and beautiful at this moment.

The same music everyone danced for in the Crawford's party. The same music I danced for with Nicholas and the same music after which I had my first kiss.

River Flows In You by Yiruma.

I couldn't help the blush that adorned my cheeks and the smile on my lips as I thought about the dance and the kiss. My head is cast down staring at the keys as my fingers rapidly pressed them all accurately. It's so bad, truly bad to feel this way for Nicholas but at this moment I didn't seem to care, my mind was wondering over the times with Nicholas. The first time I saw him, the way he saved me, the way he treated me. His charm, his power, his behavior, his attitude, his dominance - they attract me so much.

Maybe it was fate to get saved by a Mafia Lord, maybe it was fate to meet him, maybe maybe, just maybe I wish I had more time in his house so that I would've had more memories of him. Maybe...

The loud applause shook me up abruptly and I looked around see the crowd cheering and applauding for me. My music has stopped, my fingers still on the keys. I quickly got up, bowed my head, flashing a kind smile and left the stage.

I ran out through the back door once I was the stage. I don't want my team mates looking at me smiling like an i***t. Well, I'm a total i***t I guess, because of him.

'Bunny!' I heard Liam's enthusiastic scream and the moment I turned around, Liam crushed his body on mine, giving me a massive hug.

I laughed at him, patting his back. His grip tightened on my waist as he dipped incredibly lower to my neck.

'You were amazing' he said, holding my shoulders and looking right into my eyes.

'Thank you' I said, smiling wide.

'It was just so beautiful, Leia. I was awestruck. I swear I was teleported to another world, I couldn't take eyes off you and I couldn't stop the feeling of the awesome music' he looked utterly surprised and so happy.

'Enough of your comments. Come on, take the lady to a good restaurant, I'm not interested in rich people's food here' I said, hooking my arm in his and we made our way to the front.

I asked Liam to wait as I need to bid goodbye to the birthday woman and his husband. He went to take the car by then.

The man was happy with my performance and I was happy for that. His wife was so excited to meet me in person and kissed my cheek before leaving. I thanked the couple for calling us and I bid goodbye and left the party.

I was waiting for Liam, my mood bright as the stars above when the phone in my purse vibrated before the notifying ringtone.

It must be Marie, with that thought I took out my phone and saw it was a message. My smile lit up even more when I saw that it was Nicholas and not Marie.

I quickly opened and my eyes fell on the message.

'The rose just intensified your beauty, Rosy Leia'

I was smiling crazy when I read the messsage, my hand quickly going to the rose on my hair. I'm a mess right now. I quickly turned in every direction searching him when another notifying ringtone made me look at the phone.

'I'm right here, Leia'

I smiled even wide as I read the message. When I lifted my head up, there he stood, just a few steps away from me with the phone in his hand, his expression soft and eyes filled with amusement.

I didn't stop the smile. I walked forward, covering the distance between us. He just stood there with his eyes solely on me.

'Hi' I said sheepishly.

He didn't smile back, he didn't react too.

'You played the same song we danced for at the Crawford's' his voice was soft as feather.

'Yep. I...it's one my favorites' I tugged the hair my ear and licked my lips. His eyes fell on my lips for a spilt second and before I could blink, his eyes stared back into mine.

He didn't reply and the silence wasn't awkward because of my pretty mood.

'I didn't expect to see you here' I said.

'Thompson is one of my business partners' he replied, referring the man who threw this party for his wife.

'Oh, well, I'm glad you're here. I...I wanted apologise' I started. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion 'For that day. I shouldn't have spoken all that to you. It was my fault, I-

'It's alright' he cut me off.

'No, Nicholas-

'I said it's alright, Leia' he repeated and I sealed my mouth shut.

A horn interrupted us and I turned around to see it was Liam waiting in the car.

'Okay, Nicholas, I should be-

'Did you have dinner?' He asked.

'No, I'm going-

'Come with me' he said, catching me offguard.

'Huh?' I blinked at him.

'I wanna take you out for dinner, now' he spoke slowly.

I felt butterflies in my stomach. My breathing was shallow and I just looked everywhere but him.

'Can we go, Leia?' He asked again, his face calm as the ocean that's at peace.

'Huh? Yeah, why not. I'll just...inform my friend' I said and quickly walked towards Liam.

'Who is he?' Was the first question Liam asked when I approached him.

'Huh...he's a friend of mine' I said nervously.

Liam raised his eyebrow at me like get didn't believe.

'Alright then, hop in' he said.

'Well, Liam he wants to take me to dinner now' I said.

Disappointment masked his features.

'Leia but you promised you will come with me' he spoke like a child.

'I know. It's all of a sudden, you know. I didn't even expect this. It'll be rude to say no. I promise I'll make it up to you, pumpkin' I said in a sweet way, giving him a sweet smile.

Liam mimicked like crying before nodding his head.

'Oh, you're such a good boy' I teased him before kissing him on the cheek and walking towards Nicholas who was watching the entire scene.

With a final glance at Liam's car leaving the gate, I walked with Nicholas.

Once we got into his car and left the place, I wanted to ask him so badly that why he asked me out. The butterflies are still in my stomach and blaming my hunger was useless when Nicholas was right next to me.

'Nicholas?' I turned to him.

'Hm?' He hummed questionably, his eyes never leaving the road.

'Where are you taking me?' I asked.

'One of the best restaurants' he replied. It was totally an expected answer.

'I was wondering if you could take me to a simple one instead? I mean, I'm in a mood to have cheeseburger and I definitely don't to want to enter a fancy restaurant' I said nervously looking at him.

He didn't reply, so I gave a small smile before turning to the window with disappointment.

Great way to spoil my mood, Nicholas.

The rest of the ride was completely silent and I contemplated whether the decision to accept his proposal was right or wrong.

When the car came to a stop, I walked out like a robot and looked around. The area is crowded with people with shops around brightly lit. When he came out, I saw he had removed his blazer and tie and also unbuttoned few of the buttons of his t-shirt.

Without a warning, he grasp my hand firmly and made way through the crowded area. My hand automatically held his arm as we walked together with our sides touching.

I smiled when I saw where he was taking us.

The small hotel is crowded and simply the signature perfect of what I asked for.

I can't believe he actually listened to me.

He stood in a queue to order and when our turn came he looked at me to see I was already watching him.

'How many cheeseburger?' He asked.

'One cheeseburger and french fries' I replied.

'Two cheeseburgers, one French fries and one chicken sandwich' he said.

The guy behind the counter asked us to wait for ten minutes and Nicholas nodded and we made our way outside the restaurant, taking one of the seats that's allotted here as it was filled inside.

'Thank you' I said once we sat.

'You should stop jumping into conclusion' he said, giving a small smile.

I smiled nervously but nevertheless didn't reply.

'You are a great pianist' he said 'You were fabulous up there'

I couldn't help the heat that started to creep to my cheeks.

'Thank you' I said politely.

He took my left hand and I just looked at him. He started to draw circles with his thumb.

'Who was he, Leia? The boy back there at the party' he asked softly, his eyes burning into my hand.

I narrowed my eyes but answered anyway.

'Friend'

'His name?' He asked, looking at me.

'Liam' I replied observing him closely.

He retreated his hand and I instantly missed his touch. I took my hand away.

'The Cops came to me' I started.

'I know' he replied casually.

'Well, I didn't tell them anything' I said.

Nicholas stared at me.

'I mean, I didn't tell that he bought me and I didn't know about that and also, you weren't in that video they showed and I don't need to learn calculus to know that you deleted some parts before it came to the cops' I blabbered out.

'Leia' he called out 'I know everything. I also know that the Sheriff will keep you out of the case as you're dear to him'

'How...how do you come to know everything?' I asked baffled.

He just shrugged 'I'll go get the dinner' he said and left.

I watched him walk stiffly towards the counter, not even noticing the women population inside ogling at him like he's the last piece of pizza.

Thanking the man, he took the tray and walked towards me. He saw me watching him and yet I didn't turn away till he placed two cheeseburgers and french fries in front of me and took his seat with the sandwich.

'I won't be able to eat two' I said.

'I highly doubt that' was his reply.

And he easy right. He finished his sandwich with just minutes and watched me eat. It was really uneasy to open my mouth and take a bite of the burger while he was watching me.

'Stop staring' I said.

'What's your favorite color, Leia?' He asked.

I munched on my food before replying 'Red'

He chuckled 'Is that why you lied in the beginning that your name is Rose?' He asked.

'Well, roses come in different colors' I said.

'But you only see red' he replied.

I gave a small smile, he's right.

'You're favorite food?' He asked.

'Anything that's edible and tasty' I chuckled.

The rest of the time went in silence with me munching on my burger and he typing in his phone.

This night is going to be a good memory to me.

'Done?' He asked as I finished the last fry and piped my hand with a tissue.

I nodded my head and we stood up to leave.

'And you said you won't be able to eat two burgers' he said. I didn't reply to his amusement.

Once we buckled up, Nicholas took off. The roads are almost empty and I checked my watch to see it's pretty late. I opened the window, feeling the cool air on my face. The silence between us was comfortable enough but I wanted to talk, get to know him for I do not know whether I'll be seeing him again.

'Can I ask you something?' I said. He glanced my side before nodding.

'Why is Aron called the milk lover?' I asked, recalling Sophia telling this when I first met Aron officially.

Nicholas chuckled.

'Sophia didn't tell you the whole story, huh?' He asked, a lazy smile playing on his lips.

'No. Aron was embarrassed when she told this, so I stopped her from the details' I replied.

'Okay. We were young that time. My father took us to one of his clients home. The house was fabulous, we were having a tour of our own and landed in the kitchen. The old lady in there gave us some snacks to eat and Aron noticed a glass of milk and without thinking he drank it. The client had a baby boy and it was for him' he said.

'That's not bad...?' I kinda asked.

'Not at all until the old lady told us that it's his mother's milk'

Okay. I'm not going to laugh.

'That's...impressive' I said letting out a chuckle. Nicholas was smiling ear to ear.

I looked in front to see we're almost close to my house. The roads were empty and the shops were closed.

'Leia' he called.

'Yes?'

He looked at me.

'I-

'NICHOLAS!' I screamed when I saw, a truck approaching us, from his side mirror.

Nicholas quickly noticed and sped up.

I didn't get time to process any of it. One moment I was looking at Nicholas and the next I know is a hard force slammed my side with a earth crashing sound of metals and tires. I felt a hard pain on side my head and instantly my eyes blurred, enveloping me into complete darkness.