Escape my ruthless past.

Chapter Twenty Three

For the last couple of nights, I've awakened by the same nightmare. The dream always starts with me in the ruins, exploring and feeling excited. But then, a sense of foreboding creeps in. I see myself, a younger version, watching as my older self is dragged away by shadowy figures. They surround me, their eyes cold and hungry. I try to fight, but my body feels heavy, and my strength fails me.

"You can't escape your fate," a voice hisses, sending shivers down my spine.

"Let me go!" I scream, my voice echoing in the darkness.

I wake up in a cold sweat, heart pounding. It's just a dream, I tell myself, but the fear lingers.

The doctor strides in, clipboard in hand, a sombre expression shadowing his face.

"Mauve, you're cleared for discharge," he announces, eyes scanning mine for a flicker of hope.

"That's great news," I manage, my voice cracking with emotion. "I can't wait to get out of here."

"We'll have a wheelchair to take you to the front, and your friend is waiting to take you home," he says, his tone kind.

"Thank you," I whisper, relief washing over me.

We reach the lobby of the hospital, and Rose and her mother are there, their faces lighting up with joy at the sight of me.

"Mauve, you're here!" Rose exclaims, running towards me. "How are you feeling?"

"Much better now," I say, managing a small smile. "Ready to get out of here."

"Are you sure it's ok that I stay at yours?" I ask. She gives me a reassuring look. "Of course. You need a place to recover, and I want to help."

"Thank you," I say, my voice thick with gratitude. "I appreciate it more than you know."

"Let's get you home," she says, her eyes sparkling with determination.

Home, the last time I truly had a home was when my parents were alive. The word itself felt foreign, like a distant memory I had once known but had long since forgotten. The thought of leaving the hospital, going somewhere new, was both exciting and terrifying.

"I can't wait to show you my room," Rose said, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. "I've made it extra cosy for you."

I felt a wave of warmth wash over me, a feeling of belonging I hadn't experienced in a long time.

We reach Rose's home, and her mother welcomes me with a warm embrace. "Welcome home, Mauve," she says, her voice filled with kindness. "We're so happy to have you here."

I can't help but feel a surge of emotion as I step into the house, a place that already feels like a sanctuary, a tear streaks down my cheek.

We settle in for the night, and it's so weird to feel so comfortable and warm.

The comfort of the soft sheets enveloped me, a stark contrast to the cold, sterile hospital environment. I closed my eyes, letting the exhaustion of the past few days wash over me.

"Good night, Mauve," Rose whispered, her voice gentle and soothing. "Sleep well."

I smiled, my eyes already growing heavy. "Good night, Rose."

The house fell silent, and I let the darkness embrace me, my mind finally at peace.

As I drifted off to sleep, my mind wandered back to the ruins, the place where my journey had begun. I had been so close to uncovering its secrets, but my body had failed me.

"Tomorrow," I whispered to myself, determination fueling my thoughts. "I'll start putting the pieces together tomorrow."

The thought of piecing together the mystery of the ruins, of finally understanding what had happened to me, brought a sense of purpose.

I woke with a sense of nervousness, knowing I would be returning to school and all the eyes on me, but I'm so used to shutting out my surroundings.

I'm not ready for all the questions, the whispers, and the stares. But I know I have to face them, to show them I'm not broken.

"You look well, Mauve," Ms. Williams, the school secretary, says, her eyes scanning me with a mix of concern and curiosity.

I offer a small smile, "I'm feeling better, thank you."

The school corridors buzz with the energy of students, their voices, and laughter filling the air. I feel their eyes on me as I walk, some whispering, others staring openly.

I make my way to my locker, the familiar surroundings both comforting and daunting.

"Hey, Mauve," a voice calls out. I turn to see Brett, his expression unreadable. "How are you holding up?"

Is this guy for real? "I'm managing, thanks," I reply, keeping my tone neutral. I know Brett has his own issues, but I'm not in the mood for his drama.

"I wanted to apologize," he says, his voice low. "For how I acted before. I was an ass."

I raise an eyebrow, not sure what to make of this sudden change of heart. "And why the apology now?"

"Because I was wrong, and I should have been there for you." His words are sincere, and I see the guilt in his eyes.

"You don't owe me anything, Brett," I say, my voice softening. But I just can't deal with this right now or his mood swings, so I turn and walk the other way.

I hear his footsteps behind me, a sign of his persistence. "Mauve, wait," he calls out, his voice echoing down the empty corridor.

"I'm not waiting for anyone," I say, my voice carrying a hint of frustration. "Especially not you."

"I just want to help," he says, his tone pleading. "I know I messed up, but—"

"I don't need your help, Brett," I interrupt, turning to face him. "I'm fine on my own. Please just leave me alone."

Brett takes a step back, his face a mix of surprise and hurt. "Fine. If that's what you want, I'll leave you alone." He turns and walks away, his shoulders hunched.

I watch him go, a mix of emotions swirling within me. Part of me wants to call out to tell him I'm sorry, but I bite my tongue. I need to focus on myself, on healing, and on finding the answers I seek.

The school day passes in a blur of whispers and stares. I keep my head down, determined to block out the noise.

I decided to spend my lunch break in the library, a haven of silence and solitude. I wander the aisles, running my fingers along the spines of books, seeking comfort in the familiarity of their titles.

I find a quiet corner, settle into a chair, and open a book, letting the words transport me to a different world, a world where my troubles seem far away.

The bell rings, signalling the end of lunch, and I reluctantly close the book, marking my place with a scrap of paper. I stand, stretching my limbs, and head back to class, steeling myself for the whispers and stares that will inevitably follow.

It's supposed to be gym class next, but I have a pass for a couple of weeks, I'm mad about it as I know it will help clear my mind.

Gym class would have been a welcome distraction, but I can't risk it with my injury. I need to take it slow and focus on recovery.

"You've been given a pass for gym, haven't you?" Ms. Williams asks, her eyes full of concern. "Don't overdo it, dear."

I nod, grateful for her understanding. "I'll take it easy, I promise."

The day drags on, a constant stream of curious glances and hushed whispers. I'm ready to escape, to leave the prying eyes behind.

As the final bell rings, I gather my things, eager to be free.

"Mauve, wait up!" A voice calls out as I head for the exit. It's Jax, his face flushed from the day's activities.

"Jax," I reply, surprised by his presence. "What's up?"

"Just wanted to check on you," he says, his eyes darting around the now-empty corridor. "See how you're doing."

I feel a rush of warmth at his concern, but I can't help but wonder what's really going on. "I'm okay," I say, my voice steady. "Just ready to get home."

He takes a step closer, his eyes searching mine. "You sure you're okay on your own?"

"I'm fine," I insist, my voice firm. "I don't need an escort."

Jax's eyes narrow, a hint of concern lingering. "If you're sure..."

I nod, determined to prove my independence. "I'll be fine, Jax. Thanks for checking on me."

He gives me a small smile, a mix of relief and worry. "Alright, but if you need anything, you know where to find me."

I watch him walk away, my heart softening at his gesture.

What is with these triplets? They seem to have a personality disorder, and I can't keep up.