Leila

Chapter 5 : Knowing you

I can hear distant voices, trying hard to concentrate, but my head is throbbing. Struggling to open my eyes and sit up, a hand pushed me back down and told me to stay still. I was terrified. The last thing I remember was the fight. Oh no! I am still in jail. Desperately trying to figure out a way to get out of this mess. I have mid-term exams tomorrow and a report due at the end of this week. I wanted to cry. I just lay still and pray I will wake up from this nightmare.

'Ms Chaz, Ms Chaz, can you hear me? Nod if you can.'

I tried to nod, but my face hurt when I moved my head.

'Ms Chaz, you will be sent back to the central building and processed for release.'

I sprung up, and my head exploded.

'Ahhh', I shrieked in pain.

' Easy dear, we will wheel you back. Try not to move.

I was left alone some more. It felt like an eternity. I must have dozed off again because I woke up when I heard hollering.

'Who did this to her? I want an explanation from the person in charge!'

' A fight broke out in her cell.'

' Why was she in a cell?!' Aren't you supposed to make sure these things do not happen?'

I couldn't see their faces. My right eye was shut tight. And whoever they were, they were shouting behind the curtains.

Someone was furious to find me in my state. I recognized that voice but from where? I was so dizzy I had to keep my eyes closed. When I came to, a pair of dark eyes were boring into me. His chiselled face, topped with dark hair, was inches away from my nose. I couldn't help noting how handsome he looked.

'Are you OK?'

I nervously lowered my gaze and nodded.

The nurse came in and asked him to leave. He didn't budge, but the nurse insisted, glaring at him.

Later that afternoon, I was led back to the counter and was handed a form to sign.

' Where is my bag?' I politely asked the officer.

' Ma'am, you had no personal belongings when they brought you in'.

Defeated, I walked towards the door. When I exited, I saw the man pinned me against the wall, holding my bag.

He rose when he noticed me. With a blank expression, he handed me my bag.

I was so relieved that I almost hugged him, but he took a step back.

Embarrassed, I simply nodded and headed for the door.

'Where are you going?' that same voice again.

'Home?'

'Come, we will drop you off.

'Thanks, but I will catch the bus,' I nervously replied.

' Cameron, take her bag.'

'No!' I shouted.

The men stared at me in disbelief.

'Sorry', I whispered, and ran to the door.

My legs were wobbling but I needed to get away. I have exams tomorrow, and Lord knows where they will take me.

Suddenly, I was lifted off the floor and onto someone's broad shoulders.

'Put me down! What are you doing?'

'Taking you home

'I can walk.'

'Promise me you will not run.'

'OK!'

But he didn't put me down. I was gently placed in an SUV. I was fuming. Who do they think that they are? The door opened, and the stranger with handsome dark features slid in. He completely ignored me. The driver asked me my address, and I gave him the diner's address. I don't want them to know where I live.

We rode in silence, I kept glancing at him hoping to break the awkward silence. Before I could master up the courage to say anything, the SUV stopped. I quickly thanked them and ran into the diner.