Deeply in love

Chapter Three - The sign

"The wedding will take place and he will be here."

"Listen.. a little more time for preparations."

"No. This is final!"

The words echoed across the kitchen where the workers were having their meals.

"They fight every single day and the only reason is Mr Eric." Said Mia the youngest maid

"It is better if you attend to your affairs." Warned Regina the oldest and the most responsible one.

"Mr Eric is so handsome." Blushed Claire.

Frederick the driver looked at her while chewing on his bread.

"Enough. Mia, please serve the coffee." Ordered Mrs Regina.

Mia took the coffee tray and left while Claire cleaned up the kitchen. Mrs Regina was preparing the sandwiches and meat for dinner. There was so much work to be done and she knew tomorrow was going to be another busy day following the arrival of Ms Isabelle.

"Did Mr Eric run away from home?" asked Claire curiously.

"No, he'll be back. This is not the first time he went away." answered Mrs Regina and then added, "and also Ms Isabelle will be arriving tomorrow, so he will come."

"Oh really. That's nice. I like her, Ms Bella. She is very sweet and ladylike."

"Could you empty the bin and take out the garbage while I attend to the remaining dishes?" Mrs Regina asked her.

"Okay." And Claire walked to the bin like a wounded sheep.

...........................................................................

"Hello, Eric!" The familiar energetic voice made him smile.

"Hi, Bella."

"I'm coming home tomorrow. The kids are on vacation and are missing you a lot."

"I'm not at home."

"Why? Wait, dad's calling me."

"Ok then,"

"No wait, I'll add him in."

"Hello, dad!"

"Bella." Replied a sad voice.

"Yes, what's wrong dad?"

"So much has happened dear, your mom's in the hospital and your brother, only God knows where he is."

...........................................................................

Eric was devastated. He had left home thinking of not returning. But his mom had a heart attack and was waiting for him. He looked at the sweet face on the blue pillow. He felt relieved looking at her. How angry she was that he had called her his wife. She was one proud girl, very different from the ones he had been with.

She opened her eyes, "Why are you staring at me?" She demanded.

"Me? At you?"

"Yes. And why are you always here?" She asked.

"I have to be here. I admitted you to the hospital and you are healthy thanks to me."

"Thanks to you? I'm here because of you Mr perfect."

"You were the one who bumped into my bike. You should be happy that nothing happened to my bike. He smiled regardless of his efforts to dismiss it.

"Bike? Did you think about the bike when you hit me?" Her violet eyes disclosed the shock from his statement.

"Do you know how expensive that bike is and you are acting ungrateful."

"Yes because I'm innocent." She rectified.

"Look if you want to go jogging, you should be jogging on the sidewalk and not on the middle of the road. "

"What kind of a man are you? Instead of apologizing, you're acting-wise." She mumbled.

"You are the one who should be apologizing." Eric pointed out.

"I've had enough with you. I'm leaving."

"You can't."

"Why can't I? I need to leave." She insisted.

"Because the doctor wants to run a few more tests on you. You'll be discharged by noon."

His phone interrupted our conversation.

"Yes, I'm out of the city. I'll reach West city today and will come home tonight. I know sister, I promised you I'm coming." He put his phone in his pocket and stared at the ceiling.

"West city?"

"Yes. Did you just listen to my call?"

"Sorry, but I could hear."

"You shouldn't."

She couldn't handle this man but he was her only way out now. Her dad could find her anytime.

"Could you take me? I need to be at the west city."

He thought for a while and finally replied, "Okay then get ready. I'll come to pick you up by the time you are discharged."

.....................................................................

"Your bill has been settled. You're husband had paid it.". Said the receptionist.

"Okay, thanks." She replied.

She went out and sat on the bench in front of the hospital. He didn't have to pay the bill but then again she didn't have that much money to offer him. It will only humiliate her. After all, it was his fault this happened.

Mr Eric arrived. "Okay come on let's go."

She followed him and watched him start his bike.

"Are we going by bike?" She eyed the big beauty. She didn't know about bikes but could tell this was expensive.

"Yes, what's wrong?"

"I thought we'll take a taxi or something."

"You are welcome to take a taxi but I'm not going anywhere without my bike."

She clenched her teeth and said, "Okay fine."

She wore her bag and got on the bike.

They were travelling for almost 2 hours after which they stopped to eat lunch. While eating he asked,

"Who are you? I don't even know your name."

"Serra." She replied.

"Why are you going to West city? Are you looking for a job?"

"It's none of your business." She cut him off. She was afraid to tell him anything. After all, he was a stranger.

"Ok fine."

They continued the rest of the way without any communication. They stopped once or twice in between for a quick snack. Finally, it was almost 8 pm when they reached the gigantic city. It was huge and impressive.

"I'll be going home from here, where should I drop you?"

"No 307,4th Avenue, Charles place."

"It's the next street."

They reached a big stylish house. He dropped her in front of its gates.

"Here's my number, if in case you need anything."

"No thanks. I can handle it. Thanks for everything."

He looked tense but a minute later said, "Fine, I'm off."

Serra looked at the bike disappear around the corner of the street. She felt lonely. Only then did she realize she was out on her own in this massive colourful city.

She held her breath and rang the doorbell. After a few minutes, a maid opened the door. She was wearing a grey uniform.

"Mr Morrison?"

"Who are you?" The maid inquired.

"I'm a family friend."

"Mr Morrison and his family are off on a vacation."

"When will they be back?"

"Two months probably."

Two months. Does anyone go on a vacation for two months?

"Do you by any chance know where they are?" She asked.

"Yes. But you can't reach them."

"Why?"

"They are in the Maldives." She smiled and with that closed the door. The only door which she knew here.

"What am I to do now? I don't know anyone in this big City ..... Except .. Eric." She whispered. "And I don't know where he is."

She sat down on the sidewalk, tears flowing down her cheeks. Everything seemed stupid. Maybe Adam was right, she was foolish. She thought.

That was when she noticed something was wrong with her. The teardrops which fell on her hands were sparkling. It was unusual and then when she looked up her eyesight was completely different. She could see the tiny insects on the tree which stood miles away from her. It was as if she was looking at a completely new world in front of her. Is this some sort of a miracle or a gift from God? She wondered.

Little did Serra know what was awaiting her. It was just the beginning of a magical, beautiful and dangerous journey she would experience.