b****y ISLAND-Secret within

RAY OF HOPE

It was a sunny morning; the happy warm rays of the sun never reached Sera's apartment, who lived alone as her brother Sam had gone missing. It was lonely for Sera at her house, but there were many people who use to avail her with a plethora of things. These availing hands never availed her with their presence, but only things, which made her feel lonely. However, there was one person who availed her with his presence. Steve, a professor who was there for Sera emotionally. Professor Steve was Sera's chemistry professor in her school, a type of professor who was always ready to help his students no matter what. He was quite puerile to be a professor, an amicable man, who always had a smile on his face. Steve always tried to make Sera laugh by acting lubberly. Steve kenned his paramountcy in Sera's life, mainly at a time such as this.

Steve started visiting Sera after the case got commercial. He always visited Sera in the evening, they ate different Japanese cuisine each day, which Steve bought from restaurants during his visits. Steve as her professor wanted to help her with everything possible. He knew she needed someone at time like this. However, Steve had no time for his personal life, he was 24 and still single, so these visits made Steve realize that he needed someone in his life more than her. Now he hoped he might be more than a professor to Sera.

As an active professor Steve got very little time to spend with Sera. To fix this he unexpectedly asked Sera to move in with him for her accommodation, which was better for her than to live alone. But Sera believed her brother and Nathan will return soon so, she rejects Steve altruism. Sera was ready to wait in a dark solitary world than to move on. Steve became upset with Sera's unparalleled decision and stopped visiting her. Sera was in a crucial stage of her life all solitary. This affected her mental health when Steve stop visiting. Somehow, with her positive perspective towards life she made it through the week. But the blissful rays of the sun never reached her even when she was outdoors. Everyday getting up, doing her chores and going back to sleep all alone, had become her only routine. Her TV was the only source which kept her room from being soundless. She always had her brother's favourite show on, and sometimes when she got disoriented in her loneliness, she aurally perceived the sound of the TV and forgot about the incident for a moment, just to be ravaged by the rigorous reality. Sera let her hair grow as she had no desire to fix it.

After a week Steve casually visited Sera with an alternative intention in his mind and apologized for his comportment.

“I will always be there for you if you need me, I am so sorry I acted like a complete idiot.”

Sera who required an availing hand at the worst stage of her life, hugged Steve for comfort. This was what Steve was hoping for, as he relished Sera from the start. At this moment the Sun’s rays found its way inside the vacuous house, but never touched Sera. Sera found a piece of ecstasy along with Steve by her side, but only as a friend. Steve decided to make his move, he gifted Sera an expensive dress, and asked her to try it on. She goes to her room tried on the dress and came out, as expected it was perfect.

Sera looked gorgeous in the dress, it was a grand one-piece gown, blue in colour, fit for any princess. It cost Steve his entire month savings. Sera loved the dress. Steve was left speechless only to admire her beauty. Steve surprised Sera even more by taking her out for dinner that very minute. He had already rented a car and reserved a table in a fancy restaurant. Sera had little to object as it has been a long time since she had come out to enjoy.

Sera came out and saw the car. It was one of the most expensive cars of that era, every guy dreamed of owning that car someday. It was the highlight of 1980 and was right in-front of Sera eyes. They got inside the car and drove towards the restaurant, as a charming gentleman, Steve got down first after arriving, and opened the door for Sera. “My lady please, this way.”

Sera plays along, “Sure, my butler.”

“Why a Butler?”

Sera with dominance, “Because I said so.” She felt like a princess wearing that dress.

Both laughed as they entered the restaurant. The restaurant was immensely colossal, painted completely golden, the glass roof shined with the light from the reflecting mirrors. As royals, they dodge the huge waiting line and went inside (as they already reserved their table). The restaurant was filled with people with high standards, Girls with expensive dresses and gold accessories, Men with the most extravagant suit along with golden watch or expensive ornament on their wrist. But when they entered the restaurant, all eyes perceived Sera, who looked gorgeous in that gown with her long hair. Her beauty was indescribable, as she caught everyone’s attention. Steve had a simple black suit, and a leather watch on his wrist. The guys in the restaurant commented on Steve’s standards.

“What is that girl doing with a loser like him.”

They were loud enough for Steve to hear, but Steve just looked at them and smiled because he knew with Sera on his side all the worldly things did not matter. They reach their table, Steve pulled out a chair for Sera to sit.

“Thank you, kind sir.”

They take their seat

Sera, “what’s the specialty here?”

“I don’t know.”

“Don’t tell me, you never been here?”

Steve stays silent

“Why did you get us here this place is so expensive, I thought you always come here.

“No, I don’t.”

“Then, Why here?”

“My house is nearby, so I usually have to walk through this place, and I always notice these couples coming in and going out happily. I was not sure if it was the place or the people, they were with that made them happy, I wanted to know but after coming here with you, I got my answer.”

Sera felt a moment of magic in Steve’s words, she couldn’t think of anything else to say. The waiter got them champagne and poured a glass for each, both enjoyed their drink. By the time they finish their drink, their food arrives and they enjoy the most luxurious feast for the first time.

In the center, they found couples dancing to the resplendent classical music that was being played in a fancy restaurant which looked like castle. Steve got up and offered his hand to Sera. “Could I have the honour to dance with you?”

“Yes, my knight.” As they walked to the dance floor.

Steve comments, “From a Butler to a knight, that’s impressive!”

“Shut up, if you don't want to go back on being the butler.”

“As you command, my princess.” Said Steve with a smile.

Both head to the dance floor as Steve directed her and they danced gracefully till the end of the night. There were only a few people on the dance floor. Steve and Sera were the center of attention. When the moonlight graced the dance floor, Sera forgot everything for a minute. The moment was just right, Steve did not miss the opportunity. He came to kiss her. Sera was lost at the moment. They were about to kiss each other.

It was going to be Sera's first kiss. Instead of a happy smile on her face, she had tears in her eyes. She always wanted to have her first kiss with Nathan. If she kissed Steve that meant she admitted that her brother and Nathan were lost forever. Steve who noticed Sera's tears stopped, took a step back, and apologized. Sera knew they were going to have an awkward conversation, but the waiter interrupted them saved them from having the conversation.

Waiter in doubt, “Madam, a cop wants to meet you.”

Sera puzzled, “Me?” She looked at Steve.

Steve with a smile on his face, “Go, I will be waiting!”

Sera went outside to meet the cop.

She saw a cop waiting outside the restaurant in his uniform.

Sera heads towards the cop

“Excuse me?”

“Oh! Are you Sera Williams?”

“Yes, I am.”

“This is about the missing complaint you filed. We found one of the missing passengers. We identified him as Nathan Lockwood, if you are acquainted with him, we would like a word with you.”

Sera was in shock for a moment, so many questions ran through her head yet, the first question she asked was, “Where can I find him?”

“You can meet him in the city hospital tomorrow, I don't think they allow any visitors though.”

Sera who heard this started running towards the hospital as it was not far away from where she was.

Cop yelled, “Madam, where are you going?”

Sera stops half-way, turned back and yells.

“TO THE HOSPITAL” and continued running, she tripped on her own gown and fell down. But Sera got up and carried on.

The cop was left speechless, wondering what just happened?

Sera had her gown on, which made it hard for her to run. She held her gown and ran as fast as possible. Without wasting a minute, she dashed through the street of Tokyo, leaving Steve behind. Steve waited for an hour in the restaurant, but Sera did not show up. Steve realise that he lost her so he left.

He was walking through the street where he sees a nearby pub and enters. He sits down and starts wondering if it was wrong of him to make a move.

Bartender,

“Your drink sir.”

“Get me the cheapest glass of whiskey that you have.”

A stranger at the bar, “What, broke my friend?”

“Ya, I spend all my money.”

“Oh, what did you spend the money on?”

“On a girl.”

“Wooh, that’s the worst way to lose all your money.” He says this and leaves.

Steve to himself, “Ya, just the worst.” The bartender hands over the drink to Steve. Steve drank the entire glass in one chug and concludes his day drinking.

Meanwhile, Sera had arrived at the hospital, she inquired about Nathan's room. Sera, who was out of breath to the receptionist,

“Where can I find Nathan Lockwood.”

Receptionist, “That's a lovely dress miss.”

Sera in a hurry, “Please the room.”

“Let me check (check's her book) ... Room 306.” She immediately heads towards the room.

Receptionist yelling, “Madam, you’re not suppose to go there...!” Sera ignored that and rushed to the room.

Sera heads here and there and finally finds room 306, The door was already open, she saw a window, and its curtains, flowers inside a vase, some fruits inside a basket and person on the bed. She couldn't get a good look of the person as he was lying down, so she went a little further (to confirm if he was whom, they claimed to be) but the security obviated her from going forward. Sera requested them to allow her only for a few minutes, but they had no authority over it and couldn't avail her. Mr. Yamamoto a superior officer, who was passing by noticed the event. He understood the situation, and allowed Sera to meet him. As Sera walked closer to him, her leg felt heavy as she couldn't bear the thought if it wasn’t him, so she closed her eyes and moved forward step by step along with her heartbeat raising every second. Her leg hit the bed she stopped and slowly opened her eyes. She couldn’t hold in the tears but this time it was tears of joy as it was really Nathan. He was in a peaceful slumber sleeping in the bed. Although it was past midnight the blissful rays of the sun finally embraced Sera.