The Forced Mate

Chapter 3: Recall

**indistinct chattering**

I struggle to open my eyes when I continue hearing voices, fading away. My eyes were a bit heavier, and painful, as I slowly force them to open.

"Where am I?"

I muttered in shock when my eyes finally opened, and I stared up at the drip that was hanging beside me. I rolled my eyes down to where I was lying, and I saw someone, who was sound asleep while placing her head near my legs.

As I tried to get up, my whole body became numb. "What's happening to me?" I used my palm to tap the bed lightly since I couldn't sit up.

The person that was sleeping got up and rubbed her eyes, then it turns out to be my best friend in college, Cassandra.

She didn't pay attention at first, but immediately she saw me open my eyes, she yelled out with laughter. "You are awake Maria!"

She ran out of the room, sounding excited as she continue to shout 'doctor! doctor!!' That is when I knew, I might be in a hospital.

But she should have talked to me first, before running out like that. I scanned every corner of the room, but I don't see any other bed around. That shows I'm the only one in here.

In no time, Cassandra came back with a doctor and two nurses to attend to me. She stayed behind them, and watch how they examine me.

The doctor checked my pulse and some other vital parts that need to be checked. After examining me very well, he turned to talk to Cassandra.

"Fortunately, she's out of danger now... but that doesn't mean we won't run some tests on her to confirm if she has fully recovered." The doctor explained smoothly to her while Cassandra was only nodding her head in response.

"Can you speak?" The doctor turned back to me and ask. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. I tried to force it, still, it didn't.

"What happened to her speaking ability?" Cassandra asked with a worried tone.

"It was due to the shock and what she went through. I'm sure her whole body would be numb as we speak."

I blinked my eyes to attest to what the doctor just said, hoping to know why I'm feeling that way.

"You have nothing to be afraid of because, In the next three hours, her body would go back to normal." He guarantees Cassandra.

"Alright, thanks, doctor!"

He instructed the two nurses he came with to check on my drip and administer some medications to me before he finally left.

After they were both done with what they were told, they stepped out of the room, leaving Cassandra and me alone.

Cassandra moved closer to the bed, and sit beside me. She started massaging my legs as she kept smiling at me.

I wasn't interested in all these, I just want to see my parents and know how they are doing. I've been trying to remember what happened last night, but my memory is blanked out.

"I need to go get some fruits for you, I would be back soon!" Immediately I heard Cassandra's voice, I snapped out of my thoughts and watch as she leaves the room.

When the door opened, I caught the sight of two police officers, standing at the entrance of the room.

I didn't think about it much, because I know it's proper after what happened last night. I know they might be here to see the victims. Well, I'm not that sure.

Since there's nothing for me to do, and no one around to keep me company, I forced myself to sleep.

*********

By the time I woke up, I checked the clock that was hanging on the wall directly to me, and it was already past four in the evening.

I looked around, and I didn't see any traces of Cassandra being back. I gently pulled myself up, and sit. It seems I dislocated my left arm because a white bandage was wrapped tightly around it.

"You are awake?" Cassandra's voice came from the door, and I turned to look at her. She was holding a small basket, full of varieties of fruits.

"Where's my Mom and Dad?" These were the words that came out of my mouth as our eyes met. Cassandra instantly put on a sad face as she heard my question.

I had a doubting face on after I saw her expression, and kept wondering what might be going on. Without replying to me, she walked over to my side and placed the basket down.

"Which one would you like to take first?" Cassandra tried not to meet my eyes as she asked.

As she was about to start unpacking the basket, I suddenly hold her right hand very tight; "Answer my question, Cassie! Where are my parents?"

"I d-don't know Maria! I haven't asked the doctor about them because I've been with you for the past three days." She stuttered while speaking to me, and I guess she's hiding something from me.

"Three days?" My eyes popped out as I heard her. "What do you mean by that three days?" I sounded so curious to know what's happening.

"You've been unconscious for the past three days. I came rushing here immediately I was informed about what had happened to you."

I slowly lose the grip on her hand while I began spacing out. I don't know what to say at that moment anymore. But one thing keeps ringing in my head and that is, I need to talk to my parents.

"Can you hear me, Maria?" Cassandra's voice brought me out of my thoughts. And to my greatest surprise, Bernard and his dad has arrived.

I was so angry seeing Bernard standing before me, but I control my temper. He had the appearance of one who saw right to the heart and would take your entire soul as his friend, keeping it safe come what may.

There was something a little hippy-ish about him, from the way he stood beside his dad to his slightly long black hair and coarse beard.

By the look and appearance of his smile towards me, I could tell he has a deceitful soul.

The way he didn't show up that night for our engagement still pisses me off. And the fact that it was the engagement that made me end up here, makes my anger towards him grow more.

I took my gaze away from him and turned to look at his dad. "Sir, where are my parents?"

"Calm down Maria, we need to observe your health first before informing you on anything." Beta Gilbert sounds so calm as he speaks.

I glared at him intensely trying to figure out what he meant, but nothing crossed my mind. I was about to ask for more explanation when Bernard suddenly cuts in;

"They are dead!" He uttered with an icy tone and straight face. Beta Gilbert and Cassandra turned to look at him with surprises as they weren't expecting him, to break the news to me in such a manner.

As I heard him, My brain stutters for a moment and my eyes take in more light than I expected, every part of me goes on pause while my thoughts catch up.

I turned to look at Bernard, but too slowly to be normal. When I was about to speak, my voice trails slowly like my words are unwilling to take flight. There is a sadness in my eyes, the brown too glossy.

I am at a loss for words because I'm not sure how a soul as pure as my parents, could have left this world so soon. They're not only soft-hearted but very tough enough to stay that way among the evil ones in the pack.

It takes a kind of bravery of their own to dwell with wicked werewolves which I'm still processing, hence my silence came.

"Get a hold of yourself and move on from their death!" Bernard's words struck my heart so hard that I wished to strangle him to death right now.

How could he not have any compassion for me when he knows what I might be going through inwardly? Now, I'm regretting why I signed those engagement papers with this cold-hearted bastard! I wanted to yell at him, but I had no strength to do so now.

"Common Bernard, take it easy with her! She just lost her parents!" Cassandra gave him an unpleasant look as she defends me.

"I'm only looking out for her by telling her to get the grip of herself! She should just learn to accept the truth, and move on with her life!"

When I heard him speak that way again, I gave him a sharp look and felt like, punching his mouth so hard.

"Enough, both of you!" Beta Gilbert screamed at them, and there was total silence. "Maria dear, I need to go now. Make sure you don't take what happened to heart. I will come to check on you tomorrow."

I nodded my head in response, and Beta Gilbert walked out of the room. After he left, Bernard became uncomfortable around me when he saw my glare. Without uttering a single word again, he quickly followed his dad.

Immediately they had left, Cassandra moved over to my bed. She patted my back, and was about to say something when I abruptly cut in; "I want to be alone!"

She never argued with me, as she instantly steps out of the room too. I know I'm being too cold towards her also, but I just needed some time to myself, alone.

As she walks out, I lie back on the bed with my side. Then I started reminiscing about what happened that night of the accident.

After I closed my eyes for about two minutes, I suddenly saw a flash of that night and I jumped up, all frightened.

"I saw him!" I speak out while breathing heavily...