Shattered Reflection

Chapter 4

Alex

My life has become a dulling edge, the colors of my life flagging black and white, spreading its wings over the horizon of my existence. Like a merry-go-round, I circle through the years, adrift, unimpressed, and sincerely bored.

Everything that once colored the shape of my life fades into nothingness—a missing piece I’m not even aware of. The memories of an unknown past seem to taint my present. I barely notice the fragrance of the evening air anymore. It’s a revolving circle, monotonous, a hollow repetition, all boring.

“Sir, are we still going to see Mr. Amigo?” Collins, my chauffeur, asks, his words guiding me back to the present.

“No, just drive me back to the office. Don’t bother calling him,” I speak firmly.

“Alright, sir.”

I look through the car windows, entertaining my mind with the passing scenery. I’m deep in thought when the car skids to an abrupt stop, jolting me once again away from my invisible world. A loud thud follows the stop. Collins jerks in his seat, shaken by the situation.

“I think we have a little problem,” he whispers. I c**k my head to the side, trying to observe the situation.

"Someone ran into the car, but I was able to stop just in time. I didn’t hit her, but I think she collapsed. I’ll step out to check. “he says, maintaining a calm composure as he gets out. But as soon as he steps out of the car, I can’t stop the nagging sensation that I should step out as well. I don’t usually bother with these things, but today feels different. So, I step out.

I walk to the front of the car and see Collins trying to help someone. The frame of his body covers the figure, but when he moves aside, I see her.

She is crumpled on the ground, unconscious. For that moment, I feel my world bobbing into shades of different colors again. Her golden hair matches her chilled face; every inch of her is beautiful. I move forward, brushing Collins aside, and bend down to look at her. She’s beautiful, scars and all.

My eyes nearly pop out in disbelief. I’ve found her.

“Sir, should I call Gray to take care of this while we drive back to the office?” Collins’s words interrupt my thoughts. Without warning, I scoop her into my arms and carry her to the passenger seat, never letting go.

“Drive to the nearest hospital now,” my words mix with emotion and authority, my eyes never leaving her. Then, she winces, turns, and flutters her eyelids three times. Her crimson-brown eyes stare into mine. I unconsciously hold my breath, but suddenly, her incoherent movements force me to hold her tightly.

“Stay still, Rain. You’re hurt,” my voice is soft and unfamiliar, even to me. She hurriedly detaches herself from my embrace and scrambles to the left side of the seat. Her brown eyes look troubled.

“How did I get here? What time is it?” Her voice is shaky as she speaks.

“Why?” I try to maintain my calm composure.

“Why? What? Tell me the bloody time now!” she screams. I can’t take my eyes off her; there’s just something different about her. I can’t seem to figure it out.

“It’s past 8 p.m.,” Collins answers her.

“My God! I need to go back to the hospital. Take me to the hospital!” she screams again.

“Which hospital, Rain?” I finally find my voice.

She looks at me. “Please stop calling me that. My name is not Rain.” I just stare at her, still searching her words.

She tilts her head to the side and finally observes her environment. By the time Collins stops in front of XX Hospital, she breathes in reflex.

“This hospital,” she says. Collins drives the car in and stops at the parking lot. I see her trying to cover herself with a black hoodie.

“Thank you. I’ll stop here. I can find my way around,” she speaks, not looking in my direction. Her gaze is on the car door knob. She pushes the door open and steps out, but as soon as her feet touch the ground, she falls.

“Aaaah,” she winces in pain.

Without prior notice, I get out of the car and cradle her in my arms. She tries to wriggle out of my hold.

“What are you doing?” she asks, disgust flashing in her eyes.

“What does it seem like I’m doing?” I raise a brow at her. “Carrying you, just in case you don’t know what that’s called.”

“Drop me down this minute,” her voice is firm. She tries to wriggle herself out of my arms, but my hold on her is firm, and she gives up on trying to free herself.

“Put me down, please,” she pleads again, but I ignore her cry and walk toward the lobby. Police officers are parading the area. When she sees them, she cradles herself further into my embrace.

“Please, Mr., drop me down. My friend will be in trouble if the police find out I went out. Please, I don’t want them to know. Please,” she whispers. For a moment, I remain silent, but beyond her words, I see someone in pain, begging to be helped. I can’t ignore the silent plea.

“But your leg hurts,” I say.

“Don’t worry. I’ll find a way. I’ll call my friend. Please, just drop me now,” she says.

“I’ll let you go on one condition.” She peers through her hood and stares strongly at me.

“What condition?” she mutters.

“Why are you running away from the police?” I stare back at her. She fiddles with her fingers for a while, as if weighing her options.

“It’s be... because,” she stammers. My eyes on her soothe her into continuing.

“I’ve been accused of murder. I got into a car crash. I wasn’t the one driving, but I can’t prove my innocence,” she speaks weakly.

“What if I told you I would help?”