Betrayed By Love

Chapter Seven

As awareness returned, muffled noises solidified into concerned voices.

"Mira?"

"She's waking up. Stop talking, or leave."

The first thing she registered was the intense throbbing spreading throughout her head. The lights blinded her as she forced her eyes open. Trying to sit up, the throbs intensified as the room tilted.

"Ah!" She cried out as she fell back to the bed.

"Stay in bed, get some rest, you need it. Food and water will be brought to you. Just relax, alright, honey?"

She cleared her throat, a dry, painful rasp. "Wh—What happened? "

"Hang on, don't force it, Caleb will go get you some water."

Shaking my head in agreement, I waited. Only a few minutes passed when Caleb walked in with a glass of water and a bowl of chicken noodle soup.

"I thought broth would be better than anything else right now, and it gives you another option other than water to drink."

Taking a sip of water, I felt the relief from the dryness instantly. "Thank you." Anxiety hit me hard as I racked my brain trying to remember what happened last night. Something didn't feel right, but I can't remember what caused that feeling.

"What happened? I can't remember anything past the second drink I had; it goes dark after that. Where's Lexi?"

"Well, we don't really know what happened since we weren't here. Witnesses said you were dancing with a guy, as you chugged a few drinks, and eventually the alcohol kicked in. He walked and sat you down in a chair for a few minutes before you asked for help to the bathroom. He helped you towards the bathroom. Everyone said they went back to partying and didn't see either of y'all for the rest of the night after that. Most either assumed you went to sleep, and he left, or you two were "busy" in a bedroom." She used finger quotes with a smirk on her face. That small action caused me to feel disgusted with myself and her for even assuming I'd do something like that, knowing I'm a virgin who has always wanted to save myself for someone special.

"No, never, Mrs. Grey. You know that."

She smiled at me as she walked towards the bedroom door. "I know, darling, eat and get some rest. Lexi is in her room, also asleep. Apparently, the night got away from both of y'all. I truly hope you both had a blast last night. I'll see you later tonight for dinner." Caleb opened the door for Addy, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

"I don't understand why I can't remember anything after drinking that second cup. Was it really that strong? I may not be a heavy drinker, but I've had hangovers before. They've never caused me this level of memory loss. Why do I feel so uncomfortable? Why do I feel out of place? Like, I lost more than just my memory. Feeling a strong need to shower, I urged my body to ignore the pain shooting through my limbs at every tiny movement.

Finally reaching the attached bathroom, stripping off my clothes, I stood under the hot water, staring down at my body. Deep down, I can tell something is wrong. I don't feel like myself, and I don't feel comfortable even looking at myself without wanting to break down and cry. Why? Why do I feel this way?

Slowly lowering myself to the bottom of the tub, wrapping my arms tightly around my knees in a poor attempt to try and calm these echoes of emotions that have no source.

"Cold water could help."

"Huh? Who was that? Where'd that voice come from?"

"Can you help me to the bathroom?"

"What? Who are you talking to?"

"Here, sit down slowly."

"Who are you? Hello?"

"Please, someone... someone stop this!"

Panic surged through my body at the sound of her frantic voice, begging me to go and help her, but I couldn't see anything in this dark void.

"Where are you?" I yelled, hoping she'd answer. Hoping she'd lead me to her. Their voices went silent.

"Say something! Make a noise! Anything that can lead me to you!" I screamed, needing her to answer me.

"It's okay, you're okay."

Someone saved her? Relief filled my being, allowing me to calm myself, though it didn't last long.

"NO."

The demanding sound of that voice terrified me. It made me want to run for my life.

"It's okay Mir, I got you, your safe."

Panic, and fear hit me in the stomach as I had just been hit by a car. "Me? Is the female...me? What's going on?

"Aaron stop, you're being weird."

Is the guy Aaron? What's going on? Why would I feel so scared in my brother's presence?

"No, I'm not. Be quiet, Don't ruin this moment for me Mir."

What does he mean by that? What moment?

"Aaron please, I'm begging you not to do this."

Not to do what? Answer me! I don't understand..

"You're mine, Mir. Always have been and always will be. This was always going to happen. Get used to it. Just relax, and stop fighting the roofies."

What does he mean by that? What's happening?! Answer me right now! Why don't I remember this? Was I actually roofied?! Where am I?!

"Shh, calm down, my love. You're safe. Just give me some time, and I promise I'll come back for you. Just keep your distance from Aaron, Do not consume anything prepared by others. Keep yourself safe, no matter what, and when you remember, it will be painful, but know you can get through this. No matter what, you are not alone. You will always have Lexi and I, No matter what."

This new voice instantly relaxed me. I felt like I could trust the owner of this calming voice.

"Who are you?"

"You'll find out soon. I have to go. Be wary of everyone around you, except for Lexi. Keep her close."

"Oh, what's going to happen?"

"I'll tell you everything the next time we meet. Bye for now, my love."

"Mira! Mira! wake up! Are you okay? You're sweating so much the whole bed is soaked."

"Huh? What–What did you say?" I croaked as I sat up in the bed. "Ugh, my head hurts. I think I was having a nightmare or something. I can't really remember what happened. It's foggy."

"Well, it might come back to you later if it's important. Get a shower and come down for dinner. Lexi still isn't feeling well she'll be eating dinner in her room. She said no one's allowed near her room except you, and that she wants you to go to her room as soon as you wake up."

"Oh, alright, I'll eat dinner in her room with her then."

"Okay, someone will bring it up for you two." Mrs. Grey checked my temperature, seemingly pleased, she walked out of the room.

Slowly making my way to the bathroom, I couldn't help but feel dread slowly creeping throughout my body, encasing me in fear of the future, like my body was trying to warn me.

If only I had listened.