Beyond Desire

Chapter 4 - The Past

After sharing a moment in the janitor's room, Harvey grabbed Alex's arm. " Tell me, what's wrong? " he asked, concern evident in his voice. " My brother is a doctor, he's a psychiatrist. "

Alex brushed off Harvey's concern. " I can handle myself, " she replied, with a hint of denial.

She just squeezed herself into the corner of the room, distancing herself from him. Harvey felt sorry for the pain she was going through and he wanted to help her, even though they had just met. He suddenly felt a strong urge to protect her.

Then, he heard Alex start to share her life story, how she developed nymphomania due to abuse from her cousin when they were young, something that she endured repeatedly. Alex told her story with pain, sobbing and tears.

Without a second thought, Harvey approached her and gave her a tight hug. For now, it was the only comfort he could offer as they had just met. Before he knew it, Alex had fallen asleep on his shoulder.

" I'm here for you, " he whispered to the sleeping Alex.

-----

When they heard the sound of cleaning outside, Alex was suddenly jolted awake by Harvey's shoulder. They looked at each other, and a glimmer of hope sparked in their eyes.

Harvey: Help! Somebody help us! (Harvey shouted)

Alex: Please help us! (Alex added)

Cleaning lady Tessa stopped sweeping the dried leaves outside as she heard the screams. She wondered why there were voices coming from the abandoned janitor's room. She approached the door to open it, but it wouldn't budge.

Manang Tessa searched for a heavy object to remove the doorknob. She saw a small sledgehammer on the side and pounded it on the door until the doorknob came loose.

When Manang Tessa saw the two of them, she was surprised at their appearance. What happened to you? she asked.

Harvey: What time is it? (Harvey asked, not answering the old woman's question.)

Manang Tessa: It's already six o'clock, it's getting dark. It would be better for the two of you to go home.

Alex: Thank you, Manang. We wouldn't be able to leave if you hadn't come.