Ephemeral

Chapter 2

YEAR 5009 - DAY 157

MANIA

I wake at the warmth of the sunlight filtering in, and as if burned, I quickly moved to the other side of the bed, away from it.

No.

However, I heard Reeves' snort. My senses heightened and all thoughts of sleep vanished. What is he doing here?

I groaned when I felt a sting from the left side of my neck like it was pierced by a sharp object. I can also feel the heaviness around my eye; it was an unfamiliar sensation because I am sure I've never felt them before. My head feels like it's high up on the clouds, I can't feel my body nor the sheet on my skin.

What is happening?

"Miss Mania, wake up. You need to prepare yourself."

Oh right. I thought yesterday was only a nightmare.

"Come on now, angel."

My nose scrunched at the bothersome person and the bothersome nickname he likes to call me. I hate hearing it, I hate that word. Angel? Why does he call me Angel? I'd more likely send him to hell if he makes the wrong move.

"I told you, I don't like to be called that," I muttered, eyes still closed.

Reeves chuckled again in that rich voice of his that makes me want to smack him. I can't explain it but his mere existence is disturbing. I couldn't explain it, but I do know I have to look out for myself when he's around.

"I'm sorry but I need you to be ready before 10," he said, sounding like my caretaker at the orphanage. I peeked at the time. It's only 7 in the morning.

"You've been spoiled too much. Go now, or I'll call Perdere that you're disobeying, maybe they'll extend your stay here."

I opened my eyes and grudgingly rose from the bed.

"The bathroom is over there," his tone was polite as he held his palm in the direction of a white, wide door across the room.

As if I did not know that, yesterday—

Yesterday? I was here yesterday?

When I glanced back, he was looking at his watch, standing by my bed looking intimidating. I bit my lips and tried to remember some details from yesterday. I was in the car, I was with him, there were bulky men who accompanied us to this room. I went for a bath and after—

What happened after?

"Miss Mania?"

I jumped from where I was standing and looked back at him. He was staring at me like I did something wrong so I stood up straight and asked him what he's looking at.

"You seem troubled. What seems to be the problem?" he asked, I squinted. I am not sure what happened yesterday but I can clearly remember Perdere warning me to not trust him, ever.

I don't understand why they chose him out of all the people to look after me when they don't even trust him.

From what I've heard, he showed up in front of the organization empty-handed; no money, power, name – none. Yet the organization allowed him into their service the same day. It makes me wonder what merits he has achieved to be accepted that fast.

My eyes went back to him when he started fixing my bed. He seems to notice my stares because he looked up and smiled at me. I did not say anything and simply turned my back to him and went inside the bathroom. I peeked outside for the last time to check on what he's doing but he was already done and he's standing beside my bed, looking satisfied while that arrogant smile of his is plastered all over his face.

"Yes, Miss Mania? Can I help you with anything? Is there anything wrong with the door? Can I offer my help?" he said with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

I don't get it. If I was to base his personality from how he acted yesterday, he seems to hate perverted act but would still give remarks like this. I sighed and was about to reject his offer when I felt my head swirled. I held on tightly to the door when I almost lost my balance.

Wait, what?

Why do I remember having a conversation with him yesterday? When did that happen?

Reeves noticed that I became silent all of a sudden and I heard his footsteps nearing. Before he even had the chance to see me in this state, I closed the door and sat on the floor. I held my chest and groaned when I felt it tightened.

"Miss Mania?" I heard his voice calling out my name just on the other side of the door. I took a sharp breath before answering,

"No, the door is fine. You may leave."

That was close.

"Don't trust him, Mania. Don't ever show your weaknesses to him,"

That was what he said. I took a deep breath and rested my head on the door. I can barely remember what happened after I went out of the bathroom yesterday. It feels like we had an argument but I can't retrieve that memory. It feels like my memory was jumbled right at that moment.

I also feel like I forgot a lot of important things. What are they?

I cursed and bit my lips, hard until it bled. I groaned when that pain hit my body. It was only a small cut but it feels like my whole body was tortured with hundreds of volts of electricity.

I watched as a drop of blood tainted a small part of the tile inside the bathroom. I licked my lips and as I've expected, it was already healed.

Another thing that baffles me, Perdere never gave me concrete answers to how and why my body heals so fast. I get sick easily, headaches, fever, upset stomach, and when I am to injure myself, it hurts so much that I think I might die from it. However, ignoring that, they do heal abruptly. Not a single scar will even leave right after it heal itself.

I let out a sigh and stood up.

Everything's already set and prepared for me. The soaps, towels, even candles. I don't remember seeing them here yesterday, he must have done it. I can't help but be amazed at his perfectionism. He may be four years older but his housekeeping skills are ancient, he even does it quietly.

Speaking of difference in age, did he bring up anything related to it yesterday?

I shook my head and submerge myself into the water. It was warm and comforting that I closed my eyes and let out a small satisfied smile.

I had this before when I was still in Perdere but it never felt this comforting. What did he put in the water?

I reached out my hand, noticing the paleness of my skin. I couldn't find any reasons for Perdere to send me out here. I was doing great back in the orphanage. I aced the exams, did well in physical activities that they've taught us and I never complained about anything. I was simply listening to them and following what they want. I never questioned a thing that they've given to me but I couldn't just find any reason for enrolling me in a wealthy school.

What is this for?

And why do I have to be with Reeves?

I dunked under the water until I feel my back hit the bottom of the tub. With eyes open, I watched as air bubbles float up, carrying my breath, disappearing as quickly as they came and I imagine myself disappearing too, it'll just be a matter of time. I want to stay right here.

Just then, a silhouette appeared. Surprised, I scrambled to get up but hands reached down to grab my neck and pin me to the bottom. I struggled under the water trying to claw off his hands off, but his grip is tight and it wasn't long before I finally choke and my vision flicked.

"Isn't this what you wanted?" his voice is as clear as if I wasn't underwater, "To stay right where you are?"

No!

I grabbed his hands again and suddenly resurfaced, coughing violently as my body shook in desperation. Then I started vomiting, hating the wretched sounds I make as I double over to the side of the tub when I realized I was alone in the bathroom. I coughed again and saw blood dripping on my hands that are holding tightly the edge of the tub. I almost called out for Reeves but when I held up my hands again, they are clean. Prunings but clean no signs of blood.

***

POST-NOTE!!!

Hello there!!!

How are you doing these days? I want to congratulate all of you for staying as the strong individual that you are. Last year was truly an excruciating one, taking note of the events that consecutively happened. 2020 did not even give us a break //laughs maniacally// BUT anyway, I am happy that we made it through despite the challenges that we encountered. I hope we all will continue to move forward towards our dreams and goals.

Stay safe and healthy mina-san.

Happy New Year!

Sending love to y'all <3