Ashes of Love

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER TWO

—

I woke up in a day that has promised to be better than yesterday. Aaron is not on my side anymore. I don't know what time exactly now is, but base on the cold breeze that embraces me, I could conclude that it's still early —six or seven in the morning perhaps.

I bit my lip when I remembered something. He kissed me last night. I didn't respond to it, yet I felt something strange within me —like I am enjoying his kiss or something.

When I stepped out of the room, I still couldn't see Aaron. Maybe he's outside. I didn't bother to confirm my thoughts, I immediately went to the table to eat my breakfast —which he surely prepared for me. I think he's kind or maybe he's pretending to be kind so he could gain my trust?

Hmm… Gear yourself well, Maggy.

After finishing my breakfast, I went outside. My hair dances in their own rhythm when a gentle wind blows. I scooped them in my hand to avoid them from dancing as I continue for Aaron.

I heard some manly laughers from a huge tree. I went there, and I found Aaron with two men. The one in his orange long-sleeved shirt might be in his early 30s already, while the other one in a blue shirt is probably in his 40s.

I catch the attention of Aaron. He stood up from sitting on a large root of the unknown tree —unknown, for I do not know what name they call for this tree.

"You're done eating already?" Aaron asked. I bobbed my head as an answer then glances the men he's talking earlier, who is now staring at us.

"This is Romano." He pointed the blue-shirt guy. "This is Rodolfo," referring to the guy in orange.

"Hi... I'm Maggy," I introduced myself as Maggy, even if I am not sure if that's my real name. But I think it's better to have Maggy or Maria Georgina as my name than nothing.

I wasn't able to get along with those men, for they told us that they are going back to work —you know, planting rice.

I eyed Aaron. He doesn't look like a farmer, and even without any ornaments in his body —aside from his Rolex watch— I could tell that Aaron is leaving with a silver spoon in his mouth.

"You want to take some half bath? I already fetched some water."

He did what? He fetched me water, from where?

"We do not have a water connection in our house so I need to fetch some freshwater from the river for us," he explained.

I was stunned for a moment. I did conclude earlier that Aaron might be living a wealthy life, so I really didn't expect him to do these kinds of stuff for me. He's serving me like I'm the most important person. I'm… touched.

"What time would the specialist come here?" I asked him as we slowly walk back to our house. Our house. The way he and I pronounced that term makes me feel goosebumps.

"Probably by 10. Just prepare yourself."

I did as he told me. After taking a half bath I changed into a white off-shoulder floral dress. My bruises are still here, so fresh. But I didn't give it much attention.

Since it's only half-past 8, and the specialist isn't here, I went outside to wander. Well, of course, I did ask Aaron for some permission, which ended him as my companion in this wandering activity.

I can see a vast land almost fully planted with palays. There were I think more than six people who expertly planting rice. They are so hard working.

Aside from the singing birds, I've also heard the cries and the hilarity of the youths as I continued wandering the area. I really thought that Aaron brought me to a place that is really secluded. There were also people living here, which prove my thoughts wrong. The people here are also heart-warming. They welcomed us like we're no different from them. Some of the young maidens would take some sneak glances at Aaron, but his eyes are all on me.

How can this man be so sweet and gentle? Is this the real him or just part of his tricks?

"Thank you," I told the old lady, which introduces herself to us as Basing. She gave us a kilo of sweet potato and banana. I am hesitant to accept it but Aaron doesn't seem to have even a thin slice of shame. So we accepted the berries.

It's bad to refuse blessings. That's according to Aaron.

***

"This is the result of the MRI that we conducted for her last week. It says that she's not suffering from any internal bleeding. But since the impact was quite strong, she's suffering from amnesia. I can't assure you if when would be the time where she could remember everything… Have you remembered something?" the specialist asked me.

I wasn't aware that I was unconscious for a week, and Aaron did run some tests for me during that time before bringing me here.

I looked at the doctor. "I don't even remember my name. It's only him who told me some details," I said, as honest as I could.

The doctor bobbed his head. "Maybe it would be temporary or worst permanent loss of memories. Just keep your brain healthy and try to remember something but don't force yourself. Do not stress your brain. Your memories will come back naturally, hopefully…"

Both Aaron and I carefully listen to every advice coming from the doctor. When he left, it was Aaron who sent him off. While I remained in the house, trying my best to remember —even just a single detail, but I couldn't.

I groaned first before I stood up to go to the dining to grab some glass of water.

"If you're tired already, just rest. I'll be outside. Call me if you need anything." I almost jump out of the horror I felt when Aaron suddenly popped from nowhere.

I only nodded at him, then went back to the room and tried so hard to sleep even if it's only eleven in the morning. Hell, why am I obeying him?

Although my mind protested, my body granted me a long sleep. I just wake up and it's already two in the afternoon.

Fuck.

I mentally cursed when I felt a beat in my temple. I forgot to eat my lunch, that's why.

When I went outside, Aaron wasn't around. Just like earlier, he already prepared my lunch on the table. Without telling something, I ate silently to my stomach’s content.

"You're awake," I heard Aaron speaks from behind so look behind, and when I did that, I almost spilled out the rice from my mouth when I found him half-naked, with only a white towel covering his lower part.

He just took a bath.

I looked away. But my actions were a bit late since I am already done scanning the almost perfect sculptured body of Aaron.

"I'll just change."

I shooed him when he told me that. He better gets change now before my cheeks totally heated with the sight of him. He's gorgeous, honestly.

My eyes suddenly caught the uncooked and fresh eggplants in the table. I gulped, for his almost naked image came back to my memories. I glanced at the innocent eggplants once more.

Would the thing between his tights look like these eggplants?

I bit my lower lip, and then continuously shakes my head. It’s been two days since I woke up yet my mind is filled with dirty and hilarious ideas. Damn… Is this the real me? Am I a maniac or something?

I shook my head again. No, it can't be. I'm a wholesome person, I think. 

TO BE CONTINUED...