CHAPTER FOUR
I stared at the stranger’s retreating figure as he stepped out of the hospital room, leaving me with more questions than answers. Who was he?, why is he trying to help me?, And what did he mean by “uncover the truth?”.
I was tired, tired of everything, I just want to leave everything behind and live a free life, but with these stranger’s appearances, it seems like everything is just getting more complicated and draining for me,as it feels like my past, present and future are tied together.
My gaze drifted to the window,watching the bustling streets which seemed worlds away from me,from the turmoil growing inside of me.
I let out a hiss as the stranger’s word echoed in my mind.
“ they’re going to stop at nothing,just to make your life a living hell”.
Why?..what did I do?. Will things have been better if I had listened to father?should I go back to my family?
will they keep me safe this time?..
I winched as pain shot through my head. the nurse had advised me to rest, but how am I going to rest when my mind is racing?”
Should I run away?”
I forcefully got back on my feet, staring at the small sack bags I took brought from the prison.
" I don’t think I’ll be needing this” I thought and made for the door and just then, the door opened and the stranger walked in.
Casting me a suspicious stare, he asked.
“Ready to leave?”
I hesitated, unsure of what to tell him, can I trust him? what if he’s one of those people who wants me dead?,and he’s only here to lure me to them?”
“I-I’m leaving” I finally replied feeling a sense of unease.
The stranger’s gaze locked into mine, I tried searching his eyes, if I could get an hint,and for a moment, I thought I saw something.unsure of what it was, I continued.
“I’m going back to my family, guess that’ll be the safest place for me” I said. Watching him,as he nods his head.
“That’s fine” he replied, keeping his expression neutral.
“Guess,it’s time for me to leave. I’ll sort out the hospital bills and leave, stay safe camellia” he said with his tone firm. I watched him turn his back on me, walking out of the door.
I watched as the stranger disappeared, with his footsteps fading away and a part of me wanting to run after him. with a sense of unease lingering over me, I grabbed my small bag containing some important documents and letters I was given in prison, with a sudden sense of determination, I swiftly made my way out of the room.
My eyes scanned the hallway, as I moved quickly with my heart racing with every step I took, ensuring no one was watching. I was almost out when I started hearing footsteps echoing behind me, the footsteps was loud and fast as it tries to catch up with my pace.
“Cold feet”.
I pushed through the hospital door with a trembling hand as I felt freedom within my reach.
With the footsteps fading completely, I heaved a sigh of relief.
“Who was that? was it the stranger or the people he talked about?”
These thoughts run through my mind, as the city’s bright sunlight welcomed me the moment I stepped out of the hospital.
Standing in front of the hospital gate, it finally clicked that I have nowhere to go and I wasn’t planning on going back to my family either.
While i was tryna figure this out, I felt the gaze of someone piecing deeply into my soul..” am I been followed? I thought. I stood still, not having any intentions of looking back, as I hastened my steps to anywhere my legs chose to lead me to. Then I heard my name.
“Camellia” the deep voice called, I froze, but didn’t dare to look back,fearing what I’d see, as regret rushed over me.
"I should have stayed back at the hospital” I thought. I kept running on the lonely street,even though I couldn’t hear the footsteps anyone.
Suddenly, I saw a car coming from the end of the street, at this moment, I’m not sure of what to feel, scared or happy, this might be one of them and It might also turn out to be my second savior..
I stopped running,waving for the car to stop while gasping for air.
“Please help me, help me” I cried out to whoever was driving the car and that had brought the car to a halt.
I rushed over to the passenger’s seat,Breathing heavily without checking who was driving,as my full forcus was still outside, watching to see if I could get a glimpse of whoever was coming after me.
“Cami?” A voice called.
“That voice…that voice” I murmured as I gently pulled my gaze to the voice.
I froze staring at the person, as I couldn’t form any word at that moment, mere staring at her was enough to leave me speechless..
She said no word, just staring at me with tears glittering in her eyes.
My lips finally found a way to make out a word, as her name slipped out of them.
“A-m-y?” I stuttered.
“Yes, yes “ she replied nodding her head and letting the tears slip out of her eyes.
“Bestieeee” I screamed out of excitement engaging her in a bone cracking hug.
“I missed you much my love” I said still holding her so tight. Amy's tears mixed with mine as we hugged, a moment of silence stepped in as we remained in each other’s arm.
As we pulled back, Amy's eyes searched mine, concern written all over her face“you look…different” she said.
I took in a long breath before giving her a reply, “it’s a long story. Let's get out of here first” I said.
Amy nodded before driving off.
The ride was a quite one, as all I did throughout the ride was to lean my back on the chair, closed my eyes while trying to push all the disturbing thoughts aside.
Meanwhile, just after the car drove off, a figure clothed in an all black outfit, came out from the side of the hospital, staring intensely at the car as it disappeared into the lonely street.
“ I hope you’d escape next time “ he said before getting into a black limo, driving off with so much speed.Williams hand tightened around her trembling frame. The rain had increased and now drumming against his back. “Camellia!” His voice broke, raw with panic.Her eyes fluttered, unfocused, her breath shallow. He felt the fragility of her body against his chest, like holding something too fragile to exist in such a harsh world.“No, no….” His words tumbled out, desperate.He shoved the car door open and pulled her inside, slamming the door shut against the roar of the storm. Droplets clung to her lashes, sliding down her pale cheeks as though the rain itself wept for her. He yanked off his jacket, bare chest slick with rain, and wrapped the coat around her small body.Her head slumped against the seat. And for a terrifying second, he thought he’d lost her.his chest clenched until she let out a weak cough. Relief washed over him, but it was short-lived.“Don’t look at me like that” she whispered, eyes darting away.Williams swallowed hard. “even at the edge of collapse, she was fighting h
Camellia’s pace quickened, the city blurring around her. His footsteps followed, steady and relentless, and each one tightened the knot in her chest. No matter how far she went, his voice chased her.“Camellia… Camellia.”Williams caught up, his hand closing gently around her arm. “Wait. Please.”She stopped, but didn’t turn. The warmth of his touch burned through her sleeve, sending shivers across her skin. “What do you want from me?” Her voice was stern, almost cold.Breathless, Williams stepped in front of her, eyes searching her face. But when she refused to meet his gaze, his chest fell with a sigh. “I just want to talk,” he said softly, almost pleading. “I didn’t mean to scare you last night.”Slowly, she lifted her head, eyes wary. “Why? Why do you want to talk to me? You don’t know me.”His jaw tightened, his voice dropping to a whisper. “How could I not?”Camellia frowned, but he pressed on, offering a faint smile. “Because I want to be your friend.”“Friend?” she repeated, s
Williams' breath hitched. Her eyes, even in the dim streetlights, held a depth that pulled him in.They weren't just looking, they were seeing.They were the kind of eyes that had witnessed too much, yet still held a fragile, almost defiant, spark. He felt a jolt, like a forgotten melody suddenly returning to him.Camellia felt a tremor run through her as her pulse raised. her hands tightening around Amy’s. She should have looked away, should have broken free from that gaze… but she couldn’t. His eyes held something raw, something searching, as though he could see straight through her.Amy, oblivious to the storm between them, skipped forward. “Willy! Hey!”The silence snapped. Williams blinked, jaw tightening, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Amy.” His voice was rough, low.“Camellia,meet my new friend, Williams,” Amy introduced brightly.Williams forced a smile, stretching out his hand. “Nice to meet you.”Camellia froze. Ignoring the hand, she offered only a hesitant, polite sm
That evening, Williams lay sprawled on his bed, headphones tossed aside, when he heard a bang on the door.“Come in,” he muttered.His father stepped in, voice sharp as steel. “Williams. We need to talk.”Williams sat up slowly, already bracing. “About what?”“Your future. Enough with this music nonsense. The force needs young blood, and you’re fit for it.”Williams clenched his jaw. “Dad, I’ve said it a thousand times. I’m not throwing away my dream just to chase criminals.”“Williams!”He cut him off, heat rising in his chest. “Ain’t parents supposed to back their kids up? You’ve never supported me. Not once. And now that I finally got into MM Academy, you’re still against me? I thought you’d be proud. Guess I was wrong. Maybe Mum would’ve been happy…”The words ripped out of him, raw, leaving his throat tight. Before his father could answer, Williams grabbed his jacket and stormed toward the door.“Williams!” The old man’s voice cracked for the first time.He stopped, hand on the k
[next day] A week later, the scent of fresh paint still clung faintly to the air in their new apartment, a welcome change from the musty hotel room. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating boxes still waiting to be unpacked, yet a sense of calm was slowly settling in.“A breath of fresh air” Camellia murmured, almost to herself.But Amy was beaming.“ See, I did a good job… a perfect place for us,” Amy said, spinning slowly in the middle of the room like a child seeing snow for the first time.For the first time in days, Camellia’s lips curved into a genuine smile. “Yeah. You did great.”“Of course,” Amy said, a whirlwind of energy surged through her as she started unpacking and both girls set to do the job.Amy was quick to embrace the city. She already knew which streets smelled of fresh bread in the mornings, which corners played the liveliest music at night, and somehow, she was already exchanging numbers with strangers who’d become friends. Her laughter always echoes
Chapter 13[ At a mini studio]“For fuck’s sake Ethan, what are we doing here?” Williams asked with a frown, while Ethan remained silent and moved to the computer on the side table, scrolling.Ethan had pulled him to their mini studio, and Williams was still mad he’d ruined his moment with the lady at the park.”“Here!” Ethan suddenly exclaimed, his grin wide and eyes glued to the screen.Williams stared at him blankly like some weirdo. “ What do you mean, we’re in?”“Well… “ Ethan spun the monitor toward him grinning widely. “ It means we freaking made it! MM Academy. And you know what that means, right? “ Ethan asked.The words took a second to sink in. Williams leaned closer, scanning the screen until he found them:#5: WILLIAMS WYATT#6: ETHAN DAWSONBoldly written on the screen.“ You’re kidding right?” Williams breathed.“We're in,” Ethan repeated, his grin stretching wider. “ You're welcome, by the way. Imagine if I hadn't yanked you away from that girl .”“ That girl,” William