Chapter four

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-r-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. Army’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, Army’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.

Army 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.