Chapter 5 Our Sister

Celeste's POV:

In some moments of consciousness, I hear someone talking about my condition. But it is so fuzzy I don't remember it at all. Finally, after what seems like endless darkness I have some strength to open my eyes. But even that feels like a great feat to me. When I finally succeed the first thing, I notice that I am in my room which is a huge relief, and the second thing I notice someone has a strong grip on my hand. Tilting my head, a bit I am shocked to see it is Owen. Oh, God. In midst of the pain, I forgot that if I come to the state I did, he would find out!

That is not fair to him, I want to cry at my stupidity. Due to the movement, Owen wakes up and is on alert. So, when he sees me awake the first thing, he does is hugs careful of my injury. I smile and using my good arm hug him as well.

"How are you feeling sissy?" He asks.

I try to speak but it feels impossible to speak and makes me cough uncontrollably. Owen helps me sit in a better position and then runs out to get water. Moments later, he brings room temperature water which is exactly what I need.

Downing the whole glass of water helps me unclog my throat. Just when I am about to speak Alex pops in looking as always, stoic but there seems to be hidden anger in his usually clear blue eyes making them look as if there's a storm nearby.

"Looks like you're awake. Now, tell us dear little boss who had the guts to lay his filthy hand on your injury worsening it? I'd like to have a little talk with him." If looks could kill that'd something fit right into Alex's expression.

"Do I want to know what happened?" I ask hesitantly and cringe instantly knowing that is the dumbest question I could've asked.

"Oh, after you fainted right after trying to get out of your car? Funny, you ask. Let me share the details. You collapsed and you had a high fever along with bleeding. We were horrified to see you in that state and yes, Owen was already home. So don't bother coming up with an excuse." Alex says with anger in his emitting so strongly that it has me wincing and it's not from the pain.

Surprisingly I don't feel anything except numbness, "Sissy, you must be hungry. I'll ask Mona to prepare something." Owen leaves the room, quickly, before giving me a chance to refute.

"You're lucky to have him. He's too smart for his good. But other than that, if you're wondering about the numbness it is due to the number of dosages that I have injected. Damn it, Celeste, what the hell happened to you? You were never one to be careless."

"Let's just say I met some complications. But do you have what I messaged you to prepare?" I ask with no hint of emotion.

He sighs, but nods, "Yes, some of the staff has been taken care of. Owen also noticed some suspicious activity so he umm did some research so we already have hard-core evidence. Our people have already spoken to the board. They'll be choosing more carefully."

I look at him with a bored face, "Celeste, do I need to spell out all the details to you, before you are satisfied?"

"Yes, I kind of do, as I was expecting your answer along the lines of, that they have been apprehended under the guise of police, whereas, they won't be seeing the light of day if they stay alive that is. Along with the fact that the Chairman will be taking care of the mess that they themselves caused." He looks at me with the same expression that I was looking at him with some moments ago, giving me the answer I am looking for.

Now, I finally smile. That is the answer I have been expecting, "Thank you, Alex. For getting this sorted out."

"One of these days, I am seriously considering sending your resignation myself to the organization."

At this, I really laugh out loud, "Damn! You're really angry. Dude this is what we signed up for when we put

our names on the blacklist, forever. There is no resignation, only death at least faking it to the necessity."

He looks solemn at those words. I know him and what he's gonna say next, "Celeste, don't say those words so easily. There are people who care for you as much as I do. Once you fall in love the way I fell for Ana, then you'll consider my words more wisely. Actually, you should reconsider you have now Owen to look after."

Without a doubt I know that my pupils have narrowed and darkened, "Thank you for reminding me why I have not quit as yet. Not until I take care of the people responsible for Owen's condition. He was only a kid; he didn't deserve any of it!"

"You're no old woman either. Just because you're the leader doesn't mean you have the right to risk your life for all of us!" Alex shouts.

"Honey, calm down... You know very well, why Celeste is doing this. Please..." Ana arrives at the perfect. More than often I and Alex fight in this situation.

I silently thank her and reassures me she'll handle him for which I am very thankful. A moment later Owen enters with soup. I sigh in relief that this topic is over. Don't I know all of this?

*****

2 days have passed since our argument. I still feel sorry for the way I was behaving toward him. My arm is still injured but with careful movement, I am to stay mobile.

Today, Owen called in sick from school because we have an appointment with his doctor. Since I am unable to drive, I have called in a driver from the organization, temporarily.

At the appointment, all goes well, except for the slight hiccup that the doctor actually has the nerve to ask me out on a date. Thankfully, I don't have to deal with it as Alex gives him a warning, "Alright then, you guys head home. I still have some work left at the clinic."

Briefly closing my eyes, opening them, I speak up, "Alex, it's been a long time since we've had lunch together. Please?"

He looks at me and looks to be contemplating. I use my very best puppy dog eyes and he finally bursts out laughing, "Damn it, angel face. The man who falls for you is going to dig his own grave with the cute faces you make. Alright, let's head out."

We all laugh at that. The reason I laugh is due to the fact that's likely not going to happen. I send the driver back to have lunch and meet us at the restaurant after he's done. We take Alex's car and of course, he got it from me and Ana on his birthday we recently celebrated in Miami. He's in love with his Bugatti Chiron Super Sport and drives it any chance he gets which factors in today as well.

We decide to go for something different and go with Owen's recommendation. It's a comparatively new restaurant but it's really popular around here. Even the décor from the outside is something out of Greek Mythology. The owner is truly an example of innovation.

Stepping inside, we are greeted by the staff, "Welcome, to Dream Palace a table for 3?"

"That would be-" I am cut off by Alex, "I have a reservation under the name of Sanders. Please check."

The receptionist nods and looks it up and finds it within seconds, "Ah! Dr. Sanders, we have been expecting you. Our waiter will show you to your table."

We follow them to our table and are somewhat astonished that the person whom I don't want to see is present just opposite us along with their family as it may seem. Damn it! I just hope that they ignore us that'd be for the best.

Owen looks at me with questioning eyes and I just signal to him to please don't ask. He gets the gesture and instead helps me into my seat, looking at Alex, "Hmm, I thought this plan was spontaneous. But you had already booked us a private room?"

"True to some extent. We have been wanting to try this place. So, we had ourselves upgraded to VIP so whenever we wanted, we could visit. Ana wanted to come along but work held her back." Alex replies.

"Besides silence helps me better understand what we are talking about, Sissy," Owen adds.

I nod, "Hmm, that is right. I am now really glad that Alex already had thought ahead."

"Also... I want to apologize for the way I reacted the way I did, Alex. You didn't deserve it." My eyes go to the ground.

"Celeste, look at me." At that I do, "My world started to glimmer, or at least I started to feel it when you entered. I hated that you had entered a dark like mine. But you were and are different. I don't want to see that light disappear. That's why I got a bit hyper for you."

I do understand where he's coming from, "Alex, please remember that you now have Ana to worry about. I am no longer your priority. So don't make it one. Otherwise, she may misunderstand, as she did at that time."

Before he can answer, "I only misunderstood because all of you were too secretive. It was affecting the trust that I had in Alex. But once he or rather you forced him to explain, it all made sense to me. You're like-" she shakes her head, "No you are our sister and we care for you more than we can fathom." Ana says taking a seat next to Alex as in the opposite of me.