Chapter 2 02

LORENZO

Father has always been following her orders. Being the first son of the McReynolds family, I stand to inherit every wealth of the family.

The knowledge of this has caused trouble at home. One that had lasted since our childhood days till date.

My father got married to my mom but was so promiscuous that he had an affair outside his marriage which produced a son - my rival Raphael. My stepbrother's heart has been fed with all kinds of lies, making it impossible for us to connect as a family.

I stepped on the accelerator as anger surged through my veins. After having a heated argument with Raphael, I stormed out of the house. Raphael doesn't miss an opportunity to talk about sharing my father's property after his demise.

And I have made it point blank to him, that there would be no sharing of properties. A simple, peaceful conversation turned into a heated one when I called him an 'Illegitimate child'.

I wasn't focused as I reminisced all the hateful words he said about my Mom. I felt adrenaline rush through my blood. Overboard, a truck was headed in my direction. I tried to step on the brakes but it seemed jammed all of a sudden. I swiveled the car sharply.

The car's bumper crashed into the truck and I was hit off the road.

I lost control of the wheels as the car veered off the road. It rolled off the cliff.

I felt a strong whizz of air around as the car somersaulted down the cliff. Before it could hit the ground, I could feel sticky liquid running down my face. I got nauseous and dizzy.

The car landed on the ground with a loud crash. My head collided sharply with the window. The pieces of glass from the car pierced into my forehead.

I groaned painfully as the continuous whirring of the tires filled the air. My heartbeat palpated and I was unable to feel my fingers.

I struggled to get out of the car, which had now been turned over. The whole window frames were broken. I tried to slither out through the window, but my feet seemed stuck.

"Aaaagggghhhh!!!!" I hear a scream even from my distressed state. Gently, I raised my head to see a frail and timid little girl staring wide-eyed at me. She looked shaken and frightened.

"H... Help me!!!" I groaned painfully as I tried to tug my legs free. She heaved heavily and slowly went down on her knees. She stretched her hands towards me but quickly withdrew them when she saw my bloody hands.

"Aaaarrgghh!!" I cried out as I finally set my legs free. I could hear the soft pitter-patter of gas dripping down the gas tank. It was rolling quickly down the road.

She took heavy breaths as she took my hands and gave me a pull that was too mighty for her age.

Somehow, I managed to get out of the car but not without sustaining a deep cut on my right foot.

I was drained of energy and could barely utter a speech. I struggled to keep my eyes wide open, but my strength failed as my vision became hazy.

"Dear Sir...." I could hear the little girl call out in panic. She held my face in her tiny hands. Even in my painful state, I felt a surge of warmth resonate from her hands.

"Are you okay, Sir?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper and shaken with fear.

I tried to nod, move my body, or say a word -- but I remained numb.

She tried to move her hands, but she ended up touching a part of my face that had been mangled badly. A deep hiss escaped through the back of my throat.

She quickly offered an apology, her eyes grew wet as she looked down at my almost lifeless body.

I was dying but this little girl was doing nothing. I wanted to yell at her or even scream but words seemed heavy.

So I attempted to move my lips, "H... H... Hel.. Hel..."

I guess she understood the incoherent words I uttered because she sprang to her feet dusting her clothes.

"Hang in there, Sir. I need to get help," She said reassuringly and leaped off.

Soon, I was left alone in those dark, cold woods. My car was badly disfigured and in ruins. I never dreamt of this day.

Life was slowly leaving my body. My eyes were tired and weak and couldn't flicker anymore.

Slowly, they began to close up against their own will. I fought hard to keep them open. I fought hard to keep my breath going but I lost.

Just before I could finally give up, I heard rustling from the woods afar.

"There he is. Sally, he is over here," I heard that young girl's melodious voice amidst the trance.

I could hear someone gasp lightly. And then I felt a smooth hand on my face before my eyes clamped shut and I became oblivious of things happening around me.

But one thing lingered -- A familiar arousing scent of chamomile. Memories rushed in quickly as I recollected the scent that engraved itself in my heart.


A sharp wave of migraine hit my head as I opened up my eyes. I feel so weak.

My eyes scanned the whole area. Different shades of white linen are all I can see in the room I found myself.

Then, my olfactory nerves catch the scents of disinfectant, antiseptic, and medicine.

My head banged heavily as I began to recall the last events before I had a shutdown. My face cringed bitterly. I tried to raise my hands but it was wrapped in a bandage and connected to an IV.

I tried to move my feet but I felt a seething pain run through my body. I managed to bite down the groan. I heard the door creaking open slowly.

A little girl with brown short hair walks in clutching a bag. She had a welcoming and charming smile that I found myself drawn towards her.

"Good morning, Sir," Her melodious voice struck a chord as her smile grew bigger as she placed the bag on the drawer next to my bedside. I recognized her as the little girl from the night.

I managed to pull a wide smile but I know I failed at that, "How are you feeling now, Sir?". She asked out of concern, cocking her head sideways.

I gave her a tight-lipped smile as a response. Smiling isn't my thing but I try my best to make the little girl feel welcomed.

"I brought food and fruits," she gestured at the bag. My eyes traveled simultaneously with hers. My eyes widened at the amount of flowers lying in the drawer next to me. I made a mental count of them, and they were fourteen.

Who could love me so much as to drop flowers for me?

As though reading my mind, The little girl winked, "I and Sally dropped them."

She caressed the petals of the flowers and sniffed them gently, "We thought you would never regain consciousness," Her voice trembled with fear as she stared into my eyes. Her gaze was warm and sincere.

I couldn't hold her gaze for long and I broke it. My throat bobbed as I swallowed saliva.

"How long have I been here?" I said keeping a straight face.

She had a puzzled look as she pressed her fingers into her chin as though trying to recollect, " Two weeks, I think."

Her answer left me flabbergasted and awestruck.

Wait what?

Two weeks?

I turned sharply to her, and she gave me a radiant smile, "Yes, It has been two weeks and three days," She added, much to my chagrin.

"Two weeks?" I yelled, my eyes widening in disbelief.