Love And Hate....

Aurora's POV

We had just written our final exams. The students scurried off in excitement in groups of two, three, or four.

I walked down sluggishly towards Mama's car. I had a long day at school, and I couldn't wait to go back home and lie on my bed. I secretly hoped that Sara and Aunt Jema wouldn't be around, though.

The exam we had today wasn't bad at all, in fact, I was sure of 90/100 at least.

"What's up, darl?" Mama called as she walked up to me halfway from the car.

I managed a fake smile, "Hello, Mama," I gave her a quick kiss on her left cheek.

"Did you have some sort of fight with anyone? You're wearing a long face, and you look ugly when you do that."

I gave in to a broad smile. Mama sure knew how to get me.

"Hi, Aurora," Jake called out a few meters from where we stood. Beside him was Pinky, who was his girlfriend. Pinky gave him a light pull, signaling that he shouldn't talk to me. He mouthed something, and I nodded, blowing him a kiss and waving after him.

Jake was one of my close friends, who had a big crush on me once upon a time. He's the only blond in our school, and even though he claimed to have no feelings for me anymore, I knew very well that he was still very much into me.

He asked me out last summer and I turned him down. Our friendship was never the same after that. It seemed as though we drifted apart in a way, but, our friendship was still strong.

"What's on your mind, Aurora?" Mama gave my shoulders a light squeeze, and I jolted back to reality.

"Oh! Nothing..."

"I didn't see you with Dan, today... Everything alright?"

My heart sank into my stomach at the mention of his name. Dan's my boyfriend, well, ex-boyfriend at the moment. We had a huge fight yesterday and he broke up with me. We haven't spoken since then.

"Dan--Dan's fine!" I lied and averted my gaze from my Mama's quickly. Luckily, she dropped it there.

We drove in silence. The noise from the engine of the old Toyota was a sad song to our ears. The car moved slowly, as it swayed from side to side. I never felt safe in this car, and I had always felt this looming death around whenever my Mama drove this old Toyota.

I was sure that if we had taken a Taxi, instead, we would have reached earlier. Mama drops me off at Aunt Jema's, blows me a kiss, does a U-Turn, and drives back in the opposite direction.

Ever since my Papa lost his job, things turned bad for my family. I was the only child of my parents, and I had no sibling(s). My Papa, despite losing his job, was a chronic drunkard, and a gambler. He spent every little penny on drinks and women.

It was the root of their misunderstandings, but my Papa wasn't ready to change. Instead, he got worse as they passed by.

Not long after, they separated but didn't officially divorce. They just lived separately in different apartments and I took turns visiting either of them.

I never stopped wondering what made my Mama marry a man like my father.

Bag in hand, I made my way to the doorstep and rang the bell twice.

I looked through the transparent glass and I could see Sara making her way towards the door, where I stood.

Chubby, with shoulder-length black hair, quite tall for a twenty-one-year-old, Sara's my older cousin. She opened the door and gave me a kiss on the cheek, but, I wasn't in the mood to talk to her or anyone.

Dragging my feet noisily, I went straight to my room, but as I was about to close the door behind me, I felt some resistance. I looked back and found my cousin beaming at me.

It was strange the way she always smiled, and her smiles had never felt genuine. Sometimes, I felt as though she had to smile at me, even though she didn't want to. It always looked and felt fake.

One look at her and I knew she had something to say to me.

"What's up?" I asked, not bothering to look up at her. I undid my bun, and let my blond hair fall on my shoulders. I have really long hair. My hair was beyond bottom length, and I knew it was one of the reasons the girls in my class disliked me.

"I've got news, Ro." She took a seat in front of the mirror, just a few meters away from where I stood and began to play with her hair.

I never liked the nickname 'Ro.' My name isn't hard to pronounce, so I never understood the story behind the nickname.

"Can you at least close the door after you?" I rolled my eyes at her and proceeded to throw myself on my bed.

That wasn't necessary, and I shouldn't have used such a tone at her. I watched as her face squeezed into an ugly frown. She stood up, closed the door, and returned to her previous position.

"Did my mum tell you anything?" Sara asked in a whisper. Her dark pupils, which were an absolute contrast to my blue ones, shone brightly, and her face lit up in excitement. I knew instantly that she had a hot gist for me.

"My ex-boyfriend, Mr. Edward visited earlier today."

"Edward? Oh!"

Edward was Sara's ex-boyfriend who was a multimillionaire. They dated and we've been together for three months and had just recently broken up, two months ago.

Even though Sara never told me the reason behind breaking up, rumor has it that Edward caught her making out with his stepbrother in his house.

It seemed as though she was trying to be courteous with her words, so she said, " It wasn't because he wanted me back or anything like that. According to him, he was just passing by and wanted to say hello."

"Ok? I have a feeling that there's more," I said as I leaned closer.

Sara yawned lazily, and I could see tear drops at the corners of her eyes, "I am not sure. He and my mum talked in low tones, after which he left without saying a word to me."

She folded her arms carefully, seeming somewhat displeased that the young billionaire hadn't looked at her at all, or said a word to her.

"What has this information got to do with me, though?"

"Because..." She stopped herself from completing that sentence. Instead, she asked, "Have you ever met my ex-boyfriend, Mr. Edward, before?"

I wondered why she was being formal and calling him 'Mr.Edward' now. She used to call him Eddie when they were still together two months ago.

I never actually got to see who this man, was or even say a word to him, but I sure did hear different rumors about him.

"I think you know the answer to that question," I retorted.

"Well, isn't it funny how he suddenly mentioned that he wants to make you his wife?"

"You joke a lot, Sara," I laughed, "how can a man, who I've never set my eyes on, want to marry me? I don't even know what he looks like."

Little did I know how much of a reality this conversation with Sara, my cousin, later became.

********

I had recently moved to this town two months ago and had just recently started living with my Aunt and cousin.

I had too much to worry about, so I never bothered to find out about the young billionaire. I had someone my heart already belonged to, and I intended for it to remain that way.

My phone rang and interrupted our conversation.

"Are you Hilda's daughter, Aurora?" The strange masculine voice on the other end asks.

"Yes..."

"You're needed at Sibean Hospital. Your mother had an accident a few minutes ago and has been admitted."

Edward's POV

It was almost time for the stakeholders meeting at the office, but I couldn't possibly leave my grandfather's bedside. He has been in the hospital for almost a year, and he is in quite a critical condition at the moment. I grabbed my jacket quickly from the table and proceeded to the doctor's office when I bumped into her.

"Can't you watch your steps?" Joe, my bodyguard yells at the young lady who looked like she was going to burst into tears any moment.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," she said repeatedly, while impulsively approaching me to wipe the water she had spilled on my suit. I jerked backward reluctantly, wondering if this girl knew who she was about to touch.

She had the most beautiful blue eyes that I had ever seen. Her lips, which were curtly pursed, were succulent and inviting.

She was clearly not my type, though. There was something about her that was off, and not to my taste.

She was dressed shabbily, and I wondered if she didn't have a mirror in her house.

"Stop!" I held her hand instinctively, stopping her from making any contact with my suit or my body. "There will be no need for that"

The skin on her hand and palm was so smooth and delicate that I could hold it all day.

Her hand trembled in mine, and she looked somewhat pale. I could tell that she was deeply worried about something.

She withdrew her hand quickly, and I could smell that sweet fragrance of apple mixed with candy that my Mama always wore.

"I'm in a rush, right now. Please, forgive me, Sir..." Her beautiful lips moved so quickly that I could hardly understand a thing she said, not that I cared, anyway.

My attention was focused on something else... her boobs. I don't think she had the time to dress up properly because I could tell that she wasn't wearing a bra.

She was breathing quickly, and with each breath she took, her boobs moved with it.

I wasn't sure of what was happening to me. I was both disgusted and somewhat attracted to her in ways that I couldn't explain.

Before I could make another word, she zoomed off.

"Edward," Liam, my bodyguard quickly glanced at his wristwatch, then continued, "You've just twenty minutes before the meeting commences."

I wasn't listening. I was still looking at her as she left, wondering who she could possibly be.

"Sir?"

"Yes, Liam?"

"Do you want me to run a background check on her?"

"Don't worry. That wouldn't be necessary." I said, then, added, "Don't you think she looks like Sara in a way, though? They have the same kind of lips. I must admit that she's way more beautiful than my ex, though, but then..."

"I thought you've gotten over Sara," Liam said. I could tell that he was clearly disappointed. He never liked Sara, but he never gave a tangible reason as to why he despises her.

"I have," I said, but even I wasn't sure if I believed myself, "or at least I'm trying to."

Liam didn't continue the conversation, and I let out a sigh of relief.

I entered the doctor's office, leaving Liam to wait outside.

The doctor seemed to be deeply engrossed in whatever he was doing, as he didn't notice my presence. I coughed slightly, and he looked up.

"Welcome, Edward," he gestured towards an armchair, and I sat down.

My heart was practically in my mouth, and I willed myself to calm down.

"We've tried everything within our power. I'm sorry, but, Mr. Tony's days are numbered. It'd be better to hold a family gathering, and honor his last wishes if there are any."

I wondered how doctors found it easy to relay such messages without empathy. It seemed as though he had just finished reciting an anthem and he was patiently waiting for an answer.

Mr. Tony's my grandfather. I was very much closer to him than I am to my biological father.

"Does he know?" I managed to find my voice after some minutes of silence.

"Yes," the doctor stood up and picked a file from the other table, then sat down again.

I took the file from him and studied it. Yes. My grandfather had a terminal disease and had just days to live.

I looked up at the doctor, but, he was already busy on his laptop.

Without a word, I stood up and left.

"What happened?" Liam asked. When I said nothing, he took the file from my hand and went through it.

Liam is like family to me, aside from my bodyguard. He knows certain things about me that no one else knows.

After going through the file, Liam gave me a gentle hug. I was fierce with everyone but Liam. People were scared of me and had heard and believed several rumors about me.

However, it's only Liam that truly sees me for who I am, and doesn't judge me based off of rumors.

I was vaguely aware of my surroundings and I felt numb all over.

A lady, dressed in a blue gown, whom I presumed to be a nurse passed us briskly and entered the office. Shortly after, the doctor came out of his office. Barely noticing that I was still around, he brushed past me and went towards my grandfather's room.

Scared that something might have happened, I ran after him.

**********

I stood outside the ward, and watched my grandfather struggle for his life. I was not allowed to enter the world, as he was in the Intensive Care care Unit (ICU).

My heart fell into my stomach and I felt like throwing up when I noticed the doctors whispering amongst themselves. My legs refused to move and my body felt like jelly.

The doctor came out of the ICU, removed his slippers and gloves, put on his shoes, and then faced me. I already knew what he was going to say.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Edward, we did everything we could, but we couldn't save Mr. Tony."

I couldn't make any words even though I wanted to scream. I entered the room and walked up to my grandfather's bed, where his dead body lay.

I was still trying to wrap my head around what happened when I heard a loud scream not far from me. I looked sideways and saw the mysterious beautiful lady that I encountered in the hallway not long ago.

She was crying hysterically, and holding on to a middle-aged woman, who laid peacefully on her sickbed.

'That must be her mother,' I muttered under my breath, grateful for anything that could distract me from my present situation.

Maybe her Mama died, too. Well...

...But, it was only when the young, beautiful lady, collapsed on the floor, did I rush over to her rescue.

I did not care about other people. Rumor had it that after my break up with Sara, I turned cold and bitter. I wasn't exactly who I used to be before.

In addition to that, I had resented women a lot. To me, they were they were deceitful creatures who used men as a means to an end.

But, strangely, something about me cared about this mysterious young beauty who seemed to be in distress.

What exactly happened? I hoped that for her sake, her mother was still alive.

Aurora's POV

The phone slid from my hand and fell flat on the floor, I was sure that the screen had shattered, but I didn't care.

Without another word, I grabbed a bottle of water and ran down the stairs, but Sara tried to stop me.

"What was that call about?"

"Get out of my way, Sara! I have to leave, now!" I slightly pushed her out of the way, but before I could step out, I heard Aunt Jema's voice. Has she been around all this while?

"At least put on a bra, and smoothen your hair, Ro! You look homeless." I couldn't tell if that was a smile or a mischievous smirk that I saw on her face, but I waved it off. It was very strange seeing her act like she cared about me.

She had on a small top that exposed her cleavage, and shorts that revealed her butt cheeks.

She was a small woman in her late thirties, as she had Sara when she was a teenager.

"I don't have time for any of those," I shouted over my shoulder.

It was hard finding a taxi in this area, and even if I did find one, I had no money on me with which to pay; hence, I resulted to running. Luckily for me, the hospital wasn't as far as I thought.

Frantic and confused, I scanned through most of the wards, looking for the emergency ward that held my Mama.

"Can't you watch your steps?" A heavily built, tall man, who looked like he had been lifting weights all his life yelled at me, and for a moment I stood still, with my mouth slightly opened in shock.

It wasn't the supposed bodyguard that caught my attention. It was this beautiful snack in front of me.

Forgetting that I was in a hurry to see my mama I stared in awe. I wasn't sure if the increase in my heartbeat was a result of my worry for my mama's well-being, or if it was from the many sweet things the sight of this man was having on me.

He had thick black hair that was somewhat curly and full, and his grey eyes could seduce any lady. His chiseled jaw was perfect, and beardless.

...And, his body? My God! He had a beautiful, broad chest and a body to die for. I had the impulsion to run my fingers on his chest, and trace beautiful lines... Saying he is hot was an understatement.

How did this man belong to Sara, and she messed up such an opportunity? This man was literary a work of art.

I pinched myself, willing myself to come back to my senses. I have a boyfriend. I shouldn't be harboring such thoughts.

My mama! Oh no! I need to go and check on my mama!

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry,'' I finally blurted out. I dropped the opened bottle of water on the desk beside me by the hallway, searched my bag, and brought out some tissues.

As I proceeded to wipe the water off his suit, he held my hand, preventing me from doing anything.

What am I thinking? How can I use a tissue to wipe off water? I'd only ruin his suit further!

Get a grip on yourself, Aurora! You need to think straight.

...But, I couldn't. How could such a strange fine man have such an effect on me? I haven't felt this way in forever. Even Dan wasn't able to send such electrifying, delicious chills down my body.

"Stop," he said, as he took a step backward, as though I irritated him, "there's no need for that."

"I'm in a rush," I said as I put the tissue back inside my bag, "I will make it up to you someday."

I dashed off, not trusting myself to stand for even an extra second in his presence.

*******

I finally located my mama's ward and started out for it. She was slightly unconscious and she looked as though she had a seizure some minutes ago before I arrived.

Her eyes were closed, and she lay still on her bed, intermittently giving off heavy and deep breaths.

"What happened?" I asked the doctor who had a worried expression on his face and was already trying to set up an IV line.

"She was brought in on account of a motor accident, which had her severely injured and paralyzed. She's been majorly unconscious, and has sustained severe brain injury as her GCS is 5/30...

"... She needs to be operated on urgently, or she might lose her life..." Having successfully fixed the IV line and ensuring that my mama was a little bit stable, the doctor pulled me to a corner where we conversed in low tones.

"You'd need to deposit the money needed for the surgery before three hours so that we can get the necessary items and commence treatments immediately."

My heart skipped a thousand beats and I began to visibly shiver. Where am I supposed to get such an amount of money from?

I knew I couldn't ask Aunt Jema, and neither could I ask Sara. My Papa was out of the question.

I began to pace to and fro in the room, unsure of what to do. I sat beside my mama's bed, wondering if this would be the last time I would see her

She was breathing with some difficulty. I leaned closer and kissed her wrinkled forehead. My mama was no ordinary woman. She never had it easy, and I couldn't let her go like that. I had to do something. Anything... do anything at all to save her life.

Just then, I looked across the room and noticed the same man I had seen in the hallway sitting beside an elderly man. The man's appearance screamed of luxury.

I let my thoughts wander freely, taking into detail every part of him.

He had on a blue suit, and I could still see the stained part on it, just below his breast pocket. His brows were furrowed, and he seemed to be lost in deep thought.

His hands were intertwined with the older man's, and he bent his head slightly as if he were about to say a prayer.

I imagined those same fingers against my bare skin, and I shivered. He was probably married as he looked to be in his late twenties. I was just eighteen years old, and I was getting ready for college. What do I know about love?

How about Dan? We'd broken up, yes, but I still had a possibility of getting back together with him.

I noticed the strange handsome man kissing his grandfather's forehead, then proceeding to close his eyes. The elderly man must have died. My heart skipped and I sprang up.

Mama! I can't let the same thing happen to my mama.

I sprang up, but just at the same time, began to shake vigorously, and a white foamy substance was drooling from the corner of her mouth.

I began to scream hysterically, calling for the doctor's attention.

When the group of doctors finally came, my mama was already still, and it appeared as though she wasn't breathing.

I could hear the doctors muttering, but I was already beginning to feel dizzy. The last thing I remember was the strange handsome man running towards me before I passed out completely.