Chapter 22- Whispers Of The Past
AURORA ARTSPACE
Gemma was in her office, slowly sipping tea. The door opened, and someone walked in.
It was Oma.
"Hi, Aunty," Oma said with a smile, rushing to hug Gemma.
"How are you, darling?" Gemma asked gently.
"I'm fine. You called me," Oma replied.
"Yes, please sit down," Gemma said, pointing to the chair across from her. Oma sat down slowly, already guessing what was coming.
"Do you need anything?"
"No, I'm good," Oma answered.
"So..." Gemma began, taking another sip of tea. "What's happening at your college?"
Oma sighed. "Well, it's college. Things happen..."
"What's going on between Auri and Leo?" Gemma asked, setting down her teacup.
"Has he been bothering her?"
"Well.... Things have been intense but nothing really -"
"That doesn't answer my question, Oma. Is he bothering her?" Gemma repeated.
"No." Oma replied.
"Really?" Gemma stood, turning to go to the glass wall.
"You know very well what happened to her- what almost happened to her. Correct?" She put her hands akimbo.
"Yes."
"So, don't lie to me."
"He's just like every other normal guy there. He's her project partner. They argue a lot - yes. But... They're cool."
"Besides, he's her childhood lover.... So... He wouldn't do anything to hurt her." Oma assured.
Gemma went back to her sit, studying Oma's eyes.
"But if it makes you feel better, I'll keep updating you. I promise." Oma said.
Gemma sighed. "Oma, you know why I'm like this."
"Yes, Aunty. And trust me, I'm with her." Oma smiled.
Gemma smiled slightly. "I trust you. But are you sure? Auri came home one time and she had an attack. When I asked her about Leo she wasn't really nice with the words she used on him."
"That's how she is. She's Aurora. She's fiesty and mean, and she doesn't really like boys. So she never says anything nice about them. But I can assure you, she's fine." Oma replied.
Gemma sighed again, sinking into the chair. "Ok, I'll believe you. I just don't want to take any risks."
"I understand." Oma nodded.
Oma stood up to leave. "Hold on." Gemma opened her drawer and brought out a small velvet box.
"This is for you."
"Me?"
"I haven't really given you any gift since we came back here."
Oma opened the box to see a very beautiful diamond bracelet.
"Damn. It's gorgeous." Oma smiled.
"Happy you like it. Now run along." Gemma said.
Oma rushed to hug her tightly.
"I love you so much. Bye." She pecked Gemma's cheek and left the office.
Gemma sighed deeply, sinking more into the chair.
"Oh Auri..." She muttered. "You'll never forgive me when you find out."
She sighed again, feeling a deep burden of guilt on her chest.
Her phone started ringing, it's Dr Nina.
She swiped green.
"Mrs Raven."
"Yes, Doctor. Is it ready? I'm already feeling uneasy. We need to give it to her." Gemma said weekly, putting her hand on her chest.
"Yes, ma'am. It's ready. Do you want me to send it to your house or want it delivered to your office?" Dr Nina asked.
"Send it here please." Gemma replied calmly.
"It's be there a moment."
"Thank you."
"How is she? Any signs from her?" Dr Nina asked.
"Well, she's been acting normal for a while. But you know how she always switches moods. I can't really tell what's going on with her." Gemma muttered.
"As long as she's fine. The medicine will be delivered today, but that doesn't mean she won't blurt everything out if she's triggered." Dr Nina cautioned.
Gemma exhaled.
"She'll be fine. She's fine." She muttered.
"Ok, then. I'm sending it now."
"Waiting." Gemma hung up, the uneasiness sinking deeper in her.
"She'll be fine."
ALL ELITES~
Aurora was still in Leonard's arms on the floor. Her lips trembled, as if her mind was far away, remembering something her body wanted to forget.
Between her broken, terrified whispers, one name escaped.
Zane.
Leonard's jaw tightened. He hated that name.
Aurora started shaking harder, clutching Leonard's jacket tightly.
He had to put her on his lap.
"... Bianca..."
Leonard froze.
The name sliced through the air like a switchblade.
Every muscle in his jaw locked. He didn't move or blink.
He stared into space, lost in the past.
Memories flooded his mind: her face, her voice, everything.
"Leo, stop. Okay, just stop. Jeez! Not everyone wants a good guy, you know? Try to understand, okay, honey?"
He held Aurora tighter-not for comfort, for control.
Too many memories surfaced back because of two names. Names he never expected to hear - especially from Aurora.
"Ginny..." Aurora whispered.
His head jerked back slightly. That name too?
He remembered Ginny, slightly. That night filled with pain, and too many blurred faces. Sirens. Screaming. Crying. Running.
A girl crying in a room, curled in fear on a bed soaked with blood. Her face was completely damaged. Blood trickled from her nose and mouth. She was unrecognizable. Beaten up badly.
Another one rolled lifelessly from under the bed. Looking even worse than the one on the bed. Blood was streaming from her mid section. Her eyes were open, lacking life in them. No blink, no breath. Nothing.
She was already dead.
His stare dropped to Aurora's face.
No. It just couldn't be.
What kind of shitty coincidence is this?
But he doesn't even believe in coincidences anymore.
He grip on her loosened, like he wanted to let her go. But she held his jacket tighter, like a child scared to look her guardian.
He wouldn't leave, despite whatever he's feeling right now, he needs to hear what else she'd say in this vulnerable state.
Only the truth would leave her mouth in this state, and he needed to hear every bit of it.
"... Bianca..." Aurora whimpered again.
It was at this moment he realized his entire past had come haunting him... Again.
To Be Continued...