Chapter 5 | A Planned Plot
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Rhys' serious expression compelled me to obey. I opened my mouth. I was surprised at how fast he claimed my lips again.
This kiss was entirely distinct from before. I could feel a soft flesh interacting and guiding my tongue. This, it was his tongue, right?
I unconsciously tried to back away but his hand on my nape didn't let me. I hummed in protest. I needed space to comprehend this newfound experience.
Rhys seemed to detest that I attempted to be released. He hoarsely growled with the deep timbre of his throat. I conceded and closed my eyes.
Rhys knew that I didn't really want to stop. He understood that I moved in reflex. He eagerly played with my tongue. He kissed me so aggressively and passionately.
I kissed him back with the best I could do. I felt the intensity getting greater with each second passing by. We were both contending for the dominance of our kiss.
I was not aware that I was already laying on the bed. He was hovering over me. His hands squeezing my bottom and thigh.
We were both aroused by a simple touch. We had been swept away with our desires. We went with the flow exploring our familiarity with this deed.
We had never kissed in the same manner as this when we were a child. Our tongues intertwined. It looked like this was our first true kiss.
His tongue was retreating. I opened my eyes to observe him. He was moving away.
I noticed a sliver line of saliva connecting his mouth to mine. I tried to follow him so that it would not snap. Rhys stopped me by patting my head. "Breathe, Sola."
I couldn't realize the reason why was he imploring me that. Kissing him felt tantamount to bringing life back to my existence. I could perceive colours again rather than the monotonous sequence I saw every moment since that day.
What did he mean by to breathe then?
"Sola, inhale, you need to breathe properly."
I did what he asked. Oh, so it was the case. I stopped breathing.
"Rhys, I . . ." What should I say? I fathomed that I was overwhelmed but why?
"It's alright. Take your time. You can tell me anything at any time. I will never misunderstand you. I'll stay by your side no matter what the circumstances are. Always."
I smiled. Rhys was taken aback in an instant and grinned blissfully in return. His eyes shone with eternal devotion.
Staring at his eyes, I confirmed that he was mine. I hoped he could determine that I'm genuinely happy. I hoped I could portray that I was glad he was back.
I never smiled sincerely after that unfortunate date. Maybe something was really broken in me when those incidents happened. Nonetheless, I was not particularly eager to mend my damaged part. I was still me.
"Rhys, I'm happy. Maybe you can't ascertain but I feel really fortunate to be with you. I... I want you to know something."
"I'll listen." Rhys get off from me and laid beside me comfortably. We both laid with our backs as we faced the glass ceiling.
We could view the vast sky. The stars were glimmering in their splendour. Each of their light contrasted the dark mysterious welkin.
"Rhys, I'm waiting outside the delivery room. I'm patiently waiting for two hours alone wondering if Mom gives birth successfully. Simultaneously worrying why no one is reaching back to me.
I keep alternating thinking about Mom, the twins, Dad, and other people that are supposed with me on that occasion.
Does Mom have enough strength for the twins? She is also alone inside. I pray incessantly for her to have smooth delivery.
Will the twins be healthy? They must be cute. Our family has beautiful genes.
Where is Dad? Is he in the middle of traffic? Why is he not replying?
Many people are anticipating the birth of the twins. Yet, no one, not a single soul is contacting me. I'm puzzled. What is happening?
Then, I receive a call. It's an unregistered number and I'm not familiar with it. What the other person on the line said leaves me in disbelief.
At the same time, the doctor."
I stuttered. Maybe I hiccuped. I did not bother to discern.
My thoughts were occupied that if I ceased to tell the whole situation now, I had the intuition that I will miss the chance. I questioned myself. Chance for what?
I focused on Rhys. He didn't urge me to hurry. His gaze was full of encouragement and reassurance.
"She told me she was sorry. The twins are fine, however, Mom." I paused. "She was in the state of indefinite comatose. Mother had a rare case of enzyme deficiency.
I suspect that it must be a planned show except, the plot was not funny. Dad is as good as a professional car racer. Mom has undergone a full check-up as often as is allowed and recommended.
Nevertheless, they continue their actions. The call was cut off after relaying more information and speaking sorry. The doctor regards me with sympathy.
I'm probably having a nightmare. I need to wake up. I wish someone will unravel my confusion.
Then I'm suddenly descending. It's getting darker. I close my eyes. I can't see anyway. I'll just feel the hollow consuming my reasoning.
I wake up the next day. Everything is true. Nothing is changed. No, everything is gone.
Mr Rue aids me to recognize the recent situation. My Mom is alive. The twins need their immediate family. Dad retires abruptly. The group requires me to lead.
Truthfully, I want to run away. I'm hurting yet I have an obligation to care about everything else. I can't even have the time to lick my own wounds."
I squeezed my eyes shut. I could process mentally but my nerves were alerting me of fatigue. No, maybe my soul was exhausted. Who wouldn't be weary for a whole year of loneliness, pain, and stress?
I sensed Rhys holding my hand. His thumb caressing my skin. I made out strength from his gesture to proceed. Just a little bit more.
"I developed a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I'm having difficulty making sense of what happened or process my emotions even after a year. Maybe I get better but with minimal improvement. I'm withdrawn and emotionally distant all the same. Being an introvert adds complexity to my condition.
I'm struggling every single day. The memories of the event kept flashing back if I'm not thinking of something else. Including my photographic memory, this whole ordeal sounds similar to a curse.
I recall a lot of people showing envy whenever they are informed about me having this kind of memory. They flatter me for having a gift. If only they realize how much frustration it causing me presently. It's haunting me at every opportunity!
I can't help but think that I'm being tested because I took everything for granted. Pushing me out to the world to experience harsh reality. I know it's silly but I'm helpless with this environment.
I yield. I seek a professional trauma specialist whom I am somewhat comfortable be with. I'm also doing natural treatment and recovery tips on my routines.
This is the story of the past and my current state. Rhys, I'm emotionally wrecked. Being with me is like sinking in a quagmire. It's difficult to get out. I don't want for the both of us to regret anything."
"Try me. I don't mind that new trait of yours at all, Sola. Moreover, I have an additional aim on my list now. I must revise the notes in my head." His tone indicated his pondering.
"Notes?"
"Notes of you. Matters about you almost filled up my brain." He pecked my lips in a blink.
"You, do your care or do you accept it simply as that?"
Rhys smiled helplessly. He pulled me closer to him and embraced me. I snuggled further into him.
"Both, Sola. I care for you. I care for all about you. I accept you too. I accept everything concerning you. I will not give you up this time. I will not wait anymore to be with you."