Chapter 1
Since childhood, anxiety has been the first emotion I became familiar with. There have been numerous occasions when I secretly contemplated ending my life, but the fear of the unknown consequences prevented me from doing it.
I have always attributed these thoughts and feelings to my family, as they seem to be the root cause of my struggles. It appears that they are unaware of the impact they have on me. Despite their lack of concern, it doesn't matter to me anymore, as they have never shown much care for us. Seeing our parents at home is a rare occurrence, as they are always occupied with work and hardly have any time for us. I can only catch a glimpse of them during weekends or holidays
I'm currently studying at xxx university. The vacation is finally over, but even though it's been two months, I don't really have any plans to go outside. That's also the reason why I feel suffocated and empty here at home. I've gotten used to it honestly, so it doesn't bother me anymore.
Our first day of classes is tomorrow, so I decided to set an alarm before I go to sleep because I can't wake up early without it. I'm on my way to school, driving my car because I don't want to commute. I hate crowded places. I didn't notice that i don't feel well that time.
I'm currently at school, and out of nowhere, someone came running towards me and accidentally bumped into me. I'm feeling a bit drowsy, so I thought maybe I was just imagining things. However, he kindly helped me up and offered his hand, but I'm still feeling quite dizzy.
"I'm really sorry. Are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?"
His voice sound concerned. I opened my eyes and saw him standing there, he's tall and handsome. His face was the first thing I noticed.
"No problem, you don't need to offer your hand. I can stand up on my own," I replied,
But as I tried to stand, my legs gave way, and I felt myself falling. He caught me just in time, his strong arms holding me steady.
"Are you really alright, Miss?" he asked, his voice filled with worry.
"Yes, thanks, I'm really fine. I'm just a little bit sleepy," I said, trying to sound convincing.
He gently lowered me to the ground, but my right foot throbbed with pain. I couldn't even stand on it properly.
"I think you may have sprained your ankle. We need to go to the clinic right now to get you checked up. Maybe I'm a stranger, but please allow me to help you. It's also my fault," he said, his concern genuine.
I had no choice but to agree. I couldn't walk properly, and the thought of limping through the campus, risking further injury and infection, was unbearable. He carried me to the clinic, his touch surprisingly gentle, and placed me on a bed. Then, he called for a nurse.
"Miss, can you please check her right foot? I think she may have sprained her ankle," he said, his voice firm and urgent.
I drifted off to sleep, the last image that I saw before i closed my eyes is his concerned face. It was the worst day of my life really worst, "in my mind.
When I woke up, my ankle still hurt, but the pain was less intense. My foot was completely bandaged. I noticed him sleeping on the sofa, his face relaxed and peaceful.
He was handsome, undeniably so. He must have had a lot of girlfriends, I thought, He probably was popular. But who cared? It was his fault I was stuck here, on my first day of school. Thinking of it i didn't know that i'm not feeling well and he made it worst but bumping into me. How was I going to explain this to my teacher? I'm sure that if my my mom find out she'll be lecturing me again.
As I was thinking so much i didn't notice that i been staring at him the whole time, l notice that he woke up. He stood up and approached my bed.
"Are you feeling alright now?" he asked, a smile playing on his lips.
He touched my forehead, his fingers warm against my skin.
"Huh? Did he think I had a fever? Why is he touching my forehead? Hello, I sprained my ankle, not my head," but also i have a slight headache in this morning before i go to school, I thought to myself.
"Yes, I'm fine. You can go now. Thank you for taking care of me. You didn't have to stay here though, that's too much help," I said.
"It's already 12 PM. Do you want to eat something? I can get you something to eat. What do you want?" he asked, his concern undeterred by my coldness.
"I don't actually need anything to eat. I just need to go home. But thanks for your offer, I appreciate it," I replied,
"I will help you get home if you let me treat you to something. It's also my fault that you're not in class right now. I'm sorry," he insisted,
How long did this guy have to say sorry? I already told him it was okay. Didn't he look pitiful?", I thought to myself
"What if I refuse?" I asked, a hint of amusement in my voice.
"Of course I won't let you refuse, hahaha," he laughed, his confidence unwavering.
"Alright fine, I just have a bento box and cola. Wait here, here's the money," I said, handing him the money.
"Got it, just wait here okay," he said, and didn't even take the money and leaving without a second thought. He was so stubborn, so comfortable, for a stranger.
While I waited, my phone rang. It was my teacher.
"Are you alright now, dear? Adam told me about your ankle. He told me everything, so you don't need to worry, I won't tell your parents this and also I'll give you the lesson we just discussed earlier so you can able to catch up" she said, her voice filled with concern.
"Are you familiar with him, Miss?" I asked, surprised.
"Oh, haha, I forgot to tell you. He's also your classmate and a transfer student here at our school. He's also my cousin. Did you know each other?" she replied, her voice light and cheerful.
"Actually, no, I didn't know him. But I'm glad to know that he's your cousin. Also, thank you for your concern, Miss. I'll hang up now. I've also decided to go home," I said
"Okay, dear. Take care," she said, her voice warm and reassuring.
I hung up the phone, and at that moment, Adam returned.
"Here's your drink and food. Can you stand up?" he asked, his eyes filled with concern.
"Yes, I can. Thank you," I replied,
"I'm curious, though. You look too emotionless. You didn't smile, but your voice sounded so polite," he said, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"Is that a big deal?" I asked, and i look him straight to the eyes with an serious stares.
"No, actually, you're..." he started, but I interrupted him.
"Thank you again. Miss Kath informed me that you shared all the details of what happened, and she also agrees that I should go home and get some rest," I said,.
"That's nothing. No need to thank me," he said, his smile awkward, his confidence shaken.
I decided to text my aunt to come pick me up.
"Okay, where are you in the school?" she replied,
"I'm at the clinic. Just ask someone to show you where the clinic is. Thanks," I replied,.
The silence stretched between us as we ate, the only sound the clinking of our utensils. When we finished, he helped me stand.
"You can leave me alone now u know, i'm really glad that you help me but i think this is too much help. I have someone to take me from here. You can go to your class," I said,.
"I'll leave after I see you leave, just to make sure," he said, his voice firm, and he just smiled at me
Are you sure? I'm really fine now?" I asked,
He didn't respond so didn't bother him further.
A few hours later, my aunt arrived, pushing a wheelchair.
"What is that? Why did you bring that?" I asked, i was shocked
"I was so worried, dear. I thought you couldn't walk," she replied, her voice filled with concern.
"I can walk. I just need support. Anyway, you brought it, I'll just use it. It's a shame if you just leave it here if I'm not going to use it," I said, my voice flat, but a hint of sarcasm.
"Isn't my nephew the cutest and sweetest?" she said, hugging me tight, and pinching my cheeks and didn't notice that adam was there.
"I can't breathe," I said,
She finally noticed Adam and looked at him seriously.
"Who's this boy? Is this your boyfriend? Hmm, he's good-looking, but you're too young," she said, her voice sharp, her gaze piercing.
"Relax, auntie. He just helped me get here. He's the one who bumped into me," I replied,
My aunt looked at Adam,
"So he's not your boyfriend?" she asked, her voice sharp, her gaze unwavering.
"Yes," I replied,
My aunt spoke to Adam, thanking him for his help. She helped me into the wheelchair, Adam assisting. We left the school, my aunt driving me home. I thanked her, and she left.
As I walked towards our house, crutches still supporting my injured ankle, one of our maids saw me and ran towards me.
"Oh my God, ma'am! What happened? Are you alright? I'm relieved that you made it home," she said, her voice filled with concern, her eyes filled with worry.
I hoped my parents could care for me as she did.
"I'm fine, don't worry. I just need to rest, and I'll be fine," I replied, my voice flat, but a hint of longing.
She left to go to kitchen, bringing me food.
It had been a week since my ankle injury, and it was finally healing. I just needed to be careful not to overdo it. It was Monday morning. I woke up early, ready to face the day, ready t o face school.
To be continued.....
