Chapter 26 - Missing

>Maya

I woke up only to find myself on my bed. A blanket carefully placed over me and the curtains drawn to prevent the sunlight from coming in. It would look like a normal scene except that I was feeling anxious.

There was this strange feeling persisting inside me like I was missing something.

I tried recalling the events from yesterday night. I remembered everything clearly till the part when we reached the forest and found Yohan. Everything past that was hazy, memories were there but it was hard getting a clear image.

I had to try extra hard to piece them together but even after stressing my mind so much I only got to the part where I confessed and slumped against Yohan’s shoulder. Beyond that, I remembered nothing.

Why?

What happened after that? I mean something must have happened after that!

I closed my eyes and tried focusing again.

I remembered him hugging me, then…

Nothing.

It was like it was blank. Just a hollow white piece of paper floating with nothing written on it, no answer.

I tried thinking more but my head began to throb.

I sighed and removed the blanket over me to leave the bed. Just as I did I noticed the bandages around my knees.

Oh!

I immediately looked at my elbows and saw the same thing. Was I so deep in sleep that I didn’t even notice someone doing this?

I got up from the bed and went downstairs.

The door to Yohan’s room was open and I saw a girl standing there by his bed wearing a baby pink shirt and trouser.

A nurse?

I walked towards his room and knocked on the door gently as I stood in the door frame.

The nurse glanced at me and continued doing her work while Yohan looked at me while he sat on his bed and smiled.

“How are you feeling?” He asked.

Shouldn’t that be my line? I looked at him while the nurse was taking off the drip injected to his arm, “I’m fine. How are you feeling?” The blood bag attached to the drip had finished.

“Never been better.” He answered while the nurse put a bandaid on the place where she took the syringe out from.

I waited until the nurse packed her stuff and left the room. I watched her as she left the house and then turned my head to him again.

“Yohan?”

“Yes?”

“I don’t know how to say this. It sort of feels weird.” I fidgeted, “I think I’m missing part of my memory.”

I noticed a slight change in his expression but I couldn’t tell what it was since it only lasted for a second after which he immediately smiled.

“Why? Did you forget something?”

“I don’t know.” I scratched the side of my neck, “I can’t recall the events that happened in the forest last night.”

“None of them?” He asked seriously.

“Well,” I cleared my throat, “I remember finding you and apologizing.” I was not going to tell him I remember the part where I confessed. That was embarrassing.

“Come here.” He extended his hand out for me while he half sat on the bed. I walked up to him and slowly slid my hand over his which he then gently grabbed and looked at me. I could see something in his eyes, “You had tired yourself out and passed out when you were in my arms.” It felt like playful haughtiness, “But you don’t remember confessing to me?”

I flinched at his question, “Ah…” I ended up blushing and he snickered.

“You said you started liking me.” He softly grabbed my other hand, “I think you remember that.” He smirked and I looked down as heat sizzled out of my brain.

“...” I couldn’t really answer him.

“Maya?” He called out to me, “You meant that right?” I bit my lips, “Tell me. Did you?” He asked so tenderly I felt like I had to answer him.

I glanced at him and nodded my head, “Yea…” Immediately after answering I got a little shy, “Well, I mean a little.” I looked somewhere else while I tried acting tough but I think in the end it sounded sort of stupid. I had no need of adding that last part.

“A little?” I glanced back at him and he was looking at me with his eyebrows raised but was still smiling.

I cleared my throat, “Yea… maybe a little more than a little?”

What was I even saying? It was beyond my own comprehension.

He snickered, “Well, then I’ll try harder.” I turned my face towards him again, “Until you completely fall in love with me.” He looked me in the eyes with a confident smile.

His words made me sort of nervous.

I guess I was a bit happy too.

I didn’t say anything in return. Rather I just looked down again as I tried to suppress my smile.

“Well. I have to go to work.” He said and got up, “I’m already late. It’s past ten.”

Wait what!?!!

“It’s past ten?!” I looked at him shocked, “I had class at eight!!” I stepped back in confusion. If I skip classes they might take away my scholarship!

I ran out, straight to my room, got changed, grabbed my bag and then ran to the bathroom, speed brushed my teeth and washed my face then ran out.

I was running towards the sidewalk when a loud honk stopped me. I looked at the matte black Audi on the road with Yohan sitting on the driver’s seat.

“Come.” He told me, “I’ll drop you.”

I didn’t even think about it and ran to the passenger’s seat.

***

Even though I tried, I still reached the department around 11 am. I missed the first lecture but I guess that was fine. Nothing could be done about it.

I entered the class room for the lecture and noticed a familiar figure sitting on one of the last row seats. I stopped as soon as I saw him. Ruda immediately noticed me too and stood up while I glared at him.

He nervously waved at me but I ignored him and sat on a seat in the front row.

I’m not talking to that bitch who ignored me for days!

There was still time before the lecture started and while I was sitting with a grumpy expression and folded arms someone came and sat besides me cautiously. I could tell it was Ruda.

“Hey…” He started but I didn’t even look at him, “Did you already forget me?” He tried joking but I didn’t even respond so he shut up for a few moments and sat straight. Then looked at me again, “Look um, I know you’re thinking I ran away but I didn’t.” I wasn’t buying his excuses, “Alright fine.” He sighed, “ I did want to avoid the topic so I ran away.”

As he spoke the truth I glanced at him but looked back straight immediately.

“I get it, you’re mad. I was wrong but I wasn’t away for that long because I wanted to be!” I could feel his gaze on me. His bright puppy eyes were trying to lure me, “I really mean it. Because I went back home I got stuck with the work there. I only went back for two days but my dad forced me to work with him for two weeks!” His gaze was burning my side skull, “Please believe me.” The sparkle was starting to hurt me, “Please?”

I’m not budging!

I didn’t move nor speak.

After five minutes of constant attempt he gave up and slumped back in his seat, “You sure are cruel.” I leaned forward and put my hand on my cheek as my elbow rested on the table. I was making sure to ignore him with class. He pouted, “You’ve changed!” He said dramatically and sniffled, “You’ve even stopped wearing that strange ring.”

What?

What’s that supposed to mean? I’m always wearing my rin-!?

I looked at my finger.

It wasn’t there.

In panic I stood up wide eyed.

Where did it go?!