Days passed, each one marked by Alicia's arduous journey towards recovery. Each time her eyes fluttered open, she was met with a maelstrom of emotions and a tempest of memories just beyond her grasp. These fragmented recollections taunted her, refusing to fit together, leaving her feeling like a ship lost at sea, adrift between the unforgiving waves of confusion and despair.
Mabel's growing worry etched lines of concern on her face, a testament to the toll this prolonged ordeal was taking on both of them. She had always known Alicia's strength, but this battle was unlike any other, chipping away at their optimism. The sporadic cycles of consciousness followed by tearful outbursts had become a pattern that had Mabel perpetually on edge. They were in the dark, relying solely on medical treatments, attempting to mend the fractures in Alicia's mind as recommended by the doctors.
Alicia's suffering would have remained a closely guarded secret if it were up to Mabel alone. However, the director had chosen a different path, exploiting Alicia's condition to elicit sympathy. He had woven a narrative of a near-fatal accident, feeding into the public's concern and curiosity.
Outside Alicia's apartment, fans had rallied in a show of support. Notes of well-wishes flooded her doorstep, along with gifts and bouquets. Thankfully, the hospital's location remained a well-kept secret, shielding her from the prying eyes of her admirers.
The once-vibrant Alicia, known for infusing every room with her infectious energy, now lay subdued, a mere echo of her former self. Gone were her wild antics, her knack for controversy, and her spirited nature.
Then there was a glimmer of change. On this particular day, Mabel quietly entered Alicia's room just like she had been doing the past few days so as not to trigger her, only to find her awake. Not only was she awake, but she was up from the bed and standing beside the window, her gaze fixed on the world outside. It was a rare sight—a moment of calm amidst the turmoil.
Mabel looked at her, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears and a spark of hope dancing in her eyes.
"The world... looks strange." Alicia's weak voice broke the silence, surprising Mabel. It was yet another facet of Alicia that had changed—a heightened sense of awareness.
Turning her head to face Mabel, Alicia's sullen eyes met hers. There were no tears, and in that absence, there was a glimmer of hope. Only to Mabel.
"Alicia..." Mabel whispered and approached her cautiously. She hesitated, opting not to probe into Alicia's well-being directly. The pretence of normalcy seemed to be the only anchor they had left. Instead, she opted for a distraction. Something to pull Alicia's focus away from the overwhelming emotions that held her captive.
"How strange?" Mabel asked as she went to stand beside her. Alicia turned to look out the window again, and so did Mabel. It was evening. The city lights littered everywhere, and buildings were made to look minute from the high floor they currently were.
"Was it... always this loud at night?" Alicia whispered as she continued to look outside.
Why did it all feel strange to her?
Why was it so noisy? So rowdy?
So... unfamiliar?
Mabel looked at her side briefly, her eyes filled with sadness and pity, wishing she knew how to help Alciia return to her true self.
"I want to return home," Alicia spoke again.
"I will work towards that and make sure we can return there without getting seen by—"
"No. Not there."
"Then... where?"
"I don't... I don't know." She said it in a sad tone before using a hand to cover her face in despair.
Mabel panicked within her, fearing Alicia would be triggered again, so she seized the opportunity, a hint of a forced smile tugging at her lips as she spoke in a fake excited tone. "Did I ever mention that Stefan turned out to be married?"
Of course, she didn't mention it. This was the first conversation they had.
Alicia raised her head and turned to Mabel, her brows furrowed as she grappled with the name. Recognition slowly dawned, mingling with surprise and confusion. It was a welcome sight, and Mabel couldn't help but chuckle at the mix of emotions that played out on Alicia's face.
"Believe it or not, he managed to find someone who could handle his... 'charms'," Mabel chuckled, her laughter cutting through the heavy atmosphere.
Alicia's voice, though faint, held a note of disbelief. "Someone... actually married him?"
Stefan was a middle-aged producer they had worked with at one point. He had a nasty attitude and was a chronic womanizer who had tried several times to get Alicia on his bed until she had 'accidentally' spilled her drinks on him at one party, and he threatened to have her blacklisted. What a joke.
"Indeed," Mabel grinned, warmth spreading through her chest. "Are you regretting missing a good man?" Mabel joked and laughed when she saw the disgust on Alicia's face. "I think I'll pass."
Alicia spoke in a light tone before they both grew quiet while facing each other.
Mabel's smile began to dwindle, replaced with concern, but she kept making an effort to keep the smile on her face.
Alicia's gaze softened, a flicker of guilt passing through her eyes. "I'm sorry, Mabel."
Mabel waved her hand dismissively before taking hold of one of Alicia's hands. "No need to apologize. You've been through enough."
Alicia's lips curled into a smile, a tender affection shining in her eyes. "You've had it rough taking care of me."
Mabel's smile matched Alicia's, a silent assurance passing between them. "I'd do anything for you, my pretty girl."
Alicia's reply was filled with gratitude, her words carrying a weight that transcended their simple conversation. "I know."
Mabel quickly left that topic and decided to ask something else while escorting Alicia back to her bed, and after Alicia lay on it with the pillow propping up her back and waist, Mabel sat down beside her.
"Lest I forget... do you know Hunter Cooper personally?"
Alicia's curiosity was piqued, her brows furrowing as she tried to place the name that sounded both familiar and unfamiliar.
"Who is he again?"
"The current vice president of the P & J conglomerate?"
"How... how would I know him personally? You know everyone I know." Alicia inquired, her tone laced with curiosity. "Did something happen?"
Confusion clouded Mabel's features, and she leaned in, her voice conspiratorial as she said, "He seems to have quite an interest in you. He's been keeping tabs on you, especially since that promotional ad offer. Remember?"
P & J? Promotional ad?
Then Alicia remembered the call she had received just before she fell into the water.
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