When My Heart Went Missing - Chapters 2 to 9
Ania trains and struggles with her innermost secret.
Chapter 2
The drive to Base never seemed too ended. I kept thinking about what would happen next in my life. Was I really special enough to be wanted by these people? I didn't even know what they wanted me to do. For all I knew, they could be trying out some experiments and I was their next victim.
Sitting in the passenger seat was this guy. I didn't know his name but I got this vibe from him. He looked really tense, almost like he would jump out of the car any minute if he wanted to. He had a very strong build, someone I would not want to mess with. He was cute but I didn't get that OMG he is so cute reaction from him. I turned away when he caught me looking at him. When I looked back, he was smiling. To this day I still don't know why he smiled.
We drove on a one freeway for a while and then we ended up in this very suburban area. There were little kids playing on front lawns and husbands talking by fencing's. It looked like they could be discussing how to make their lawns greener. Huh. This place was different from where I lived.
Finally, we pulled to a house. It was beige and it looked bigger than all the other houses. In the driveway, two cars were already parked and could tell just by looking at them that they were expensive. I got off the car making sure that I didn't go anywhere near them. Boss led the way into the house and he gave me quick tour. The house was huge. Then we got my room. He let me go first. The first thing that popped into my head was damn. The room was nice. The walls were a light brown with wood flooring. The room had very earthy feel and I liked that. I felt comfortable in it.
I got settled in and then Boss brought me to the training room where I was to spend a whole week. The guy who sat in the passenger seat was working on kicking a big black bag. Boss led me to where he was and introduced him.
"Ania, this is Mateo. For the next week, you will train with and unlock your skills."
"What do you mean unlock my skills?"
"I don't want to give a way too much but if you are who we need, you will be able to survive the week. I have faith that you are the person we have been searching for."
"How do you know?"
"I have a feeling."
I looked at Mateo and I feared for my life. I turned to walk away from the room but I was instantly laying face up on the floor. Luckily, the floor was padded so it broke my fall. Mateo stood over me and said, "First lesson, never turn your back. You never know who will attack you."
I got myself off the floor. I could feel an energy I hadn't felt since I was in a soccer game against our schools rival. This girl came up next to me when I had the ball and she tried pushing me off the field. I fought back and pushed against her so we hit when she came for me. Finally, I was able to outrun her and score a goal. It was such a rush. I felt amazing.
Mateo tried to punch me but I blocked him and then in two seconds, he was lying on the floor. I don't know how I did it but I did it. He jumped back up and I roundhouse kicked him. I wasn't wearing any shoes, so I didn't worry about hitting hard. He fell to the floor again and he looked beat. Then he said, "I surrender. Enough. I'm done."
I smiled and then I walked out the door. I was done to. I pulled the energy to do that from thin air and I was tired now. When I got to my room, I got my stuff setup. There was already a bed so when I finished, I put a blanket on it, grabbed my favorite pillow, and then I knocked out.
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I trained everyday for about four hours or until couldn't handle me anymore. He kept telling me I was different and that I was special. I couldn't tell of he was trying to flirt with me or if he was being serious. Lucky for me I had decided that I was not going to get into any relationships because boys really confuse. I believe I will understand why they act the way they act.
HE really did mess me up. Why did I have to love him? NO. I don't love him. Snap out of Ania, you can't do this to yourself. You're never going to see him again so it's all good. Nothing to worry about. He may have stolen your heart but he will not steal your dignity. It's my life and he will never change it again.
Or so I thought.
Chapter 3
The winds change.
Monday came around when I heard a loud banging on my door. I got up to check who it was. As I walked to the door , I looked at the clock and saw that it was 6:30. WHO THE HELL IS UP THIS EARLY IN THE FREAKING MORNING. I certainly didn't want to be. Finally, I open the door and it was Mateo. He checked me out and made a weird face.
"What do you want Mateo?"
"I just thought I'd let you know that today Boss's son is coming and he's going to assess your progress."
"What? Why is he going to do that?"
"Boss asked him to. If you are who we are looking for, he will know."
"But I've only trained for a week. Can't I have more time?"
"Boss said that a week would be enough. Besides your doing great. You shouldn't worry. I believe in you."
"Wow, that makes a world of difference."
"Just be ready to show your full potential. Don't hold back. I know you that a lot. I see it when we spar.ok"
"Ok"
"Well I guess go back to sleep."
"How do you expect me to sleep now?"
"Alright then just relax."
I slammed the door and I heard him complain.
Why now? Why in just a week? Something was going to happen. I couldn't tell what it was but I could feel it in the wind. It changed. What was going to happen?
Chapter 4
A shock to Ania's memories.
I ended up falling asleep and when I woke up the clock said 9:30. I slept in. Luckily, I didn't feel tired. Who knows what I was going to have to do today for Boss's son?
I took a shower and got dressed in my training clothes. They felt nice and snug. I always felt comfortable in them. That helped me when I felt that I wouldn't be able to do something. It's funny how my clothes could give a confidence. Clothes don't fail me today. I left my room and I walked to the kitchen. I found Beth, the cook and my best friend as of last Tuesday, making something that smelled delicious. I sat at the table and she turned around and smiled at me. I could see in her eyes that she knew something was going to happen today. She was very wise for being so young. She was around 30 and she had light brown hair and some blonde highlights. It worked for her. She was tall and she was very pretty. My theory was that Boss had a crush on her but I haven't been able to prove it.
We didn't say anything to each other that morning. It was like no other morning. Something really felt different. It was like there was something new in the house and I was able to sense the change. I really never noticed that I was able to sense things like that. Right in the middle of my thought, Mateo walked and told me it was time.
I walked with him to the training room and he had me stand in the middle of the pads. He told me that he had to blindfold me to see how I react when I lose my eyesight. I protested but he assured me that I would do just fine. Once the blindfold was secured around my eyes, I heard him walk away. I stood there for a few minutes and then I heard footsteps. They were not Mateo's and I couldn't sense him. This was probably Boss's son. But? He felt familiar to me. I couldn't put my finger on it. His essence flowed through me like it was trying to find a secret hidden in my inner being. It was as if he already knew some information about me and essence was trying to see what I was and what I was to be? This was probably how he would know if I were the person they were looking for.
But then it changed. It was no longer seeing into to my soul but feeling my body. I went over my muscles. And then I realized that it was seeing how I would act next. As if, it could predict my next move. I responded by moving back. His essence lost it's hold on me but I never lost my sense of him. I moved to get closer to me but I moved back again.
Then he tried to strike me but to no avail. I blocked him and I fought back. I let myself open up to my movements. No longer was I just body and soul. I was now one with my body. He came to strike me again. It was as if I didn't' have a blindfold on. I knew his next move. When our skin touched, I felt a small shock. I couldn't tell why it was happening. It happened every time. Finally, I felt this battle coming to an end and I knew what my next moves would be without even thinking them over to much.
As he stood in front of me, ready to attack, I struck him in the arm where I knew would make him turn his body away and then I pinned him to floor. I grabbed his wrists and held them to the floor. Then I felt it. The shock. It went straight to my brain and brought back an old memory.
-I sitting with my friends from middle school during lunch. We got up to play a game of basketball against some other friends. HE was on the other team and I knew that he was going to do everything he could to keep me from scoring. In the middle of the game, I had the ball and as I was running up to make a basket, he came up next to me and tried to grab the ball. As I jumped up to shoot, he grabbed my hand that was free and I felt that shocked. Luckily, I scored and I never thought about the shock.-
Oh no. This couldn't be him. I took off my blindfold and I practically died. It was him. I jumped off o f him and I backed away from him. I tried to hide what I was feeling but I couldn't. It was Max. It was HIM. But how? Why? Is it just a coincidence? Eff my effin life. He couldn't take his eyes off me. HE looked both happy and confused. I looked over at Mateo and from his expression; I could tell he knew something was wrong. He walked over to stand next to me and Boss followed behind him.
Then Boss said, "Ania, I like you to meet Max, my son."
SON!!!!! Someone kill me now.
Chapter 5
To feel anything means to have a heart. Ania's heart was stolen from her. She does not feel so she does not cry.
This would seem the beginning but it feels more like the end. My world came tumbling down the moment I saw him. No one knew that we had gone to school together. No one but us two. How is it that fate somehow brought us together, even after that awful last day? I never thought that I would ever have to see him again. Fate is not something one can change.
"This would happen to me," I thought.
SON, I could not believe that.
--In middle school, Max's mom was the only one around. I never saw his dad. At graduation, his mom and sister were the only ones there for him. At first, I felt bad but then when I got to know him I found out that he easily got on my nerves. Never did a day go by without us fighting over something as dumb as a book being dropped from someone's desk or getting in someone's way. This kid.
Then that last day came. I thought I had feelings for the guy. We fought all the time but he always noticed the little things. When I got a new perfume for my birthday, I wore it to school the next day and he was the only one who noticed it. When I had a leaf from the trees in the play yard, he would tell me. I was too shy to tell him and fear of rejection kept me in place. Stephanie, my best friend at the time, and my friend Samantha went and talked to him. I was pretty much clueless. Sitting on a bench, I saw the three of them talking. At first I didn't think much of it until they started glancing over at me now and then. Max would drop his head and he looked like he was being interrogated. Wait. What were they asking him? Then Stephanie and Samantha turned and walked in my direction. That had this "we know something you don't know" look on their faces. I already knew that with that smile followed something that would have a not so good effect. I knew that they were just trying to help but they really didn't know when to stop.
"So guess what we found out?" Stephanie asked.
"I don't know", I replied.
"Well were not telling you so you are going to have to guess."
"Is it something really important?"
"Yes."
"Is it important to me?"
"Yes"
"Which one of your categories does it fall under?"
"Love."
"Love?
"Love ...L...O...V...E... Love."
"Who's love?"
"Yours."
"What did you guys do?"
"We didn't do anything but help you along."
"Stephanie, how many times do I have to tell you that I don't need this right now?"
"Oh don't start with your little fit. Everyone needs love. Mainly when they say they don't."
"So are you going to tell me what you did?"
"Well since you're never going to figure it out I am going to HAVE to tell you. OK so you saw us talking to Max right. Of course you did. Well Sam and I went over there and we asked him a question. I won't tell you the question but I will tell you the answer. He said that he did."
"Stephanie, this is not funny. Can you just tell me what the question is and then we can move on with our lives?"
She smiled and then she said, "The question was, do you like Ania?"
My friends really love to meddle and when they do, things turn out worse than they were in the first place. What did they expect me do to with this piece of information. It's not like I could have or wanted anyone in my life filling the position of boyfriend. I had to focus on school so I can get into college and then have a good career. Love can come later when I don't have other priorities. Besides, I didn't know the first thing about love.
Later that day, Max and I ended up being partners for a project. Lucky me. We were both quiet while everyone else was being really loud. I felt really uncomfortable being there. We finished the project in silence and before everyone. We got to talking but we avoided the subject on our minds.
Finally before the bell rang, he asked, "What did you think of my answer?"
"I was pretty shocked."
"Why?"
"The possibility that you could ever like me never crossed my mind."
"Why?"
I hate that word. "Because I'm nothing special."
He was quiet and then he asked, "Do you like me?"
I never answered him because the next day I found out that what he said wasn't true. He came up to me and said that nothing could ever happen between us because he didn't want it to. He was dared to do what he did.
I felt as if he came up to me and grabbed my heart right out of my chest. He told me that I was nothing special and that he didn't think anyone would ever love me. No one would want me. I didn't cry. He took my heart, the very thing that held my emotions. without it I didn't feel anything.
I wanted to punch him but I didn't. I should have. ---
Seeing him again, I wanted to cry .
Then for the first in a long time, the tears spilled over.
Chapter 6
Crying, does it heal the wounds. Ania has to come face to face with her problem. Will she crumble in defeat?
When I cried, Boss came over to me and asked if I were okay.
"Yeah Boss, it's just that I haven't been able to cry in a really long time and now I can."
"Why are you crying now?"
"You wouldn't understand, I'm okay, I promise."
"Well what I saw you do today was amazing." He looked over at Max and said, "What do you think son?"
"She is something special."
That one phrase hit me like a boulder. I couldn't control myself. I could feel his essence and mine fought his. Max felt it and he looked over at me. I was angry. That jerk. I hated him. Why did we have to me again? I really hope I am not the one they are looking for.
In one instant, I decided to leave. I left them standing there with confused looks on their faces. Beth was in the kitchen, so I went and sat with her. She was getting lunch ready and it smelled delicious.
"So did you meet Max?" Beth asked.
"Yeah, I did."
"Isn't he wonderful? Such a nice kid."
"Sure"
" What? You don't like him?"
"I never said that"
"Well I hope you like him. Such a great kid......."
She didn't finish her thought because she got lost in her food.
I left the kitchen and decided to take a walk out in the garden. I loved it. There were so many flowers and other really beautiful looking plants. I hadn't really spent much time out here but I should have. Right in the middle of the garden was this beautiful water fountain. The sculptures on it were beautiful. Angels were soaring up to the top where the water sprouted out and made a canopy of water.
As I was losing myself in the beauty of nature, someone called my name.
"ANIA!!!" It was Mateo. "Ania, where are you?"
Just as I was calming down.
"Over here Mateo."
As he came around the corner of the house, he saw me and said, "There you are, I've been looking for you everywhere."
"What do you need?"
"Max wants to talk to you." Oh, no.
"What about?"
"I don't know," he turned to look at the flowers. "I'm just the messenger.........Uh, by the way, are you ok? You looked sick in there."
"No, I'm good now. Do you know where he is?"
"He's waiting for you in the training room."
"Alright."
Before I went to see him, I went to my room and changed into a sundress and some flats. I felt more comfortable. I fixed my hair and put my favorite flower clips in my hair. I felt better.
When I walked into the training room, Max was standing in front of the big window. Because the room was on the second floor of the house, one could see the entire garden from there. I could hear muffled talking and when I got a little closer, I could see that he was on the phone. I was able to make out part of the conversation.
"Yeah, it's her."
"No, she hasn't said anything to me, yet."
"She's really strong."
" Earlier, I thought she was going to kill me when she realized who I was but she just stood there and looked at me."
"No, I didn't know it was her. I was just as shocked as she was."
"When she saw me, she cried."
"I could understand why. I did hurt her."
"She hates me."
I walked out and walked in again making some noise that he would hear me. He turned around and looked at me. Just looked at me. Max hung up the phone but he didn't say anything. He was making me uncomfortable.
I spoke first.
"You wanted to see me?"
"Uh yeah," he looked at me like he didn't know what he was going to say next.
"Uh. I thought I'd let you know first that you're who we have been looking for."
"If that's all, can I leave?"
"No........... Boss doesn't know."
"Know what?"
" That we know each other."
"So?"
"So that means it doesn't change anything that happens next. We still have to work together."
"Work together?"
"Seeing that you don't know all the details, Boss will need to fill you in."
"Alright," I turned to leave.
"Ania?"
I turned to look at him, "Yes?"
"I'm sorry."
I didn't know what to say so I just left.
Did he really mean what he said? NO. Ania, don't fall for his trap. Don't let him fool you again.
Chapter 7
After my talk with max, I walked back to my room. How the he'll was I going to get through life here? I would have to work with him. How was that going to work if every time I see him, I want to punch him right in the face?
I was feeling pretty tired so I laid on the couch and I turned the TV on. Nothing good was on so I just turned it off.
Because of him, I can't even watch TV. Finally I gave up and took a nap. I didn't have a dream. That was great because I knew that if something was bugging, I would dream about it. He was bugging me and to my luck, I didn't dream about him.
Later that day or at least I thought it was the same day, I heard a knock on my door. I was half asleep but I got up to check who was there. As I opened the door, I could hear whispers. I couldn't see anyone in the hallway but I could feel someone was there. My essence found them but they were like no other human. They felt human but they had no souls. As if they were heartless beings. They may have a heart but it was either taken from them or they gave it up. The whisperings got louder and when I opened the door, I was surrounded by a cold darkness. I felt nothing but their hatred and the evil that was inside them. I was a gone for sure. I didn't know what they wanted from me or with me. I had nothing of value.
Duh. My power. But why would they want it. I don't really do anything special but fight. I tried to get free of their hold but they grabbed my arms so I wasn't able to use them. They laughed when I would try to hit them but to no avail. I didn't know what they were going to do to me but I knew that I may not live any longer.
Then in the darkness like a lighthouse shining to boats on the water, I felt his essence. He was in the training room and I felt boss was there with him. I tried to send him some time of signal, hoping, praying that he would get it. At first, he shrugged it off but then he got my distress signal. His body tensed and I felt him move. He was getting closer but as he got closer to me I got closer to death. The heartless, as I learned they were called, used their power and they began to let the evil flow into my soul. My essence fought back as best it could but I felt incomplete. There was something missing but I didn't know what. Max was getting closer but he was taking too long. I was running out of energy but I used what I had left and I sent him another signal. I didn't know if he got it. There was a flash of light and then I was out.
When I woke up, I was in a white room. It could be a hospital but when I looked out the window, there was the magnificent fountain with angels. That made me feel more comfortable. I looked over myself. I was in a hospital gown. I really didn't want to know how I got in it. On my arms, I could see bruises from where the heartless grabbed me. I ran my fingers over the bruises. They didn't hurt too much.
I had no I.V.s attached to me so I sat up but as I did, I felt really dizzy. I moved my legs so that they hung on the side of the bed. I tried to stand up. At first I couldn't. My body felt stiff as if I hadn't used them in a long time. Finally, I was able to get myself to stand up. My legs felt weak but I shook them a little and they started to feel better. The door was across from the end of the bed. From where I was standing, it seemed pretty far. I turned around and next to the wall I found a chair. I dragged myself to it and push it from me so that I could use it to hold me up. I had to get out of that room. Hospitals always made me really nervous. I never liked being in them and I wasn't going to start now.
When I got to the door, I turned the knob and checked to see if I could hear anyone out in the hallway. I didn't hear anyone so I continued to open the door. The door led to a hallway. It was pretty long and I didn't know in what part of the house I was in. I pushed the chair and followed the hallway all the way to the end. It took me a while but finally I thought I had made it but to my utter dismay, I found myself in front of a flight of stairs. How the hell was I going to get up them?
I decided to take them one and a time. I didn't really keep track of how long it took me to get up the stairs. AT the top of the stairs were a short hallway and a door. The door looked familiar so I decided to see what was behind. I leaned against the wall for support as I walked over to the door. At the door, I listened for voices or sounds that would tell me if anyone was there. Again, I didn't hear anyone so I opened the door. I found the living room. Yes, some progress. From there I made my way to my room. As I walked, my body started to feel less stiff and moved faster, little by little. As I made it to my room, I heard voices coming from the end of the hall. I didn't want anyone to see me so I tried as best I could to run into my room. AS I closed the door, I could hear the voices getting closer and I could tell that it was that it was Max and Boss. Damn. They were talking about me but I couldn't really hear the details. As they walked away, I made my way to the restroom. I locked the door, Turned on the water in the shower, and then I turned to look at myself in the mirror.
Why am I not happy? I look so sad. Why did this have to happen? I wish I didn't have to see him. He only brings back the pain. Why can't the pain just go away? Ugh. I hate life.
I took of the hospital gown and as I did, I saw more bruises on my body. They went from arms and sides of my stomach down to my legs. They really hurt me a lot. This was only physical hurt. In time, it will go away. Emotional hurt, on the other hand, doesn't go away that easily. I breathed in a deep breath and found out that my chest hurt too. As if I had drowned, and as my lungs struggled to breathe, they were filled with water. Ow. I got into the shower and let the warm water run over my pain. It felt delicious. Water had healing powers and I needed it. The warm water felt so good. I could sit there all day if I wanted. I am going to sit here all day.
I turned off the shower and stepped out. I grabbed a towel and went to get my iPod. I came back into the bathroom and I turned on the Jacuzzi. Boss is rich so his house looks rich. I loved Jacuzzis. Once it filled up, I stepped in and let the water surround me. This was nice. I put on my music and let myself drift away from my problems. Nothing could ruin this place of peace I had created. I felt free for the moment and I let my body rest.
After about an hour, my hands were started to look like prunes so I decided to get out. I dried my body but I made sure not to rub over my bruises. I tied the towel around my body and then I walked to my room to get dressed. I hadn't been outside so I didn't know what to wear. I went over to the window and I opened it. As I did, a hot wind came in and made me hot. Shorts or dress it is. I went over to my drawers and I found my spandex. I had different colors from soccer practice. Today I put on the black ones and my favorite light blue muscle shirt. I found my work out shoes and put them on to. I brushed my hair but I left it down. My head was hurting a little so I didn't want to make it worse by putting my hair up in a ponytail like I always do.
There, I was done. I needed train. I felt useless so I went to train. After half an hour, I heard shouting coming from down the hall. After two or three hours, I had not seen anyone. Now I heard Mateo yelling, "She wasn't there. I can't find her boss. What if they got to her?"
Did they really care that I was gone or was it because I had something that they needed? I was thinking of leaving. I didn't know exactly what was going to happen but I also didn't know if me leaving was the best decision. Maybe I'll know soon.
I started punching a dummy and worked on my combos when Mateo came in like a crazy person. I wasn't paying much attention to him. He was yelling at me about something but I didn't acknowledge him. I kept hitting the dummy.
"ANIA!!!!" It was Max and he sounded angry. I turned to look at him. If looks could kill, the one he had, would do so.
Chapter 8
Ania tells her most guarded secret.
Max looked pissed but I wasn't going to let that get to me. I wasn't just going to sit in that room forever. I kept punching the dummy wishing that the dummy was Max.
"What do you want?" I asked him angrily.
"What I want is to know what you are doing here?"
"Did you really expect me to stay in that room?"
"You were in their to rest. "
"Well I'm fine so just leave me alone."
"Everyone thinks your missing"
"Well then leave me alone and go tell them that I'm not"
As we were talking, I didn't see that he was getting closer to me. I had my back turned to him and I was focusing my essence on the dummy I was hitting. Then I felt a hand on my shoulder. I was taken by surprise and Max ended up on the floor. I looked at him and he asked me, "are you ok?"
"I should be the one asking you that?"
I helped him off the floor and I went back to hitting the dummy. I didn't want him to see me care. I punched harder and the more I punched, nothing happened to the dummy. It reminded me of the heartless. I stop punching and I looked at the floor. My breathing was uneven and I felt light headed. Why couldn't I hit them. What would they have done to me if I hadn't sent for Max. God, why did I have to need him. He was the only one who would have been able to understand my signal.
I felt Mateo coming and then be yelled,"Ania!!!"
"Yes Mateo?"
"What are you doing in here? Max, what's going on? Ania, are you ok? You should be resting. Why did you leave the room?"
"What's with the twenty million question?"
"I was just worried."
"Well, I'm fine so you don't have to worry. Besides I'll always be fine."
I looked over at Max and I knew that I wasn't going to last much longer in there. Mateo looked at me and I knew exactly what he was thinking. We needed to talk.
"Mateo, can we go get some coffee?"
"Yeah let's go now. Max, do you want us to bring you anything?"
As Mateo asked him I took the opportunity to leave. I went out into the hallway and finally I was able to breathe. I thought I would cry but I needed to be strong hell stronger than I could ever be. I was not going to let this idiot ruin my life again. I had to train. I had to be strong. But most of all I had to make sure that I was somewhat happy.
Mateo came out into the hallway. He looked worried again.
"What did I tell you about worrying about? I'm fine really. I just need some air and some coffee. Ok."
He nodded and we left to get coffee. On the drive, I rolled down the windows and I let the wind blow my hair around. It felt amazing. I felt free of everything and all my problems. I felt Mateo looking at me. I turned and I gave him a smile.
"I guess you really needed some fresh air. You look happy again. Although, since you've been at base, you haven't been very happy."
"A lot is going on and a lot has happened. It's a lot for one person to handle alone."
"Well you know you don't have to handle it alone. Yeah I know but I wouldn't want to have someone else other than my self carry the burdens and problems I have."
"I know we only known each other for a little more than a week but we're friends, right? I hope your answer is yes. If not I would be hurt."
That made me smile."Yes Mateo, we're friends. But I don't want you to feel that because we're friends you have to carry my burdens."
"Well I won't hold the whole burden. I'll just help you hold them."
We stopped at the coffee shop and I ordered my favorite iced coffee. I'm really addicted to them.
We found a table in the corner and it was pretty private so we can talk and not worry about eavesdroppers. I sat down and I got comfortable. I didn't know where I was going to start this conversation. I didn't know how I was going to tell him exactly what was going on. Should I have asked max about telling Mateo? I know I can trust Mateo and hopefully he can understand the situation.
Mateo looked at me and he had this look like he was ready.
"Alright, what's been up with you lately?"
"Um... Well it's hard to explain and it's a long story. "
"Well we have all day and I'm ready to listen."
"Are you sure you want to know? On e you know there's no going back. What you know is going to change."
"Tell me who does it involve?"
"Mainly it involves me and max."
"Max? You just met last week. How could you already have a problem?"
"I didn't just meet him last week."
"What do you mean?"
"I met max when I was in 6th grade. We went to school together for three years. After our 8th grade graduation, I never wanted to see him again."
"Why?"
"We fought a lot but it was never anything serious. All day we would fight about everything. Then we would move on and we would have some fun times. Aside from the fighting, he was a great guy. Then my nosy friends got involved. "
I didn't know how to continue. I had never told anyone about what happened that day, not even my friends. Did I really believe I could tell Mateo all that happened. What happened basically hurt me forever.
"So what happened? What did your friends do?"
I decided to tell him. I told him what my friends did, what max said, how he took it back, and how he basically lied to me.
When I finished, Mateo looked shocked. I didn't know how long he knew max. They could be good friends and I just ruined their friendship.
Well I knew that things were going change but what I didn't know was if the effects were going to be good or bad. Well I guess I was going to find out.
Chapter 9
Ania questions what she is fighting for.
The drive back to base was quiet. Mateo didn't seem to know what to say. It was a subject that I never wanted to talk about and I was glad that Mateo didn't keep the subject alive. It died and I was glad. Again I let the wind blow through my hair and let my cares blow away with it. Mateo looked over at me and smiled. I felt comfortable around him and he understood. I may have only known him for a little more than a week but I feel that he understands what I'm going through. Really he's my only real friend besides Beth in the base.
We got back around seven. The house the quiet and we saw no one. Boss probably left for to take care of some business. Beth wasn't in the kitchen even though she always was. That was weird. Something wasn't right. The house was really quiet. No lights were on.
Then I felt it. The house had lost it's essence as if someone came and tore away it's heart. It felt empty and cold. It had never felt like that before.
"Mateo, something's wrong."
"Yeah I felt it too."
"Where is everyone?"
"I don't know"
"the house feels cold and empty. It has never felt like this before. "
It came out of nowhere but I felt it. I pushed Mateo out of the way so I would get hit instead. The darkness pummeled me into the wall and my arm moved in a direction it shouldn't. I ignored the pain as best I could and looked over at Mateo. He was ok for the moment but the darkness was heading straight for him. He didn't see it coming so I had to act quickly. I attacked it with the power I had left but I was drained. I hadn't really rested when I should have. Yet I wasn't going to let Mateo pay for that mistake. I pushed at the darkness and it seemed to be working.
My energy started to waiver and I knew I wouldn't be able to hold up for much longer. Then I felt someone grab my hand and I felt a burst of energy burst through my entire body. I looked next to me and I saw Max. He looked back at me. I didn't let him distract me. Mateo was still unaware of what was happening. He probably hit his head. Poor Mateo. I used the extra boost and I sent the darkness and surprise. It thought I was getting drained and gave up on fighting me. It never put up a defense so it remained vulnerable. It was right over Mateo. I wasn't going to let it hurt him. I hit it again but it wouldn't budge again. I was getting stronger and I was getting angry. I realized that I could use that anger to hit the darkness. I tried one more time and then the darkness let out a bloodcurdling scream. It fell to the floor and then it disappeared.
Immediately, I let go of Max's hand so I could get to Mateo. I didn't know how much energy I had left and I almost hit the floor when Max caught me. I pushed him away and I walked as fast as my body would let me to Mateo. He was unconscious and I could see blood running from his head. I was really scared. This was my fault. I pushed him out of the way so he wouldn't get hit. I remembered my arm. I t was sore and I could barely move it. No matter how much I moved him, Mateo wouldn't wake up. I had to get him to the hospital. I tried picking him up but my hurt arm wouldn't let me. I had to ask Max to help me. I turned to find him but I didn't need to ask. I turned back and Max was already picking him up from the floor.
At the hospital, the doctors took him in and ran some tests. I wasn't going to ask for help but they saw that I was holding my arm. They suggested that I get some x-rays done. I was too tired to say no. The nurse walked me to a room where she told me to remove any metal I had on. That only took a second because I was only wearing my purple and blue necklace, my favorite of all the ones I have. The nurse came back and as she walked me to another section of the hospital, I tried asking her about Mateo but she didn't have any new news. I really hoped he would be OK.
When the results came in, the doctor told me that I had not broken any bones but it seemed that I pulled a muscle they were swollen. He said that I would have to take it easy for a while and not use my arm for anything. Great, only a week into training and I was already hurt. Although, it did give me an excuse to leave for a while. But I have so many questions. About the Heartless? About my powers? About Max? How were we connected? Did it have to something with our powers? He was the only one who could understand my signals and he could control his essence like I was learning to control mine.
Then I remembered what he told me that day we talked, Boss was supposed to fill me in. Fill me in on what? I really needed these questions answered. They were keeping secrets from me and I didn't like that. They wanted me to trust them. How could I trust them if they didn't tell me what was really happening? The heartless were attacking and I didn't know how to stop them. Max was just as secretive. Personally, I didn't want to be anywhere near him, yet, earlier when he grabbed my hand, it didn't feel weird. It felt natural. When I pulled away, the feeling was gone. It kind of felt like when someone disconnects the internet. You can't get to the knowledge and there's a feeling of being obsolete. I pushed that aside right away because I had to get to Mateo.
I walked out of the exam room feeling down. It was my fault Mateo was here. As I walked down the hallway, I ran into his doctor. He remembered me from when Mateo was admitted and he asked how I was?
"I'm ok. I just pulled a muscle."
"That's great."
"Yeah I guess."
"I can see you're worried about your friend."
"Yeah I am. How is he doing?"
"He's stable. We ran some tests but they all came back negative. He didn't have any injuries to his skull. His body went onto shock and shut itself down to protect any vitals. He should wake up by tomorrow. We want to keep him for a couple of days to observe him. We don't want to take any chances."
"Any chances?"
"In case there was something we missed. For now he looks good. Just when he wakes up, he is going to be sore. The nurse attending him has your contact information so if anything changes, you will be notified. Do you know if he has any relatives?"
"No, he never told me about any. I could ask our boss. He might know."
"Ok. Please do. Well have a god night and safe drive home."
"Thank you."
I headed for the bathroom. I needed to freshen up because I was probably a mess. I looked in the mirror and I saw a couple bruises forming on my neck and arms. I lifted my shirt with my good arm and I found more bruises on my sides and stomach. Those were going to be lovely when I try to get to sleep tonight. That's if I sleep. I combed my hair with my fingers. I threw some water on my face. Now I had to go to Max and get a ride home. Or I could call a cab. That would be the better option. But Mateo wouldn't like it if I did that.
I forced myself to go to the waiting room. When I got there, Max was standing by the window and he was on the phone. This scene felt very familiar. I didn't want to hear what he was saying to whomever he was talking to. I sat down in a chair and waited for him to end his conservation. I watched him and I don't know why. He looked somewhat angry. I tried guessing why he was mad. I couldn't think of anything. I didn't know him anymore. He was a different person now. He wasn't the Max I knew in middle school. He seemed more independent and strong. Yet there was a part of him that I didn't trust.
He turned and he saw me looking at him. I turned away as if I had just turned to look at him. The looks he gave me didn't scare me and I wasn't going to let him change that. I heard him end his conservation and few seconds later, he was standing in front of me. He was looking down. Now that made me uncomfortable. I didn't like feeling weak and the positions we were in, made me feel weak. I looked up at him as I pushed my chair back. I got up and I looked to see where the keys to the car were. He had them in his pocket. I desperately needed to get home. I was so tired I was having trouble standing.
I sat down before I would fall.
"You ok?" Max asked.
"Yeah, I'm just really tired."
"You should have slept instead of training."
"Yeah well I wasn't very happy in that cell."
"You weren't locked in."
"I felt like I was in cage. I hate feeling like that."
I tried getting up but I ended up just sitting back down in my chair. I needed to get home. My eyed were on the verge of closing.
"Here let me help you."
"NO, don't. I'll do it."
Finally, after another attempt, I was able to get myself up. No one was in the waiting room except us to so there was no one there to watch me. I used the chair to help me get to the elevator. There was a short space between the chair and the elevator, so I walked slowly. I pushed the button and leaned against the wall as I waited for the doors to open. The doors opened and I walked in holding on to the wall. Max came in next to me. He didn't say anything. That was a first. He really did change. Back then, he would look for every opportunity to make fun of me. Today, he said nothing.
The doors closed and the elevator moved down to the first floor. We were on the 34 floor of the hospital so it was a somewhat long trip down. Eventually the doors open. I found the energy and I walked out of the hospital and to the car which was on the 4 floor of the parking structure. Not my day. When I sat in the passenger seat, all I remember was Max turning on the car and the radio was on. Some song by Bruno Mars was playing. It was slow. Then I fell asleep.
The drive to Base never seemed too ended. I kept thinking about what would happen next in my life. Was I really special enough to be wanted by these people? I didn't even know what they wanted me to do. For all I knew, they could be trying out some experiments and I was their next victim.
Sitting in the passenger seat was this guy. I didn't know his name but I got this vibe from him. He looked really tense, almost like he would jump out of the car any minute if he wanted to. He had a very strong build, someone I would not want to mess with. He was cute but I didn't get that OMG he is so cute reaction from him. I turned away when he caught me looking at him. When I looked back, he was smiling. To this day I still don't know why he smiled.
We drove on a one freeway for a while and then we ended up in this very suburban area. There were little kids playing on front lawns and husbands talking by fencing's. It looked like they could be discussing how to make their lawns greener. Huh. This place was different from where I lived.
Finally, we pulled to a house. It was beige and it looked bigger than all the other houses. In the driveway, two cars were already parked and could tell just by looking at them that they were expensive. I got off the car making sure that I didn't go anywhere near them. Boss led the way into the house and he gave me quick tour. The house was huge. Then we got my room. He let me go first. The first thing that popped into my head was damn. The room was nice. The walls were a light brown with wood flooring. The room had very earthy feel and I liked that. I felt comfortable in it.
I got settled in and then Boss brought me to the training room where I was to spend a whole week. The guy who sat in the passenger seat was working on kicking a big black bag. Boss led me to where he was and introduced him.
"Ania, this is Mateo. For the next week, you will train with and unlock your skills."
"What do you mean unlock my skills?"
"I don't want to give a way too much but if you are who we need, you will be able to survive the week. I have faith that you are the person we have been searching for."
"How do you know?"
"I have a feeling."
I looked at Mateo and I feared for my life. I turned to walk away from the room but I was instantly laying face up on the floor. Luckily, the floor was padded so it broke my fall. Mateo stood over me and said, "First lesson, never turn your back. You never know who will attack you."
I got myself off the floor. I could feel an energy I hadn't felt since I was in a soccer game against our schools rival. This girl came up next to me when I had the ball and she tried pushing me off the field. I fought back and pushed against her so we hit when she came for me. Finally, I was able to outrun her and score a goal. It was such a rush. I felt amazing.
Mateo tried to punch me but I blocked him and then in two seconds, he was lying on the floor. I don't know how I did it but I did it. He jumped back up and I roundhouse kicked him. I wasn't wearing any shoes, so I didn't worry about hitting hard. He fell to the floor again and he looked beat. Then he said, "I surrender. Enough. I'm done."
I smiled and then I walked out the door. I was done to. I pulled the energy to do that from thin air and I was tired now. When I got to my room, I got my stuff setup. There was already a bed so when I finished, I put a blanket on it, grabbed my favorite pillow, and then I knocked out.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I trained everyday for about four hours or until couldn't handle me anymore. He kept telling me I was different and that I was special. I couldn't tell of he was trying to flirt with me or if he was being serious. Lucky for me I had decided that I was not going to get into any relationships because boys really confuse. I believe I will understand why they act the way they act.
HE really did mess me up. Why did I have to love him? NO. I don't love him. Snap out of Ania, you can't do this to yourself. You're never going to see him again so it's all good. Nothing to worry about. He may have stolen your heart but he will not steal your dignity. It's my life and he will never change it again.
Or so I thought.
Chapter 3
The winds change.
Monday came around when I heard a loud banging on my door. I got up to check who it was. As I walked to the door , I looked at the clock and saw that it was 6:30. WHO THE HELL IS UP THIS EARLY IN THE FREAKING MORNING. I certainly didn't want to be. Finally, I open the door and it was Mateo. He checked me out and made a weird face.
"What do you want Mateo?"
"I just thought I'd let you know that today Boss's son is coming and he's going to assess your progress."
"What? Why is he going to do that?"
"Boss asked him to. If you are who we are looking for, he will know."
"But I've only trained for a week. Can't I have more time?"
"Boss said that a week would be enough. Besides your doing great. You shouldn't worry. I believe in you."
"Wow, that makes a world of difference."
"Just be ready to show your full potential. Don't hold back. I know you that a lot. I see it when we spar.ok"
"Ok"
"Well I guess go back to sleep."
"How do you expect me to sleep now?"
"Alright then just relax."
I slammed the door and I heard him complain.
Why now? Why in just a week? Something was going to happen. I couldn't tell what it was but I could feel it in the wind. It changed. What was going to happen?
Chapter 4
A shock to Ania's memories.
I ended up falling asleep and when I woke up the clock said 9:30. I slept in. Luckily, I didn't feel tired. Who knows what I was going to have to do today for Boss's son?
I took a shower and got dressed in my training clothes. They felt nice and snug. I always felt comfortable in them. That helped me when I felt that I wouldn't be able to do something. It's funny how my clothes could give a confidence. Clothes don't fail me today. I left my room and I walked to the kitchen. I found Beth, the cook and my best friend as of last Tuesday, making something that smelled delicious. I sat at the table and she turned around and smiled at me. I could see in her eyes that she knew something was going to happen today. She was very wise for being so young. She was around 30 and she had light brown hair and some blonde highlights. It worked for her. She was tall and she was very pretty. My theory was that Boss had a crush on her but I haven't been able to prove it.
We didn't say anything to each other that morning. It was like no other morning. Something really felt different. It was like there was something new in the house and I was able to sense the change. I really never noticed that I was able to sense things like that. Right in the middle of my thought, Mateo walked and told me it was time.
I walked with him to the training room and he had me stand in the middle of the pads. He told me that he had to blindfold me to see how I react when I lose my eyesight. I protested but he assured me that I would do just fine. Once the blindfold was secured around my eyes, I heard him walk away. I stood there for a few minutes and then I heard footsteps. They were not Mateo's and I couldn't sense him. This was probably Boss's son. But? He felt familiar to me. I couldn't put my finger on it. His essence flowed through me like it was trying to find a secret hidden in my inner being. It was as if he already knew some information about me and essence was trying to see what I was and what I was to be? This was probably how he would know if I were the person they were looking for.
But then it changed. It was no longer seeing into to my soul but feeling my body. I went over my muscles. And then I realized that it was seeing how I would act next. As if, it could predict my next move. I responded by moving back. His essence lost it's hold on me but I never lost my sense of him. I moved to get closer to me but I moved back again.
Then he tried to strike me but to no avail. I blocked him and I fought back. I let myself open up to my movements. No longer was I just body and soul. I was now one with my body. He came to strike me again. It was as if I didn't' have a blindfold on. I knew his next move. When our skin touched, I felt a small shock. I couldn't tell why it was happening. It happened every time. Finally, I felt this battle coming to an end and I knew what my next moves would be without even thinking them over to much.
As he stood in front of me, ready to attack, I struck him in the arm where I knew would make him turn his body away and then I pinned him to floor. I grabbed his wrists and held them to the floor. Then I felt it. The shock. It went straight to my brain and brought back an old memory.
-I sitting with my friends from middle school during lunch. We got up to play a game of basketball against some other friends. HE was on the other team and I knew that he was going to do everything he could to keep me from scoring. In the middle of the game, I had the ball and as I was running up to make a basket, he came up next to me and tried to grab the ball. As I jumped up to shoot, he grabbed my hand that was free and I felt that shocked. Luckily, I scored and I never thought about the shock.-
Oh no. This couldn't be him. I took off my blindfold and I practically died. It was him. I jumped off o f him and I backed away from him. I tried to hide what I was feeling but I couldn't. It was Max. It was HIM. But how? Why? Is it just a coincidence? Eff my effin life. He couldn't take his eyes off me. HE looked both happy and confused. I looked over at Mateo and from his expression; I could tell he knew something was wrong. He walked over to stand next to me and Boss followed behind him.
Then Boss said, "Ania, I like you to meet Max, my son."
SON!!!!! Someone kill me now.
Chapter 5
To feel anything means to have a heart. Ania's heart was stolen from her. She does not feel so she does not cry.
This would seem the beginning but it feels more like the end. My world came tumbling down the moment I saw him. No one knew that we had gone to school together. No one but us two. How is it that fate somehow brought us together, even after that awful last day? I never thought that I would ever have to see him again. Fate is not something one can change.
"This would happen to me," I thought.
SON, I could not believe that.
--In middle school, Max's mom was the only one around. I never saw his dad. At graduation, his mom and sister were the only ones there for him. At first, I felt bad but then when I got to know him I found out that he easily got on my nerves. Never did a day go by without us fighting over something as dumb as a book being dropped from someone's desk or getting in someone's way. This kid.
Then that last day came. I thought I had feelings for the guy. We fought all the time but he always noticed the little things. When I got a new perfume for my birthday, I wore it to school the next day and he was the only one who noticed it. When I had a leaf from the trees in the play yard, he would tell me. I was too shy to tell him and fear of rejection kept me in place. Stephanie, my best friend at the time, and my friend Samantha went and talked to him. I was pretty much clueless. Sitting on a bench, I saw the three of them talking. At first I didn't think much of it until they started glancing over at me now and then. Max would drop his head and he looked like he was being interrogated. Wait. What were they asking him? Then Stephanie and Samantha turned and walked in my direction. That had this "we know something you don't know" look on their faces. I already knew that with that smile followed something that would have a not so good effect. I knew that they were just trying to help but they really didn't know when to stop.
"So guess what we found out?" Stephanie asked.
"I don't know", I replied.
"Well were not telling you so you are going to have to guess."
"Is it something really important?"
"Yes."
"Is it important to me?"
"Yes"
"Which one of your categories does it fall under?"
"Love."
"Love?
"Love ...L...O...V...E... Love."
"Who's love?"
"Yours."
"What did you guys do?"
"We didn't do anything but help you along."
"Stephanie, how many times do I have to tell you that I don't need this right now?"
"Oh don't start with your little fit. Everyone needs love. Mainly when they say they don't."
"So are you going to tell me what you did?"
"Well since you're never going to figure it out I am going to HAVE to tell you. OK so you saw us talking to Max right. Of course you did. Well Sam and I went over there and we asked him a question. I won't tell you the question but I will tell you the answer. He said that he did."
"Stephanie, this is not funny. Can you just tell me what the question is and then we can move on with our lives?"
She smiled and then she said, "The question was, do you like Ania?"
My friends really love to meddle and when they do, things turn out worse than they were in the first place. What did they expect me do to with this piece of information. It's not like I could have or wanted anyone in my life filling the position of boyfriend. I had to focus on school so I can get into college and then have a good career. Love can come later when I don't have other priorities. Besides, I didn't know the first thing about love.
Later that day, Max and I ended up being partners for a project. Lucky me. We were both quiet while everyone else was being really loud. I felt really uncomfortable being there. We finished the project in silence and before everyone. We got to talking but we avoided the subject on our minds.
Finally before the bell rang, he asked, "What did you think of my answer?"
"I was pretty shocked."
"Why?"
"The possibility that you could ever like me never crossed my mind."
"Why?"
I hate that word. "Because I'm nothing special."
He was quiet and then he asked, "Do you like me?"
I never answered him because the next day I found out that what he said wasn't true. He came up to me and said that nothing could ever happen between us because he didn't want it to. He was dared to do what he did.
I felt as if he came up to me and grabbed my heart right out of my chest. He told me that I was nothing special and that he didn't think anyone would ever love me. No one would want me. I didn't cry. He took my heart, the very thing that held my emotions. without it I didn't feel anything.
I wanted to punch him but I didn't. I should have. ---
Seeing him again, I wanted to cry .
Then for the first in a long time, the tears spilled over.
Chapter 6
Crying, does it heal the wounds. Ania has to come face to face with her problem. Will she crumble in defeat?
When I cried, Boss came over to me and asked if I were okay.
"Yeah Boss, it's just that I haven't been able to cry in a really long time and now I can."
"Why are you crying now?"
"You wouldn't understand, I'm okay, I promise."
"Well what I saw you do today was amazing." He looked over at Max and said, "What do you think son?"
"She is something special."
That one phrase hit me like a boulder. I couldn't control myself. I could feel his essence and mine fought his. Max felt it and he looked over at me. I was angry. That jerk. I hated him. Why did we have to me again? I really hope I am not the one they are looking for.
In one instant, I decided to leave. I left them standing there with confused looks on their faces. Beth was in the kitchen, so I went and sat with her. She was getting lunch ready and it smelled delicious.
"So did you meet Max?" Beth asked.
"Yeah, I did."
"Isn't he wonderful? Such a nice kid."
"Sure"
" What? You don't like him?"
"I never said that"
"Well I hope you like him. Such a great kid......."
She didn't finish her thought because she got lost in her food.
I left the kitchen and decided to take a walk out in the garden. I loved it. There were so many flowers and other really beautiful looking plants. I hadn't really spent much time out here but I should have. Right in the middle of the garden was this beautiful water fountain. The sculptures on it were beautiful. Angels were soaring up to the top where the water sprouted out and made a canopy of water.
As I was losing myself in the beauty of nature, someone called my name.
"ANIA!!!" It was Mateo. "Ania, where are you?"
Just as I was calming down.
"Over here Mateo."
As he came around the corner of the house, he saw me and said, "There you are, I've been looking for you everywhere."
"What do you need?"
"Max wants to talk to you." Oh, no.
"What about?"
"I don't know," he turned to look at the flowers. "I'm just the messenger.........Uh, by the way, are you ok? You looked sick in there."
"No, I'm good now. Do you know where he is?"
"He's waiting for you in the training room."
"Alright."
Before I went to see him, I went to my room and changed into a sundress and some flats. I felt more comfortable. I fixed my hair and put my favorite flower clips in my hair. I felt better.
When I walked into the training room, Max was standing in front of the big window. Because the room was on the second floor of the house, one could see the entire garden from there. I could hear muffled talking and when I got a little closer, I could see that he was on the phone. I was able to make out part of the conversation.
"Yeah, it's her."
"No, she hasn't said anything to me, yet."
"She's really strong."
" Earlier, I thought she was going to kill me when she realized who I was but she just stood there and looked at me."
"No, I didn't know it was her. I was just as shocked as she was."
"When she saw me, she cried."
"I could understand why. I did hurt her."
"She hates me."
I walked out and walked in again making some noise that he would hear me. He turned around and looked at me. Just looked at me. Max hung up the phone but he didn't say anything. He was making me uncomfortable.
I spoke first.
"You wanted to see me?"
"Uh yeah," he looked at me like he didn't know what he was going to say next.
"Uh. I thought I'd let you know first that you're who we have been looking for."
"If that's all, can I leave?"
"No........... Boss doesn't know."
"Know what?"
" That we know each other."
"So?"
"So that means it doesn't change anything that happens next. We still have to work together."
"Work together?"
"Seeing that you don't know all the details, Boss will need to fill you in."
"Alright," I turned to leave.
"Ania?"
I turned to look at him, "Yes?"
"I'm sorry."
I didn't know what to say so I just left.
Did he really mean what he said? NO. Ania, don't fall for his trap. Don't let him fool you again.
Chapter 7
After my talk with max, I walked back to my room. How the he'll was I going to get through life here? I would have to work with him. How was that going to work if every time I see him, I want to punch him right in the face?
I was feeling pretty tired so I laid on the couch and I turned the TV on. Nothing good was on so I just turned it off.
Because of him, I can't even watch TV. Finally I gave up and took a nap. I didn't have a dream. That was great because I knew that if something was bugging, I would dream about it. He was bugging me and to my luck, I didn't dream about him.
Later that day or at least I thought it was the same day, I heard a knock on my door. I was half asleep but I got up to check who was there. As I opened the door, I could hear whispers. I couldn't see anyone in the hallway but I could feel someone was there. My essence found them but they were like no other human. They felt human but they had no souls. As if they were heartless beings. They may have a heart but it was either taken from them or they gave it up. The whisperings got louder and when I opened the door, I was surrounded by a cold darkness. I felt nothing but their hatred and the evil that was inside them. I was a gone for sure. I didn't know what they wanted from me or with me. I had nothing of value.
Duh. My power. But why would they want it. I don't really do anything special but fight. I tried to get free of their hold but they grabbed my arms so I wasn't able to use them. They laughed when I would try to hit them but to no avail. I didn't know what they were going to do to me but I knew that I may not live any longer.
Then in the darkness like a lighthouse shining to boats on the water, I felt his essence. He was in the training room and I felt boss was there with him. I tried to send him some time of signal, hoping, praying that he would get it. At first, he shrugged it off but then he got my distress signal. His body tensed and I felt him move. He was getting closer but as he got closer to me I got closer to death. The heartless, as I learned they were called, used their power and they began to let the evil flow into my soul. My essence fought back as best it could but I felt incomplete. There was something missing but I didn't know what. Max was getting closer but he was taking too long. I was running out of energy but I used what I had left and I sent him another signal. I didn't know if he got it. There was a flash of light and then I was out.
When I woke up, I was in a white room. It could be a hospital but when I looked out the window, there was the magnificent fountain with angels. That made me feel more comfortable. I looked over myself. I was in a hospital gown. I really didn't want to know how I got in it. On my arms, I could see bruises from where the heartless grabbed me. I ran my fingers over the bruises. They didn't hurt too much.
I had no I.V.s attached to me so I sat up but as I did, I felt really dizzy. I moved my legs so that they hung on the side of the bed. I tried to stand up. At first I couldn't. My body felt stiff as if I hadn't used them in a long time. Finally, I was able to get myself to stand up. My legs felt weak but I shook them a little and they started to feel better. The door was across from the end of the bed. From where I was standing, it seemed pretty far. I turned around and next to the wall I found a chair. I dragged myself to it and push it from me so that I could use it to hold me up. I had to get out of that room. Hospitals always made me really nervous. I never liked being in them and I wasn't going to start now.
When I got to the door, I turned the knob and checked to see if I could hear anyone out in the hallway. I didn't hear anyone so I continued to open the door. The door led to a hallway. It was pretty long and I didn't know in what part of the house I was in. I pushed the chair and followed the hallway all the way to the end. It took me a while but finally I thought I had made it but to my utter dismay, I found myself in front of a flight of stairs. How the hell was I going to get up them?
I decided to take them one and a time. I didn't really keep track of how long it took me to get up the stairs. AT the top of the stairs were a short hallway and a door. The door looked familiar so I decided to see what was behind. I leaned against the wall for support as I walked over to the door. At the door, I listened for voices or sounds that would tell me if anyone was there. Again, I didn't hear anyone so I opened the door. I found the living room. Yes, some progress. From there I made my way to my room. As I walked, my body started to feel less stiff and moved faster, little by little. As I made it to my room, I heard voices coming from the end of the hall. I didn't want anyone to see me so I tried as best I could to run into my room. AS I closed the door, I could hear the voices getting closer and I could tell that it was that it was Max and Boss. Damn. They were talking about me but I couldn't really hear the details. As they walked away, I made my way to the restroom. I locked the door, Turned on the water in the shower, and then I turned to look at myself in the mirror.
Why am I not happy? I look so sad. Why did this have to happen? I wish I didn't have to see him. He only brings back the pain. Why can't the pain just go away? Ugh. I hate life.
I took of the hospital gown and as I did, I saw more bruises on my body. They went from arms and sides of my stomach down to my legs. They really hurt me a lot. This was only physical hurt. In time, it will go away. Emotional hurt, on the other hand, doesn't go away that easily. I breathed in a deep breath and found out that my chest hurt too. As if I had drowned, and as my lungs struggled to breathe, they were filled with water. Ow. I got into the shower and let the warm water run over my pain. It felt delicious. Water had healing powers and I needed it. The warm water felt so good. I could sit there all day if I wanted. I am going to sit here all day.
I turned off the shower and stepped out. I grabbed a towel and went to get my iPod. I came back into the bathroom and I turned on the Jacuzzi. Boss is rich so his house looks rich. I loved Jacuzzis. Once it filled up, I stepped in and let the water surround me. This was nice. I put on my music and let myself drift away from my problems. Nothing could ruin this place of peace I had created. I felt free for the moment and I let my body rest.
After about an hour, my hands were started to look like prunes so I decided to get out. I dried my body but I made sure not to rub over my bruises. I tied the towel around my body and then I walked to my room to get dressed. I hadn't been outside so I didn't know what to wear. I went over to the window and I opened it. As I did, a hot wind came in and made me hot. Shorts or dress it is. I went over to my drawers and I found my spandex. I had different colors from soccer practice. Today I put on the black ones and my favorite light blue muscle shirt. I found my work out shoes and put them on to. I brushed my hair but I left it down. My head was hurting a little so I didn't want to make it worse by putting my hair up in a ponytail like I always do.
There, I was done. I needed train. I felt useless so I went to train. After half an hour, I heard shouting coming from down the hall. After two or three hours, I had not seen anyone. Now I heard Mateo yelling, "She wasn't there. I can't find her boss. What if they got to her?"
Did they really care that I was gone or was it because I had something that they needed? I was thinking of leaving. I didn't know exactly what was going to happen but I also didn't know if me leaving was the best decision. Maybe I'll know soon.
I started punching a dummy and worked on my combos when Mateo came in like a crazy person. I wasn't paying much attention to him. He was yelling at me about something but I didn't acknowledge him. I kept hitting the dummy.
"ANIA!!!!" It was Max and he sounded angry. I turned to look at him. If looks could kill, the one he had, would do so.
Chapter 8
Ania tells her most guarded secret.
Max looked pissed but I wasn't going to let that get to me. I wasn't just going to sit in that room forever. I kept punching the dummy wishing that the dummy was Max.
"What do you want?" I asked him angrily.
"What I want is to know what you are doing here?"
"Did you really expect me to stay in that room?"
"You were in their to rest. "
"Well I'm fine so just leave me alone."
"Everyone thinks your missing"
"Well then leave me alone and go tell them that I'm not"
As we were talking, I didn't see that he was getting closer to me. I had my back turned to him and I was focusing my essence on the dummy I was hitting. Then I felt a hand on my shoulder. I was taken by surprise and Max ended up on the floor. I looked at him and he asked me, "are you ok?"
"I should be the one asking you that?"
I helped him off the floor and I went back to hitting the dummy. I didn't want him to see me care. I punched harder and the more I punched, nothing happened to the dummy. It reminded me of the heartless. I stop punching and I looked at the floor. My breathing was uneven and I felt light headed. Why couldn't I hit them. What would they have done to me if I hadn't sent for Max. God, why did I have to need him. He was the only one who would have been able to understand my signal.
I felt Mateo coming and then be yelled,"Ania!!!"
"Yes Mateo?"
"What are you doing in here? Max, what's going on? Ania, are you ok? You should be resting. Why did you leave the room?"
"What's with the twenty million question?"
"I was just worried."
"Well, I'm fine so you don't have to worry. Besides I'll always be fine."
I looked over at Max and I knew that I wasn't going to last much longer in there. Mateo looked at me and I knew exactly what he was thinking. We needed to talk.
"Mateo, can we go get some coffee?"
"Yeah let's go now. Max, do you want us to bring you anything?"
As Mateo asked him I took the opportunity to leave. I went out into the hallway and finally I was able to breathe. I thought I would cry but I needed to be strong hell stronger than I could ever be. I was not going to let this idiot ruin my life again. I had to train. I had to be strong. But most of all I had to make sure that I was somewhat happy.
Mateo came out into the hallway. He looked worried again.
"What did I tell you about worrying about? I'm fine really. I just need some air and some coffee. Ok."
He nodded and we left to get coffee. On the drive, I rolled down the windows and I let the wind blow my hair around. It felt amazing. I felt free of everything and all my problems. I felt Mateo looking at me. I turned and I gave him a smile.
"I guess you really needed some fresh air. You look happy again. Although, since you've been at base, you haven't been very happy."
"A lot is going on and a lot has happened. It's a lot for one person to handle alone."
"Well you know you don't have to handle it alone. Yeah I know but I wouldn't want to have someone else other than my self carry the burdens and problems I have."
"I know we only known each other for a little more than a week but we're friends, right? I hope your answer is yes. If not I would be hurt."
That made me smile."Yes Mateo, we're friends. But I don't want you to feel that because we're friends you have to carry my burdens."
"Well I won't hold the whole burden. I'll just help you hold them."
We stopped at the coffee shop and I ordered my favorite iced coffee. I'm really addicted to them.
We found a table in the corner and it was pretty private so we can talk and not worry about eavesdroppers. I sat down and I got comfortable. I didn't know where I was going to start this conversation. I didn't know how I was going to tell him exactly what was going on. Should I have asked max about telling Mateo? I know I can trust Mateo and hopefully he can understand the situation.
Mateo looked at me and he had this look like he was ready.
"Alright, what's been up with you lately?"
"Um... Well it's hard to explain and it's a long story. "
"Well we have all day and I'm ready to listen."
"Are you sure you want to know? On e you know there's no going back. What you know is going to change."
"Tell me who does it involve?"
"Mainly it involves me and max."
"Max? You just met last week. How could you already have a problem?"
"I didn't just meet him last week."
"What do you mean?"
"I met max when I was in 6th grade. We went to school together for three years. After our 8th grade graduation, I never wanted to see him again."
"Why?"
"We fought a lot but it was never anything serious. All day we would fight about everything. Then we would move on and we would have some fun times. Aside from the fighting, he was a great guy. Then my nosy friends got involved. "
I didn't know how to continue. I had never told anyone about what happened that day, not even my friends. Did I really believe I could tell Mateo all that happened. What happened basically hurt me forever.
"So what happened? What did your friends do?"
I decided to tell him. I told him what my friends did, what max said, how he took it back, and how he basically lied to me.
When I finished, Mateo looked shocked. I didn't know how long he knew max. They could be good friends and I just ruined their friendship.
Well I knew that things were going change but what I didn't know was if the effects were going to be good or bad. Well I guess I was going to find out.
Chapter 9
Ania questions what she is fighting for.
The drive back to base was quiet. Mateo didn't seem to know what to say. It was a subject that I never wanted to talk about and I was glad that Mateo didn't keep the subject alive. It died and I was glad. Again I let the wind blow through my hair and let my cares blow away with it. Mateo looked over at me and smiled. I felt comfortable around him and he understood. I may have only known him for a little more than a week but I feel that he understands what I'm going through. Really he's my only real friend besides Beth in the base.
We got back around seven. The house the quiet and we saw no one. Boss probably left for to take care of some business. Beth wasn't in the kitchen even though she always was. That was weird. Something wasn't right. The house was really quiet. No lights were on.
Then I felt it. The house had lost it's essence as if someone came and tore away it's heart. It felt empty and cold. It had never felt like that before.
"Mateo, something's wrong."
"Yeah I felt it too."
"Where is everyone?"
"I don't know"
"the house feels cold and empty. It has never felt like this before. "
It came out of nowhere but I felt it. I pushed Mateo out of the way so I would get hit instead. The darkness pummeled me into the wall and my arm moved in a direction it shouldn't. I ignored the pain as best I could and looked over at Mateo. He was ok for the moment but the darkness was heading straight for him. He didn't see it coming so I had to act quickly. I attacked it with the power I had left but I was drained. I hadn't really rested when I should have. Yet I wasn't going to let Mateo pay for that mistake. I pushed at the darkness and it seemed to be working.
My energy started to waiver and I knew I wouldn't be able to hold up for much longer. Then I felt someone grab my hand and I felt a burst of energy burst through my entire body. I looked next to me and I saw Max. He looked back at me. I didn't let him distract me. Mateo was still unaware of what was happening. He probably hit his head. Poor Mateo. I used the extra boost and I sent the darkness and surprise. It thought I was getting drained and gave up on fighting me. It never put up a defense so it remained vulnerable. It was right over Mateo. I wasn't going to let it hurt him. I hit it again but it wouldn't budge again. I was getting stronger and I was getting angry. I realized that I could use that anger to hit the darkness. I tried one more time and then the darkness let out a bloodcurdling scream. It fell to the floor and then it disappeared.
Immediately, I let go of Max's hand so I could get to Mateo. I didn't know how much energy I had left and I almost hit the floor when Max caught me. I pushed him away and I walked as fast as my body would let me to Mateo. He was unconscious and I could see blood running from his head. I was really scared. This was my fault. I pushed him out of the way so he wouldn't get hit. I remembered my arm. I t was sore and I could barely move it. No matter how much I moved him, Mateo wouldn't wake up. I had to get him to the hospital. I tried picking him up but my hurt arm wouldn't let me. I had to ask Max to help me. I turned to find him but I didn't need to ask. I turned back and Max was already picking him up from the floor.
At the hospital, the doctors took him in and ran some tests. I wasn't going to ask for help but they saw that I was holding my arm. They suggested that I get some x-rays done. I was too tired to say no. The nurse walked me to a room where she told me to remove any metal I had on. That only took a second because I was only wearing my purple and blue necklace, my favorite of all the ones I have. The nurse came back and as she walked me to another section of the hospital, I tried asking her about Mateo but she didn't have any new news. I really hoped he would be OK.
When the results came in, the doctor told me that I had not broken any bones but it seemed that I pulled a muscle they were swollen. He said that I would have to take it easy for a while and not use my arm for anything. Great, only a week into training and I was already hurt. Although, it did give me an excuse to leave for a while. But I have so many questions. About the Heartless? About my powers? About Max? How were we connected? Did it have to something with our powers? He was the only one who could understand my signals and he could control his essence like I was learning to control mine.
Then I remembered what he told me that day we talked, Boss was supposed to fill me in. Fill me in on what? I really needed these questions answered. They were keeping secrets from me and I didn't like that. They wanted me to trust them. How could I trust them if they didn't tell me what was really happening? The heartless were attacking and I didn't know how to stop them. Max was just as secretive. Personally, I didn't want to be anywhere near him, yet, earlier when he grabbed my hand, it didn't feel weird. It felt natural. When I pulled away, the feeling was gone. It kind of felt like when someone disconnects the internet. You can't get to the knowledge and there's a feeling of being obsolete. I pushed that aside right away because I had to get to Mateo.
I walked out of the exam room feeling down. It was my fault Mateo was here. As I walked down the hallway, I ran into his doctor. He remembered me from when Mateo was admitted and he asked how I was?
"I'm ok. I just pulled a muscle."
"That's great."
"Yeah I guess."
"I can see you're worried about your friend."
"Yeah I am. How is he doing?"
"He's stable. We ran some tests but they all came back negative. He didn't have any injuries to his skull. His body went onto shock and shut itself down to protect any vitals. He should wake up by tomorrow. We want to keep him for a couple of days to observe him. We don't want to take any chances."
"Any chances?"
"In case there was something we missed. For now he looks good. Just when he wakes up, he is going to be sore. The nurse attending him has your contact information so if anything changes, you will be notified. Do you know if he has any relatives?"
"No, he never told me about any. I could ask our boss. He might know."
"Ok. Please do. Well have a god night and safe drive home."
"Thank you."
I headed for the bathroom. I needed to freshen up because I was probably a mess. I looked in the mirror and I saw a couple bruises forming on my neck and arms. I lifted my shirt with my good arm and I found more bruises on my sides and stomach. Those were going to be lovely when I try to get to sleep tonight. That's if I sleep. I combed my hair with my fingers. I threw some water on my face. Now I had to go to Max and get a ride home. Or I could call a cab. That would be the better option. But Mateo wouldn't like it if I did that.
I forced myself to go to the waiting room. When I got there, Max was standing by the window and he was on the phone. This scene felt very familiar. I didn't want to hear what he was saying to whomever he was talking to. I sat down in a chair and waited for him to end his conservation. I watched him and I don't know why. He looked somewhat angry. I tried guessing why he was mad. I couldn't think of anything. I didn't know him anymore. He was a different person now. He wasn't the Max I knew in middle school. He seemed more independent and strong. Yet there was a part of him that I didn't trust.
He turned and he saw me looking at him. I turned away as if I had just turned to look at him. The looks he gave me didn't scare me and I wasn't going to let him change that. I heard him end his conservation and few seconds later, he was standing in front of me. He was looking down. Now that made me uncomfortable. I didn't like feeling weak and the positions we were in, made me feel weak. I looked up at him as I pushed my chair back. I got up and I looked to see where the keys to the car were. He had them in his pocket. I desperately needed to get home. I was so tired I was having trouble standing.
I sat down before I would fall.
"You ok?" Max asked.
"Yeah, I'm just really tired."
"You should have slept instead of training."
"Yeah well I wasn't very happy in that cell."
"You weren't locked in."
"I felt like I was in cage. I hate feeling like that."
I tried getting up but I ended up just sitting back down in my chair. I needed to get home. My eyed were on the verge of closing.
"Here let me help you."
"NO, don't. I'll do it."
Finally, after another attempt, I was able to get myself up. No one was in the waiting room except us to so there was no one there to watch me. I used the chair to help me get to the elevator. There was a short space between the chair and the elevator, so I walked slowly. I pushed the button and leaned against the wall as I waited for the doors to open. The doors opened and I walked in holding on to the wall. Max came in next to me. He didn't say anything. That was a first. He really did change. Back then, he would look for every opportunity to make fun of me. Today, he said nothing.
The doors closed and the elevator moved down to the first floor. We were on the 34 floor of the hospital so it was a somewhat long trip down. Eventually the doors open. I found the energy and I walked out of the hospital and to the car which was on the 4 floor of the parking structure. Not my day. When I sat in the passenger seat, all I remember was Max turning on the car and the radio was on. Some song by Bruno Mars was playing. It was slow. Then I fell asleep.
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- Love Stories: The First Love Letter
- When My Heart Went Missing - Chapter 15
- When My Heart Went Missing - Chapter 14
- When My Heart Went Missing - Chapter 13
- When My Heart Went Missing - Chapter 12
- When My Heart Went Missing - Chapter 11
- When My Heart Went Missing - Chapter 10
- When My Heart Went Missing - Chapter 1