Purple Romance

Lucas touched Carlien's hand and stared at her face, ''do you know how scared I was when I heard of what happened? You scared me. Carl, I've lost so many things in my life; my mother, my family. I can't afford to lose you. Don't scare me like that again, okay?''

He saw a tear drop from her eyes and stood up, ''why are you crying in your sleep? Does it hurt so much? Give me time, I promise to make it up to you. I am putting things in order to make sure that I can return to you without putting you in danger''

''Wa…water'' a voice that sounded so soft like the fall of a feather spoke out.

Lucas looked at her and their eyes met. She was looking at him as her lips moved again softly, ''water''

Lucas came back to his senses and realised he wasn't hallucinating. She was really awake and was asking for water. He hurriedly poured a glass of water and leaned closer to her lips. She sipped the water while her gaze remained on him. After he placed the glass back and helped her to sit up, he asked.

''Are you alright?''

''Yes, but who… are you?'' she asked as she stared blankly at him. Lucas's face changed at once and was replaced with shock.

''You… don't remember me? I am Lucas'' he said, his voice trembling as his hand quavered. Fear was clearly in his eyes as he stared back at her. He could tell she saw him as a complete stranger but what were the odds? How could she not remember him?

''Do. I. know. You? What happened to me? Why am I in the hospital?'' she asked and saw the tears in his eyes. ''Why are you crying? Is it because I asked who you were? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude. I just find it strange to be here and you know, you are also here taking care of me?'' she said and attempted to touch him.

''Carlien, you really don't remember me?'' he asked again as he stood up.

''No, you… are you my boyfriend?''

''No''

''Oh, that's a relief. I didn't think so too. I would have known it if you were my boyfriend. But, why are you crying?''

''Carly, you are awake?'' Paige asked entering the room with the help of Jordan followed by Thomas Payin, Joel, Jessi, Mirabel and her mother.

''Carl is awake, Professor Glow'' Jessi said to the man behind her.

''Paige, mom, oh, everyone is here? What happened to me?''

''You don't remember what happened to us?'' Paige asked as she sat closer to her.

''Oh, I just woke up and saw this strange man next to me. Why am I in the hospital?''

''Professor Glow, what is going on. Why doesn't Carl remember what happened?'' Paige asked and everyone turned to look at Professor Glow.

''Carl is suffering from what we call selective amnesia. Because of the trauma she went through, her brain had purposefully blocked parts of her memories that caused her extreme pain and heartache. That is why she can't remember some of the things that happened, especially the bad things, but we will have to run a few checks on her to come out with a definite diagnosis. For now, that is the only possible reason for her amnesia'' Professor Glow explained.

''Then, does that mean she doesn't remember us? Me?'' Jessi said worriedly as she wheeled herself towards Carlien, ''I still have a lot of things to tell her''

''Jessi, how could I forget such a cutie like you?''

''Then, is it only Lucas she can't remember?'' Mirabel asked and they all looked at Lucas.

''Lucas? Is that your name?'' her voice sounded surprised and a little excited after learning of his name. Lucas clutched his hands together as he fought the many emotions that evaded his mind.

''Can I say, serves you right for running away?'' Mirabel said.

''Mira, that's enough!!!'' Joel who stood by her side warned her.

''What? He was the one who ran away like a coward?'' Mirabel said looking at Lucas. He bowed before Kate and Thomas and left the ward with hurried strides.

''Lucas, wait'' Jordan followed him.

''Why did he leave without saying a goodbye?'' Carlien asked and frowned displeased.

''Carly, how do you feel?'' Professor Glow went closer to her to check her up.

''I am fine, Professor Glow. Paige, did you also fall sick? Why are you in a patient gown?''

''Thanks to you we all caught the flu and were admitted'' Paige lied and hugged her friend and sighed.

The tactical look on everyone's face brought a common understanding. No one was going to talk about what happened until the time was right.

Joel looked at Carlien and turned to leave, he pulled Mirabel along as he went out.

…..

Outside, he walked with her to the stairs and looked at her angrily.

''What? Why did you pull me out?''

''Don't you have a sense of self-awareness?''

''What did I do?''

''How could you say those things in front of everyone especially when Lucas was there?''

''What? Was everything I said wrong? I don't feel pity for him''

'You… I don't know how to describe you? Were you always this… insensitive to other people's feelings except yours?''

''I am insensitive? Great, I am insensitive, but at least, I don't run away from my feelings and you? What is it with you? Everything I do is wrong in your eyes, right?''

''The situation at hand is much bigger than you think, Mirabel. I am just asking you to be more careful and not just say anything at all that comes to mind''

''You mean I don't think before I speak right?''

''Don't speak out of context''

''No, I might be slow other things but I understand English very well and right now, apart from calling me insensitive, you just called me stupid and ignorant. I was the unwelcomed guest anyway, so as long as I leave, you and everyone will be happy right?''

''That's not what I mean''

''No, that's exactly what you mean. You don't have to see me to the entrance, I know how to find my way out'' Mirabel said and ran out of the hospital. Joel sighed and went after her.

He reached the entrance and saw her drive hurriedly out of the parking space and he got into his car and followed her.

....

''Here, drink this. did you eat before coming?'' Jordan asked as he sat next to Lucas after handing him a can of fruit juice.

''I was in a hurry, I didn't feel hungry at all'' Lucas opened the can juice and sipped a little.

''Are you alright?''

''Am I alright?'' he chuckled, ''maybe Mira was right. this is what I get for running away like a coward. She can't even remember me'' his voice quavered and choked.

''Professor Glow said there is a chance of her regaining her memories very soon''

''Or never, Jordan. I am a doctor and I know these things very well. Depending on the effect of the trauma she faced, it is possible she could never be able to remember me again for the rest of her life. What am I supposed to do when that happens?'' he bit his lips trying to suppress his emotions.

''Why don't you stay and take your chances with her? You don't have anything better doing at Cosmos anyway. If she can't remember you, then make her do. Try your best, stay behind and protect her. Make new memories with her. The Carlien who doesn't remember you doesn't seem to hate you. Take your chance with her and don't regret again''

''I will think about it''

''Now is not the time to think about anything. The people who are after her will come back again until she is dead. You have the resources and connections and is capable of protecting her. If you can't do this much, then I am going to really hate you, man''

''I will call Brian to process my transfer papers and work on the inheritance while I am here. Lazarus has been meeting a lot of people lately and our father is afraid he might end up destroying everything we've built all these years''

''Now, that is the Lucas I know. A fearless man who protects the people he cares about. Don't lose Carlien the same manner you did with Mali''

...

Paige noticed Carlien looking towards the door as she fed her, ''what is at the door? You keep staring at it''

''I wonder if he is doing alright? That man, he looked sad when I said I didn't know him''

''Lucas? He deserves it''

''No one deserves to not be remembered. I don't know why I can't put a face to his name though it sounds familiar. Tell me, what is my relationship with him?''

''You seem so interested in him? Did you fall in love with him at first sight?'' Paige asked and stuffed the food into her mouth.

''Tsk, are you jealous?'' Carlien chuckled.

''Oh, I am jealous. And just so you know, I am against you been friends with him''

''Did he do something to you?''

''Yes, he hurt my best friend''

''Me?''

''Yes, so stay away from him''

''I am even more curious about him now that you said to stay away from him. I wonder what kind of relationship I had with him''

''Aye, you are hopeless'' Paige said, shaking her head and Carlien laughed. ''Don't laugh''

''I can't help it. Paige is so cute when she is jealous. Don't worry, you are always my first love''

''Off course!!''