The Awakening Ch. 01-10

Vanessa: I am so happy to see you! I don't know how, or what happened! Are you ok? You have some scratches...

Caliope: I am much better than you... I was returning to the restaurant to find you when it happened before I came inside.

Vanessa: I am so happy you weren't caught in that nightmare. I was lucky as well; I had just paid my drink and was coming out of the restaurant... I heard some people were not as lucky...

Caliope: but you are safe, I am so happy to hear that, I felt so scared to lose you...

Vanessa: darling, you are going to learn that there is much more of me you will see...

Both laughed and smiled, and after a while, Caliope let her friend rest, promising to return the next day. Miss Clark was waiting for her at the entrance, and she felt embarrassed for not thanking her enough for all that she was doing.

Caliope: Miss Clark, I don't know how to thank you...

Elaine Clark: I take care of those I let close to me Caliope, and you are one of them, you might have not been working with me for a long time but I trust you and you took care of my son, so allow me to return the favor by taking care of you... do you need a ride home?

Caliope: I can take a taxi

Elaine Clark: nonsense, I will take you there, I had my driver take Amra home, and he is getting back now and will take us...

Caliope felt safe again, and as both waited for the driver to arrive, she allowed herself to simply be quiet and content about her luck that day, however it happened.

After Miss Clark dropped her at her home, she slowly got into her shower and waited for warmer water to wash away any hint of smoke and dirt from that day. The warm liquid felt so good, as it caressed her skin with special tenderness and calmed her. After turning off the water, she finally could smile. Cuddling in her bed, as soon as her head touched the pillow, she fell into a deep sleep.

Sunday came along quiet and uneventful. Caliope went to the hospital to check on her friend and stayed with her for a few hours, then returned to her home and grabbed a book to read. She started to nod off when a huge noise startled her. She dropped her book and ran to the window, looking around for the source. She could see a car crash around the corner of the street, the drivers starting to argue loudly, with one yelling some expletives at the other. She took a deep breath and turned her head back inside, picking up her book and leaving it on the corner of the night table. Deciding to skip dinner, she laid back in bed and went back to sleep.

Monday morning Caliope was back at the Clark's residence. Miss Clark offered politely to give her a few days off but Caliope kindly refused. She needed to have her mind busy, and to work on things was the best way she knew how. During the morning, she decided to organize Miss Clark's books and place them by alphabetical order by Author. She realized that Miss Clark had quite an extensive collection of private, not so well known books, from different subjects, most fictional. She called her, asking permission to make a catalog of the contents of her library. Miss Clark gave her an affirmative response to touch all but one set of books on the higher shelf, Caliope began this task with excitement. She enjoyed ordering things which made her feel useful.

Magna surprised Caliope when she visited for lunch, the old lady brought her some Caesar Salad and fresh juice, courtesy of Miss Clark, while she grabbed some folders to return back to the office. Caliope said goodbye to Magna and drooled over her favorite salad with a grin in her face, thinking Miss Clark was beginning to know her too well. As she finished, she felt the air tense and thick, as if the atmosphere became dense and the air still, yet heavy. She was getting herself familiar to this feeling. Slowly turning her head to the door, just as she expected, she saw Amra standing there, looking at what was left on her plate.

Caliope: Good evening Amra, would you like me to prepare you something to eat?

After some silence, Amra lifted his eyes to meet hers. He had the most amazing eyes she ever saw in her life. His glare was filled with sadness but he smiled a tiny little smile that made her heart jump.

Amra: I had never seen a... girl, eating something green, with that much excitement...

Caliope started laughing softly, she stood up slowly, picking up her plate with one hand, pointing down to it with the other.

Caliope: there are not many things in life as delicious as this salad, you should try it sometime...

Amra: now...

Caliope: now? You want to eat a salad now?

Amra: that salad, yes...

Caliope: of course, let me call the place and ask them to deliver one for you.

Caliope picked up her cellphone and dialed the number on the box of the empty salad. Strangely, her phone wasn't working. She tried again and looked at Amra a little disappointed.

Caliope: I might need to call from the house phone to ask for the delivery, my phone seems to not be working.

Amra moved aside the door, giving her room to walk by it as he moved to the kitchen, leaving her alone in the living room. Caliope picked up her phone where she recorded the number, and then using the house phone she made the order. After hanging up, her cellphone rang.

Elaine Clark: is everything in order there Caliope?

Caliope: yes Miss Clark!

Elaine Clark: are you sure? You sound surprised on my call.

Caliope: I thought my phone wasn't working, but thankfully it works again. I was just calling from the house phone for a delivery of another Caesar Salad.

Elaine Clark: yes, I had a notice here that you were using the phone, I was only checking up on you. Hungry? I am glad you enjoyed the salad.

Caliope: it was delicious, but I am full. Amra wants to try it.

After a sudden silence Caliope blushed, she felt as if she had said something she shouldn't have.

Elaine Clark: Amra is with you now?

Caliope: no, he is waiting in the kitchen, is that ok? He wanted to try the salad now, I thought it would be ok...

Elaine Clark: yes, it is ok Caliope, I am going to be there soon, I am coming out now...

Caliope: ok... should I order something for you too?

Elaine Clark: no, I already ate.

Miss Clark hung up the phone, making her feel as if something was off. Gladly she discovered a missed call from Vanessa, and turning her head towards the kitchen, not seeing Amra, she decided to give her a quick call. Vanessa picked up after the 3rd ring.

Vanessa: this is so boring; I can't wait to get out of here tomorrow... please come to my rescue!

Caliope: *chuckling* I would gladly plot to kidnap you but I can't right now, I am at work.

Vanessa: oh I am so sorry, I did not meant to disturb you, will you come by later?

Caliope: I promise, I will be there when I get out of here, and tomorrow I will pick you up when they let you out.

Vanessa: that is all I needed to hear... see you later dear!

Caliope: see you soon!

The house phone rang, and the reception announced the delivery had arrived.

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Chapter 5

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Caliope picked up her bag, and went to the door to grab the delivery. The young man was in a hurry; he gave her the box and got annoyed when he noticed she didn't have exact change. She gave him no tip.

After locking the door, Caliope walked back into the kitchen. As soon as she entered, there it was again, that feeling of thick air, the hair on the back of her neck rising. Amra was looking through the window outside. His eyes lost in the sight of some place in his mind. Continuing her good mood, she put the box on the table.

Caliope: we are lucky they are near us, so the delivery didn't take long... let me put this on a plate for you, and I will show you how to eat it.

Amra: ... open the mouth, put the food in, close the mouth, chew and swallow it...

Caliope couldn't help laughing; it was a joyful laugh that made Amra turn his head to watch her. He smiled and she continued to laugh, a bit less, but with a blush after seen him smile.

Caliope: that is how one eats, that is true Amra... but what I mean is, every food has different ways of being tasted, and this salad is no different... I will explain to you... come take a seat.

Amra walked slowly towards her and sat down next to her, watching her hands with new found curiosity. Caliope spoke to him while she laid the salad on the plate and poured the sauce on top.

Caliope: this special type of salad is quite simple, not many ingredients, but what makes it different is the special sauce it has, it is made with herbs and some spices, it enhances the flavor of the most simple vegetables... you don't want too much sauce in each bite, so you need to be careful to pour it even around the plate...

Amra: I want to try it...

Caliope looked at him and he did not move, after some long seconds of awkward silence she carefully held the fork with some of the salad in it, and guided it to his mouth. His eyes locked on hers as he parted his lips and took the bite. She felt her heart pound fast, her breath was heavier. His jaw tensed quickly, and then moved slowly as he chewed. When he smiled, her heart skipped another beat. He swallowed slowly.

Amra: more...

There was something in his tone of voice that made her skin blossom with goosebumps again. She nodded smiling as she got another piece for him, and he half closed his eyes as this time he chewed it for a bit longer.

Caliope: what do you think? Do you like it?

He opened his eyes fully again and nodded with an innocent smile. She looked down to the plate to grab another piece when he moved his hand and stopped her. Her eyes met his once again, and he slowly caressed her knuckles as he moved his fingers to the fork she was holding, and took it from her hand.

Amra: thank you...

His words barely a whisper, as he picked up another piece of the salad and brought it to his lips. She sat next to him and smiled as she watched him eat, each bite was a new found flavor for him, he was enjoying every bite and she could see him so joyful into this new adventure. There was something in the way he smiled, how he was discovering this for the first time. He felt so full of happiness for such a simple thing like eating a salad. There was nothing wrong with him; he was perfect, pure and innocent. She couldn't see anything wrong with him at all. Yes he was cryptic sometimes, he did not know her well yet, and he said things that might confuse her such as what she thought was a warning a few days ago before the incident, but there was really nothing much to look into. He was different, but he was good, he felt good.

Amra finished his plate and looked down a little disappointed. She smiled at him and poured some juice into a glass, passing it to him. He took the juice and drank it slowly. She could almost taste the juice as it fell down his throat. And he put the empty glass down on the table. His eyes smiled at hers and she giggled softly. She felt blushing more as his eyes were on her. He lifted his hand as if stopping something, or someone. Only then she realized there was someone else in the room. She looked at the door and there was Miss Clark. She was serious, worried even, her eyes wouldn't part from Amra's, but he was not looking at her, he was looking at Caliope.

Elaine Clark: Caliope, can you leave my son and I alone for a moment please?

Caliope stood up slowly and looked down feeling somehow embarrassed. Amra released a soft, almost imperceptible sigh. He kept smiling at Caliope and shook his head at his mother.

Caliope: yes Miss Clark...

Elaine Clark: thank you

Amra nodded to Caliope and she felt as it was hurting her to leave the room, or was it hurting her to leave Amra? She walked pass Miss Clark into the other room where there was a tall and dark haired man sitting on the main sofa. He smiled a polite smile to her and stood up.

Caliope: Hello...

Pronab: Miss Woodward, pleasure to meet you, I am Pronab, friend of the family.

He was friendly but distant at the same time, and though he looked at her, his gaze kept returning to the kitchen door as if expecting they soon come out. Caliope was still a little surprised, and excused herself to the library, she tried to center her focus back on what she was supposed to finish, cataloging the books and nothing else. What had happened there? Amra did nothing wrong, he was being friendly for once, almost normal. Why would Miss Clark get worried and hurry home? She picked up a book and took notes of the author's name when her cellphone rang again. It was Vanessa.

Caliope: hi there...

Vanessa: are you coming today?

Caliope: of course I will, I promised I would, didn't I?

Vanessa: it is almost 5 and visitors hours end at 7 little Miss Smartass...

Caliope: what?!

Taking her phone away she looked at the clock, it was certainly 10 to 5. How and where did the time go so fast? Did she really stand there in the library so long without working? That was so embarrassing and she felt ashamed at herself for wasting such time. She had lost all track of time, she felt as if it only were minutes ago. Where did her mind wonder? This was becoming worrying, she had been feeling strange lately, too aware of nothing in particular, tense, worried, imagining things.

Vanessa: are you still breathing?! Hey! Caly!

Quickly putting the phone back to her ear she was a little too surprised still.

Caliope: I am sorry, I... lost track of time at work... I will be there soon, I promise... I have to go...

And she hung up the phone, left the book on the table and went to the living room. Pronab was still there, but nothing of Miss Clark or Amra to be seen or heard.

Pronab: everything ok Miss Woodward?

Caliope: I seem to have lost track of time, and I need to go visit a friend at the hospital before visiting hours close... I wanted to ask Miss Clark if I could leave for today. She is still there?

Pronab nodded then quickly added.

Pronab: don't worry; go on, I will tell Elaine you left, all will be ok. Nice meeting you.

Caliope: thank you.

Caliope rushed out still worried at her lack of attention lately. She felt as if all of this was getting more intense as the days went by. After grabbing a taxi, she pleaded to the driver to make sure she got to the hospital on time before the visiting hours ended. Once they got there at 5:35, she left the driver a 100% tip as a thank you gesture and rushed inside to see her friend.

Vanessa: I almost thought you wouldn't make it honey.

Caliope: let me catch my breath then I will nudge you for that.

Vanessa: oh you can't blame me; you were the one who forgot about me.

Caliope: I did not! I was working and the time just moved too fast for me.

Vanessa: yeah right... so did you bring me something to snack on? Hospital food is horrific!

Caliope: I am sorry but no, you won't be getting any special treats from this bad friend.

Vanessa: you are the best friend in the world! What did you bring me?!

Caliope grinned and passed her a paper bag with some junk food inside, Vanessa's favorite. She jumped at her hugging her tight and digging into the food as they talked some. 5 minutes passed from 7pm when the nurse knocked on the door to let her know that visiting hours had ended.

Vanessa: please don't forget about me tomorrow ok? I am going be released at 3pm.

Caliope: I will be here as I promised, I won't let you go back to your hotel without me.

Vanessa: bye darling, have a great night.

Caliope: you too, enjoy your last night in this luxury!

Vanessa smirked as Caliope left. She got into another cab and went home. She was relaxed and took a bite of some takeout food she grabbed on the way back. She went to sleep after cleaning up some dishes. Once in her bed, she cuddled the sheets and smiled. The memory of Amra's smile, his eyes, his touch, it brought a slight shiver to her skin. 'Don't over think this' she thought to herself 'he is strange, he felt so nice, but don't take it too far'.

Next morning, right on time, she got into Miss Clark's car with her routine ride to the residence. Marco was the name of the driver; she figured that if he was going to pick her up every morning, she might as well find out his name. Marco was not as old as many of the people who worked for Miss Clark; in fact, the family friend she met yesterday wasn't too old either, Pronab. She asked herself if she would ever see him again.

After the way she left yesterday, Caliope was expecting Miss Clark to reprehend her, or ask her to be more careful. But once she got inside the residence, Miss Clark smiled at her on her way out.

Elaine Clark: I have some meetings to attend to Caliope, please keep me posted if anything happens. Have a good day.

Caliope: Miss Clark?

Elaine Clark: yes Caliope?

Caliope: my friend is checking out of the hospital today at 3pm. I was hoping I could pick her up.

Elaine Clark: don't worry, I will have Pronab come here at 2:30pm so you can leave.

Caliope: thank you Miss Clark!

Elaine Clark: bye for now Caliope, keep up your good work, my library is already looking better!

She closed the door on her way out and Caliope felt relieved. Leaving her bag on the little furniture where she always left it, she washed her hands and walked to the library. There was only one small window located in the library, an old Victorian window with carved frames. The light came in right down to the desk located in the middle of the room. And right there from the door, she felt confused and strange as if there was someone in the window. As soon as the thought came to her mind, she realized it was Amra, no one else caused that impression on her.

After some hesitation, she walked into the dark room. He did not move, but she knew he was aware of her presence.

Amra: I am sorry... for yesterday...

Caliope: I am sorry too Amra, perhaps I shouldn't have given you any food without consulting with your mother.

Amra: *chuckling* food has nothing to do with this... I only came to apologize, for my mother... I did nothing wrong, neither did you... she worries too much...

Caliope: I will be having that more in mind from now on... did you have any breakfast yet? *smiling*

It was then when Amra turned his gaze from the window to smile at her, and she felt as she was struck by an invisible force that made her knees shake.

Amra: it is very nice of you, but I should leave and let you work.

Caliope bite her lower lip and nodded a little disappointed. Amra closed his eyes and turned back to the window. She had to remember her own words, not overthink things, and act normal. Some seconds of silence were needed for her to pick up another of the books left on the table and she walked to her notepad and continued writing author and title. Amra stood there, in silence, then turned to look at her again as she got immersed in her apparent task. She knew he was watching her, and it got her nervous. It was one book after the other, slowly, putting them in order. One more book on the table, noting the name of the author, name of the title. Another book, same steps, author, title. Suddenly she felt as if something was clouding the light, she turned her head and found him looking over her shoulders to what she was taking notes on. And she felt as her heart stopped. His eyes went from the notes to her, and everything went still. She couldn't breathe.

Caliope: Amra... please... I need space...

He did not blink even once. Slowly moved back and walked towards the door. As he was about to leave the room, she felt panic.

Caliope: please... I am sorry... don't go... -----

Chapter 6

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It happened fast. Before she could think, she was on her knees covering her chest. She hadn't had this feeling since high school. One single long and hard drilling pain in her chest that forced her to bend over as the seconds passed. Her neck tense, she couldn't breathe. Amra watched with horror as she crumbled to the floor and next thing she felt was him kneeling behind her. He had not hesitated for a moment.