Chapter 4

"O-Okay, we're done," Miranda stumbled over her words. I was sure she was perplexed as to how she had managed to get such easy compliance from me. She had been burned yesterday because of me, but now, I was obeying her without hesitations.

"Water." My finger was pointed at the glass of water on the table, and she immediately handed it to me. She hadn't looked directly at me yet, perhaps out of embarrassment at my presence.

From the moment I watched "Bring it on," it hadn't left my thoughts. I had a difficult time sleeping last night because of the conflicting emotions. I was excited to be a part of a cheering squad, but I was also nervous because they might bully me because I had a weak body, and I was worried that my mother might not allow me to participate. I understood her point of view, but I really wanted to join. If I were in Mommy's shoes, I wouldn't agree with this either. It was far too dangerous in my current state.

Miranda emerged from my room unnoticed. They relocated me here yesterday. This room looked exactly like my last, with the exception that I didn't have a machine right next to my bed. A needle had not been attached to me in any way. I really wanted to be happy because of this, but I couldn't. I felt weaker when I was not using the machine. I didn't want to tell Mommy how I was feeling because it increased the likelihood that she wouldn't agree to allow me to join the cheering squad. I was sure I'd get used to it eventually. First and foremost, I just had to put up with it.

I took a deep breath before getting out of bed. In contrast to last week, I could now walk without assistance, which enabled me to organize myself without the need of assistance from others. However, I was still teetering on the floor. I was practicing to stand up for a long a time, though. I couldn't be a member of the cheering squad if I couldn't even stand up for a minute.

I immediately went to the bathroom to take a shower. The water was ice cold, but that didn't bother me at all. I stared at myself in a full-length mirror. The fact that I was already 18 years old continued to amaze me. My physical appearance had changed from before. My already white skin had become even whiter. Perhaps it was because I had been caged for the past ten years that the sun cannot reach me.

"It feels like slime," I said as I rubbed my chest with my fingertips. I'd seen my boobs quite a few times since I woke up, but I was still not used to how large they had grown to. It was not overly large, but I knew it was in good shape for someone my age.

I walked out of the room after tidying up. I'd like to talk to my mother about what I was planning. I'd let her know what I wanted to do so that she could decide whether or not to allow it. I realized it was a risk, but I really wanted to do this. If my mother ever told me that I should wait, I'd tell her that I couldn't right away. I had the impression that my body was becoming weaker with each passing day.

I was a little unsure of where mommy's room was because so much had changed. Fortunately, there were names on the door, so I knew exactly where she was. I clenched my teeth and sighed. I was nervous. I was afraid of what I might do if she wouldn't allow me. Desperate people had the ability to do more.

I drew a deep breath and exhaled. As soon as I was about to knock on her door, my vision went blurry. I suddenly began to feel dizzy, and my vision darkened.

"M-Momm—"

#

Sunlight penetrating my skin woke me up. My skin felt like it had been burned by the heat, and I was ready to pounce on whoever wasn't closing the window.

"Miranda!" Weakly, I yelled. Despite that I'd slept a good portion of the night, I felt exhausted. As soon as someone didn't respond, I opened my eyes. Where was she? She was usually here in the morning to give me what I want. Stretching, I yawned.

"Aw." The sound of a bone breaking out of my back made me gasp. My body appeared to be completely paralyzed.

Sitting on the bed, I surveyed my surroundings. The sun was already high, so I was sure it would be noon soon. My gaze was drawn to the void of my room's wall. The last thing I could remember was passing out in front of my mother's bedroom. Honestly, the chances of my mommy not letting me were getting higher and higher.

I jumped out of bed in a jiffy. I nearly screamed when I lost my balance. I left the room immediately, even though I hadn't taken a bath yet. I needed to talk to my mom.

I made my way to mommy's room silently. There were voices in the distance as I was walking in the hallway. Mommy's voice, I believed, was what I was hearing. I could also hear Seven's voice, but I didn't know who owned the third one. However, his voice had a familiar ring to it.

I searched where the voices were coming from until I found myself in the room that was the farthest away on the entire second floor. In the library, perhaps? What exactly were they doing there? Mommy had a library of her own, and I was sure Seven had one as well. He was a successful and rising doctor in this country right now, and I was confident that he'd be able to build a large number of libraries without falling into poverty.

I walked in silence until I reached the front door of the room. I was fortunate that the door was slightly open, allowing me to hear their voices clearly.

"Doc, what do you mean by that?" I was certain it was my mother's voice. It was surprising because her voice trembled as if she couldn't believe what she was hearing. My curiosity about who she was talking to prompted me to open the door a little wider.

Oh, it was our personal doctor.

Mommy turned her back on me and looked away. Seven, on the other hand, was sitting in one of the chairs inside the library, his head seemingly buried in a book or something.

What were they talking about?

"I apologize, Mrs. Jenkins. That's the outcome regardless of how many times I

conduct a tests. As you are aware, Aurora's body has been frail since she was a child. It became even weaker following the incident. Yes, her mind has awoken successfully from a nearly eleven-year coma, but her body cannot keep up. It's not accustomed to living independently. It will always require those machines that kept Aurora alive for years while she was sleeping. She won't make it without the machine. Regrettably, her body can only support her for four months. It might take five if we're lucky."

It was only then that what the doctor had said began to sink in to my mind when I heard mommy sobbing. I couldn't believe what I was hearing right now. Was he implying that I would die in the near future? That I would never be able to accomplish the goals I set for myself?

"What are your plans for those machines, doctor? Is it possible to keep my daughter alive for a longer period of time? " mommy inquired, as if hoping for a positive response.

"Yes. However, there's still a chance that she will pass away in her sleep. If she stays in bed for the rest of her life, her body will most likely be incapable of dealing with the stress. Mrs. Jenkins, it's not only food that keeps our bodies alive, but also exercise and rest. Our bodies require a great deal of attention that can't be provided by lying in bed for the rest of our lives. As a close friend of yours, Aliana, I'll be completely honest with you. The machine is also ineffective because it's as if you are caring for someone who has lost all hope. To be completely honest, I feel sorry for your daughter. She's still alive, but it appears to be pointless because she intends to remain in bed until she's old and infirm," the doctor responded.

"I-I don't care, William. I don't care what happens next as long as my daughter is alive." Mommy's tears streamed once more. Seven, who had been quiet for a while, was assisting mommy in reclaiming the chair he had previously occupied. Perhaps he was already aware of my condition, as he remained silent while the doctor informed mommy that I was about to die. I wouldn't be surprised either, because Seven was the one who monitored me whenever Mr. Williams wasn't around.

"How about Aurora, Ma? She's certain to be displeased with your choice. Knowing her, she desires a great deal of experience. She was an adventurer when she was a child, right? Despite her frail body, she insisted on joining the cheering team. She might runaway if she knew," Seven stated gravely.

I was loathe to admit it, but I knew deep down that I was opposed to her decision. Her choice, in my opinion, was extremely self-centered. She was willing to let me lie in bed and do nothing for the sake of seeing me alive? Then what about me? Didn't she consider how I'd feel? I wanted to experience the things that ordinary people do. Go shopping, work, or get drunk, everything! I would miss out on so much things if I was just lying in bed. Doc Williams was right, using those machines made no sense.

"Then we won't tell her, Seven. Let's just pretend that this conversation never happened. If she asks as to why she's using those machines again, we'll tell her that it'll speed her healing. I can't bear losing another family member, Sev. When Arthur died, a piece of me died as well. Aurora is the only person who keeps me alive, Seven. Without my daughter, I may have already followed her father. And I'm certain Arthur will never forgive me for committing suicide..."

I stuffed my mouth shut to avoid sobbing. I felt sorry for mommy, but also for myself. I knew that if I didn't accomplish my dreams while I was still alive, I would die full of regrets.

I returned to my room quietly after hearing them converse. I slammed the door shut. I wanted to cry in agony, but I felt like my energy was completely out. God granted me a second chance at life, but he quickly revoked it.

I walked into the bathroom spacing out. I turned on the shower even if I was still dressed. The only thing that were on my mind were the things that I overheard.

As soon as the shower turned on, my tears began to flow. I wanted to make my dreams come true, but the most important person in my life would stand in my way. Mommy was the last person I wanted to hurt, but I also didn't want to hurt myself.

I only took a few minutes showering. I made myself presentable in front of my mom by putting on my best clothes. I didn't want to appear depressed in front of her while I was telling her about my dreams.

After cleaning up, I walked out of the room as if nothing had happened earlier. I would pretend I didn't hear anything. When I got infront of my mom's room, I slowly knocked three times. It took a few more seconds before it finally opened. I saw mommy with her bare face, her eyes still a bit puffy.

"Oh my goodness, you're awake!" she exclaimed, completely taken aback. My brows furrowed; I'd only slept for a few hours; why was she so surprised that I was already awake? I was aware that I was going to die soon, but I was befuddled. Was I not supposed to wake up today?

"Why? Is there something wrong? Is there something going on?" I asked, my mind still boggled. Mommy's expression changed in a split second. If she appeared to be shocked only a few seconds ago, she now appeared to be anxious. Was there anything else she was keeping hidden from me besides the fact that I was going to die soon?

"Oh, nothing. I-I was just surprised that you got up this late. What exactly do you need? Please, come in." I saw her forced a smile before opening the door. I walked into her room without saying anything. Back then, this was her and dad's bedroom. Just the pillows and bedsheets were changed, and that was it. Still the old style.

She sat on the bed while I was sitting on one of her love seat. Her smile was still a little shaky as she looked at me.

"What is it that you wanna talk about, Aurie?" She acted like something never happened a while ago. I couldn't believe that mom was such a great pretender.

"Uh, I know I'm not completely recovered, but... I'm thinking about going to s-school, mom," I said, my voice a little shaky. My heartbeat became more rapid. Mommy's reaction changed in an instant. If she had a sweet smile earlier, her brows were now furrowed.

"No." I bit my lower lip. I was expecting her response to be something like this, but I couldn't understand why was I still upset. I rose from my seat with a phony smile and approached her.

"I promise you, M-Mom, that I won't be stubborn. If I have to go home, I will go home. I'm not going to disobey you, Mommy. I'll take all of my medications on time and I'll make sure I won't go hungry —"

"Still no, Aurora." Her voice was as cold as ice. She stood up and was about to walk out of the room when I grabbed her hand. My chances of being permitted by her were slim, but I was desperate and would go to any lengths necessary in order to persuade her to let me do what I want.

"Please? I promise, I'll be good. I promise you that I will not give you a headache. If it's time to rest, then it's time to rest. I'm not going to participate in any extracurricular activities other than cheering, Mom. Please allow me to -"

"You won't change my mind, Aurora. You'll be staying at home and won't be attending school. There will be no cheering squad or anything; you will simply stay here and rest until you are completely healed." She walked away from me after I released my hold on her hand.

"What exactly do you mean by "healed?" Dr. Willims said I'm gonna die soon, right?" I asked, my voice filled with sarcasm. Mommy turned quickly to face me, and her eyes widened as she took in what I was saying.

"What are you saying, Aurie? No one is going to die, believe me," Her voice trembled as she said those words. My tears streamed down my face one by one. She really was a good pretender, huh? I would have believed what she was saying right now if I hadn't heard what they were talking about earlier.

"Oh my God, Mom, will you please stop lying to me?" I couldn't control my sobs as I looked at her. How could she lie to me like this? Didn't she feel guilty?

"I'm not making this up, Aurie—"

"Oh, please, don't be ridiculous! You and Seven were talking to Dr. Williams in the library, and I overheard you, Mom! He told you that I only had four months to live, right? Why are you denying it?" Her eyes were filled with tears, which eventually fell after a few seconds. It didn't take long for me to close my eyes as I remembered what she said to Seven earlier. If she continued to look at me in that manner, I might reconsider my decision. She walked up to me and gently took my hand in hers.

"Nobody is going to die, Aurie. We can make it happen. We have the ability to make it happen—"

"What are the means by which we can make it happen? What are you trying to accomplish by locking me up here? By barricading me inside a room full of machines? Mommy?" Except for her sobs, I didn't hear anything else from her. Even though I let go of her hand, she reached out for it again. She kissed it several times while crying.

"I can't afford to lose you, Aurora. I can't afford to lose you! Since your daddy died and you were in bed, it's as if I died as well! My joy only returned as soon as you awoke, love. Do you want me to feel what I felt before?"

My eyes widened in astonishment. She sounded so selfish to me.

"What about me, then? I want to accomplish my goals, Mom! I want to try new things! I am powerless to do any of that if I am imprisoned here!"

"And you believe you can accomplish all of that in four months? No! Aurora, time is running out! You'll sleep now and awaken to discover that several months have passed without even noticing!"

I closed my eyes, still irritated. A part of me believed what she was saying, and I was afraid it would take over my thoughts. Would I be able to accomplish all of my goals in four months? I wasn't sure, but I'd like it to happen. I didn't want to die remorseful.

"And what is it? You're going to abandon me? You're going to be just like your father? Are you going to abandon me as quickly as he did? You're going to be able to see my anguish, Aurora? Because if you can, then I can't! If you find yourself in my shoes, I'm sure you'll do the same!"

"I won't! I am not selfish, mom! If I ever had a child, and if this is how she comes to be, I will support her! Even if it causes me greater pain! That is everyone's right, mommy. To be happy! I won't take away her joy!"

"Are you saying I'm selfish, Aurora?"

"Yes!"

I shouted in pain when her palm landed on my cheek. My cheek became instantly numb. I never imagined mommy could do such a thing to me. I simply wanted to be happy; why couldn't she provide that for me?