Chapter Twenty Two: We Are Out

Chapter Twenty Two: We Are Out
Aria’s pov 

“What do you say we  go shopping after my appointment? I would like to get a few things for my grandchild if you don’t mind.” Mrs Laurent asked  me as we made our way to the hospital. 

“Yes sure I actually need to get a few things for myself as well and I needed to visit the salon too.” I was all in for the hangout then I remembered I now have my best friend back. 

“Can we also go with my best friend Celeste? It's going to be so much fun.” I asked her, I didn’t want to ruin her grandmother's grandchild's outing, but Mrs Laurent is never the one to reject anybody’s presence. That is  one thing I have noticed about her. She is very humble and very down to earth. 

“Yes of course she should come along.” She agreed wholeheartedly. I took out a few minutes to text with Celeste and confirm if she could hangout with us and she was totally in on it. 

We got to the hospital in a few minutes. I exchanged my greetings with doctor Steve and he sent for a nurse to take me to the VIP section. It happened to be the same nurse from the last time. Nurse Sonya. 

“Hi nurse Sonya.” I sent her a small smile. I was happy to see her again. 

“It’s good to see you, Mrs Aria.” She seemed more excited than I was. 

“Hmmm..” doctor Steve cleared his throat giving nurse Sonya the sign to control herself this time around. I always got sure gestures from Victor, so I knew when I saw once. 

“Oh Steve let them be.” Mrs Laurent chipped in and we all had a good laugh. With that, nurse Sonya and I excused them. She sticks to me like glue almost as if she was told to keep an eye on me without my knowledge. 

“Mrs Aria you know after our last conversation I gave some thought to how I have been leaving my life, and maybe that’s why I have not been able to live my dream life and make my love story come into reality.” Nurse Sonya tells me over a cup of tea.

“Hmm wow.” I sipped from my cup. I was definitely interested in what she was saying. 

“So what did you come up with?” I asked her. 

“Not what I came up with, but who I met.” She dropped the bomb. I guess I was asking the wrong question. 

“What? Tell me about it.” I adjusted my sitting position. 

She chuckled. 

“Do youRemember how I talked about doing just grocery shopping and taking my dog out for the weekend or watching a movie.” She asked me. 

“Huh huh.” I responded. 

“ Well this time around I decided to try something different.” She tells me. 

“I took myself to a spa, got my hair done, got my nails done, did some waxing and skin care and I really like how it felt. I felt different and I felt more confident and I’m not going back.” She sounds happy.

“I went shopping as well and got myself a beautiful dinner gown and I did my make up. Here is what I looked like.” She took out her phone and showed me a few pictures of herself, and honestly if she didn’t tell me she was the one in those pictures I wouldn’t have believed it. She did look differently gorgeous. 

“You look stunning nurse Sonya.” I sent her a smile. 

“Thank you Mrs Arya.” She was flattered. 

“Did you have a date?” I asked her. 

“ No I didn’t. she sipped from her tea. 

“Actually, when I got to the restaurant it was supposed to be a solo date but I met someone interesting.” Her eyes became dreamy. 

“He is everything I want in a man. He is caring, funny, loving, protective and a provider.” I saw the spark in her eyes. I was genuinely happy for her and I hope that spark stays forever. 

“I’m so happy for you. I hope it leads to a beautiful love story.” I share my well wishes with her and I hope he is all she says he is because nurse Sonya deserves nothing but the best.

“Thank you Mrs Arya.” She smiled gently. 

I have spent just about enough time catching up with nurse Sonya but in the process I took out time to observe the room opposite to mine. This time around I chose to stay in the room opposite to Camille’s supposed husband's room. I could see the door from where I was. I just needed the right time to act and it came. 

Just as I expected, Camille came into the hospital today. I watched as she made her way into the room. But she suddenly came out with a doctor who seemed to be heading to his office. I knew I had to act fast. But I needed nurse Sonya out of the way for a while. 

“My head hurts. Can you please help me with some painkillers ?” I asked her. 

“Yes sure, we do not have any pills on this floor unless It is prescribed by a doctor, so I will quickly head to the other floor and get them for you.” She tells me and with that she leaves immediately. 

With Sonya out for a while I had to be quick and according to my timing, I have just two minutes before she gets back, but I’m not sure how many minutes before Camille does. I watched carefully and made sure the passageway cameras turned away before I left my room into the other.  

“Mr Patrick Harris.” I said softly in my head then I began to sweep the room. I searched every corner,  I went as far as searching the plants into the room to make sure there were no hidden cameras watching me. I opened the only  wardrobe where Mr Patrick belongings are kept, and I quickly began to search every of his things one after the other, but I had to be quick. 

I looked at the time and I had about fifty nine seconds left, but I guess my calculations were wrong. I heard someone’s footsteps  coming in my direction. I panicked, I entered the wardrobe and closed myself in it. I tired to stay a silent as possible. 

Just then, the door  opened and someone came in.  I wasn’t sure what the person was doing but there was no movement, no movement I could hear. I breathed heavily. The person stood at the entrance of the door for a while before deciding to walk into the room. 

It happened to be a nurse. She went straight to the window area to adjust the brightness from the room. I could see her through a little hold I created for myself with my finger. When she was done she left immediately. I listened to her footsteps and I was sure she wasn’t coming back. I immediately came out of the wardrobe and took a deep breath. Then I noticed something fell out of the wardrobe when I came out, it was a card, a business card. 

I took it with me since I didn’t have much time left and I went back to my vip room just a few seconds after I came left, Camille arrived back and so did nurse Sonya. I was lucky. 

“Mrs Aria please take this, it will help with your headache.” She gave me a cup of water and a pill. I didn’t have any choice than to take the drug since I lied about my headaches. 



Mrs Laurent was done with her cheek ups and we headed to the restaurant immediately. My little one needed to eat and so did I. 

“Little one we would be spending time with grandma today.” I rubbed on my stomach gently and talked to it. It actually felt good Mrs Laurent didn’t lie. 

“Little one, this is your grandma and I will buy you so much delicious food.” Mrs Laurent also talked to it and we were both excited. I already sent the address of the restaurant  to Celeste. We arrived before her and when she finally arrived our women's hangout began. 

We discussed fashion and random stuff over lunch and when we were done eating, Mrs Laurent decided to take us to a fashion house for another treat. I was having  so much fun, so I took a few pictures to send to Demien. We finally arrived.

“Good day Ma’am and welcome to couture tinklet Fashion house.” A soft spoken lady helped us make our way into the building. Just then a beautiful light skinned lady in her mid thirties came to us. 

“Mrs Laurent is so good to see you.” They went in for a French kiss. 

“Met my future daughter in law Aria and her best friend Celeste.” She introduced us. She never hesitates to do so. I sent the lady a small smile and so did Celeste 

“It’s nice to have you at my fashion house Mrs Aria and Mrs Celeste .” She starched for a handshake. 

“The pleasure is mine.” I received her hands. We exchanged our greetings.

“I’ll show you to the VIP section ladies please come with me.” She added and with that we entered an elevator that took us to the top of the building. 

We shopped for a few clothes and some jewelry as well. Ever since I was a young girl I was always good with combining clothes. I could match anything and it will fit perfectly. Colors were always my thing. if it weren’t for my step fathers obsession of making me a keyboardist. I would rather have been a fashion designer. 

He didn't want me to establish myself too much and get  to the point where I would stop listening to him. My self growth would have given me the voice I needed, but he always wanted me to be at his mercy, but now he knows he can’t get too close to manipulating me. I know better now and I am with people that would do anything to protect me. We were done shopping quicker than I expected because with Celeste,  she can be really picky but she semmed to be satisfied. With that we moved to the beauty section. 

“What would you like to do with your hair ma?” The stylist asked me. I didn’t give much thought to it before but after taking a look at myself in the mirror I decided I want my hair straightened. I always had natural curly hair and I never had to do too much to style it.

“I would like to straighten my hair. I’m not sure about the length I want. How about you just doing your magic.” I told her. 

I didn’t regret my decision at all. When she was done, I loved everything about my new hairstyle. I have never rocked short hair and it looked really good on me.

A simple fourteen inch straight type, but I loved it and  to top it all up, I gave her my approval to change my hair color and the color came out perfectly. I looked really different. I almost didn’t recognize myself in the mirror. 

“Oh my goodness Aria., you look so beautiful. I almost didn’t recognize you.” Celeste said when she entered the room and soon after her did Mrs Laurent also come in. 

“Thank you best friend, I decided to try something different.” I chuckled. 

“You look stunning, beautiful inside and outside .” That was Mrs Laurent. She flattered me. 

“Thank you Mrs Laurent.” I sent her a small smile. 

“And thank you for this fun opportunity, I really needed it.”  I took her hands into mine and set her a small smile and she did the same. 

“I guess we are done here. I'm starving.” I added and we all laughed. It’s funny how I have to eat every now and then. 

 

“Thank you for the treat Mrs Laurent but I have to go now.” Celeste said at the table since we were all done eating anyways. It seemed like she had to be somewhere else. Myself I enjoyed the meal and I was filled to the brim. 

“You are welcome darling, let's do this more often.” Mrs Laurent seemed overjoyed. I guess this is the kind of life she would have loved to spend with her lost daughter. Going out on dates, shopping and all women stuff. 

“I’ll walk you to your car celeste.” I added. I still felt like I haven’t spent as much time as I wanted with her. I really missed her. 

“No Aria it’s fine, I’ll go by myself.” Of course she didn’t  expect me not to put up a fight. I understand that she was trying not to stress me out but lucky for her, I am clingy so I didn’t agree. 

“Come on..,  I insist.” I picked up her bag off  the table. Now there was no way she would leave without her bag 

“Please excuse us Mrs Laurent, I will be back soon.” I told as I made my way with Celeste bag. she chuckled at the sight of our drama and with that we left to the parking lot. 

“I’ll miss you Celeste.” I hugged her tightly for the umpteenth time. 

“Let go Aria, it’s not like I’m dying.” She chuckled. After a heavy sigh, I did and with that she left. I missed her already. . I'll definitely see her soon. 

The parking lot suddenly became creepy with the lights going off and on. I wasn’t really bothered about it and I just tried to find my way out but I got worried when I felt someone was behind me. Someone was approaching me. I have never had good experiences with packing lots, and I wasn’t ready to have another. 

Lucian once saved me from a creepy man at the packing lot in the past.  I just didn’t like the feeling I was getting, so I increased my pace just then a stranger appeared in front of me. I flinched. 

“Can I help you?” I tried to hide my fear. Just then I noticed the other man behind me approaching us. I almost turned to him for help but I noticed he was not the person that I hoped for him to be. The men seemed to know each other. 

“Hey beautiful.” The man behind me said as I turned to my side trying to watch both of them at the same time, but I only had two eyes. 

“Do I know you guys.” My voice betrayed me. I was starting to get scared. 

“She looks familiar, don’t you think so?” One of the men asked the other. Just then in a second my face was grabbed. I felt my heart jump out of my body. 

“Let go of me!” I screamed and tears immediately fell from my eyes. I wrapped my hands around my stomach. I didn't want anything to happen to my little one. I was going to protect it at all costs. 

“Aren’t you the girl that had an affair with a man much older than you are.” The man holding my face said, his face was very close to mine. He irritated me. His breath stinks. 

“Let go!” I yelled as I held his hand and tried to free myself from his grip. 

“I think you should warm my bed just as you warm his.” Their laughter was evil and scary. I tried to look around for help but no one was there in the parking lot. 

I hoped for Mrs Laurent to notice I was gone for too long and come looking for me but that would not happen. She saw how clingy I was with Celeste. She would probably think I am still holding on to Celeste. 

I knew I had no hopes of escaping or calling for help. My phone was in my bag and inside the restaurant. I am not a good runner either, so even if I manage to free myself I am sure they will catch up with me. I do not want to get hit and put my little one in danger. I closed my eyes tightly as tears streamed down my face and hoped for a miracle to happen and for these weird men to let me go. 

“Ahh..!!!”  I heard one of the men scream in pain. I immediately opened my eyes to the direction of the sound. I was taken back to see my step father victor and his right hand man. I didn’t know what they were doing here or how they must have known I was here but I was more than glad to see them. 

They hit those men so hard they spat blood from their mouth and their eyes were swollen. I was still shivering from the fear and thoughts of what would have happened to me if they didn’t show up, hunt me. 

“Aria are you ok?” My step father said as he scanned my body for any injuries. 

“Dad!” I immediately hugged him but before I could feel the warmth of his hug he gently pulled away from him. He has always been like that, emotionless and up tight. It isn’t something for me to feel bad about since I’m already used to it. 

“Are you hurt?” He asked, the rage in his eyes was burning high. 

“No, I'm fine.” My voice above a whisper. 

“Is your baby ok? Did they touch your stomach?” He threw more questions at me. 

“No, they didn’t touch my stomach.” I said as I wrapped my hand around it. 

“Damn you Lucian.” He cursed under his breath. But it wasn’t totally Lucian’s fault. I also had a part to play in our affair, but what I didn’t know is that I would have to face consequences like this, being harassed by strangers, and having them saying mean things to me. 

“Go fix yourself up, no one should know about this.” He orders me just as he always does. If this idea wasn’t in my favor I would have protested but it was. If Mr Laurent finds out about what happened here, so will Demien.

I knew what it took for me to convince him that I didn’t need a bodyguard, but if he finds out about this then there’s nothing I can do. I have spent all of my life being watched. Now I am a free woman. I do not want anyone watching me every second of my life. I want to be carefree, have my own privacy and do things without feeling caged. 

“Ok.” I nodded in approval. We left for the restaurant together. I went to the restroom to fix myself up. My face was still a little red from the impact of the man holding my face in his hands and dipping his finger into my skin. 

I wasn’t with my bag so I didn’t have any makeup to touch up. I managed to blend my face with my finger and reduce the swelling and redness, then I ran my fingers through my hair to keep it intact. I sighed heavily as I looked at myself in the mirror. I looked better than when I entered the restroom. I hoped Mr Laurent wouldn’t notice, with that I left and went back to our table. 

“Sorry to keep you here all alone.” I said in my sweetest tone. 

“I understand, you must miss your friend so much. I also used to have a best friend I couldn't leave without.” She chuckled. I made my way to sit. 

“Your dad was just here. I guess you missed him since he just left. I told him you escorted your friend but he seemed to be in a rush and said he would see you some other time.” She tells me. 

“Oh I guess he must really be in a hurry then.” I added. Good thing she didn’t notice the redness on my face. 

“Yes I think so.” She agreed. 

“I would like to know more about your best friend if you don't mind Mrs Laurent.” I said after checking my wristwatch for the time. Demien texted that he would come pick us up in an hour.

“Yes, sure.” She was excited to share her experiences just as always.

“My best friend's name is Derek.”

What? Did she just say her best friend is a man? 

“Yes he is a man.”She chuckled. I guess my silent words said a lot on my face. I was amazed. I guess I heard right after all. 

“We grew up together and also attended the same schools.”

“ My dad and his dad were best of friends as well and that made us even, regardless that I am a female and he is a male but that didn’t stop us from bonding.” The excitement in her voice. 

“My husband Mr Laurent was friends with Derek, and that was how we knew each other and ended up getting married as well.” It sounds like one of all those fantasy stories but this was real.

I can’t imagine how close they must have been but they never had feelings for each other. Best friendship is finding a sister or a brother in a stranger and that’s why I love Celeste so much. She is more than just a friend to me; she has been a sister, a sister I never had, and she came into my life to fill up that empty space. Mr Laurent continues. 

“Dreak and I shared a lot together, so much that I do not even know where to begin telling you from. I’m an old lady and my memories might be a little wavy but I never forget my bond with people.” I confirm that Mrs Laurent is a free spirited person, who bonds with people easily from the moment I first met her. Her personality was the first thing I fell in love with before her beautiful face and voice. 

“I remember when he first met his wife we were both in college he had a huge crush on her and did everything to make sure she was his. I played my part as his best friend by telling him how he can please a woman.” She chuckled. 

“We used to be inseparable, but as we grew up we understood our priorities. We both had our lives to build with our separate families, but it doesn’t mean we are not in contact. We still talk once every now and then.” She tells me.  I was already wondering how they must have kept their friendship despite being so far apart. It made me realize how it would eat me up if the same thing happens to Celeste and myself. The thought of it sent shivers down my spine. She’s my world. 

“I’m sure you must have seen his picture a few times but you wouldn’t know.” She said and brought out her phone from her bag. 

“He is the CEO of Fewooden.” she said as she showed me a group picture of her phone and pointed him out. Maybe I didn’t notice him in the picture but I remember the same picture hanging in Mr Laurent house. I was still looking at her phone when I heard her call out to someone. It could only be one person she would be so excited to see other than her husband. 

“Look who’s here”. She said in a melody tone and I was taken back to see Demien. 

“Hi honey.” He kissed me on my cheek from behind. 

“Hi little one.” He added and slid his hand on my waist. 

“Hi honey.” I responded with a smile on my face. 

“You look stunning.” Demien flattered me. I didn’t show him a picture of my new hairstyle I wanted him to see for himself. 

“This hairstyle looks really good on you.” He adores my face. 

“Thank you.” I said, My cheeks were burning red. 

“Someone has forgotten about me.” Mrs Laurent teased. 

“Hi mom.” Demien chuckled. We exchanged our greetings. Demien dropped his mom home and we went home as well. I had a long day so I slept off almost immediately.