Lost

As I regained consciousness, I glanced around dizzily, it seemed I was the only one in the room. The left side of my body hurt really bad and more than the other side. As I raised my shirt, I was somewhat surprised to be bandaged all around my waist and chest. As a headache began, I realized my head was also bandaged. Was i that bad? What the hell happened...?!

"I see you are finally awake." A deep soft voice said.

As I looked up to the figure standing before me I got dizzy again. I tried to sit up and started to ask what happened, but my body wouldn't help. Instead, I started blacking out and fell back, the figure reaching to hold me.

"Are you alright? Wake up... C'mon wake up, don't close your eyes" he was holding my hand tight.

"I'm fine.. I'm here.." I managed to say.

"Stay with me." He whispered.

I passed out. Again.

I could hear the sounds of the wind blowing around the house, through the window and into the room, making it quite cold. I could hear the trees moving and their leaves dancing to the lead of the wind, and following the ones around. Birds sang and flew around as if this home was also theirs, completely comfortable with the house and everything within it. It was very relaxing and peaceful, though I started worrying by the fact that I could not move but could barely open my eyes. I could only breathe the fresh air and feel the cold wind that danced around the room. Why, I wondered. I just wanted to open my eyes, to look around, to speak or at least know who has kept me in this house all this time. Though, what I was more curious about, is why.

It felt like hours and hours and I still couldn't move at all. I was getting colder. There was a presence. Someone was also there. Standing. Watching. Then there were steps. Moving away, getting lower. A door was closed. I could no longer feel the wind. Nothing. I couldn't open my eyes. I felt too tired. Who was this person...?

The door opened and someone stepped in the room. Who was it now? The steps were getting closer. I was panicking. Then I felt as a warm towel was put over my forehead. I relaxed a little. Minutes later I felt something cold near my face. Was I about to be killed? Did he change his mind and decided I should die? This day was already fucked up already so anything could happen at this point and my mind was overflowing with endless thoughts.

"Why hasn't she woken up? Why is she still weak, Gerald?" A husky voice asked. "You must remain patient Luke, she is still only human in the surface." An older voice said softly. "Make sure you see to her recovery then, i must find out why she's been targeted now and who's behind it." Luke said.

"I will see to it, Sir"

The door opened and closed. Steps got closer.

"You may open your eyes now, ma'am. You are not here to be hurt by anyone, on the contrary. Please, its okay." Said Gerald.

I took a deep breath and opened my eyes to look at him and he was not what i expected at all. A male with handsome and mature features, bright gray eyes, coral colored lips, lightly tan, gray hair, 6'1 feet tall and fit. He looked to be in his 50's but i felt he was older than what he seemed.

"Why am i here, Gerald? Why was I brought here?" I asked shakily.

"You are here because Sir Luke came to your aid when he saw what happened to you. You were brought here so you could recover and so we can protect you." He said simply.

"...oh. Right.." because that makes sense to anyone. I have to get out, i have to go back home. This is too good and nice to be true.

"You may not leave. I must look after you, and you must wait for Sir Luke and have a word with him." Gerald looked at my eyes vividly, and i couldn't help but stare back surprised.

He sighed and his expression softened and he looked sad " you look so much like Natalie, including her bright and unusual eyes. Please do not be afraid, i mean no hard nor i meant to scare you."

I felt confused, he was mentioning a complete stranger, yet she sounded familiar. He realized his comment had an effect on me and he took a few steps back. He bowed and left the room without a single word.

What was that?

I got up slowly and looked around the room. My things were in a night table, so i searched for my phone in my bag. The bright screen said "Monday 21st".

Wait what the hell? I've been here for days? I need to leave, my family must be worried! I looked at my bruises and injuries. They were ugly and i definitely was going to have a few scars but that was the least of my worries. I got my bag and left the room quietly.

The hallway was dark, there were candle sconces but no portraits or paintings. I notice the stairs going down in a spiral and no one guarding the entrance doors nor any part of the house. I get to the door and there, in a entrance table is a small silver portrait of a young girl holding a set of roses while smiling for the camera. She had a very bright and vivid mixture of greens and a touch of yellow in her eyes, wavy light brown hair, rosy cheeks and a few noticeable freckles. On the corner of the picture there was some writing. Natalia... Natalie? She is exactly like me or i look like her... whatever the case, we are the same except for the eyes, mine are a golden hazel.

"I see you have met her."

I jumped and almost dropped the portrait. "Jesus freaking Christ, a little heads up would be nice!" I heard myself say instantly and regretted it.

The tall, handsome man approached me with a serious expression. "It was not my intention to startle you."

I pursed my lips and felt myself blushing by the second.

"I didn't mean to be rude, just, got too startled. Luke."

He stared intensely, put his hands inside the front pockets of his pants and then looked at the portrait i was holding, stepped close. I could feel his breath on my face and i felt cornered as i stepped back and felt the wall on my back. He kept staring at me with his dark green eyes.

"I ... I.. I'm leaving, Luke..."

"You're leaving me...?"

"No!" I snapped.

What the hell?

"No, yes, i mean, I'm going home. I have to go back to my family."

He leaned closer. His face inches from mine.

"You want to leave...?" His gaze softened and he looked sad.

"I.. must go.. I don't know you and I shouldn't be here..." i looked down as i felt my face completely hot.

"You know my name. Im sure Gerald told you why you are here. Yet, you want to leave." Luke placed his fingers on my chin and raised my face up to look at him again. I looked at his eyes and he kept staring. "Stay." I felt chills down my back. He leaned closer.

I shut my eyes for a second, and opened them fast and looked at him intensely. Luke stopped himself surprised and slowly stepped back. "I'm sorry... this, was a mistake." He took the portrait from me and held it with one hand. "You are not her but.. she is there somewhere within you..."

I stood there dumbfounded "What the hell is that supposed to mean?!"

Luke snapped his fingers. Gerald approached us from the shadows and i felt my ears get red. He unlocked the door and opened it widely.

"You may leave." Luke said as he turned away and started walking towards the stairs.

I looked at Gerald as he was looking at Luke leave, he glanced at me with a sad expression. "I apologize on his behalf... he has... gone through some dramatic events. However, he means well. Please, let me escort you to the gate." He tried smiling a little.

My mind was spinning. What the hell is going on? Who is Luke, who is Gerald, why are they being like this and why do they have to "protect" me or whatever. I'm pretty sure this won't be the last time i see them. "Gerald, will you tell me just what is going on?"

He hazed at the garden and took a deep breath. "In due time. You must get home now."

I sighed. "I appreciate it Gerald."

We walked in silence to a long pathway surrounded by different kinds of flowers. Once we reached the gate i turned and saw Luke standing outside, in a pavilion that was full of flowers, just watching from afar. I took a deep breath and turned away to look at Gerald.

"Thank you for everything, sir." I tried smiling a little.

"It was my most highly pleasure, ma'am.." he grinned widely. He opened the gate and waited for me. I stepped outside and didn't look back as i walked away.

It was maybe a mile that i had been walking when i hear sudden steps approach me from behind. I start fastening my pace without looking back nervously. What now? Why is this happening to me? Who is following me now? Should i turn around to see who it is? Should i run?

I'm going to keep walking. There should be another house nearby or a gas station. Something, please. Anything!

In the distance i was able to see a small building, whatever it is, i have to reach it! Thank God! I decided to step up and start running and just when i was about to start i felt a hand grab my wrist.

I panicked as this person pulled me firmly and i left out a scream.