CHAPTER 95

"ELEANOR... APHRODISIACS ARE BAD DRUGS AND THEY HAVE SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS...." Caoimhe sat down with me as she explained her knowledge with the drug.

"So you think I was hallucinating?" I asked defensively. I was unable to control my composure and she immediately looked at me and shook her head.

"I didn't mean that....I was just making you aware....." she gave me an assuring smile and my blunt face looked at her.

She was right. I've also heard aphrodisiac have serious, severe to lethal side effects. May I really was hallucinating....

But no...I could never have hallucinated about it.

I touched my lips and I could still feel his moist mouth and sweet warm breath. His smell was still lingering in my nostrils I couldn't seem to get it out of my mind. The fire is his eyes was so genuine and set me ablaze. It seemed so real....how could it not be?

"Eleanor.....what are you thinking about??" Lauren asked and I forced a smile, shaking my head sideways. I walked to the window and looked outside.

I remembered it all. A garden. There was a garden too. How I found myself there I don't remember but I was certain I saw a garden. He must've had taken me there...

My vision was still fuzzy and unfocused but I managed to Identify everything and my brain comprehended them very well. I could tell what something was

There were plenty of flowers in different kinds and colours each with a unique scent. Tulips, roses of all colours, daises, all types of lilies, gardenias and all forms of daffodils.

A pathway inside the garden with flowers side by side lead to a stone bridge. The stones seemed out of the world and looked more like gemstones. I felt like I was walking on a gateway to heaven.

We walked silently onto the bridge which had a man-made pond beneath it. It had goldfishes of different colours and they looked happy swimming in the water happily.

I stopped and looked down at them from below the bridge. They looked like stars as their streamlined bodies cut through the water under the glistening sun. I envied them. They seemed peaceful in a world with no sorrow and no people to take advantage of you and satisfy their nefarious desires.

"We have to go back....it's time for your medicine...." he held my hand and led me carefully down the bridge and back into the pathway that passed through the garden.

"When will I get my vision back? I still can't see clearly ..." I asked him hoping he knew the answer.

"You should by tonight...."

"I hope so. I think I regained my sanity and now my visions all that's missing so I can finally see your face...." I took a deep breath and looked his direction. He looked back at me and I think I saw something like a smile on his lips.

"I didn't jump on you last night, did I? Or maybe take my clothes off or anything weird of any sort. Jump into a poll maybe....breaking kitchenware..." I stopped and asked anxiously.

He snorted with laughter and I questioned his act. I held his hand and shook him gently.

"Well, did I?" I asked again and he laughed louder this time.

"No...." he responded and drew in a deep breath. His laugh was beautiful and amazing. It meshed so well with his calm temperament. Pure joy radiated from him and it was evident he was laughing in a deep, hearty manner.

If I had my phone with me, I would certainly not want to let such go. I would immediately capture a picture.

Being with him, though for a short period of time made me want to stay with him forever. He made me feel, in an instant, like I was the only girl in the world. He treated me with high regard and so much respect even though he did not know me. He was a rare gem and for once being with him, made me forget about Adam.

I walked towards a rose bush and severed my hand with a thorn. As I saw the crimson fluid drip onto the leaf, I realized my work was done.

"Oh no...you're bleeding....so sorry...." he grabbed my hand and coated it in his handkerchief. "If you wanted it you should've told me and I would have plucked it for you...."

"No, thank you. This is a reminder..." I raised my blurry eyes to look at him.

"Reminder?? Of what??"

"You...."

"Me??"

"Uh-huh. When the effect of the drug will have fully worn out, am afraid I will not be able to remember any of this and that will be a huge loss to me. Even if it'll be for a second, I want to remember you everyday. Whether all this is a dream or reality...I don't want to forget you...and this is my reminder...."

"Oh dear...."

"When the pain pierces through my flesh, I will be forced to wonder how I got the cut in the first place and the memories....would bring me back to this place....back to you..."

"But...why through pain....???"

"Pain is the only thing we can never ignore in this world...no matter how we try to.....and not even time can take it away...." I said these words in memory of my mother.

It was the pain of missing her that brought her back to me. The pain that I can't ignore no matter how much I try. I fill myself with goodies life can ever give but I know she's still there at the back of my head. Not even time was able to heal my broken heart. It feels fresh like it was only yesterday when it happened.

"Am afraid ....I have to agree....." he nodded and I wondered what he would possibly have meant by that. To me, he was the man who held riches at his command and had plenty more than even his heart would wish to have. He had so much but his voice told of a different testimony. He was in lack.

What was he lacking? What would a man as him possibly lack??

Then, a tap on my shoulder caused me to jerk and turn around vibrantly.

"It's just me...." Lauren lifted her hands and I quickly looked around. I was in her house's guest room, on the window staring outside.

"Are you alright???" she asked and I nodded. I smiled to make her less worried about me but from the expression on her face, I had minimal success.

Knowing me better, she chose not to push the matter and smiled back.

"I made some snacks, care to join us? We've been calling you for a very long time...." she touched my hair, brewing my emotions just like a real mother.

"I'll come now...." I replied and she pecked my forehead before walking out.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

I stretched out my hand and looking down at it, my heart fluttered. A large cut smiled back at me from the centre of my hand and I knew I couldn't have been wrong about it.

It was neither the effect of the drug nor a dream. It was pure awesome reality and our memory will always be my lullaby. A song to sing me to sleep.