"Here, sis, your morning breakfast. You're going to love it," I said to Miss Elsa, who was perched delicately on her bed.
"Ah... Thank you, White," she replied with a soft smile.
"Don't mention it, and remember, you can call me anytime if you need anything," I reassured her before stepping out of her Apartment room.
It had been three days since Miss Elsa had awakened from her coma—a miracle, according to the doctors, who had given her survival odds close to zero. She survived, yet the incident that led her to leap from the university building remained a blank in her memory...
The price of my fervent wish for Elsa's life was her memories of me. Upon awakening, she didn't recognize me, though she did recognize Zen. The doctors were baffled; amnesia like hers was a medical anomaly. Typically, one would forget everything or significant portions of their life, but forgetting just one person seemed impossible.
My heart sank when she failed to recognize me. We attempted to jog her memory, but to no avail. She kept apologizing for her lapse in memory, and eventually, we dropped the subject. Somehow, I found solace in the fact that this was better than losing her forever.
Zen and Shu, ever the faithful friends, visited often to check on Miss Elsa. Her physical wounds were healing, but the memories of me remained elusive, like whispers in the wind.
And as for Bell her energy is infectious, and her presence brightens every day. She was the key to Miss Elsa's survival, and my gratitude for her—and Aisha—is boundless.
As I reached for the door to close it, a voice echoed from the stairwell, "Waaaaaittttttt."
The voice halted me, and I swung the door open again. Racing towards me was a girl with flowing black hair and piercing blue eyes, clad in her school uniform, clutching a bag.
"Phew, made it just in time," she panted, a triumphant grin spreading across her face.
"Aris?" I inquired, surprised.
"The one and only," she declared, her voice bubbling with zest. "I've come straight from home to deliver this to Elsa, big sis." She handed me the bag, which I discovered was filled with fresh fruits and vegetables.
"You know, White, it's not fair that you and Zen bro wouldn't let me see big sis," she pouted.
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I couldn't help but smile teasingly. "Miss Elsa needs her rest, and if you were to meet her..."
Her eyes widened. "Are you saying I'd trouble her?"
I chuckled. "No, no, you can see her later. She's having breakfast now, so... later."
"Fine. So, White, you're heading to school, right? I'll wait; go get ready quickly," she urged.
"I will, but don't just stand there. Come wait in the living room; I'll be ready soon."
Her eyes twinkled mischievously. "Oh? Inviting a girl into your room? Do you like me that much?" she teased, giggling.
I rolled my eyes. "I'm closing the door now," I said, feigning annoyance.
As I began to close the door, she protested, "Wait, wait, wait! Don't close it—I'm coming in!"
I relented and let her in. Bell was engrossed in a children's show when Aris entered.
"You still watch this, White? Grow up; you're a high school student now," she chided.
Her words made me realised about Bell's presence. Bell looked at Aris curiously, then back at me, awaiting an explanation.
"Ah, well... Yes, I enjoy this show. Can you keep it a secret?" I asked, hopeful.
"Okay, but..." Aris pondered,
then I struck a deal. "I will treat you to ice cream, and it's a deal."
"I'd prefer the new café near school," she countered.
I sighed but agreed. "Alright, it's a deal."
I whispered to Bell, pretending to turn off the TV, "Bell, head to the bedroom; I'll be there soon."
Bell nodded and scampered off.
"Aris, make yourself at home. If you need anything, feel free to use the fridge. I'll be back shortly."
In my room, Bell sat on the bed, her eyes filled with questions. "Papa, who is she? A friend?"
"Yes, she's the younger sister of the guy with yellow hair who visited Elsa. Her name is Aris, and she's my junior at school."
Bell's face lit up with understanding.
"Now, the real question is what to do with you," I pondered aloud.
Bell gazed at me, her eyes wide and innocent.
"It's not wise to leave you alone, especially since Aisha hasn't been around. How about you come to school with me?" I suggested.
Bell's excitement was palpable. "Yay! School with Papa!"
As I packed my things, Aris, Bell, and I set off for school. The journey was filled with laughter and chatter, though Aris had to dash back home for a forgotten item.
Upon reaching the school gates, a girl with short white hair and crimson eyes called out to me. I turned to find her smiling enigmatically.
"You know, bringing a child to school isn't exactly allowed," she said with a mysterious smile.
Hearing her words, I stood frozen, a jolt of shock coursing through me. She could see Bell? But how? And who was this enigmatic girl with the ability to perceive the invisible?
"Wait, you can see Bell?" I stammered, my voice a mix of disbelief and curiosity.
She nodded, her crimson eyes gleaming with a knowing light. "Yes, I can see her. Surprised?" Her smile held secrets untold, and in that moment, I knew our encounter was no mere coincidence.
"Who are you?" I asked, my mind racing with possibilities.
She stepped closer, her presence commanding yet enigmatic. "Let's just say, I have a special gift, one that allows me to see things others can't. And Bell," she glanced at the child beside me, "is no exception."
The revelation sent a shiver down my spine. This girl was a mystery, one that I was now compelled to unravel.