Chapter 2: The New beginning
"No!….Cindy, Ethan..!"
Akhira Elisha Forge's eyes fluttered open in a hospital room.
Beeping machines and antiseptic smells surrounded her. A nurse smiled.
" Welcome back madam Akhira. You've been asleep for days"
Akhira's memories came flooding back—Sam's life, Ethan, Cindy…
Confusion etched her face,her head twitching in pain. " what did you just call me? Hat happened..?"
" Madam, your name is Akhira Elisha Forge, you've beeb in an accident and at this momment you're in St. Michael's Hospital," the nurse replied.
"Akhira what?..but I'm Sam Lexie Montana..what's going on?"
Akhira's gaze fell on a bouquet. "Who sent these?"
"Jaden Wright, your stepbrother madam, he's been by your side since the accident." the nurse replied.
" Jaden? I have a stepbrother?" Akhira asked herself.
Akhira's head throbbed, a sharp pain piercing her temples. She winced and trying to shake off the disscomfort.
"Are you okay, madam?"the nurse worriedly asked.
As she closed her eyes, images began to flicker like a broken film reel. Fragments of memories resurfaced: the argument with a girl, the screech of tires, and the crunch of metal. Akhira's mind recoiled, but the scenes persisted. She saw a female face with a stricken face, her eyes wide with shock.
Akhira's thoughts swirled. "What was that? Who's that girl watching me?"
"Madam,what's wrong?" the nurse asked.
Akhira shook her head. " Nothing..some memories are flushing back and my head hurts,what's the date today?"
" It's October 31st madam, you were admitted here on October 27th, you've been asleep for 5 days." The nurse replied.
"It's the same year..but I've died as Sam 5 days ago.." Akhira's thought.
A few moments later,a tall handsome man with a dark, messy, and slightly thousled hair entered the room. His eye's were deep and expressive brown.it was Jaden Wright. Akhira's stepbrother.
Jaden eyes widened as he saw Akhira's eyes open and gazing at him.
"Akhira?" Jaden's voice trembled, hope and relief washing over him.
Akhira's lips curled into a fant smile.
"Jaden..?"
Tears pricked at the corners of Jaden's eyes as he rushed to her side. "You're awake," he whispered, grasping her hand.
"Y-yeah, I'm awake.." Akhira replied.
" Do you remember anything about the accident?"Jaden asked.
The nurse's expression turned serious. " Mr. Jaden, Akhira's awake but we need to prepare for potential complications."
Jaden's grip on Akhira's hand tightened. " What kind of complications?"
"Traumatic brain injuries can cause memory loss, confusion or---"
Jaden's eyes widened. "Memory loss?how bad?"
The nurse's voice softened. "It's hard to predict, Akhira might struggle to recall recent events, people, or experiences. In some cases, memeories may return, but it's uncertain."
" It's okay, Jaden. I'm sure my memories will return sooner or later, in fact.. I happened to get a glimpse of what happened on the accident..I'm certain it's not an accident..It's intentional." Akhira explained.
"Intentional? What do you mean by that? What do you remember?.."
Jaden asked, holding Akhiras hand.
" There was someone watching me as I lost my conciousness..I don't remember her but I'll figure it out as soon as possible. You don't need to worry."
Akhira replied.
"Okay, I'll inform mom and dad that your already concious. I will also inform them about your condition, you better have some rest." Jaden said with a soft voice.
"Thank you Jaden." Akhira replied watching her brother leave the room.
"You should take some rest madam Akhira, the doctor will soon visit you and announce your discharge." the nurse added and went out.
Akhira's gaze drifted towards the hospital window, where the fading sunlight danced across the glass. As she stared, her reflection stared back, a haunting beauty in the fading light. Her hazel eyes sparkled like jewels and lovely lips framed her face.
Akhira's thought whispered, "Is this really me?"
"Sam… my old life." Thoughts of Cindy and Ethan flooded her mind.
"Were they okay after I..left?" Akhira wondered, her heart achin. "Did Cindy find happiness after that night?..Did Ethan fall for her?"
Akhira's lips curved into a radiant smile as she gazed at her reflection.The hospital room's starkness faded,replaced by the vibrant colors of her new life. Suddenly, a gentle voice interrupted her reverie.
"Madam Akhira, how are you feeling?"
Dr. Mery asked, concern etched on her face.
"I'm..fine" she stammered, hiding her turnoil.
Dr. Mery's warm smile filled the hospital room.
"Madam Akhira, since you are recovering remarkably well. You'll be dicharged today. I will inform your parents regarding this news."
"Really?" Akhira asked.
The Dr. Nodded.
"Thank you so much for taking care of me."
Akhira said with a warm voice.
" No worries madam, it's our pleassure. I'll be heading out for now, have a nice day madam." the dr. replied and went out from Akhira's room.
Akhira's heart skipped a beat and all she can think about was what are the things await for her outside and if she'll ever see Ethan and Cindy again. Later on, Jaden went back to her room.
" Mom and dad will be here at 12:00 pm to picked us up. How are you feeling right now?"
Jaden asked.
"I'm fine. While waiting for mom and dad, can you tell me what kind of person I am? I felt like a blank sheet of paper.."
Akhira asked hoping for an answer.
" Akhira, I've known you for 7 years. You are a wonderful person. I know I don't really have mention how incredible you are but for sake I will. You are confident and charismatic,ambitious and driven and so on. And I've missed you a lot."
Jaden replied, gently touching Akhira's face.
"Those characteristics are totally opposite to me as Sam"..Akhira's thought.
" Really? But somehow I feel like a different person.."Akhira replied.
"Maybe it's because of the accident. Soon you'll figure out everything. Take it easy for now." Jaden said.
" Can we watch some news on the television.."Akhira asked.
Jaden clicked the remote, and the TV spramh to life. Akhira's locked onto the breking news headlines.
'A tragedy strikes Herrera University Camping Trip . A devastating incident occurred at Herrera University last October 27-9:00 pm. A student died after accidentally falling off the cliff.'
"Accidentally?..are they for real?" Akhira whispered.
"Do you know have friends from that university?" Jaden asked.
"No..I don't. I'm just interested on their institution..I would like to transfer on that university." Akhira demanded.