21

It’s embarrassing that everyone is looking at us. I almost broke my neck looking down. I hope the earth will swallow me. He took me to the locker room of the basketball team.

There were a lot of men there but seeing Wilder, he turned away because of the way he was staring at her.

“What are you doing Fertine? Why are you flirting!?” He angrily shouted.

I am filled with this man.

“Me? Why am I the one to blame? I kept quiet! I don’t do anything to you all! But why do you treat me like this? Is it because I dress differently than you?!” I hit his chest in great annoyance.

“You’re the one who has the courage to get angry? You’re the reason why this is happening to me, so you have no right to question me!” I screamed at the top of my lungs. I was out of breath.

He didn’t say anything.

He grabbed my hand to hit him.

He hugged me tight.

I couldn’t stop my tears from coming out because earlier I wanted to cry with a cup of coffee.

I cried on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry, Fertine.” He softly said.

I loosened the hug and looked at him. “I will help you.” He said.

I swallowed and asked “Help me with what?”

“Help you change.” Wilder. “Sit here.” I sat on a long chair here in the locker room.

He opened one of the lockers and took out a t-shirt. He came to me and handed it to me.

It made my body flow “Wear this, your wet.”

The long sleeve I was wearing got wet and my skirt got a little dirty, but that’s okay. I didn’t have any other change with me.

“Here’s a short.” He reached for women’s shorts.

“That’s not mine. It’s my sister’s.” It promised. “I’ll go outside, tell me when your done.” With that it came out.

I can’t believe this is all happening.

I couldn’t do anything because it was really wet and I hadn’t even drunk that coffee that was thrown at me.

I changed into his clothes.

The t-shirt was too big for me about thigh length and the shorts he gave me were really short.

“Uhm.. wilder it’s okay.” He opened the door and stared at me from head to toe.

“Uh.. wilder.” I said when he is still just standing there.

“Let’s go.” He held my hand and walked straight towards his car. I remember this same scene where he dragged me out of the bar.

The student was looking at us for some unknown reason. When I looked up at them, Hades and I looked at each other, Hera was next to him who now raised her eyebrows. They watched us get inside the car.

“Tell me where you live.” He opened the door as soon as we got into the car.

“Not anymore. I’m just out there, I’ll take care of going home.” I answered.

“No. You are not going home alone. Especially with what I made you wear.” I noticed that he glanced at my legs. Reason to be singled out, I put my bag there.

I told him where I live.

The whole ride is silent. No one tried to speak to either of us. Maybe because of what happened.

I didn’t know how Wilder didn’t notice but there it is again! The phone! Who’s phone is this? Is this phone from one of his girls? I opened it and try to curl up my back so he doesn’t see that I’m using itm

I read the remaining Convo.

Cohen's phone?

Isn't that missing?

How did you get that Nikki?

Nikki was appalled, her eyes stared at Cohen's phone until the call ended.

Nikki…

I… I don't know.

I don't know how it gets here.

I don't know why it's here. How did it get here Mom? I've been sleeping here all night! I didn't feel it vibrating or what.

I might have put it under your phone Nikki.

What? Do you have Cohen's phone all the time?

No! No I don't have it. I was cleaning the boxes right? I saw a phone and put it under your bed, thinking it was your old phone.

But how did you find it in the boxes? I don't even know there are boxes under my bed.

When you came home from the hospital they gave us one box. They said it was your studd that they found in the car crash.

Why didn't you tell me that Mom?

I was worried about you Nikki. You've been through a lot, you are not eating too. You always lay here in your bed.

I thought that looking through your things related to the car crash will aggravate your situation.

Nikki sat on the end of her bed. She took a deep breath.

Cohen's phone is here.

It wasn't stolen. No one stole it. It's here all along.

Isn't that good? No one stole it. Cohen's phone is safe. You are not in danger.

Yeah…

But who is the one texting me?

So who was texting you? If Cohen's phone is really here. Then there's no stranger over the phone. No one.

Is it possible?

What? What do you mean possible?

Nikki glanced at her Mom. Her heart beat thudded fast. Realization hit her.

Is it Cohen's spirit?

Maybe he was trying to say goodbye to you Nikki.

That's impossible Mom.

How? There's no one texting you Nikki. No one. Cohen's phone is in your room all along.

But he called me.

How would someone call you? His phone is here. If it's not Cohen's ghost or spirit trying to get to you I don't know what it is.

Tears pooled in Nikki's eyes. All of her questions had been answered. The reason why he knows all the answers to her question, the reason why he texts her the same way as his boyfriend is because it's really Cohen.

It's Cohen's ghost.

Is he trying to communicate with me?

Maybe he doesn't know he is already dead or he is trying to say goodbye to you before he leaves earth.

He is here Mom…

He is here with me. He never left my side. He stuck to his promise.

But I can't let him stay. He is supposed to leave.

The best thing to do is turn over his phone Nikki. It's still evidence so they will drop the investigation, case closed.

Nikki did the right thing, she turned over Cohen's phone to Agent Nicholson even though she wanted to keep it.

Agent Nicholson can't believe what happened. She tried to be reasonatand and rational with Nikki.

Telling her that the messages that come from Cohen are just hallucinations and delusions due to stress.

It's a common thing for people who loss their loved ones Ms. Vanderburgh. They start to hallucinate and think that their loved one is talking to them.

But it's real, look!

She opened her phone and showed the text messages to Agent Nicholson.

It is also possible that you did this all yourself Ms. Vanderburgh. Since the phone is with you, you texted and called yourself to make it look like he is the one texting you.

You even went too far to file a complaint about his stolen phone but it is in your possession all along.

What about the tech guy? The one who died, the guy in the morgue!

He had a heart attack.

But he drowned!

He had a heart attack and drowned, he hit his head on the edge of the pool that's why he had a concussion.

No! That's wrong! He didn't have a heart attack, someone is after him! Someone called me through Cohen's phone that day.

Hallucinations and made up scenarios are common coping mechanisms Ms. Vanderburgh.

That's not a made up scenario in my mind!

I know it's hard for you to accept what happened to your boyfriend, Ms. Vanderburgh but we can't do anything anymore. Case closed. I advise you to see a doctor for your own good.

I'm not out of my mind Agent Nicolson.

I'm not saying you are, but you need help to survive this.

I don't need help. I knew what happened. It's real. It's no delusions!

Agent Nicholson forced a smile, she didn't utter a word but she pulled her mother closer and whispered something. Nikki's mom nodded and smiled at her.

What are you guys talking about?

Why do you have to whisper it to my mother?

Nikki, it's nothing. We should get going.

No you guys are talking about—

Nikki please! Give yourself a break!

Nikki sighed. Her mother knows what's best for her. She followed her Mom and went home. She didn't leave her room that day. She's awake all night, thinking about Cohen.

Every time her phone rings, she excitedly looks at it but to her disappointment it is just app notifications. There's a part of her that wants to see Cohen's messages even if it's just the ghost of him.

Nikki stared into the ocean. Sunset is about to come and she is sitting alone on the shore of the white sand beach.

Jane: Where the hell are you Nikki? Why did you leave without telling us?

Do you know how worried your Mother is? Don't be like this. Cohen's life ends but not yours.

There's still hope, Nikki. Please message me, or reply to your Mom. She is really worried. You don't want to lose her aren't you?

Don't threaten me with that Jane. I will come back once I find myself. I don't want to be a burden to Mom. I can't let her see me like this.

Nikki ran away from her home. She was lost. The only way to find peace within herself is to be one with nature. That's what Cohen taught her.

Jane called her but she declined. Instead of replying to their messages and calls she gaze at the waves of the sea.

Narration: Flashback

I don't know why you always want to go to the beach, Cohen. It's crowded and humid here.

Nikki said as she put a picnic blanket on the sand.

Beach is the only thing that calms me besides I want to enjoy the sunset with you.

Cohen smiled at her. Nikki stared into Cohen's eyes. His deep blue eyes glistened as he looked at the ocean.

I like the sunset but why would I want to go to the beach when I'm already drowning in your deep ocean eyes?

Cohen laughed.

I should be the one throwing pick up lines Nikki.

Tsk. It's corny. I know you don't like it.

I don't like it.

Nikki pouts.

I love it.

I love you…

Narration: Flashback Ends.

Tears pooled in Nikki's eyes as she stared into the ocean.

The ocean is beautiful, Cohen. It reminds me of you.

I wish you were here with me…

Narration: Tears rolled down her cheeks as she looked down and cried her heart out. Her tears poured, each drop falling to the ocean full of their memories.

Nikki didn't flinch when a warm arm wrapped around her. For a second she assumed it was Cohen, he used to hug her from the back but she knew who it was. She wept even more knowing Cohen will never come back.

It's okay, Nikki. Cry as much as you want.

Pour your heart into the ocean.

Let it go, Nikki…

Why did he have to die, Louis?

Why him?

He is a good person!

He is loved by a lot of people!

He puts everyone else before him… why did he take him away from me?

Why?!

Nikki…

Louis hugged her tightly. She cried on her shoulders. She heard a scream coming towards their direction.

She felt someone hug her. She is sure it was Jane and her parents. They knew where she went. It's Cohen's favorite place.

It has been three days since the day she cried her out to the ocean. Nikki's friends and parents tried their best to keep her company so she wouldn't feel alone. They are at the ice cream shop to cool down.

Try this chocolate chip mint ice cream Nikki. It's their best seller!

It tastes like toothpaste, Jane.

No it doesn't! Why don't you try it before you judge it?

I don't really like it. Not my type of flavor.

Tsk. So you are going to stick to cookies and cream ice cream forever?

Heck yes! There is nothing wrong with sticking to something forever Jane. Unlike you who always want to try new things.

So? It's better to find new options.

Just because it's new doesn't mean it's better.

Nikki's eyes squinted. Why does it feel like they are talking about something else rather than the ice cream?

I'll try both.

Really? But chocolate mint chips are Cohen's favorite flavor.

Nikki stared at Louis. She is right. It's Cohen's favorite flavor. It's been a long time since she ate it with him.

What are you doing Louis?! Do you need to bring that up? How freaking stupid are you?

What? I didn't mean to! It just slips out of my tongue. I didn't intend to—

Tsk! Damn you! We are trying to make Nikki feel better. Not make her sad!

I'm sorry Nikki. I don't know what happened to me. I remember it and–

Buy her something else now! We are heading out.

Jane scooted over and opened her phone. Nikki can't help look over her shoulder and peek at what she is doing. Her head tilted as she noticed a group conversation where she is not included.

Who are you talking about?

Jane shrieked.

Huh?

Are you talking to a new guy?

Nikki wanted to ask about the group conversation but she has a feeling she will lie to her for some reason.

She scooted away from her. Jane doesn't want her to see it. She wants to know but she doesn't want it to be obvious that she knows something.

No. I wasn't. I'm just opening it to know what time it is.

Nikki nodded that she knew Jane was lying. Why does she need to lie? What was the group conversation all about?

Alright. Can you get me something else in the ice cream shop? You know that Louis is a mess when it comes to flavors and you know me better so…

No worries I'll get it for you Nikki.

Jane was about to leave when pulled her.

I can hold your phone for you.

Huh?

Well, your hands will be full and it's going to be hard to carry the ice cream cups.

No it's fine Nikki. I can handle it.

Jane smiled and walked inside.

Nikki squinted her eyes. Something is wrong with her and she needs to find out what she's hiding from her.

Just right in time I put the phone on my pocket right before he stop the car.

We got to where I live and I know that he is changing from what he sees, although the apartment that is rented is not in squatters because it is just on the side of the road, quite close to the school so I hope I don’t get massaged anymore. He takes me there, half of my salary goes here, including bills.

“Uh.. thanks for the delivery.” I said after getting out of his car. “Be careful on the way home.”

“No, I’m not going home yet. Do you want to let me in at least? To have coffee, juice or water? Common Fertine be a host.” He said laughing.

“Uh… okay.” I was forced to answer.

I left you his car in the Tapatalk of the apartment Then followed. My room is on the fourth floor. Maybe it’s clean there now. I let him inside. I quickly got something to drink, I only had water.

I hand him the water. “I’m sorry, that’s all I have, unlike when you let us stay at your mansion.”

“Nah, it’s fine. Did you have lunch? I’ll just order some food for us. I’m a little hungry.” It promised.

“Uh.. because I have work later.” I answered. “Skip your shift today. Be with me.” I was stunned by what he said.

“W-why can’t I work now? I need money to pay the bills and this apartment. So why do I have to—” I didn’t finish what I was going to say.

“Didn’t you hear me earlier? I told you that I will help you.” He then said to drink water. “W-what kind of help?” I will ask.

“Don’t worry I’ll pay for your time.”

What the hell is Wilder saying, why does he seem so kind to me?

“Just go with me.” He said calmly.

“My body hurts, maybe not—” “See? Your body hurts. Take a break from your work.” It’s Saturday.

“O-Okay, where are we going?”

While I don’t know where Wilder is taking me. I took a book to read, which he also read with me.

Marga values the significance of life, hence she seizes every opportunity thrown at her. She exudes a carefree, clever and amusing character. Although she’s the center of attention at social gatherings, she closely guards the secrets she holds within. Despite her efforts to achieve orgasm, she is facing reproductive issues.

However, she is hesitant to seek medical attention or confide in others about her struggles due to her embarrassment regarding the details of her sexual desires and endeavors. She shares a special connection with her sole aunt, and their bond may seem unconventional to some as they have a friendship-like rapport, yet they still maintain appropriate limits. When Marga accompanied her to the doctor, she encountered the Doctor Reynold, whom she noticed possessed a considerable bulge.

Upon encountering Doctor Reynold, her aunt was left speechless due to his reputation as one of the most attractive and esteemed medical professionals in the country, being part of the Monteclar family. Marga couldn’t resist disclosing to her that she was aware of his offspring Drake.

Although the child belongs to her, she is obliged to let Blake, her former partner, take care of him. Before long, Drake and Marga were together, and Drake couldn’t resist teasing Marga whenever he had the opportunity. Marga believed that their meeting was over, but she was mistaken when she spotted him at her university and realized that he is the proprietor of the institution she attends. Furthermore, he is on the lookout for a student to assist him who will perform exceptionally well in their practical examination.

There is widespread excitement among both genders, however, the female population displays a greater desire to serve as the assistant of the country’s most attractive and desirable doctor. Every night, Marga is unable to stop thinking about the attractive doctor. She went to the extent of inserting a pen marker into her body to satisfy her need for sexual pleasure, but it resulted in bleeding. Despite attempting to contact him via text messaging, she refused to comply with his request to come to the hospital for a check-up due to embarrassment and a desire to remain anonymous.

The following day, she encountered a charming man whose appearance strikingly resembled Doctor Reynold. Drawing comparisons between the two, she discovered that he is her brother who studied medicine in the same year and field as her. In due course, they developed a friendship along with her childhood comrade, Minna. Marga was struck by a car and suffered injuries to her knees while walking home.

Blake witnessed the incident and quickly assisted in getting her to the hospital. Interestingly, his orthodontist, Doctor Reynold, was there and will be administering an x-ray test to determine whether or not her bones have been broken. Marga well-being is a source of gratitude for them as they learn that there are no fractures or injuries. After pleasuring herself with a vibrating outdated mobile device, Marga greeted her guests Minna and Blake at her residence.

However, she became overwhelmed by a powerful cramp, causing her to perspire and feel lightheaded. After being hurriedly taken to the hospital once more, it was discovered that the cause of her cramps was the bleeding brought about by her earlier self-pleasure.