It was Lana, holding up her smart phone as she had just taken a picture. She turned the screen with a snarl on her face for them to see the picture. "It is beautiful, isn't it?" she mused in her mock induced tone.
Adrian got up, furious. "What do you think you are up to? Delete that picture now!"
"Or what?" Lana edged her face closer. "Next week is our engagement party, and you wouldn't say you are not aware. So how on earth would you be flirting around with a commoner to our detriment? What do you think people would imagine when they see this?"
April didn't know what to think or feel like as she stood there, rootless and speechless. Maybe those thugs could have just done as they wished. Maybe Adrian should never have bothered saving her, or perhaps, she should have just remained seated at the hospital's entrance instead. Her mind ran wild as she looked around her feeling embarrassed.
Lana adjusted the collar of her shirt-like gown, which was a little below her butt. The cleavage she left exposed made April wonder if she was preparing for a photo shoot as a porn star. She pulled Adrian close to a hug and gave him a peck on the cheek. "You look like you could have killed me with your eyes if you had the power. Don't worry. I wouldn't be so fool hardy to post this, neither would I delete it yet, but I have to be sure this pretentious slut doesn't come anywhere near your dwelling again." She had barely finished her statement when Adrian pushed her away aggressively and dragged April outside with him. Lana almost lost her footing with the six inches heel she wore, and doubled over, groaning in pains. April believed she must have broken an ankle.
"You would pay dearly for this, I promise you." she swore after them.
"You can do your worse." Adrian spat before leaving.
April was too dazed with his sudden reaction that she couldn't even protest nor struggle to free herself from his grip till they got to his car.
"Please stop. I think I can find my way from here." she quickly said in panic, wondering if Lana would upload the picture or not as she threatened. "Thanks for your help. But please, don't let her upload the picture. She sounds like she means it. It would barely hurt your reputation, but it would definitely endanger my life, you know." she pleaded.
"Don't worry, hop in. Let me drop you off."
"No, Adrian. I am not a frog. Please listen to me. I am in a mess already as things are, and being with you or seen with you is obviously creating the wrong impressions."
He ran a hand across his head in frustration. "Really? So you think you can find your way home on your own from here? I am only asking to drop you off, nothing more. Besides, about the house, you guys can take your time. Use the two weeks ultimatum given initially."
April shook her head adamantly. "No. Don't go back on your words. Two days would do. And yes, I will find my way home, thanks." she stalked away immediately, without waiting for a response. She actually felt like screaming and throwing herself on the floor in tears, but she knew that was only a crazy idea, coming from the brain of a mad woman. The whole situation has driven her crazy and now, she didn't even know what to think. It was till she came out to the major road to get a taxi that she understood why Adrian had wanted to drop her off himself. There was no taxi in sight as the area was secluded and security tight. She had an eerie feeling come over her. The same feeling she had before those street bums tried to attack her. Maybe she should have just swallowed her pride and stubbornness, and let him drop her off.
A private car appeared at her front now and the windows wind down to reveal a young bald man on dark shades. "Hello, beautiful. What are you doing here alone by this time of the day?"
She searched for the answer to his question as her mind rallied round. Why was he on dark shades by this time of the day? There was something odd about his accent and manner, and asides the guy seated next to him, she could sight about two others at the back seat, all dressed in black. She simply stepped back with a smile, shaking her head. But he didn't look like he was going to drive on without getting a response. Was he possibly sent by the cleaner's son?
"Are you waiting for someone? It is impossible to get a cab around here, you know." His voice was soft and canny, like a lion prowling around and observing its prey.
"Yes, she is waiting for me." Adrian appeared from the blues with a hand on her shoulder. April felt her breath relax at once. "Thanks for your concern." He added stiffly, as they watched the car drive away after a moment's hesitation. April took in a very deep breath as she glanced around. The whole road was literally dry and empty. He came just in time. "I hate to say, I told you. Because there is nothing left to say." He took her hand as he led her across the road where his car was parked.
This was the third time he was saving her today, she thought, as she finally hopped into the car. "I don't want to say thank you a third time, so you don't think I am taking you for granted. What can I do to show my appreciation instead?" she asked him, wondering if she was saying the right thing or not. What if he asked for something beyond her?
He revved the engine to life and pulled off to the major road. "Don't bother yourself, Andrea. I wouldn't ask for too much."
Her heart pounded at the mention of the name. "Why are you being adamant? I told you you're mistaken."
Adrian said nothing. He simply grinned and drove on. "Don't worry. Time will tell." he muttered.
April bit her lower lip. Maybe she should just swallow her pride now and admit it. No. She argued within herself. No way she would let him make her feel less of herself.
"You keep forgetting we all have a doppelganger somewhere. I don't know why you keep insisting." she pouted
Adrian smirked, taking a U turn. "Don't worry, Andrea, I will protect you from him even if it's with the last drop of my blood. He may be pretending not to know now, but I would make sure he doesn't come anywhere close to you."
"What…what are you talking about? Who is he?" Could it be Lu? She wondered.
For a response, he turned up the volume of the stereo and accelerated. April lost the courage to drill him further.
She didn't let him stop her at home. She felt she had had enough mental stress for the day already, and rather went over to Ned's place. If her dad was at home, it was inevitable that they wouldn't get into another round of argument.
"Back to your original question." Adrian spoke up again as he killed the engine. "There is only one thing you can do too well to express your appreciation. It's very simple. When next we meet, I would fill you in on the details." he said with a cute wink as he dropped her off without giving her a chance to say a thing.