A Hidden History

"Please..I'm begging you…don't do this!"

A woman's desperate voice echoed in my dream, jolting me awake. My heart pounded violently, as if it would burst. I gasped for air, trying to calm myself down.

"What was that ..?" I mumbled to myself, shaking my head, it was just a nightmare. But the lingering fear felt way too real, like the echo of something I couldn't grasp.

It was still dark outside..What time is it..? I turn over to check the alarm clock.

5:09 AM.

"It's only 5AM..?" I muttered, my eyes felt heavy like I should still be able to sleep. But the moment I closed my eyes, all of it disappeared.

Frustrated, I sat up on my bed. Maybe I should go get some fresh air to calm myself down?

I stretched and threw on a jacket before quietly stepping into the garden, the cold breeze of air hit me instantly, a shiver running down my spine. I clutched my jacket tighter..My blanket was warmer than this..

As I was walking, I noticed a person's silhouette in the corner of the garden, sitting on a bench..Who would be awake at this hour…? I thought.

I slowly approached the figure, trying to make out who it could be, but as I got a better look…I noticed it was no one other than Vlad.

"Vlad?" I asked, my voice soft.

Vlad turned to face me, clearly startled.

"Oh, why are you up so early, Annette? Have a seat."

I hesitated before slowly sitting down beside Vlad, trying to maintain some space between us.

"I couldn't sleep, but..what about you..? Why are you up at this hour..?" I asked, turning to look at Vlad.

"I also couldn't sleep. Maybe you're copying me." He said, amusement lacing his voice.

I scoffed at his words, "I'm not copying you! Besides, I said it first! So technically, you're copying me!" I replied with a hint of pride, crossing my arms.

Vlad let out a laugh, "You're cute when you're mad." he said, his hand reaching up to poke my cheek.

A faint blush spread across my face at his words, "I..stop flattering me…" I muttered, avoiding his gaze, my voice softening.

"I'm just telling the truth." He smirked at me.

This man…I couldn't stand him..but, at the same time, I found myself enjoying his company.

"Oh, by the way, you didn't tell me how I ended up at the hospital..?"

I asked.

"Oh, right. My bad, I completely forgot about that. I'll explain it to you now." Vlad replied to me, he turned to me, gently taking my hand in his.

"A few months ago, we had a heated argument..it was midnight, in your anger, you took your car and..well, you were involved in a serious crash.."

He said, his voice soft and gentle as he carefully explained to me.

I was a bit shocked, I didn't seem to have any scars or injuries on my body. The nurse also didn't mention anything about it..?

"How come I don't have any scars?" I looked at Vlad with a questioning look.

Vlad paused, looking at me with an awkward smile as he prepared an answer. "Well..they probably faded while you were in a coma. I made sure the nurses took good care of you."

The sudden pause made me a bit suspicious. But I still pretended to believe his words.

"If you don't mind me asking, what was the argument about?" I asked him.

Vlad sighed, explaining. "Those few months, I became a workaholic. Whenever you wanted to spend time with me, I'd shut you up with my credit card."

He explained further, "You brought the topic up one day, and I was already so frustrated with work that..I lashed out on you. I'm sorry.." he gazed into my eyes, hoping I would understand.

I gently pulled away from his touch, taking a minute to process his words. "I don't know what to say, since I don't remember. But I'm glad you spend time with me now, and help me around. Thank you, Vlad." a soft smile formed on my lips as I looked at him.

He smiled back, "I'm just grateful you're still alive." His voice got softer as he wrapped an arm around me, drawing me closer and pressing a soft kiss to my temple. "I can't imagine losing you again.."

I didn't pull away from the kiss, even though it felt foreign. Hopefully he will understand that I don't feel anything for him right now..?

Vlad gently grabbed my chin, tilting my face up towards him. His gaze softened as his voice got quieter. "I love you, Annette. Even if..you don't feel anything towards me anymore.."

My heart fluttered a bit at the confession, a soft blush forming on my cheeks. I slowly pulled away, looking down to avoid his gaze.

"I'm sorry..but I need some time..I'm still..clueless about everything, you know." I said, hoping my response wouldn't hurt him.

Vlad nodded at my words, "You're right. I know, and it's not your fault, don't apologize." He stood up, clearing his throat.

"Well, anyways, enough of the sob story." He chuckled, trying to lighten the mood and brush away the tension.

I smiled at his words. So far, living with him wasn't so bad. I wanted to learn more about us, about me. But I guess that's for later.

Vlad took out his phone, typing something. He then turned to me with an amused look.

"A concert will be held at 7pm today, you interested?"

A concert? I can't rot at home all day, and the thought of going to a concert…with Vlad.. didn't sound too bad.

I looked up at him, curiosity flicking in my eyes, "Which band is gonna perform?" I asked.

"I don't really know, it's not just one, a few more will be performing there.I hope you can handle crowds though." Vlad responded to my question with a smirk on his face.

I sighed, I wasn't a big fan of crowds, but I guess I could give it a shot. "I guess so, 7pm right?"

Vlad nodded at my question, "Mhm, wear something casual." He said with a wink.