Jo's Point of View...
My head was throbbing when I opened my eyes. Instinctively, my hand went up to my head where it had struck the rock. A sharp pain radiated from the point of impact, and I groaned. I recalled tripping over a protruding tree root, falling forward, and colliding with the ground below me. I somehow managed to smash my head on a rock in the process. I didn’t remember anything after that.
I was lying down, but it was on a soft and warm surface. This was not the forest floor. I was lying in a large bed covered in blankets. I sat up quickly, dazed and disoriented, trying to ascertain where I was and how I got there.
As I thrashed about, I realized I wasn’t wearing my clothes. I lifted the blankets and observed that I wore men’s boxer shorts and an oversized t-shirt. Where the f**k were my clothes? Where was my bag? Where was I?
“I can see that you are spiraling over there,” a deep, melodic voice chuckled somewhere in the darkness. “I’m glad you are awake. You had me worried. You’re safe. Please don't worry.”
“Who’s there? Where am I?” I demanded, panicking, not knowing what was going on. The voice was oddly comforting, and these sheets smelled terrific, but I was wearing someone else’s clothes and apparently in a strange man’s bed. Oh my god, I was in a strange man’s bed.
“My name is Felix, and you are currently in my home. You’ve been here a few hours, and the doctor just left. He advised that you be carefully monitored because we didn’t know if you were on any medications and had lost consciousness for an extended period.”
“I didn’t change you. One of the female staff did that for me after the family doctor examined you. I stayed to ensure you weren’t alone when you woke up and that you were safe while you were unconscious. I was the one that found you in the forest,” he responded. “You must have hit the ground pretty hard; your clothing was torn, and you had twigs and leaves in your hair. What were you doing in the forest alone in the dark?”
“I went too deep in the forest while running from the Armstrong Corporation security. I underestimated how long it would take me to return before it darkened. Not one of my finer moments,” I grimaced.
“Is there anyone you want to call to let them know you are okay?” Felix asked.
My eyes widened when I realized how much trouble I would be in if my Dad knew where I had been and what had happened. Felix stirred in the darkness, somehow aware of the fear coursing through my body at the thought of calling home.
“No, there isn’t anyone to call. I appreciate your kindness. I should collect my things and be on my way,” I said, trying to stand up, only to fall back on the bed dizzy with little balance.
“You need rest and to be seen by the doctor again. Please stay the night. I’ll sleep in the chair to keep an eye on you, and the door will stay open so you don’t feel trapped in here with me. I assure you that you are safe with me. What’s your name, by the way?” Felix inquired.
“Jo,” I whispered. I wasn’t afraid of this man, even though he was a stranger. My instincts told me he was sincere and it would be a good idea to see a doctor again.
“I don’t want to impose. I do appreciate your kindness. Thank you,” I answered.
I wanted to see who I was talking to, even though I felt the light would hurt my eyes.
“Felix, could you turn on a light for me, please? I realize the light will most likely hurt my eyes, but I would like to be able to see where I am,” I said.
“Of course,” he responded, and I could hear him stand up and move to turn on a light on the table near the bed.
I closed my eyes, rubbed them gently, and then slowly opened them, trying to adjust to the light in the room. I looked around to see I was in a king-size bed with plush bedding. There were band posters all over the walls, a bookshelf, a desk, and an oversized chair where the most gorgeous man I had ever seen was sitting. Felix was muscular, with a tall, imposing build. He had dark brown hair the color of espresso and piercing blue eyes. Felix smirked when he saw me staring.
“Everything okay over there, Jo?” he teased.
Felix’s confident smile exuded charm, and his sparkling eyes crinkled in the corners, conveying warmth and sincerity. I blushed under his watchful gaze, knowing he knew I found him attractive.
“I wanted to see who I was speaking with,” I murmured, watching his full, well-defined lips as I spoke.
This stranger seemed friendly, inviting, and easy to connect with. He was perfect and probably had the ideal Barbie girlfriend, too. I sighed.
“The doctor said that you may experience nausea, vomiting, difficulty walking or talking, and excessive sleepiness. If you don’t have anyone to call or someone to care for you while you recover, I would like you to stay here,” Felix said.
“Why are you being so kind to me?” I asked. “You don’t even know me.”
Felix looked at me, surprised and a bit concerned.
“I could arrange for you to stay at the hospital if you’d rather. My family and I have the space in our home and honestly don’t mind helping you. It’s just how our family is,” Felix explained.
“No hospital. He’ll find me there,” I blurted out before I could stop myself.
“I thought you said that there wasn’t anyone that could take care of you, Jo. Who are you running from?” Felix asked.
Aksara