Chapter 3 What Seems Like a New World

Valerie

It was like waking up from a deep slumber underneath the ocean depth. The eyes refused to open and the airway to the lungs seemed blocked. I tried a couple of times before I could actually breathe. Slowly opening my eyes I tried to take in the visuals bestowed upon me. Everything was bright and warm, there were colors and people were laughing and smiling. The air was fresh, and then there was a sudden honk that put me out of the dreamy vibe. The vehicles were moving fast as if people were eager to reach somewhere even when they did not want to be there in the first place.  Before I could even take a step and explore further someone said, ‘This looks pretty expensive.’ And they took what was in my hand. I didn’t know what it was or what I was supposed to do but I ran after the guy with the creepy smile, a little scared in the heart. ‘Stop!’ I shouted but he was quick and soon vanished into the crowd of unfamiliar people. Why does everything seem so ... .different? I wondered and then noticed my feet. They were not covered in anything while others walked in different wearables. I stopped a lady passing by and asked, pointing at her feet, ‘Where can I get these?’ She stepped back as if I was the plague personified. ‘As if you could afford it.’ I didn't get a chance to tell her she was rude and she was off to wherever she was going. So, I decided to walk until I find something to wear. There must be a place that has something that fits me. Upon reaching what looked like a place where you store shoes I asked, ‘Can I get some?’ The boy with a broom in his hand scanned me from head to toe before saying, ‘Try the shop in the alley two streets from here. They will have something in your budget.’ ‘Shop? Alley?’ I was confused. ‘Are you new to the city?’ The boy asked and I nodded in answer. ‘Welcome to New York. Be safe.’ He said. I gave him a polite nod and followed the directions he explained to me.  The alley he suggested could provide me with proper shoes was rather dark even during the day time. I took cautious steps towards the shop he’d suggested and asked the person sitting there, ‘Can I get some shoes?’ His eyes traveled all over my body before settling on my face. He smiled that didn’t feel right, nothing about this place did. ‘Do you have money?’ His rough voice asked. My brows furrowed immediately. I shook my head. ‘Get lost!’ ‘But I want….’ ‘Look here, pretty face, I don’t do community service. Want to buy shoes, get me the money unless you want to pay some other way.’ His smile towards the end was enough for me to understand what he was suggesting. ‘No thank you.’ I said and started walking out the alley as fast as I could. Someone called out but I kept walking until I bumped into another person.  My eyes met his and he asked, ‘Are you alright?’ I couldn’t help but notice both of us had the same blue eyes. I looked behind me and then at him. He took in the scene and understood what was happening. ‘You walk out of here and wait for me near that car.’ He pointed towards a blazing red vehicle.  ‘How do I know I can trust you?’ I asked and he smiled. ‘Trust is something that I value. I’ll wait until you do decide to trust me. However, we need to get out of here first. I’m sure you want to know what’s happening.’ He knew I was feeling unfamiliar in this place. He knew something that I didn’t. I decided to walk towards his car. ‘You! Wait!’ The shopkeeper was right behind me but the car’s owner caught him before he could reach me.  ‘Touch her and you’ll die.’ My ears couldn’t believe what they’d heard. I turned to look at him and my eyes widened immediately. He was holding the creep by his throat. This guy seemed dangerous but awfully familiar. His eyes met mine again, it seemed he was assuring me. The person who was running behind me was thrown on the floor and was now screaming in pain. The savior walked towards me and led the way to his car. ‘Get inside.’ I did. ‘You don’t have to be nervous. You’re safe now.’ He must have noticed my fidgeting hands.  ‘Do I know you?’ I wanted to know if I did. He looked outside before turning his attention back to me. ‘We have a lot of time to discuss that. First tell me, do you remember anything? Like how did you get here?’ I shook my head. ‘I don’t know how to answer that. I….’ ‘Don’t think about it too much. One day you’ll know.’ ‘Have I forgotten something I shouldn’t?’ He laughed a little. ‘Oh, girl. You have forgotten yourself.’ My eyes widened in realization. Yes, I didn’t seem to have any memory of who I was or how I reached the middle of the road. No wonder this place is what seems like a new world.  ‘We’ve reached. Let’s talk over dinner, shall we?’ The man who was kind enough to help me, said.  ‘I don’t even know your name. Are you sure you want a stranger living in your house?’ He buttoned up his coat, and I noticed for the first time since we met that he was wearing a suit. He seemed noble. ‘Darling, I never said you are a stranger to me. I might be one for you right now but that’ll be clear once you get your memories back.’ ‘So, I do know you?!’ I said in excitement. He nodded happily and helped me out of the car. The mansion in front of my eyes was majestic. I was not wrong about him being a noble. ‘I’m Sebastian by the way.’ He said and walked inside. I followed repeating the word in my head as if I would forget it.