Chapter 4

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"Life is not about the luxurious place, comfortable bed, nor the sumptuous food set on the table. It's about the person you live within a place, eat with and sleep within a comfortable bed that makes life memorable and worth living."
-Yeppeun Magus

One week had passed and the blue veins on my body are gone, the nurse told me that I can now leave my room. I'm staring at myself in the mirror and I also noticed that the dark circles around my eyes are gone, my skin is now glowing, my cheeks and lips are now back to its normal pinkish color. I look so lively but inside I know I'm not.

The same girl who gave me food and shots last week entered my room with a dress in her hand and a pair of stiletto shoes. She places it on top of the bed and I was astonished to see a revealing type of clothing. It's a black tube ornamented with crystals paired with a micro leather skirt.

"D-do you have something that would not show too much skin?"

She smiled at me as she nod her head.

"I understand, just a moment please."

I would never wear this type of clothes, I don't know, it seems inappropriate. The woman went back and a smile form on my lips as I saw the cream dress she place on top of the bed. It's a long sleeved cream dress with a skirt that gently flows with laces just above my knee.

"Mr. Casper himself prepared the dress for you."

The girl smiled and gave me a white flat that would match the dress.

"Once you're done please wait outside your room, an authorized person and legal guardian of yours will be here soon."

I was about to ask her a question but she already left the room. Legal guardian?

After changing my clothes I went out of the room and all I can see are white doors like mine. The hallway was silent and the feeling of loneliness is once again knocking inside me. I found my feet dragging me towards the emergency exit then I saw the stairs but instead of going down I found myself walking up.

I take a deep breath as I open the door that will lead me to the rooftop. The sun is still warm and bright against my pale skin. I take a step forward and approach the very end of the rooftop, I was speechless when I realized that cryo hospital is floating in mid-air together with some high rise building. My feet are shaking as I hold the cold metal bars that are about waist level and I close my eyes as soon as I had a glimpse of what's down below. Buildings and moving objects are visible about a hundred meters from where I am standing.

I can feel my heart thumping in my chest and my mind going blank as I made up my mind for a decision I might regret. I part my lips as small air escaped my mouth then I trust my feet on top of the cold metal bars giving me a glimpse of what's down below.

"I'm sorry Casper but I can't live a life like this."

My throat is dry as I fix my gaze on the moving cars. I can hear the wind blowing against me and there was a deafening sound that rings in my ear as I step my other foot above the metal. I can feel the fear envelop my whole being as I shut my eyes and spread my arms like a bird ready to fly. Yes, I was scared but my determination of ending this misery is stronger than my fears.

"Stop! Please step down from the barrier now."

My eyes fluttered open as I heard a scream behind.

"Let me be, you don't know my pain."

I take a small step at the edge just two more inches and I'll surely fall. I heard an audible groan of frustration behind then I felt a sharp and deep penetration in my arm. My vision started to blur and I felt someone pulled me down and envelope me in his arms. I stared at the guy who just ruined my plan of ending my life and my mouth fell open as soon as I saw who it was, my vision may be blurry but I know this face very well. So well that even if I haven't seen it in 200 years I still know who it was.

"Casper?"

I know I've been shot by a tranquilizer and I don't know if what I'm seeing right now is just an effect of it. I raise my hand to touch his face when I felt my eyelids were heavy like they were forced to close even if they don't want to, then everything went black.

∞※∞※∞※∞※∞※∞※∞

"What should I do next?"

"You should wait patiently for her to gain consciousness."

My eyes fluttered open as I heard voices whispering nearby. I know I'm no longer in the hospital. I touch my forehead and saw a bracelet in my right wrist, I can't remember wearing one before. I look on my right and saw Casper behind the door, I immediately jump out of bed and run towards him giving him a tight hug.

"Casper! I miss you so much. You don't know how scared I was to live in this world without you."

My tears are still streaming down my cheeks as he holds my shoulders and pulled me away breaking the hug while staring at me with a blank expression on his face. I don't understand, why is he staring at me like he doesn't know who I am.

"Casper it's me, Lauren."

I said desperately as I stared into his hazel brown eyes. He nods his head as he looks at his left, right beside him is a guy. Well at first I thought it was a normal guy but when I stared at his feet I was so surprised to see that he doesn't even have one. Below his waist is long metal steel with four small wheels. Casper scratches the nape of his neck while staring at me and it seems that he's out of words to say.

"I know you're Lauren Lopez, born in the year 1983 and died in the year 2002. I know about you alright? Your information has been passed down from our generation but I'm sorry to burst your bubble. I'm not Casper. The name's Cloud."

I don't know what to say. I'm lost at the moment and I can't get a grasp of what's happening right now.

"B-but your face and--"

He let out a sigh as he pinches the bridge of his nose.

"Drey explain it to her."

Then he faces his back and step inside a large glass tube which I think is an elevator since it transported him down. I wipe my tears as I stared at the robot he just called Drey. I don't think I can handle more information today. I just want to lay down in bed and curl like a ball and cry my heart out.

"Let me tell you all the information you need to know miss Lauren let's talk about this in your room."

I nod at him as I followed him inside the room where I woke up earlier. He pointed the black couch and I slowly sit on it while staring at him blankly.

"The Year 2002 after your death Casper Garcia together with your parents agreed for you to undergo cryonics procedure. Casper Garcia spent his days studying the cryonics procedure and in the year 2045 at the age of 52, he made the biggest scientific breakthrough. He created the concept that made cryonics possible. He died in the year 2086 at the age of 93 and that's when he made his final will and that is to take good care of Lauren Lopez on the day she awakens. He gave that will to his sister Kate which Kate too passed on to her children and the children of her children since Casper didn't marry and chose to live a single life."

I close my eyes as I let out a shaky breath. How lonely he must have been all this time?

"Therefore Cloud Madrigal is the great-grandson of Kate Garcia, and Casper Garcia is his great grandfather which explains why Casper and Cloud look exactly the same because they share similar DNA. Lunch will be ready in a few minutes. Welcome to your new home ms. Lauren."

I grip my hair tight as soon as Drey left my room. I still can't believe that any of this is possible. I scan my eyes across the room and it looks like a normal bedroom like the ones I have before. There's a couch and a mini glass table in front, a large glass window on my left covered by a thick light blue curtain, then there's a king size bed with blue dolphins printed on its mattress, a study table made of glass and more rectangular glasses about 8 inches in diameter piled on top of it. Ok, that's weird, what are those for? Then there are two doors in front of me. One is white and the other is brown. I think it's a bathroom, I went near the brown door and touch it for it to open. Doors today don't have doorknobs. To open it it's either you need to touch it, enter your password, do a face or hand scan. Yep, it's the bathroom, this time I went near the white door and I was so surprised to see a hallway with blue lights vertically arranged on the floor, It's a large walk-in closet. I extended my arms on both sides as I walk pass through the neatly filed clothes while brushing my fingertips on it when a portion of the closet got my attention. I covered my mouth as my eyes started to well in tears again. In front of me are my clothes, I gently run my fingers through each dress feeling its softness. Each dress holds a thousand memories that I will never forget.

At the end of the hallway are hundreds of footwear. I let out a sigh as I went out of the walk-in closet with the door automatically closing behind me.

"Ms. Lauren lunch is ready."

I look around the room and found a speaker just beside my bed. So that's where the voice came from. I approach my door and touch it for it to slide open. I can feel my heart pounding inside me as I head to the transparent glass tube knowing I can see Casper's face again. I know he's not Casper but he's creating an illusion inside my head because of his face. An illusion that creates a lie inside me, building up false hopes. As I went inside the tube four buttons appeared in front of me, one that has the number four on it then another one with a number three on it and I supposed I'm currently in number three since the button is green. Below is another button with number 2 on it and the last button with a capital letter G. I press the number two button and I felt the tube descending.

The elevator opens with a ding and as soon as I step out of it the scent of fried chicken lingered in my nose. The floor is soft against my feet like feathers because of its carpet. There are three large white couch and a glass table at the center. There's also a large glass window covered by a thick brown curtain behind the couch and an air conditioning unit above it. At the corner of the living room is a book holder with a pile of rectangular shaped glasses arranged on it like the ones I saw inside my room.

"Miss Lauren."

I look around and saw Drey standing in front of a door, I supposed that's the kitchen. I awkwardly walk towards his direction and yes, I still find it awkward to talk to a robot, he's smiling the whole time like he was programmed to do so.

The kitchen is spacious with the plates and glasses arranged neatly on a hanging cabinet. There's also a transparent refrigerator at the corner and I can see a lot of unknown things inside of it which is definitely new to me. Drey pulled a chair for me and I smiled at him as I take a seat. In front of me is Casp--- I mean Cloud, he's sitting with his arms cross while staring at me. His presence is very intimidating, his eyes aren't gentle like Casper's. They're like the eyes of a wild predator watching its prey.

He nods his head at me as a signal that I can start eating. He got a nice piece of chicken and is about to bring it closer to his mouth when I stop him midway by holding his wrist.

"What?"

He asks clearly annoyed about what I did and pulled his hands away.

"We haven't thanked God for the food yet."

He was staring at me intently like I just spoke a riddle then he chuckled while holding the bridge of his nose.

"You gotta be kidding me. Who believes in God in this year? Well, there are still some of these lunatics who go to church every Sunday--"

I felt my fist clench as I grip the hem of my dress tight as Cloud continuously talk in front of me.

"Stop. Just stop."

I saw a smirk form at the corner of his lips as he leans on his chair.

"I didn't know you're too sensitive. Ok, you can pray and thank your God if that's what you like. I won't stop you."

I bite my lower lip as I feel my blood rushing in my cheeks, he's so rude! I take a deep breath as I stand up and look at him once more.

"I don't want to be here."

He places his elbows on top of the table as he intertwines his fingers and looks at me with a mocking smile plastered on his face.

"The feeling is mutual babe. I don't want you here either."

That's it! I storm out of the room and head straight towards the elevator. I stared at the buttons in front of me and press the letter G. A tear escaped my eye and rolled down my cheeks. I wiped it harshly with the back of my right hand as I felt the elevator move down.

I gasp for air as soon as I realized where I'm going. I'm 20 feet above the ground so that means Cloud's house is on top just like the Cryo hospital. Below Cloud's house is another house inhabited by a family. I step out the elevator and I realized I am not wearing shoes but my decision is final I am not going back in that house!

Just in front of the elevator is a black car that doesn't have wheels I think Cloud owns this. I was so tempted to scratch its glossy paint but choose not to. I keep on walking and saw robots like Drey sweeping the streets. There are cars like Cloud's that don't have wheels. Cars that are elevated and about half a meter above the ground.

I stop walking with my mouth open while staring at the busy street. I was so horrified to see ladies exposing their breast. They're only wearing a piece of cloth almost like a two-piece paired with stilettos. Some of them are only wearing see through clothes exposing more skin paired with boots and a large hat. Is this fashion in 2202?!
Humans have gone so far, they destroyed the balance of nature just to create a perfect world they dreamed of. But when the last tree is cut and the last fish is eaten they'll realize they can't eat money.

My feet are sore, my stomach's growling, it's almost dark and I have no place to go but I'd rather die this way than to go back in that house again.

"Look what we got here. A little kitty lost in the streets."

I was startled when five guys block my path as they stared at me like hungry animals. My senses are screaming danger but I tried my very best to stay calm. I walk towards the opposite direction but one of them is quick enough to block my way.

"Where are you going? We just want to talk right?"
"Yeah we just want to talk, and maybe fvck."

They burst out laughing as they invaded my personal space. One of them touches my cheek with his rough hand which I flick away.

"Let me go."

I said in a firm tone but I know I'm shaking in fear right now.

"Of course we will after we're done with our business."

My heart is beating like a wild duck in my chest as one of them went nearer. He's so close that I can feel his stinky breath on my cheek. This world went through a lot of changes but I know their weak spot is still the same. I gathered my strength and kick his private area before I make run away from them.

"You little bitch!"
"You'll regret this!"

I run as fast as I could without looking back, I know they're still after me. I can hear their screams, I look around hoping to find someone who could help me but this place looks deserted. The buildings are old with worn out paints and litters scattered everywhere. My breathing is fast and shaky, I can feel the numbness of my feet. It's now dark and I'm having a hard time looking for the right way. I made a left turn and panic started to stir within me when I realized it's a dead end. I can hear distant voices and I know they're almost here. Tears start to well in my eyes as I step backward when someone suddenly grabs me by the arm pulling me in a dark and tight space between two buildings. I was about to scream for help when a hand covered my mouth.

"Quiet. It's me."

Cloud?

"Little pussy come out!"
"We won't hurt you!"

I close my eyes as I move closer towards Cloud. I felt his hand on my back pinning me on his body as the voices grew louder. They're close, so close.

"Fvck!"

One of them screams as the rain began to pour.

"She's not here. Try the other alley."

Their voices start to fade and I can hear Cloud sigh in relief. The rain is still pouring on us as I stared in his eyes. For the first time in a very long time, I don't feel alone, I feel safe.

"The world is no longer safe Lauren. It's not the world you once knew."

We were both quiet inside the car when a question struck me.

"How did you find me?"

He looks at me for a moment then fix his gaze back on the road.

"I know you'll run away so I attached​ a GPS in your bracelet."

I look at the bracelet on my wrist, I remember waking up with this earlier.

Cloud press something on his watch and bring it closer to his mouth.

"Drey prepare two towels, we'll be there in a minute."

The road is full of lights. People are still out in spite of the heavy rain. Cloud park the car beside the glass tube and he knows that I was having a hard time removing my seatbelt. He touches the lock of the seatbelt and that's it there was a clicking sound which means that I can pull the seat belt now. Just when I thought I could leave the car I realized I don't know how to open the car doors. I hold my breath as Cloud lean closer to open the door for me, he doesn't smell like coffee and honey he smells like fresh jasmines in spring. He stared at me for a moment then he went out of the car, I sprinted out of the car and rush towards the elevator. Cloud press the number 2 button then he stared at my dirty and sore feet which made me conscious that I curled my toes. The elevator pop open and Drey handed us dry towels.

I step out of the elevator but Cloud stayed inside then he presses another button and starts ascending. I was left with Drey alone in the living room.

"Do you have coffee?"

Drey nods his head at me with a smile on his plastic face.

"Yes, do you want brewed or instant coffee?"

"Can I have brewed please?"

He nods his head once more.

"I will deliver it in your room once it's ready."

It's my turn to nod my head at him. I was about to go inside the elevator when I remember something.

"Ah, Drey? Could you please make one for Cloud too?"

"Yes of course."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

I think I caused him so much trouble this day. First I tried to jump off a building, second I got myself into trouble with some hooligans and Cloud doesn't even have a choice to be my guardian since it was Casper's will in the first place. I let out a sigh as the elevator pop open towards a hallway that will lead me to my room. I was about to enter my room when I saw another door and I think that's Casper's room. He must be so mad at me right now. With a towel in my hand, I went inside the bathroom to have a quick shower.

"How do I switch this on?"

I ask my self as I stared at the shower. Should I touch it? I tried touching it like a stupid caveman but nothing came out of the shower. I remember Drey

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