Chapter 22

"Aiden, we trust in you so don't disappoint us okay?" The screenwriter asked.

Aiden laughed and shook his head.

"Of course, Ms. Beautiful."

The screenwriter rolled her eyes with a smile as if touched by it.

"Don't tell me you chose him because he's good at making you fluttered?" One of the comedian actor asked.

They laughed, even Jake beside me laughed while I couldn't. I'm immobile in my seat, processing the fact he's sitting beside me as if I'm nothing.

It's been six years of course! He forgot you! Move on, Miracle!

Nevertheless, I raised my brow and read the script to divert my attention.

"Let's start with Aiden's line, then. Let's test his capabilities as an actor." The director said.

"He's a talented man that's why I chose him." The gay said.

I scoffed.

"Probably because of his looks. I'm sure he's not good." I whispered at myself.

Fortunately, he heard it. Aiden turned to me with an offended smile so I raised my brow as I read the script, not giving him the attention.

He cleared his throat.

"Adira! Do you really love me? If so, why were you with this guy earlier?!" He exclaimed as he read it out loud.

I gulped when they turned to me, waiting for the next line.

"No--- I mean yes! Aiden--- I mean A-Aldric's a . . . friend." I was supposed to exclaim on my last words but I panicked because of his stare.

"Racle, express your lines as if you're acting so we can polish it clearly." The director's voice seemed disappointed with my first line.

"Let's go to chapter 2 first and read the line starting from Jake." The gay said to give me time.

And they said their lines naturally. Aiden smirked beside me as he scan the script.

"Not good, huh." I heard him whisper.

I internally grunted and went on with my lines naturally, showing him off how good I am. He raised his brow as he listen to my lines because I know when I'm annoyed and pissed, I burn them with my capabilities, slapping it to their faces and he's one of those.

"Good job, everyone. And for the three leads. Kindly take a photo as a start here." One of the stuffs said and pointed the banner of the movie.

I sighed and went beside Jake, making Jake in between us. The photographer looked at me with confusion.

"Ms. Racle, be in the middle. You'll be the girl whom the two will fight for." He reminded me.

Nothing to do, I went in between, only I'm closer to Jake than him, I know it was obvious in the camera but the photographer seems to like it, maybe he's thinking it'll be a viral photo for the fans to conclude about me and Jake's relationship.

Jake pushed me teasingly, knowing I'm uncomfortable around Aiden, he might've not know about about our past but he knew me well especially with the people I'm uncomfortable with.

The photographer on the other hand raised his brow as he took flashes on the camera even when we're moving. A smirked formed into his lips as he flash more pictures of us.

I glared at Jake but he gave me a teasing grin and pushed me again towards Aiden. Aiden beside me held my hand because of Jake's push but I immediately shove it off him.

"Don't touch me." I warned him and looked at the photographer.

He tilted his head as if observing why I'm rude to him. The photographer squeezed his eyes on us and looked at Aiden.

"Another picture." The photographer announced.

I positioned myself in between with a huge amount of space between the two and fake a sweet smile as I do the peace sign.

"Ef you si key, Jake." I uttered between smiling when he pushed me slightly again.

Aiden glanced at me, confused. He looks innocent like he heard an unfamiliar word from a stranger.

"Ms. Racle, kindly wrap your hands between the two leads' arms." The photographer smiled.

My smile dissipated.

"Isn't the photos you took already enough?" I asked with a fake grin, irritated.

"Okay. Mr. Aiden, wrap your hands around Ms. Racle's waist while Mr. Jake will wrap his hands around Ms. Racle's shoulder." He said again and positioned the camera.

"Zeus, it's not that necessary." Aiden shook his head.

"It is, Ad. Go on." He motioned him to do so.

He sighed and wrapped his hands around my waist. His touch made me flinch, feeling the familiar nostalgic touch of his palms that used to cover up my pain . . . but now his palms unveiled the past pain my heart suddenly aches for even with the vague flash of memory, I know it's something that should be concealed forever.

I removed Aiden's hands off me because of the excruciatingly ache I don't want to feel nor come back anymore.

"Are you okay?" Jake asked when he saw my face.

I nodded and stepped away from them with my hastening steps.

"Ra---"

I passed by those who called me. I just want to get out, go home and see my daughter rather than feeling this ache I'm not prepared to feel yet.

Thankfully, I managed to travel without people barging in between my walk. It was already dark, the lines were long, characters were many and the polishing phase took so long maybe that's the reason why I ended up late at night.

The guard opened the gates for me and smiled. I smiled back at him and went in. My mansion was gifted by my dad here in Canada, actually, it was my brother who gave it to me only I discovered it late that this was given by my father. Jus told me to live here in Canada and I gladly accepted it since New York for me seems to contain many nostalgic places I don't want to come back to.

I entered the mansion, dim lights were already on and it feels so empty without my daughter's loud giggle. I climb up the stairs and was about to open my daughter's room when I heard her talk.

"Mom, when will mommy come back home?" She yawned.

A smile formed into my lips after hearing her ask that.

"I'm right here. Don't look for her." Ms. Pia coldly said.

My forehead knotted.

"But—"

"I can read you stories if you want? What about spending time with me more rather than her, hmm?"

She yawned.

"Okay mom."

I opened the door and saw Ms. Pia laying on the bed. She rose along with my daughter.

"Mommy!" She jumped off the bed and ran towards me.

I kneeled and gave her a smile when she hugged me. I looked at Ms. Pia who stood and doesn't seem to like I came back home base from her expression.

"You should rest in your room, ma'am. I'll take care of Pi—"

"You should rest, Ms. Pia." I coldly said and scooped up my daughter.

"But—"

"Good night, mom!" My daughter flied a kiss to her.

I looked at Ms. Pia who gave her a small smile before slowly nodding. She let out a sigh and exited the way.

I locked the door when she finally got out and went towards the bed, laying my daughter on the bed and covering her body with the comforter.

"You're not gonna go home after tomorrow for the shooting, mommy?" She asked and yawned.

I need to move to New York tomorrow, that's the location of our filming and as much as I don't want to go back, I need to. My baby's gonna stay here but Ms. Pia's a good second mom so I'm not that worried about her safety but what I'm most worried of is how I'm gonna miss my daughter. They say it'll only be in a few months to shoot there and we'll come back to Canada but a few months is already torturing.

It's sad that I need to hide my daughter's identity for her protection, that's what she wanted herself too, I even almost got kidnapped by a stalker, how much more if they know I have a daughter? I'm afraid she might not have the peaceful childhood memory because of me.

I lay beside her and lifted her head to make my arms as her pillow. She did and hugged me.

"I won't be. I'll be busy for the shooting, baby."

She pouted and nodded.

"Be a good girl, okay?"

She nodded and looked at my right arm.

"What's this long line, mommy?" She pointed my shoulder down to my elbow.

I smiled at her. I forgot to wear long pajama before going to bed.

"It's a stitch, baby . . . I guess." I shrugged.

"Stich?" Her long round eyes gaped on me. "From where?"

"I don't know. I forgot where did I get it. Go to sleep, baby." I caressed her hair.

"It's a scar." She pointed out, not listening to what I ordered.

"Don't worry, baby. It can be covered by concealer."

She nodded and sighed. I laughed at her little and cute sigh.

"Let's cover it up with my bandage, mommy."

I was about to say a word to make her sleep but she already rose and jump off the bed. I watched her go to her drawer with her little footsteps as she grab her barbie bandage.

I sat on the bed and patiently waited for her to come over and when she finally did, she motioned me to give my hand to her. I smiled and gave it to her. With her peering eyes as she try to stick the bandage on my stitch, I laughed.

"Right! Mommy, did you see my grades! I'm in the top! Top 1!" She announced.

I let out an exasperated gasp.

"Wow. Really? My baby's so smart!" I kissed her cheeks.

"Yes! And mom's so proud of me! She said I'm as smart as her!" She giggled.

My smile dissipated.

Her giggling halted when she saw my reaction.

"Why, mommy?" She asked innocently.

I gave her my fake smile and shook my head.

"Go to bed now, baby. You have a school tomorrow."

She nodded with a smile and lay down. I heaved a sigh and sang her a lullaby to make her sleep.

When she closed her eyes, I heard the door slowly closing. I glanced at the door and saw Ms. Pia who immediately disappeared. It looks like she's been watching us.

"Don't cry again, mom . . ." My daughter whispered.

My lips parted at what she said but her eyes remained shut.

"I hate your tears." She hugged me.

For a minute, I couldn't process the words she said until I heard her snore.

I shook all the worries away and decided to sleep. But then again a tear wouldn't be complete without its presence every night as it falls again by the time I closed my eyes.

And when I opened my eyes, a door opens in front of me revealing an angelic smile from a known psysiatrist--- I've only seen her through picture and now that I'm here in New York, I can meet her, it was my psychiatrist in Canada who introduced me to her knowing that I'll stay here for a few months, actually I asked her if she know someone and she recommended me to her friend, thankfully, I can meet her at instant after our long flight.

"Oh you look nervous, Ms. Racle. Don't worry, I'm not a judgeful person." She smiled.

I went inside when she motioned me to and trudged towards the sofa of her office. I removed my face mask, cap and shades off my face. I have an image to protect and knowing people will know I'm visiting a psychiatrist, some might say I'm a psychopath or a crazy person. I don't want to be called a person with mental illness, it's draining and I'm ashamed of it.

"I bet your ADHD episodes are lessening said by your Psychiatrist right?" She said and grabbed the clipboard with paper on it on her table.

"I'm taking my medication, Dr. Lia."

She nodded and sat in front of me.

"You said there's a sudden emptiness and sadness every night?" She asked.

I sighed and nodded.

"There's a vague memory. I don't know how to describe it. It's emotionally draining especially now that I realize my daughter notice it . . . yesterday."

"Vague memory?" She looked at me.

I gulped and nodded. I was about to utter a word when the door opened.

My eyes widened when I saw Aiden on his leather jacket and an aviator was perched on his head.

"Aiden! I'm on my session!" She complained.

"Oops! Sorry." He laughed and looked at me.

His lips parted when she realized it was me. I avoided my gaze when he pointed me.

"Oh hi, Ms. Racle!" He greeted and went in.

Lia groaned and gave me her apologetic face.

"Get out." She seems annoyed.

"By the way, you got a big shot patients huh. Do you know she's the—"

"I don't care. Get out. I need to work, Aiden."

I looked at Aiden when I realize the way he talk about me seems like he doesn't know me in my depth. He looks innocent when he looked at me but later on gave me a friendly smile.

"Don't worry, Ms. Racle. If you're worried I might spread the news of you visiting a psychiatrist, I won't." He assured me as if that's what he thinks why I'm looking at him.

My forehead knotted at his formality. I expected him to be cold or treat me like a stranger but then this is far more bizarre.

"Aiden!" She warned.

"Ouch, baby. I'm hurt. Don't you remember it's my birthday today? Why are you shouting?" He acted in pain.

Birthday . . .  fuck this memory.

"Aiden, you know how much I treasure my work right?" She gave him a threathening smile.

"Yeah. Whatever." He laughed and look at me.

I fidget on my seat, playing my eyes in any direction because of uneasiness.

"See you on our shoot, Ms. Racle! I'm gonna go and see my bro---"

"He's in his work. Don't disturb him. Just buy him a gift while you can't do anything." Dr. Lia cut her off.

He pouted and banged his head in the air that made his glasses fall on his eyes.

"Someday, I'll be famous and I won't give you my time. Remember this." He pointed his fingers at her and acted cool.

I bit my lower lip to stifle my self from making a mocking laugh.

"As if." I whispered.

"You saying something, Ms. Racle?" He raised his brow.

I stood and raised my one brow at him. Lia stood too, annoyed at this person and I'm happy she is because he seems to like Dr. Lia.

"Aiden! You're making my patient leave!" She shouted at her.

I grabbed my shades, cap and face mask on the couch and looked at Dr. Lia.

"Let's meet next time, Ms. Lia. I'm allergic to animals you see." I wore my shades on my eyes and looked at Aiden.

His jaw dropped after hearing what I said. Even with aviators, I could sense his deep shock at what he just heard.

"Animal?" Dr. Lia asked, laughing.

"I'll go now." I excused myself.

"Didn't you used to be---"

"I'll text you when the time comes, Ms. Doc." I cut her off.

"Huh? Used to be?" Aiden seemed confused.

Great actor. Fuck you, ex.

I passed by him and wore my face mask. He didn't head in my way so I was able to exit myself towards the bathroom. I even had to calm myself down, trying to figure out my feelings. I know don't love him anymore so why would I still be affected even if he acts like he doesn't know me?

Staring at the mirror, I shook my head at myself.

"You don't love him anymore." I uttered with finality.

And I went out of the bathroom with a confirmation of my feelings but then when I got out of the building, I saw him talking to a pretty girl with a smile.

I don't know what has gotten onto me that I followed them until they were in a grocery. I'm in my ragged jacket, covered with a different cap, face mask and a scarf around my hair. I changed in the car and now I looked like a stranger to him— a kidnapper.

He kept on glancing at my direction as he push the cart. I tried to step forward when the pretty girl was busy looking at the ingredients and when Aiden turned to my direction, I immediately grabbed a thing my hand could get and pretended I'm reading it.

But then unfortunately, I grabbed a carrot on the vegetable rack. What was I trying to read with thia carrot?!

"Stalker?" I heard him ask as he push the cart.

Assuming!

"I'm not!" I uttered in baritone voice.

"Yes. I think your brother's a stalker." The girl answered.

Oh . . . he's talking to her.

Aiden turned to my direction that I grabbed a thing and smelled it to pretend as a defense reflex.

Unluckily, I grabbed a box of cereal . . . and it doesn't have any smell.

He tilted his head and talked to the girl again, talking to how girls are looking at him even when I'm the only one doing it.

"Who's she?" I heard him whisper as he push the cart.

I let out a sigh of relief when she didn't recognize me because it would be a great embarrassment. I put the cereal back and was about to leave---

"Is that Racle? You're Ms. Racle? Yes you are! Ms. Racle's here! The famous actress!"

Fuck this shit.

_________________________

Celestial Aurora