Chapter 78 Healing Takes Time
I bring the unconscious Alice to my beach house, shielding her from any reminders of the haunted past. I arrange for a team of doctors and nurses to be present at all times, ensuring her safety.
The early morning light seeps through the curtains, casting a warm glow upon the beach house room. The gentle sound of crashing waves fills the air.
I sit by Alice’s side, my weary eyes fixed on her delicate features, etched with a mixture of love and concern.
She gradually regains consciousness, and her eyes flutter open.
The sight of the beach just outside our room leaves her gaze clouded with confusion.
She turns her head to look at me, her voice barely a whisper as she speaks. “Where… where are we, Alexander?”
I reach out, my hand gently cupping her cheek, providing her comfort and reassurance. “We’re at the beach house, my love,” I respond, my voice filled with tenderness. “I thought this place would help you leave behind the painful memories of the past.”
Her eyes dart around the room. She remains silent, lost in her thought. The weight of her trauma is still visible in her eyes, the pain etched deep within her.
I move closer to her and entwine my fingers with hers, bringing her back to the present moment.
“You’re safe now, Alice. We’ve come here to find peace, away from everything that has hurt you. I won’t let anyone harm you anymore.” I reassure her as she moves her eyes towards me.
“I’m scared, Alexander. The memories are haunting me here as well.” She whispers, her voice fills with immense pain and fear.
I gaze at her with unwavering love, my heart yearning to mend her wounded soul.
“We’ll take it one step at a time, my love.” I murmur, my voice laced with determination, and her eyes lock with mine. “Each day, we’ll face together. I’ll be right here, holding your hand through it all.”
“Thank you.” She embraces me, burying her face in my chest.
“Love, I promise you. I’ll make you fine.” I kiss her head.
As I hold her close, I silently vow to cherish every step forward, celebrating even the smallest signs of progress. With patience, love, and unwavering dedication, I am determined to bring back the Alice I adore, helping her reclaim her laughter, her joy, and the beautiful essence that makes her who she is.
***
I bring a basin of warm water and a soft towel, preparing to give her a soothing sponge bath.
With each gentle stroke of the cloth against her skin, I pour my love and care into every touch, hoping to provide her comfort and tenderness.
My heart aches as I take in the sight of her battered body, but I steel myself because I can’t afford to break down. I should be strong because she needs me.
Once the sponge bath is complete, I help her get dressed in fresh, comfortable clothes.
Every time I see her wounds, my hatred for Edward becomes even more intense. I want to go to prison and beat him again.
I scoop Alice in my arms and bring her to the cosy dining area beside the beach. After settling her down on the chair, I take a seat beside her.
As a maid arrives to serve us breakfast, she trembles and clutches my hand in fright. She is afraid of every person except me.
“I’ll do it myself. You go.” I order the maid, and she leaves after bowing down.
“Alice, relax. She has gone.” As I caress her cheek with my thumb, she calms down and her grip around my hand loosens.
“You’re safe here, love.” I assure her, kissing her forehead.
I serve breakfast for us. I had asked the maid to prepare her favourite foods, hoping that the familiar tastes will bring a spark of joy to her weary soul.
As I feed her, I try my best to engage Alice in conversation. I share stories of our happy memories, reminding her of the laughter and joy we once shared. I speak of the beauty surrounding us-the beach, the rhythmic waves, and the vibrant colours of nature-hoping to ignite a spark within her, to awaken the cheerful Alice.
Yet, despite my efforts, she remains lost in her thoughts, her gaze distant and detached. As I witness her silent struggle, my heart aches, yearning for the sound of her laughter and the light in her eyes. But I refuse to give up because I know healing takes time.
“Alice.” I take her hand in mine and utter softly, searching for the right words.
“I miss your laughter, your smile.” I confess, my voice tinged with both longing and hope. But I understand that healing needs time. I’m here for you, no matter how long it takes.”
I pause, giving her a moment to absorb my words. Then, with a gentle smile, I continue, “We’ll find our way back to happiness, my love. Together, we can overcome the darkness that has clouded your soul. Lean on me, and I’ll carry you through this journey, one step at a time.”
Her gaze meets mine, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and sadness. It hurts me to see her lost in her thoughts, struggling to find the words to express her inner turmoil. I want nothing more than to lift the weight from her shoulders, to see her smile once again.
After breakfast, we walk on the beach hand in hand. The sand is warm beneath our feet, and the gentle waves caress the shore. With each step, I silently hope that the tranquillity of the ocean and the beauty of the surroundings will awaken a spark within her.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.
I find a comfortable spot to sit with her and wrap my arm around her, pulling her close to me. I whisper in her ear, “Love, I know you’re going through a lot, but don’t forget that I’m with you always. You’re not alone.”
As she rests her head on my shoulder and closes her eyes, the breeze flutters her hair.
I gently brush her hair away from her face and tuck them behind her ear before placing a soft kiss on her forehead and making a silent promise that I’ll bring back my old Alice.
Next day,
I have designed an art room for Alice. I’m sure painting will surely help her because it’s her first love.
I guide her to the art room and push open the door before turning on the lights.
To my shock, she trembles in fright at seeing the room.
“What happened, baby? Don’t you want to make a painting?” I ask in a soft tone, taking her hands in mine, trying to figure out what is happening to her.
“No.” She frantically shakes her and rushes out of the room.
“Love, stop. What happened?” I run after her.
Why is she afraid of doing her favourite thing? I wonder, baffled.
I reach the bedroom, following her.
Concern fills my heart as I find her sitting on the floor, huddled in the corner, her body trembling with fear.
I kneel beside her and gently wrap my arm around her back, trying to provide her comfort.
She stares at me with tear-filled eyes. “Love, you’re safe. I won’t let anyone hurt you.” I assure her, holding her closer to me, and her sobs reverberate through the room.
As she cries, her voice trembles with pain and anguish. “Alexander, he snatched away my passion. He shattered me so brutally.” She utters between sobs, her words piercing my heart. Tears cascade down my cheeks as I witness her overwhelming agony.
I gather my strength, knowing that I must be a pillar of support for her. I brush away her tears with a gentle touch.
“Love, let it all out. Allow yourself to release the pain. It’s okay to grieve. You’ll feel better.” I reassure her, rubbing her back while she sobs into my arms like a fragile soul.
“Alexander, he for-forced me to sketch him,” she hiccups and continues, “after making me naked while spanking me. I’ll never be able to paint, Alexander. This horrible memory will always haunt me whenever I pick paint brush and stand in front of the canvas. He snatched everything from me. I lost myself because of him.” She cries, her words are heavy with the weight of her trauma.
My heart aches upon knowing what she had gone through. Edward shattered her innocent soul. My hatred for him grows with each passing second.
I compose myself, reminding myself that I must stay strong for Alice.
“Love, I’m here for you. I’ll protect you, and together, we’ll find you back.” I whisper, holding her tightly in my arms and assuring that I’m with her.
I continue to rub her trembling back, giving her the solace and support she so desperately needs. “You have a strength within you, Alice. It may feel overshadowed right now, but it’s there. You are stronger than the darkness that tried to overshadow your light.”
I give her a moment of silence, allowing her pain to subside, while I swear to myself that I’ll stand by her side always.
I gently lift her chin and meet her sorrowful eyes with unwavering support and love. “Edward may have shattered your soul and tried to tarnish your love for art, but he cannot extinguish the brilliance that exists within you.”
I take a deep breath, seeking the right words to give her solace. “I can’t promise that the memories will disappear entirely, but together we can work towards healing and reclaiming your artistic spirit.”
I pull her into my arms and tell her, my voice steady and filled with assurance. “You don’t have to face this alone, love. I’m here with you every step of the way.”
As I hold her in my arms, a realisation dawns upon me. This Alexander, who is consoling his beloved Alice, is someone I am meeting for the first time. She has unearthed a hidden quality within me, one I didn’t know existed. I never thought that one day I would ever feel anybody’s pain at this level and console someone like this. I used to think I was heartless, but she made me realise that I have a heart.
She ignited all kinds of emotions in me. Through her, I found myself. Now it’s my time to help her in finding herself back.