Hapless By Leo 29

 Chapter Twenty Nine: 

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The doctors came out shortly. Ben rushed to them.

''Well I must say this is really a miracle that saved her today. She was heavily drunk and after that she ate a full bottle of benzodiazepines and alprazolam commonly known as sleeping pills. With both these chemicals mixed inside she became unconscious. She must have been unconscious for at least an hour. If any late then I'm sorry you would have lost her. Now that she is better I would recommend you a good therapist for her.'' the female doctor said something to the other doctor.

''Thank you doctor can we see her?'' Ben said almost crying.

''Sure she's fine although her throat is a little swollen due to the tubes we used. Nothing else to worry about you can take her home tomorrow.'' Then both the doctors went away,

Rachel and Ben went inside and looked at the totally pale, blue and lifeless Tina who's eyes were full of dark circles. 

After Ben's insistence it was decided that Ben would stay the night with Tina and bring her home tomorrow morning and Rachel would go home and look after Liz till Tina was in a normal state again.

Tina woke up and found herself in a hospital bed in a hospital gown. She saw Ben holding her hand and sleeping while sitting near her bed. 

''You saved me again?'' her voice hoarse.

''I did. And would do that unlimited times and even follow you if necessary.'' he smiled. Though he was mad at her. Mad really really mad but all he could do was smile at her. She was alive she was back that was all that mattered to him. 

''I feel so sick Ben. I think I would puke.'' 

''No you won't its because of your throat. I would go and get things ready to take you away from here.'' he went outside.

Tina was brought back to her home. Mess from last night was cleaned. Liz wasn't there. 

''Where's Liz?'' he looked at Ben in askance.

''She's with your mom and would stay there for sometime. Another thing. I am moving in here. I will be living here and look after you and Liz. After last night's incident I am not ever going to leave you alone. I am going to bring my things. I will tell Rachel that you are back safely.'' he said earnestly. Tina sighed and didn't say anything. He stopped for a moment.

''Micheal look after her until I come back. And you have an appointment in the evening at 6.'' 

Tina went straight to her room. Looked in the mirror only to find a corpse who did look like her but nothing like she used to be.

''I lost my father when I was 8. I adored him loved him like every daughter but sometimes I think I held him too high, at a level from where only the thought of losing him would make you feel like doom. the end of you.'' she opened up finally after fourth session with the doctor. 

''I am pleased to tell you that she has finally talked with me about her past. She's improving and with patience we'll have your old Christina soon back.'' the therapist said. Ben saw Tina smiling at Liz, he really saw some betterment. 

At night Tina heard someone yelling. It was Ben she came near the door to hear who was he talking to. She had given him the room next to hers. 

''She's improving and I am standing here. I know you are alone and probably would not like me staying here day and night and always with Tina but the truth is I'm here. I won't pressure you with any commitment you are free to go, leave me or do as you like.'' 

Tina didn't say anything and went back to her room.

 

''His death broke me. I was too young and naive to understand the balance of life and death. A child who lost the most important being in her life....it was hard.'' she wiped the tear from the corner of her eye.

''Then my childhood friend Ben helped me. I came back to life and with time passing forgot that my father was ever real. He seemed like a dream. Then I met my late husband. He was perfect in every way. He was the incarnation of my father. A man every woman would dream of having as a husband. Can we do this some other time doc I'm not feeling well.''

''Sure. Another thing Miss Harris you are doing great. I'm cancelling your this weeks appointments and scheduling one for next week. Your stress is gone and you have no anxiety. You will take anti depressants for some days and then we'll decide on your next appointment. Take care of yourself.'' 

On their way back Tina was quiet. She didn't say anything. Normally she would talk about her sessions with Ben. Finally Ben broke the silence. 

''What happened why aren't you saying something?''he looked at her and then back at the road.

''Nothing. I don't feel well. Can you drop me at mom's till you come back from office?''

''Sure.'' he looked at her again to make sure she was okay.

 

 

''I cannot find my file here I think I have missed it at home. Let me call someone who would get it for me.'' Dylan said to Ben and began calling his driver to go home and fetch his work file from his office at home.

''No dad I'll go and bring it.'' Ben said and Dylan nodded.

Ben went straight to his dad's office at home. 

''Morning sir shall I bring you something lunch or coffee ?'' the most trusted servant of Dylan, Samuel asked. Samuel had Dylan's office keys and all keys to the house. 

''No thank you Samuel.'' he nodded and unlocked the office. Ben looked around and found the file right at the desk beneath the crystal paper weight. But he wasn't here for this file. This file could've had been delivered by any servant. He was here to sneak into somethings that were really troubling him. ''Samuel, I would like the keys to the safes and the drawers.'' Samuel gave him the keys and turned around to leave just as Ben called him from back.

''Samuel who else has access to theses keys except me and dad?''

Samuel turned around and cleared his throat.

''No one but............'' he was hesitant. 

''Go on say I lost a file and some confidential papers here and I thought I might have left them last week I came here and maybe some body have access to these keys so they might have taken out those files and misplaced them somewhere. You know those were really important files. Files of significant information...'' Ben made a face. A face that made Samuel reveal all the plots Carla had planned in this house in his absence against him and against Dylan.

''Well you know sir I have worked with your father since he was just a boy. I have been loyal and have given a lifetime to your family but when it comes to man he has some weakness and mine has been drinking. One day Madame came to know about it and she blackmailed me to give her the keys in order if I want to still remain in service to this house otherwise she'll get me fired. I was scared but please don't tell her about all that I have told you otherwise I'm afraid sir Dylan would fire me as madame will instruct sir.'' Samuel bowed his head down. Ben tapped his back.

''Don't worry no one in this house can dismiss you I take the whole responsibility to that but I want something in return for it.'' Ben scratched his cheek.

''Anything sir anything just don't mention this to sir Dylan and madame.'' 

''okay you will have to keep an eye on Carla for me. You will tell me who comes here in dad's absence. I want the camera's recordings. Secondly I want names and who she contacts. She mustn't know of this. '' Ben looked him in the eyes.

Samuel nodded and turned on his heel closed the doors behind him.

Ben began searching every drawer, every corner ,every book and even beneath the carpets to get a clue on what Carla was up to. Just then he found a note. No it was a note with a letter. He heard a horn. It must be her. When he arrived she was not at home and now she must have returned. He quickly gathered the things and looked at the time it was fifteen minutes since he had been searching the office. He adjusted everything back and came out of the room. He found Carla coming right to him. ''Aha Ben what a surprise. What brings you here?'' she smiled ominously.

''I don't need to answer to you why I come to my house.'' Ben gave the keys back to Samuel who was standing outside the door as if he was glued to the wall.

Ben was walking towards the door when Carla laughed from behind he turned, ''I remember you said something that I will not be here when you come here the next time. Here I am how about that?'' she began circling him.

Ben didn't say anything not even a  word and went straight out.

 

                                                        

 

Jenny was sitting in her house. This was her father's house. He bought it specially for her. He wanted to gift this apartment in the heart of LA city to his only daughter but fate had other plans. She sold it and got it back. Everything flashed back in front of her eyes, her first meeting with Ben, her trip with him to Paris, Helena , his job , work, death and engagement. In the past two years she had experienced everything. Even the loss of her family was replaced with friends like Tina and Taylor and Tina's mother. She was thinking and thinking until her phone's ringing brought her back to senses.

''Hey Jen what are you doing?'' it was Ben. 

''Nothing what happened?'' 

 ''I have found something that I would like you to look at. I'm right outside the apartment come down in 5.''

''Okay wait.'' she quickly got up took her purse and came straight down.

She saw him standing right in front of the door.

''Get in the car, I feel like we are being followed we must go somewhere where I can lose this guy.'' he narrowed his eyes towards his left shoulder. Jenny quickly sat in the car and saw a man in helmet on a bike following them.

''I know how can you lose him. Take the opposite route to Tina's home. And drive quick.''

Ben nodded and drove at the speed of hundred and thirty.

They took the opposite route the longer one that would circle half the city. They drove through multiple streets but the man was still stepping on the trail not being left behind. 

''You'll get some attention of the cops but this is necessary drive more fast the guy is still behind. From where is he following you?''

Ben was now driving hurriedly exceeding speed limits. ''From my father's house it must be that Carla.''

 A cop signaled him to stop his car.

''On your side please.'' the cop yelled reaching the car window.

''I'm afraid officer we cannot stop a man is following us and we have a threat.'' Jenny said opening the window.

The officer said nothing but again signaled them to stop the car and they had too. They were so fast that there was no sign of the man who was following them.

''Do you think we lost him?'' Ben said pulling over.

''I don't know maybe he got scared of the cops.'' Jenny twitched her lips.

''Mr do you have any idea how fast you were driving?'' officer asked him with a blasted look.

''Officer as I have mentioned a anonymous guy was following us and we had to do all this in order to leave him behind.'' Ben handed him his driver's license.

''And where is he now?'' officer looked at his license. 

''Don't you believe me he must have got scared after seeing you.'' Ben and Jenny nodded in agreement.

''Very well. You both cannot fool me as there is no account or proof of your being followed. In any case we can check the cameras to confirm. This time I'm leaving you only with a warning as you come from a respectable family and your father is a known man. Next time if you do anything like this again I shall do whatever I see fit.''

''Thank you officer.'' Ben got himself on the road again.

''Whatever happened did happen for good and thank goodness that we lost him behind. If this  was Carla's spy then I'm sure she knows you have a proof.'' Jenny closed the half opened window.

''I don't think so because she got there after I was just about to leave. It seems that someone else was there who was aware of my search in dad's office. Someone else maybe Carla is working for someone or with someone whom I don't know.'' he scratched his head.

''We are right back from where we started. Great.'' Jenny laughed their situation.

                                                                          

Tonight both of them stayed with Tina. They watched Liz's favorite movie after which Tina put her to bed. Today she wanted Liz to stay with her and they all agreed because she really had progressed. Then she came downstairs and began winding up the work. Jenny was quiet and Tina had sensed something unusual about her not talking that much. As far as she knew her she was always talkative and filled with life.

''What happened to your vivacious self?'' Tina said coming out of the kitchen.

Jenny remained quiet. Ben was with Liz.

''Let us take a walk if you want to talk. I'm a good listener and I assure you if Ben is the reason for your worries it will be taken care off.''

She opened the door and Jenny followed.

It was a windy night. The road was empty and the leaves were flying. Autumn's feel was filled in the wind.

''Taylor and I always came out for a walk when we wanted to talk to each other. Even the wind bears his scent.'' she folded her arms.

''The problem is that I'm not sure marrying Ben is the right decision. When he loves someone else.'' Jenny said and Tina stopped for a moment.

''I don't think so. He's never loved anyone. He only cares for his favorite person. That is the most you can get out of him. Nothing else. He's been such since childhood. The main reason I believe is his painful parting with his mother that never let him love a woman from all his heart.'' she began walking again but slowly.

''Yes but heart did betray him and he loves her dearly. I know about it and I have seen it with my eyes. Love cannot be hidden Tina.''she followed her.

''Okay have I met her?'' Tina kept on walking.

''Yes you have.'' Jenny stopped. Wind blew her hair over her face. 

''Who is she?'' Tina asked stopping looking at her. She pulled her hair from her face and said after looking around with tears in her eyes.

''It's you. I cannot believe it you never felt it. How could you Tina. If you had sensed and felt it earlier you would be with him right now and Liz would be his and your daughter. He loves you that much that he left everything for you. The day when evil guys were after him he risked everything and took Taylor out of the car wreck. Because he knew how much you loved him. He knew that you couldn't dream to live without him. I was with him in Paris when you were about to marry, I saw him crying at nights. I saw him killing himself for your happiness. I saw him slaughter his heart for you and fake a broad smile while giving you away.''

she paused for a moment tears had blocked her throat. Ben who was coming after them sensed something was wrong. He came towards them with full speed. Tina was standing silent shocked. With no expression. Damn right she was a good listener. Or she was an excellent pretender. Honestly right now she herself had no idea what she was.

''He lives for you, no matter how many women came and went from his life he doesn't cares because he already has someone dear to him. And I I'm just..''

''It's okay enough Jenny.'' Ben had overheard their conversation. Well it wasn't a conversation as only Jenny was talking and Tina was just stoned.

''No I have remained quiet for two years I won't now. Every time I told myself that maybe only I'm at fault or maybe I'm blind or something but Tina what are you? And this..'' she pointed towards the ring. ''Is just a lie. I won't be a part of it anymore. For the first time I really loved someone but that someone already was in love with you.'' 

''Enough Jenny she is still in therapy do you want her to make another suicide attempt?''

''No I know she is seeing a therapist I know but you know what is the best therapy for you both? The truth you both are running from. I won't be part of this anymore. ''she took out the ring from her finger and handed it to Ben and then ran away.

Ben stood there looked at her running away and he didn't follow her. Tina looked at him with strange eyes. He didn't even follow her. He didn't even try to stop her.

Tina was angry and she began taking huge steps back towards her home.

Ben yelled and followed her, ''Tina wait.'' he held her and she tried to loosen his grip. 

''I can explain everything Jenny didn't tell you...''

''Whatever she said is right and true, she's right I was blind but now I'm not. Do me a favor Ben please don't come to my house anymore. I don't want to see you anymore you piece of filth. Stay away from me and my daughter. Do you understand that!'' she was angry as hell. Her face was red with anger. Ben stood there helpless.

Her fiance gone, her childhood friend and love gone too.

 

He went straight to Rachel's. 

Rachel who feared that this would happen someday finally did happen. 

''She knows now?'' she made drinks.

''Yes but I cannot explain this to her. She needs me, she can't be left alone.'' he sighed and placed both his hands on his head.

''I'll take care of her tonight. Tomorrow you will take her to her doctor. Things will get better with time.'' she tapped his back.

 

                                                           

 

Ben got a call that his father had an heart attack and that he must come immediately. Ben leaves the auditorium and attends the call later he is just about to sit in his car when a hooded man drags him out of the car and hits him hard on the head. He fell down for a moment and then he tries to get up but the hood punches him in the stomach.

Ben tries to get up again from the puddle of rain water and this time the hood gives him time to get up. Ben got up and tries to pull his hood back from his head to uncover his face.

A scar. A deep scar is on his chin. A scar like a one from a dagger or a knife. An old scar that faded but left a visible sign of the attackers brilliance over his face for a lifetime.

The hood runs and Ben follows.

The alarm buzzed and Ben woke up with a heavy head. As usual drinkings side effects. It took him some time to come out of the dream into reality and to rethink what happened yesterday to him. The two women had thrown him out of their lives. He had a killer on the run. He got up and dressed himself up to leave for work. He opened the door and saw Jenny standing outside.

 

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