The Apple Of Distraction

Episode 7: Planning An Escape

A day after her arrival to Abdeen palace downtown Cairo, Isabella Ray was given an office at the Royal hospital following series of signing here and there by some officers under the jurisdiction of the crown prince.

The hospital was the same building she had earlier suspected, a walking distance to the Abdeen palace. She was offered a furnished apartment at the hospital’s staff quarter and to her surprise, they offered to pay her weekly. Initially she had thought of rejecting the offer but later, had a second thought about it.

Ella was allowed to retire for the day by afternoon, except when there happens to be an emergency situation which the doctor on duty couldn’t handle alone and will need an extra help, this too she is allowed to do voluntarily as stated in the filed document. It got Ella wondering if she was really a detainee or employee or perhaps, a guest.

Ahmose never showed up, neither did Ella get to meet Chione again after the girl vouched for her. No wonder when she was given the sentence which looked more like a job, it relieved her of the wrenching boredom the walls of her new apartment perpetrated in her.

Ella had enjoyed the benevolent comfort of her previous room at the Abdeen palace but nevertheless, she embraced her new apartment which was a stone throw behind the hospital; she understood she was a prisoner and not a guest after all. Her current apartment consisted of a moderate bedroom and bathroom, a kitchen and living-room.

Most nights, she would lie awake on her bed crying, for her mother and sister. She misses them, knowing very well they would be frantically searching for her, back in the States, without knowing she was here, in Africa. Ella wished for the days to run fast so she could be free again; oh! If only wishes were horses, she’d have been riding on one.

Slowly but steadily, she began to blend with what looked more like a new livelihood. The next day at work, she went round with the doctor who will be taking over from her for the day.

Done with the handover, she signed out at the receptionist’s desk, before heading back to her office to get her keys and handbag. She was about to leave her office when someone came knocking. Just on queue, she yanked the door open, only to see, “Chione!” Ella exclaimed at seeing her unexpected guest.

They hugged each other.

“Where have you been?” Ella asked.

“I travelled the day after we met at the palace, to visit my parents at Zamlek.”

“That’s beautiful!” Ella spurred, glad the girl is finally reunited with her family. Locking her office door, she turned to face her friend. “I was heading to my apartment, do you mind coming with me?”

“That’ll be wonderful!” Chione concurred with a broad smile.

Ella took the lead. In her apartment, she ushered Chione into the living room. Both friends settle on a sofa.

“Welcome Chione.’’

“Thank you.”

“What can I offer you?”

“Don’t bother yourself, I’m okay.”

Ella frowned a little. “Are you sure?”

Chione chuckled, “Trust me when I say I’m okay, please.”

“If you say so,” Ella replied with a shrug, changing the topic. “So how’re they, I mean your parents?”

Chione's expression slightly turned sober. “They’re fine. It's just my mum, she can’t get over the loss.”

Ella heaved a deep sigh, and placed a hand on Chione’s shoulder. Gently, she patted it. “It’s going to be okay, Chione. You just have to be strong and happy for yourself and your family.”

Chione's lips turned up in a smile. “I heard you now work here,” she changed the topic.

“Yeah,” and it was Ella's turn to be sober, “-some kind of appreciation for being rescued.”

“Don’t go on like this,” Chione said softly, looping a hand round Ella's midriff. “You can make fun out of each passing day. Discover new things around you,’’ she encouraged an absentminded Ella.

“Yes!!!” Ella jerked as an idea materialized in her mind, she smiled. “-You can help me Chione!’’

Chione tried to force a smile in her confused state. “Help you? With what?”

Ella nodded. “Yes, you can help me to escape.”

“Err, can I?”

“Yes you can!!”

“I’m afraid foreigners are not allowed to pass the borders without their papers, and a detainee like you, a royal seal. Unless, you want us to start another adventure in the mountains,” she suggested, and continued in a matter of fact tone. “And I bet you the crowned Prince has hidden extra eyes monitoring your every move. You can’t possibly think he’s careless not to, do you?”

Ella’s countenance changed. “I just want to go home. I miss my family; my mother, my sister. I’m…I’m tired of all this Chione, I’m tired,” she gasped and buried her face in her palms now spread on her laps.

Chione leaned forward, and patted her hair. “Look at me,” she beckoned in a soft voice. “-look at me,” she repeated.

Slowly, Ella sat up and their gaze met.

“I’m not trying to say you should forget your family but, if remembering them will bring you so much grief and guilt, then it’s high time you shove them aside and be happy. One day you’ll wake up in the morning to realize that those three long weeks are gone, and you’ll be reunited with your family once again. I promise!”

A soft knock sounded on the main door.

Ella frowned, because it was very unlikely of her to have guest(s) in her new apartment, and she didn't remember ordering any food from the restaurant today either.

Filled with curiosity, she arose and headed for the door, only to be spellbound at seeing a terrific-looking Ahmose. Today, he was on mufti.

“Hello!” he greeted, smiling.

“Hi!” she stood, still spellbound.

“Do you mind if I come in?” he asked.

“Where are my manners?’’ Ella stepped aside, “Do come in!’’ She ushered him into the living room.

“Chione…This is Ahmose, and Ahmose, here is Chione, my friend.” Ella introduced formally even though she knew they had seen each other before. She smiled when Ahmose and Chione exchanged pleasantries, but frowned when Chione announced she was leaving.

“I was on my way to the market but I decided to check on you,” Chione lied. She wasn't going to any market, she just wanted to give the two some privacy.

Ella accompanied her outside. “Thanks for stopping by, I hope you come around some other time?”

“I will, across my heart!” Chione pledged with a hand over her chest.

Smiling, they hugged, and then parted. Ahmose was still standing when Ella rejoined him in the living room.

“Oh, I'm so sorry. Please have a seat,” she offered and waited until he had settled down. “What may I offer you?”

He requested for water which she sets on the table in front of him.

Taking a sip of the water, Ahmose scanned the room. It was just as he remembered; yellow painted walls, two windows with drawn up yellow curtains and a fireplace by the right flank. Though the two yellow velvet sofas, three side stools and center-table were new, Ahmose knew better that the other door will lead to a hallway from where one could access the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.

He brought back his attention to her, “How are you coping?”

“I’m good, thanks!” she replied with a smile.

He could read the question on her face. “You’re safe, everything’s okay. I know you’re surprised to see me.”

“Yeah. I’m surprised,” she admitted. Although she remembered asking if she would see him some other time back at Abdeen palace, but he hadn't showed up for days until suddenly now. It got her wondering if she has landed herself into another trouble, as the reason behind this his unexpected visit.

He dismissed her worries, “I just wanted to check on you, to make sure you’re doing well.”

“Oh, thanks! That’s very thoughtful of you,” she spurred, and lowered her gaze to the floor. Moments later she looked up and noticed he was now engrossed in thoughts. And then he stood automatically and began striding towards the exit door, not knowing how best to bring up the reason why he came.

“So soon?” she asked, following him too close behind that when he stopped abruptly and turned, she almost bumped into him. “Sorry, I’m so sorry,” she apologized, stepping back to create a space between them.

He didn't even mind, he was still lost in thoughts. And then he spoke, “I was wondering if we can hang out sometime, maybe tomorrow. I promise not to keep you out late.”

“Eh-em-m,” Ella lowered her gaze and debated within herself. And then she looked up, at him; his gaze was fixed on her. Sighing, she folded her arms before her chest. “You promise not to keep late?”

“Yes,” he confirmed with a slight nod.

“Okay!” she accepted.

His face brightened up. “Thank you. What time will be preferable and, are you okay with tomorrow?”

“Yes, tomorrow. How about 3pm?” she suggested.

“Your wish is my command,” he smiled, and she reciprocated the smile.

“I’ll take my leave now,” he announced.

Ella saw him off and stopped in front of the hospital. “Thanks for coming,” she appreciated.

Ahmose bowed slightly. “Have a nice evening Miss Ray,” he bade, and left.

Unknown to Ella, she was still smiling while she strolled back to the yard. Just then, a chilling sensation hit her.

“What-the-hell?” she swore. It seemed as if someone was watching her!

Pausing at her doorstep, she turned and scanned the yard; but she saw nothing, saw no one as the other apartments in the staff quarter were all vacant. Sighing heavily, she reluctantly gave up her search and proceeded into her apartment.