Secrets

Chapter 2

Miranda's POV

I was awoken by a sweet, familiar voice. I groggily and reluctantly opened my eyes. It was still dim in my room, but the light from the hallway shone in. I groaned in protest. I could feel someone giving my hand some light squeezes. Emily, my nurse, was talking to someone from the doorway. I looked over to see who, but I couldn’t see. I sat up more, trying to look around at who Emily was talking to. I recognized her voice, but I couldn’t quite tell who it was.

“Miranda, lay down sweetie. You still need your rest.” I could feel Emily’s hand rubbing my forearm, trying to calm me down. I pulled my arm away from her and the mystery woman walked into my room. It was Leena!

“Randa! Oh my god! I can’t believe you’re safe!” She ran over to the side of my bed broke down in tears. She pulled me into a big hug. I missed her so much! I honestly never thought that I would see her again. “When they called me and told me that you were safe… I dropped everything and rushed over here. We’ve been looking for you since you went missing! I knew you’d be okay.” She held me by the shoulders and looked me up and down. “I’m never leaving you alone again. I love you sis. Mom and Dad are on their way. They should be here soon.” I smiled up at her. Seeing her gave me a sense of calm that I couldn’t really define. I took a deep breath in and I laid back in my bed, trying to relax.

“Leena, may I have a word with you in the hall way please? I should really catch you up on what’s been going on.” Emily squeezed my hand before she stood up and flashed a weak smile at Leena.

“Of course.” Leena stood up and headed towards the door. “I’ll be right back.” She squeezed my hand and gave me a reassuring smile.

I couldn’t hear most of what they were talking about. I did hear Emily telling Leena about my injuries and that I haven’t said a single word since I arrived at the hospital. Emily told Leena that the police wanted to come and talk to me to get a statement. She said that they have been here a few times but haven’t had any luck getting me to talk. Leena kept peering over Emily’s shoulder to look at me. I smiled, trying not to distract from their conversation. I knew that there was a lot that Emily was catching her up on. After about five minutes, they were still in the hall way talking. I wanted to stay awake and see Leena more. But my eyes started feeling heavy and I couldn’t stop myself from nodding off.

2 Years Earlier…

It was a Friday night, and my date had fell through. I was really looking forward to going out, but I was kind of relieved since it was a blind date. You can never really tell how that can turn out. I went to my room and changed out of dress. I grabbed my pjs and headed to the bathroom. I decided that a nice hot bath would help me relax and enjoy the rest of my evening. Leena had gone out for the evening. She liked to go to clubs. That wasn’t really my thing. I started running my bath water when my phone buzzed. I had a new message on Secret.

Catastrphicchaos: Hey stranger. How’s your Friday night going?

I couldn’t help but smile. Catastrophicchoas, or Noah, and I had been talking nonstop for a few days now. It felt like so much longer. I guess when you talk to someone constantly every day, it feels like a lot longer.

OhMyRanda: My date canceled on me. Taking the opportunity to relax.

Catastrophicchaos: I’m sorry! That’s always a bummer. Sounds like he wasn’t that smart.

OhMyRanda: Why do you say that?

Catastrophicchoas: We’ve been talking for a while now, and you seem really cool. I’d never cancel on you.

OhMyRanda: You hardly know me. I could be the ugliest girl ever. Or I could even be a guy. You never know who you are talking to.

Catastrophicchoas: True. But you better not be a guy. That would be disappointing.

OhMyRanda: I’m not. That I can promise.

Catastrophicchoas: Prove it. Send me a picture of you.

I didn’t reply. I was afraid, to be honest. This app was supposed to be anonymous. Then again, what would sending a photo send hurt. Noah was really easy to talk to. He’s never given me a reason not to trust him. I shrugged my shoulders and turned the camera on to take a selfie. Looking back at the camera, I realized that I was naked. I hurried up and covered myself up with a towel. I smiled and snapped a picture. I sent the picture to catastrophicchaos.

Catastrophicchaos: I was right! You’re drop dead gorgeous. That guy was dumb to blow you off.

OhMyRanda: You’re a bad liar. Lol

Catastrophicchaos: I’m serious. Also, are you in a towel? Sexy

OhMyRanda: Oh shush. And yes, getting a bath. Taking the evening to pamper myself since my date canceled on me.

After a few moments and I didn’t get a reply, I jumped in the bath tub. The hot water felt good on this cold evening in January. There was steam coming from the tub and it was fogging up the mirror. I watched the steamed as it swirled around freely. It almost looked like it was doing some sort of elaborate dance. My phone buzzed and brought me back from my thoughts. I picked up the phone and saw that I had a new message.

Catastrophicchaos: Spa days are always nice, I’d rather be out with you

OhMyRanda: You’re hilarious. You don’t have to feel bad for me because my date canceled. I can handle myself.

Catastrophicchoas: I’d rather be handling you ;)

OhMyRanda: You’re so naughty! You’re making me blush.

Catastrophicchaos: Listen, texting would be so much easier, especially with how much we talk now. Want to exchange numbers?

OhMyRanda: Sure.

I sent him my number and in less than a minute, I had a text from a number I didn’t know. The message stated that it was Noah or catastrophicchaos. We spent the evening texting each other back and forth. We talked about everything, from our favorite colors, to my past in foster care and being adopted by Leena’s family. It was crazy how easy it was for me to talk to him. I had a hard time opening up to anyone, let alone a stranger. Something about him made me feel comfortable.