Chapter 129

EVERYONE IN THE CROWD TOOK THEIR PHONES OUT AND BEGAN TAKING PICTURES OF ME. I waved at them all and smiled for utmost each and every camera I saw facing my way. As I walked to my car, the entire crowd made way for me in between and stood side by side. I have never in my life received such a positive feedback before. All this was new and beautiful and my heart was molted once again. The hardships my life went through dispersed into thin air and the dark cloud faded.

All this felt like a wonderful morning after one of the darkest nights of my entire life.

I missed giving autographs and taking selfies with my fans. It was all beautiful and pleasant all the way to do this all again.

Walking down the path, I stopped by several stops to give my autograph. Some brought notepads, others preferred I write on their shirts. Very creepy but anywho...whatever they wanted.

"Hey Eleanor....can I get a picture???" A very cute boy asked from the crowd reminding me of Adam when he was very young. I happily nodded and asked Aaron to take the picture for us.

As if opening a tap, everyone gushed out like water desperate for a picture with me. I thought it was okay at first but as time went by, I realised I'd gotten exhausted over such a simple task.

"Ma'am...we need to live...it's almost sundown...." Aaron whispered in my ear while I was posing for which I hoped to be the last picture.

"Yes yes ...in a bit ..." I said under my breath as I smiled for the camera.

"You said exactly that two hours ago.....it's 1900hrs now.....it's very late...."

"Try taking a picture with each and everyone of your million fans....you'll understand...." I smiled at him and patted his shoulder.

I posed for the next picture and the next and the next and the next.

Then, Adam came and placed a furry long cloak around my shoulders whispering to me 'we need to leave' . I whispered back an okay and immediately signaled Aaron I had to go.

I took one last selfie and one last autograph before turning around and following Adam to the car. I felt bad that some people didn't get the chance to take a picture with me but what else would I do? I was exhausted and it was night. I had to go home and ensure that everybody also got home in time.

"What a rough day...." Adam started as he fastened my seatbelt for me.

"Tell me about it....am so tired a hot shower should definitely do the trick....." I yawned and rested my head on his shoulder.

"How do you feel??"

"Honestly...." I replied raising my head to face him."I feel great....I feel...free.....and liberated.....thanks Adam...."

"Why are you thanking me??? You deserve it.....very much.....you did all this all on your own....don't add the credit to my account....." He smiled and pushed my hair off my face. I grabbed his hand and kissed the inside of it.

Of course he deserved credit. My strength came from him and him alone. I couldn't have come so far without him holding my hand every step of the way. He looked at me and I nodded vigorously showing him just how much I meant my words.

I wanted him to know and understand how much he was a big part of my life.

He was my breath and my heart beat. How could I go so far without him being by my side? He was the life in me and the goodness my spirit needed.

"What would I do without you????" I asked and he scratched his chin as though thinking of what I would do without him. I laughed at his craziness and admired just how amazing he was. I loved all of him.

"Although to be fair...I was thinking I've been treated unfairly....." he raised an argument and I sat steady listening to him.

"Umm....kindly explain...."

"Thank you .....you know very well that you and Angela got credit for both your works today....but what did I get for being your shadow and pushing you towards the spotlight???" he asked and I smiled. I knew exactly what he meant.

"Okay okay ..that's a fair argument. Let's just get home....I have a surprise for you....." I bit my lip and smiled seductively hoping to get him on my leash.

From the way he looked at me, I knew I got him.

"Okay....." he replied and pulled me close to him. My face landed on his chest and I inhaled more of his cologne wrecking havoc in my brain. Adam had such an effect on me I could barely understand myself.

His arms wrapped around me, he was holding me like a newborn baby. But of course, I was born today...the new Eleanor was born today.

I wasn't the timid girl anymore, plastic surgery and stuff to fix my natural given beauty. I was a whole new world with fantastic places to see. I was outstanding and untouchable. I was a new being....try me and see...

*******

"Sir.... we're here..." the voice of Aaron woke me and I sat up from the chair. I shook Adam who had also fallen asleep over the very long drive.

He got out and rushed to open the door for me. The romance. I gladly placed my hand in his as he walked with me onto the patio.

"I must say this is a magnificent house ...." I remarked after I saw it for its actual beauty.

"You haven't seen anything yet....." he smiled and ran up the stairs with me. I gave a puzzled look following what he just said and followed him inside the house.

"So babe....are you up for a swim???" he asked as we stood in the centre of the living room underneath a chandelier.

"...What's the plan????" I asked in a very alluring manner.

"Meet me here in ten minutes....all set and ready..." he sucked his lips in and gave me that look that caused me to pull him and bumped my forehead against his.

"All set and ready???" I repeated.

"Uh-huh...." he pecked my nose and headed towards the other direction. I smiled and went up the stairs through the corridor and to my room.

Lauren had returned to her house leaving me and Adam as the only people in this house. Sweet. Finally we could be free....

I walked into my room and after closing the door, I leaned on it with a smile on my face. Harper's magazine should've been here because they'd most definitely get the best shot of my life.

I walked in and jumped on the bed, hugging the pillows and not forgetting to kiss my pet dog Cloud.

"Oh my God am so happy...am so happy...am so happy...." I squeezed him and twirled with him around in the room.

He barked at me and licked my cheek.

"You're happy too??? I know....." I smiled and kissed his head before putting him down.

"You must be hungry, I didn't feed you over the past two hours. How terrible of me....." I sighed and rushed to the kitchen to make something for him.

Unfortunately, I ran out of his dog food and I wasn't sure what to feed him. The only thing I had was my set of cereals which I thought he might give a try. If it's healthy for me, why won't it be healthy for him??

I quickly poured a large amount into a bowl, added some milk and placed it in the microwave for a few minutes only to have it warm.

I tested it with the thermometer and it was at 25 degrees. Not bad.

I carried it with me and rushed to my room, placing it down for Cloud who rashly ate through.

"Calm down boy...no one's gonna take it from you....." I called from the wardrobe as I went through some of the things that got donated to me while I was sick. I remember seeing a swimsuit somewhere. Lauren did a good job arranging everything for me. It was all neat and lovely. I owed that woman my life.

Pushing through the hangers, I found it! A plain maroon top with a matching highwaist floral short with criss cross drawstrings on the sides.

Gosh it was beautiful.

I took my cloths off in a second and pulled my body into it. Thanks my surprise, it fit me perfectly....how did these guys even know my size???

I pulled my hair up in a ponytail and pulled two strands, each from a side of my head and let them bounced down to my cheeks. Quickly opening my drawers, I fetched my maroon matte lipstick to simply match my outfit.

"See me and see me now....." I smiled and covered my lipstick. I still had make up on from the funeral I attended so I wasn't altering my face.

I walked back and found Cloud done with his meal. I took my bottle water and spilled some for him in his water bowl. He quickly drank half the bowl and I knew him and me were done for the night. I carried him onto my bed and covered him with my beddings. His own doggy house was a work in progress and for now, we shared the bed.

"Should I turn the light off???" I asked as I walked out. His bark was rather ferocious and I decided against it.

"Okkaayy.... Goodnight....!"

********

As soon as I walked into the living room, Adam was nowhere to be seen. Yeah I know...I took too long. I walked to his room but he wasn't there. He wasn't in the guestroom either nor was he in the kitchen.

"Where are you Adam??" I asked as I stood and walked in circles. This house was still new to me and some orientation would definitely do the trick.

Then, I saw a light reflect through the glass back door. I followed it and the moment I opened the door, my jaw dropped to the ground.

A semicircular jacuzzi lay in there smiling at me with the water looking purple unlike blue. It's tiles were made of polkadots of various colours and they looked good reflecting on the water.

I walked further and noticed another section built inside that were purposed to serve as chairs. Small black painted stones surrounded the edges of the jacuzzi and from a distance they looked like the black jade diamond.

I stepped in and the water was so warm and relaxing.

"You look beautiful...." the voice of my love startled me from behind. I turned around to look at him and smiled. He smiled back, in his shirtless top and pineapple printed shorts.

"Because am half naked???" I asked playfully while coiling my arms around his neck. He followed my lead and placed his hands on my waist pulling me close to him, making our torsos meet.

"No...because you're Eleanor....the eccentric Eleanor....."