Our eternal affairs

Doctor Stone smiled, satisfied. "This, Anna, is the power of Mr Avidon's healing." He dropped the phone into the pockets of his white coat.

Anna had just witnessed Mr Truce, healing up a broken man's head in a video. She opened her mouth, in utter shock, and her mind raced, and bubbled with questions. Could this be a way out from her fears? Would he really help her? She thought, and bit on her finger nervously.

Doctor Stone didn't notice her dilemma, as he continued. "You need to have a very high connection to meet him. Nobody really knows about him, or his family. So it's almost impossible." He turned to look at Anna.

 "Oh, I see." She breathed out, disappointedly. Maybe she should give it a try. Just how much would he ask for? 

Doctor Stone stared at the beautiful woman sitting beside him, his heart squeezed at the thought of extorting money from his patient. Then he puffed up immediately. She would get healed instantly after meeting him. He was just trying to help her, right?

Just then, he remembered something and sighed remorsefully, regretting his next words. "Okay. I'll help you, this once."

Anna raised her head slowly, hiding the smile that curled up her lips.

 "Mmm?" She asked, acting surprised.

He took out his cell phone again, and tapped, searching for something.

 "I don't normally do this but… do you have a pen?" 

She quickly opened her brown purse, that matched her dress, and brought out a writing pad, and a pen. He called out a phone number for her.

 "This is his PA's personal contact. I doubt they'd let you see him if you just barged in there."

She clasped her hands in appreciation, wondering what made him change his mind. "This is really kind of you sir. Thank you."

He looked away, feeling bad for himself, stood up and left.

Anna stared at his retreating figure, then at the number in her pad quizzically, before leaving as well.

In the bus, she began humming a strange sound, as she reclined on the seat near the window. 

When she got off at the station, she passed a grocery store, and a cafe; and walked into a pharmacy, to buy her medications, with the little money she had with her. Usually, she would take herself on self-dates, or shopping, after paying her bills. But now, she felt really sad when she saw the huge amount that was slashed out from her savings account.

Before she turned onto the pavement of her building, she waved at Rashid, the local store owner, and thought about getting a takeout. Since Cliff had been the one cooking for the past couple of days, she wanted to show a little gratitude. Rashid, an introvert, who was in his early thirties, had always tried to get her attention, failed again, after weeks of learning how to flirt. He shook his head at his woe, wondering when she'd come by again.

Anna held the white paper bags in one hand, as she moved to open the door to the apartment. It was unlocked, and she could hear laughter, coming from inside. Was Cliff back from the studio already? She thought to herself as she stepped in.

 "Hey, Anna," Cliff waved, in a big smile, and greeted. Sasha, his best friend, and colleague, sat beside him, munching on a chocolate bar. She stood up spreading her arms out, glad to see Anna, after a long time.

 "Anna, it's so good to see you." She said, as she wrapped her arms around Anna. Anna gladly returned the hug, and released herself before saying. "How have you been, Sasha? You look radiant, as ever." Anna smiled.

Sasha smiled, twirling round.

 "Glad you noticed, unlike someone I know…" She glanced at Cliff from the side of her eyes. The ladies burst into laughter, as Cliff frowned playfully. His eye caught the bag in Anna's hand. 

 "Did you go shopping?" Anna's laugh faltered as she looked down at her hands. "Oh, I thought we could eat some takeout. I felt bad since you've been the one cooking, ever since you got here." 

She glanced at Sasha before adding, "I didn't know Sasha would come around…"

 "Awwn, Anna, that's so sweet of you." Sasha cooed.

Cliff pointed towards the kitchen, cutting her off. "I already made dinner for us."

 "Oh," Anna breathed, before he added.

 "But. I'll just take these." He said as he stood up, gesturing to Sasha. "Dessert?"

 "Count me in." Sasha singed, as she followed him to the kitchen.

She rolled her eyes at the two of them, as she trailed behind. They had always acted this way, since she knew them.

When she got to the kitchen counter, Cliff was already dishing her food for her, while chatting away with Sasha. Sweet scents of mac and cheese, with roast chicken caused her stomach to growl.

She muttered her thanks to Cliff, before attacking the food, like her life depended on it. She wondered why his food made her act uncivilly all the time.

She occasionally lifted her head, to watch them. The air felt warm and lively. She didn't remember ever bringing anyone to her house, so she enjoyed the company, laughing at their jokes between intervals.

When she was through, she took her plate to the kitchen sink and washed. Both of them seemed oblivious to her actions, as they focused on their desert. They were talking about a design that a customer suggested for her birthday shoot.

Silently, she walked to her room, pulled out her writing pad and her phone. She was nervous, but forced herself to be steady as she dialled the numbers, and waited for it to ring.

The person at the other end picked up after two rings, her breath hitched in her throat.

 "This is Chen," a voice rasped out. Her sweaty palm clutched the phone firmly.

 "Uh," she cleared her throat. "Hello, please I'd like to set an appointment with Mr Truce Avidon." She said sweetly, as her request caused the person on the other side of the call to raise an eyebrow at the naive voice.

 "Sorry ma'am, Mr Truce is presently indisposed to any meetings now. I suggest you set up an appointment at the headquarters, and wait for a call." He said kindly. Anna rubbed her chest in disappointment. Of course it wouldn't be easy to meet the man.

 "Okay, thank you sir." She returned, before he hung up.

She fell backwards on her bed, and groaned.

Just then, Cliff knocked twice, before opening her door slightly. "Sasha just left." He said, with his head sticking out the door. "Okay," she murmured, and he walked in.

 "Did you get your medications?" He asked, and she pointed to a small, white bag sitting on the small couch in her room.

 "When is your next appointment?" He shuffled on his feet, as he asked. He hated it when he talked to her about her condition.

 "In two days," she responded tiredly. "Okay." There was an awkward silence before he bade her goodnight and left the room.

Anna faced the ceiling, and thought about Mr Truce. She couldn't believe she just called his personal assistant. No one has ever seen the man, but he was everywhere at the same time.