If Only..(Part 1 And Part 2 Included)(Under Edit)

Chapter 43 - The Red Dress

Madeline started to go to her work, and could finally get adjusted to her new life. Wake up, get dressed, go to work, get back home, dinner, sleep. Wake up, work, home, dinner, sleep. Home, work, home, eat, sleep. Work, eat, sleep. Work, eat, sleep and repeat. This became her new normal, no challenges, no violence, no fear but also no one by her side.

It's been one week. She moved as per the stipulated schedule and refused to think. What if every event that once kept her trapped behind a black door, comes rushing into her mind, haunting her yet, again? She couldn't risk that. She refused to even talk to anyone. Not even her colleagues, not even her neighbors. In the initial days, she tried to establish contact with Jackson, but gave up later. There wasn't any communication, since then. Until, one day.

It was early in the morning, and she was checking out her length, in her new mirror, before she set to leave. "Perfect" , she said to herself with a wide grin pasted to her face. She walked towards the main door, opened it and shuddered in her place.

Her eyes widened and wide opened her mouth, when she saw an unidentified, suited man standing at her door with a humble smile pasted on his face.

Madeline(in a defensive tone): Who are you?

She kept her fixed on him, as she ran her hands blindly through the shelf near the door, for the gun, she always stored for self defense.

The man did not react any other way. He bowed a little in front of her, as an acknowledgement and stretched out a packet towards her. She glanced at the packet and shot her eyes back to his face.

The man continued in the humblest tone possible: I am sent to pick you up. I was asked to deliver you this. There is a note inside, which has a message for you.

She frowned and took the packet from his hand, she tore open a part to see a glimpse of red fabric. She looked up at the man, with questioning eyes.

Madeline: Who sent you?

Man(courtesy smile): I am sorry, I am not allowed to speak on that. You are requested to check the note and come with me.

Madeline(in a higher pitch): Sorry? Why do you want me to come with you?

Man: Well, that is what I was advised to do. You will be safe, miss. Until you reach your destination safely. I will at your service.

Madeline scanned her eyes through him, with a suspicion engulfing her mind..

Madeline(stern voice): Stay Here! I will be right back.

She returned back into her room and tore open the packet. It was a beautiful red dress and pick card peeping through the folds of the fabric. She pulled it out and read:

"Hey love, I am sorry to keeping to waiting. I have a way to cover it up for you, I hope I can put a smile back on that beautiful face. Be in this dress. And, get into the car, sent to you. I can't wait to see you, mi amor. I love you."

It's him. It's HIM. IT IS HIM!!

With the words, her face started to glow. She let out a high pitched squeak, while she hopped on the floor, like a kid jumps over a trampoline. She stopped to help her breath get steady. She pulled out the dress out of it's folds and quickly changed into it.. She checked herself out on the mirror. It was a blood red dress with a sweet heart neck, perfectly showing the chiseled collar bones, harnessing her bare shoulder. A slit just below the thighs showing her left leg. Her lips curved into a grin as she studied every details of the dress and all the love that was bestowed into it.

She pulled out her drawer and picked up the small necklace that, once Jackson gave her. It was that necklace which Jackson gifted her, as Rex. After, everything that happened, she preferred to keep it out of her sight, but never could she gather the courage to throw it away.