Page 61 of Petals and Fangs

“Why would someone keep blood bags in a fridge? I just don't get it.”

“It is a massive pharmaceutical company, Lily. It is normal to keep some supplies in fridges. They store drugs and medicines in such places, remember?”

“But why does Ethan have to store blood in his fridge? In his office? Why not in the laboratory?”

“Who knows? Perhaps the man is so invested in his work that he wants a close eye on everything that happens around the company. Some people are just like that. They take their work seriously.”

“You seem to know a lot about pharmaceutical companies,” I remark.

Arial shrugs, and then says. “Anyway, let's get back to the matter at hand. You should place these blood bags back where you found them, Lily.”

“I think you're right,” I nod. I can't help but feel terrified. I need to know what Ethan is doing with these blood bags, even though it isn't any of my business.

“But you have to promise me one thing, Lily.”

“Yes?”

“You promise me that you won't tell anyone else about this. And you must get this topic out of your head. Understand?”

“I have no idea why you are being so discreet about this, Arial. But yes, sure thing. I have enough to deal with already. I don't need to burden myself with business that aren’t mine.”

Arial smiles. She seems content with my answer, even when it is fake. I am not giving up on solving this. Ethan needs to give me the real answers. He needs to tell me what he is up to.

“As much as I'd love to stay, I really need to get going,” Arial says.

“So soon?”

“It's been a very long day and I need an even longer rest,” Arial says, rubbing her eyes together. She does not look exhausted. I wonder if she is avoiding me. I have been too much lately on her.

“Sure, Arial.”

“Before I go, do you mind if I use your laptop to send an email to work? It is urgent and I left mine at the office.”

“Yeah, sure. I mean-” I look around me before I suddenly realize that I haven’t brought my laptop back to my place.

The thought feels like a burning knife in my stomach. My laptop is still in Ethan's car.

“On second thought, I guess I left mine at work too,” I say.

‘How could I forget it? I cannot function without my laptop.’ It doesn't make me feel better that I left it in Ethan's car too.

“That's fine, Lily. Anyways, I really need to get going,” she says as she stands up.

I walk Arial to the door. As much as I want her to stay, I understand that she has to sleep. I, too, need to stay alone for a couple of hours.

“Call me anytime you need a friend, Lily. I will always be here for you. And please, stop overthinking,” Arial whispers softly as she hugs me.

“Thank you, Arial,” I reply. I am not convinced by anything, but I do appreciate her support.

As I place my hand on the door handle, a knock startles me. It is loud, and it almost seems like the person behind it is trying to break in.

“God, what the hell?” I rush to push the door open, and I immediately freeze.

There, standing in front of me, is a familiar face, but it looks nothing like how I last saw it. Ethan. His wavy hair is slicked down, and he has dark circles under his eyes. He looks dishevelled and stressed out.

“Ethan?” I say, hand placed on my heart.

“Lily,” he says back, and gestures to my laptop in his hand.

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