A Graduation Gift

Cassandra's dream was so surreal that it lasted unbelievably long.

In her dreams, the sky was clear and a gentle wind kissed her sun-bathed face. Luscious grasslands extended over the horizon and fragrant fumes from the budding petals were dispersed by the wind. The peaceful scene was perfected by zestful laughter and sweet words of love whispered on her ears.

She was lost in Rufus' embrace; she had never felt such love and passion overflow in just a simple gesture of affection. The way he held her made her feel that no storm could harm her as long as she was with him. His arms were such a stronghold and she couldn't ask for more.

The dream was overwhelming, but the reality was harsh. No matter how elated the dream was, eventually Cassandra had to wake up and continue with her real life which was the exact opposite of her fantasies.

She managed to open her heavy eyes and tried blinking for several times. Once, twice, thrice...she was playing with her eyes to test whether she was still dreaming or she was already back to reality. Rufus who was silently observing her and fascinated by her actions.

Steadily, Cassandra held her eyes open and stared blankly at the ceiling. Lifting her head, she caught sight of Rufus who was just sitting by the sofa beside the bed. It surprised her to see him and she couldn't avert her eyes from staring at his attractive face.

'So I must still be dreaming, ' Cassandra thought as he had exactly the same emotions in his eyes, tender and caring.

She gazed up at him, not before long the tenderness in his eyes seemed to subside.

"Well, you sleep like a baby. It's been almost 20 hours. Are you playing the Sleeping Beauty?"

His eyebrows creased with discontent, and his eyes emitted impatience, waking her up from her reveries.

His words made her gather herself and drift away from her daydreams. She suddenly realized that she was in a hospital, after noticing the bare white walls and the familiar smell.

Pieces of what had happened flashed back in her mind, and the last thing she could remember was being taken into the emergency room, then everything went blank. What happened after...? She didn't have a clue.

The reverie was broken by the screeching of the door as it was pushed open. Cloris walked in and her face was filled with excitement seeing that Cassandra had been conscious.

"Cassandra, my dear sister! I'm so glad you are awake now!"

She giggled excitedly as she rushed towards the patient. Cassandra wanted to say something in response to her sister's excitement but she didn't get a chance. Cloris kept throwing out questions and just couldn't stop herself from talking.

"Cassandra, do you know that you were still in a coma when I came this morning...The doctor said that you had a fever and you would need some good rest, so I went back...Now you seemed much better. Finally, you have regained your consciousness! Are you hungry? You haven't eaten for so many hours. Do you want me to buy some food for you?"

When finally Cloris paused to give Cassandra some time to respond, Rufus coughed intentionally to let his presence be acknowledged.

"I've already asked Victor to buy some porridge. It would be good for her empty stomach, as it is noting going to cause any irritation."

Cloris's attention was grabbed by Rufus. For the first time of their many acquaintances, she was dazed at the handsome features of Rufus' face. He looked different at a closer view - there was something in his eyes that attracted her. She couldn't stop her heart from palpitating and found it hard to breathe.

Cassandra, on the other hand, started to wonder, 'I remember it was Lionel who brought me to the hospital, but why is Rufus here attending to me now?'

Enjoying the infatuations she felt towards Rufus, Cloris searched for the appropriate words she could address to Rufus. With her face blushed, she put on a warm grin and asked, "By the way, Rufus, why are you here with Cassandra?"

on his face. A slice of fatigue

visiting a friend here, and figured I should drop by to

he carefully concealed his deep concerns for Cassandra. Upon hearing his reason, a cute grin appeared on her face, and Cloris blurted out, "Oh, I see. So that was the reason why you were here when I came just this morning! Since you are still here when I'm back now, I thought that you have been in this room the entire

heart leaped a little when she heard that Rufus was here the whole time. 'Could it be, that he has been staying with me all along?' she

that Cassandra shunned it off her mind. Though Rufus had proven himself to be

comments. Awkwardly, he stood up

you're awake now, I believe you'll be better soon. I have to go, there's an important meeting to attend. Just stay in the

no longer contain her overwhelming feelings for Rufus. Her cheeks turned red, so crimson red that she had to bury her face on the blankets by the bed. She felt abashed and looked up to her sister with a sheepish grin. Grabbing Cassandra's hands, she uttered a confession saying, "Sis, what am I going to do? It seems that my feelings for Rufus grow

into Cassandra's heart

to remove the strands of hair from her sister's face but her hands were trembling. She was puzzled if the trembling was the side effect of the coma or the fear that was slowly boiling

no idea what exactly she

with Rufus or the boldness of this young girl in front of her in pursuit

never be young and innocent again, and those were the most

a great

after searching her mind for the right words to say. With her feelings contradicting to her words, she had no

to fall in love with that man, but her heart suggested otherwise. Now, however, after knowing Cloris's feelings towards Rufus, the balance seemed to tilt to the side of her emotions rather than her

in its climax. Ironically, Cloris came up with a brilliant idea, then

required to complete an internship before graduation. Would it be possible for

The internship was just an excuse for her to get closer to Rufus. Forcing a caring smile out, Cassandra agreed, "I'll see what I can do. Just send me your resume. I'll take it to the human resource department and see if they can arrange

reply from her sister. She was already looking forward to working with Rufus. Hugging Cassandra's arm tight, she even rubbed her smooth face

I knew you

didn't know to react. Instead, she

might turn out to be a win-win situation. Cloris would win Rufus' affection, and she would be free to expel all the infatuations and fantasies she had for

wouldn't be allowed even if there were traces of love

was left alone. A blank expression was written on her pale face, and the long day of sleep made it impossible to close her eyes. She wanted to sleep off all the unwanted thoughts that were

the bed. Taking her chance when the nurse wasn't around, she sneaked out of her room and took the

nobody was in the garden considering it was already late. Taking her time and cherishing the peaceful treat, she slowly walked around the place.

and heavy sigh broke the silence.

ordinary sigh would remind you of all the

where

visible. Misery and a troubled heart were clearly portrayed by the bitter frown on

to draw the old man's attention as she walked closer. And she succeeded

of embarrassment enveloped Cassandra and she didn't know how to start the conversation. She was taken aback and her mood suddenly dropped. The old man seemed

mind, she gathered her courage and

smile, she seated herself beside the

looks great tonight,"

to break the ice. The old man wasn't surprised by the friendly tone in the woman's voice. Gradually he