Chapter seven: Tea with the beauty.

XILMEI

I've been holding my breath since Doctor Stanhope went upstairs to my boss' office. I was so tense that I jumped when the intercom rang.

"Sir?"I stuttered.

"Doctor Stanhope needs your help".

"Y-yes sir!".

I gulped, and my hands shook as I shut my laptop computer. I literally ran up the stairs, holding my large medicated glasses with one hand to prevent them from falling off.

On getting to the door, I knocked frantically.

"Come in"he spoke calmly.

My heart was pounding. Has he killed her? Did he hurt her? I'll never forgive myself if he harmed her. Oh, why couldn't I keep my big mouth shut?

I opened the door as cautiously as I could, and peered in.

The pretty doctor was crumpled into a knot on the floor, unconscious. My boss sat at his desk, cynically putting his signature on some files.

I stepped forward cautiously. He ignored me.

Phew.

I feel so safe whenever he ignores me. He intimidates me so. First of all, he's so beautiful. I'm not beautiful. While he has silky hair, sexy eyes and satiny skin, I've got a head full of stubborn carroty curls that insist on remaining mortal enemies with every comb I buy, cheeks full of freckles that won't disappear, and too-big eyes the color of muddy water. He beat me hands down in aesthetic intelligence -dressing up is a nightmare for me. And he's so tall. I'm petite, and he towers over me in an almost insulting way. Worst of all, there's his aura. Makes me break out in cold sweat. He's terrifying.

I bent beside the doctor and felt her pulse.

Phew. She's alive.

"I... I can't carry her alone"I stuttered.

Gosh, his presence fills my throat with air bubbles. I'm no stutterer.

"Then get help"he replied without looking at me.

"Y-yes sir!".

Without delay, I fled the office.

*

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*

KEITH

I sat in bed, staring at the screen of my phone. I had just called to bid Sofia goodnight. I'm so happy.

Everything is going so well it feels like a dream. Still... whenever I'm alone like this, that stabbing pain returns to remind me - I might be happy, but my family's still dead.

I can't dwell on the pain,or it'll sink deeper like a blade, stealing my breath until everything fades to black.

I can't let it. I've already done so enough. It hurts. I want to forget it hurts.

I looked at the door. If only I wasn't stuck in here. Percy instructed me never to leave my room. Although he has forgiven me for killing Lisa, there are members of the Mafia who haven't. I have to stay here, for my own safety.

With a loud sigh, I fell on my back.

Then I heard a knock on the door and sat up immediately, already looking forward to telling Percy all about my first day at school.

*

*

*

BARBARA

It's time for recess. We're sitting round a table -I and my besties, alongside Sofia's friend Keith and his friend Langdon.

Linda is telling us about this guy who tried to bluff his way into her dad's company, and we're all laughing.

I took a bite of my chocolate bar just as Sofia made a hilarious remark. Slapping a gloved palm to my mouth to avoid spitting out a mash of chocolate, I let out muffled giggles.

My eyes met Keith's, and he smiled. My heart flipped so suddenly that I found myself choking.

"Barbie, you okay?"Linda turned quickly to thump my back as I coughed.

"Y-yeah"I stuttered, my cheeks flushing a little.

"Here"Langdon passed me his glass of water.

"Thanks"I replied, raising it to my lips.

Everyone else resumed the conversation, while I listened. Usually, I would be tossing in contributions, but I was too busy stealing surreptitious glances at Keith. He's good looking. To think I didn't notice from the start. Anyways, he happens to be one of those people you have to give a second glance before you can notice how good they look. And he just keeps smiling at everyone.

I mean, I know I also smile at everyone, but should he really be smiling at me when it makes me so uneasy?

It's strange, but... I want him to keep smiling at me.

*

*

*

The dismissal bell went off minutes ago. Six of us are descending the stairs beyond the exit together, laughing at a joke Linda was telling.

"So, my place on Saturday,"she said as we got to the foot of the stairs"you guys in?".

"Sure"everyone but Keith chorused.

"Keith? Aren't you cool with it?".

Keith looked uncertain.

"Well, I'm not sure...".

"But you will try to come? Please?"Sofia cut in.

"I'll try my best"he replied, and I wished I had spoken instead.

Just then, Keith spotted his driver and ran off, calling out a quick "see ya" with an even quicker wave.

*

*

*

KEITH

I leaned back and closed my eyes as the car picked up speed. I really want to go to Linda's on Saturday, but I don't know if I can. Sometimes I just can't help but feel like a caged bird.

Back in Trent street, my movements were never restricted. I understand that Percy's just trying to protect me, but still...

"We're here,kid"Kevin's voice cut into my thoughts.

I opened my eyes to see him driving through silver gates.

"Wait, what? Where are we?"I asked, alarm filling me to bursting point.

"Someone wants to see you".

The car halted before a magnificent mansion. Kevin got out.

"C'mon, kid".

I refused to move. He opened the backdoor and stepped back.

"Don't worry,kid. You're safe here".

I looked at him. Kevin and I are more or less friends... right? Slightly reassured, I stepped out and shut the door. Kevin led me towards the side of the imposing building. I could not help but look around. All the windows were firmly shut.

We finally arrived at a lovely flower garden. Someone was seated under the camellia tree, before a table set for tea. She looked incredibly familiar.

She lifted her face as we got closer, and my eyes widened. It was her, the beauty from Lisa's funeral. I barely stifled a gasp. I had not expected to see her again.

She smiled, her eyes warm as they rested on me, and I felt my insides turn to mush.

"You certainly took your time"she said,"Keith".