The Past Never Leaves

Janet’s POV

“Couldn’t she tell us before?” I asked Veronica when she was applying lipstick to her lips by looking at the dressing mirror of my bedroom.

“Well, she herself didn’t know about it. I mean,” She put her lipstick back on the table and looked at me, “Like we both know. Olivia was taking him out for dinner, but when Charlie learned that his best friend, Paxton, is finally coming. He’s throwing his birthday party at his mansion!”

“Oh?” That was all I said before looking at my wrist watch which flashed at 7 in the evening. “But I think,” I looked at her before she added, “Charlie is bisexual!”

“Wait , what?” I was shocked, anyone would be.

She nodded, “Yup. I’ve seen him and Paxton together once,” She bit inside her lips, “And when I say together? It means in that way together!”

I grimaced, “Gross!” She smiled, nodding her head.“ Does Olivia know about it?” She shook her head like no in response, “Then we should tell her that she’s in love with a bisexual!”

“I don’t think she will care about it!” She walked towards the window and looked out, “She loves Charlie like a mad woman and my boyfriend is here!” When I heard her last line, I walked towards her and looked down, watching Sam getting out of the car.

“Cute!” I commented and she blushed before she opened the window and called him out. He looked up and waved his hand as a hi. “What’re you doing here?” She asked him aloud so that her voice could reach him.

“Ah, I was bored!” He shouted back, “Thinking of doing a job of a cab driver tonight!” Vero giggled, “So, tell me my lady! Would you like to have my free service tonight?”

“Sure, Sir! I’d love to have your free service!” She turned to me and grabbed my wrist, ”Let’s go!”

“Thanks, but my cab is on its way,” I said, and took her hand off gently, “Besides, I don’t want to become a spoilsport!”

She giggled, “Alright, see you soon then!” I looked out of my window and shouted, “Be careful with her!”

He nodded, “Yes, Ma’am!” I smiled. I like Sam. He’s kind, respectful, generous, cute and most of all, he loves Vero honestly. I didn’t like him when I first met him because he seemed totally fake to me, but eventually, I realized that I was wrong. Sam is the perfect guy for Vero, and he knows that if he does any wrong to her. I and Olivia will fuck him up.

Vero stood beside him and waved her hand to me before sitting inside, followed by Sam, “Drive safe!!” I shouted just before they drove away.

When they were gone, I sighed and stood in front of my mirror, staring at my appearance head to toe. I was wearing a yellow shoulder-less midi that reached my thigh with my favorite rainbow pencil heels. It’s not any event, therefore, I did my usual nude makeup, and left my hair free. I smiled, not believing that the woman before me is me. Suddenly, I heard a sound of a car horn and I quickly looked outside my window and saw a cab standing across. I checked my phone and it flashed that my cab had arrived. “Finally!” I grabbed my purse, put my phone inside and walked out of my bedroom hurriedly. When out, I locked the door behind and rushed to my cab but halted when my keys fell down. I bent over and quickly picked them up, rushing towards my cab while I put them in my purse, but just before I reached it, it was exploded, and caused me to blow back by the pressure it released.

*BOOM!*

I fell on my back with a thud and grunted with tight eyes by the immense pain I received. The few cars around it started beeping by the force and the public immediately gathered around the scene. I sit up on my butt with the help of my elbow and stared at the burning car with utter disbelief.

Did someone... Someone found me?

“Janet, are you okay?” The one who knew me asked with her palm on my back but I couldn’t respond to her. I was in shock! Suddenly, my phone buzzed and my attention was moved towards it instantly. It was lying a bit away from me, ringing continuously. I grabbed it and it flashed an unknown number. I picked it up, but not said a single word.

“Charlotte William?” A deep Italian accent asked from the other side of the phone. I closed my eyes. They found me! He chuckled darkly, “Ah, sembra che ti abbia spaventato.”

Translate- Looks like I scared you.

I jolted my eyes open and stood up n my feet, “Chi sei?” He didn’t respond, “Se hai fegato, allora rispondimi, bastardo!”

Translate- Who are you? If you have guts, then answer me, bastard.

He laughed wickedly, “Sei così fortunato che la bomba sia esplosa poco prima che tu la raggiungessi. Ma non preoccuparti, Charlotte!” I sensed him making an angry face before he said, “Next time, you won’t survive it!” With this, he hung up on me.

Translate- You are so lucky that the bomb went off just before you reached it. But don’t worry, Charlotte.”

I rested my hand and looked at the rescue team who was cooling down the flaming car to help the body out. “Of course,” I let out a low chuckle, “How can my life go normal?” I clucthed my fists and tightened my jaw. Boiling in rage for not just being found after all these years of running and hiding but also for being clueless about what motherfuker has got his hands over me.

Found me?

I looked at my phone in my hand then at the flaming car. “You don’t want me dead, Mr. whoever you are. You only wanted to scare me!”

“Next time you won’t survive it!”

I recalled his words and then it hit me. My heart skipped a beat and eyes widened. I quickly opened my phone to dial a number but before I could do anything, I saw a shadow of a cop, coming towards me to inquire at the scene, “Fuck!” I muttered, and put my phone down.

“Are you the one whose cab it was?” A man with golden eyes and blonde hair asked me and I only nodded in return, busy in making my answers to his upcoming questions, “I’m officer, Jackson Pattinson,” He brought his hand up and I quickly shook hands with him, “Janet Reyes!” He nodded, and withdrew his hand.

“Did you see anything suspicious when it arrived or before?” He inquired. I shook my head as no, “You sure?”

“I don’t know, I’m-” I gulped, finding it utterly difficult to answer him as the massive stress was dancing on my head, “I’m in shock!” I said without thinking, and he nodded.

“I understand, Ms. Reyes. But I’d like to know who would try to kill you?” His question skipped my heart beat, but keeping my face normal, I replied, “Do I look like a princess, president or a celebrity that you’re saying it was for me?” I didn’t mean to sound rude but I couldn’t help.

“Well, enemies have no preferred rank!” He said, “Besides, that cab was for you! It’s crystal clear that whoever is behind this blast knew that you’d booked it!”

“I agree, officer. But what if the driver was the only target?” I snapped, “Like you said, the enemies has no preferred rank!”

He nodded again, agreeing with me, “Yes. But I’d like to have your number. If I will have more questions, I will call you and please don’t leave the city,” I nodded and give him my number, “Thanks for cooperating with me, Ms Reyes, good night!” I nodded again and as soon as he was far away, I dialed a number. One ring and he picked.

“Hello?” My heart was filled with warmth and eyes watered, hearing his soft tone. I couldn’t speak, “Charlotte?” I closed my eyes, putting my hand on my mouth as a drop of lone tear slid down my cheek, “You there, sister?” I chuckled softly with teary eyes and he said, “Oh, I’ve longed to hear your authoritative voice for years, Charlotte. Just speak up already!”

“Sounds like you’ve been drinking!” I finally spoke, my voice happy but the stupid emotions were evident, “Break-up or stress of work?”

“Ah!” He chuckled, “What’s more important right now is who has found you!”