4.

The water was cold, and her teeth chattered violently while she tried to swim to a safe place. Blood leaked out of her arm into the surrounding water. Her body couldn't take it anymore, but she needed to survive. She couldn't see anyone else in the water. Hopefully, no one followed her in. But she couldn't be sure of that. 

She swam and swam until strength left her. Her muscles grew sore, the pain in her arm became unsupportable, and the blood loss made her faint. The sky grew darker, and soon she couldn't move anymore. Her body sunk beneath the surface, and the weight of the bag pulled her under. 

Ayesha woke up from her nightmare to the sound of Joseph bustling around the apartment. Her eyes searched for the clock. When she got out of bed, she walked out of her dark room and into the lit living room.

"Joseph, what are you doing?"

"Did you forget? I am working a party tonight. The one I told you about, in the big house up in High Elm Lane?"

"Right. Sorry, my sleepy brain isn't cooperating with me." She sat on the high stool and watched him pack up his bags. "How long would the party be?"

"Till the morning. I should be back around two."

"Well, you seem very excited."

"Hotels, restaurants, apartments, I have been to all of that. But this party is being held in a manor. A manor. Don't mean to sound vane, but can you imagine living in a place like that?"

"I imagine it would be splendid."

"Yeah." He grabbed his jacket from the counter and shook his arms through it. "I bet this would bring us some good money. A party this big is bound to pay well."

"That's good to hear. I would try to prepare breakfast then. You'd need it when you wake up after crashing from exhaustion."

He grimaced. "Big house, more guests, more walking. I don't know why I didn't think of that."

"I am sure you'd find ways to enjoy it. Now get out of here before you're late."

He kissed her cheek before running out the door. Ayesha plunked her chin on her arm as it rested on the countertop. She had another day ahead of her, alone in her apartment, with nothing to do. She worked at a laundry store and only worked from ten, in the morning, till six in the evening. 

It was time to start looking for something more to do with her free time. Maybe think of an old hobby she could learn again. Like pottery, she used to love it as a teenager. There were classes she could sign up for and equipment she could buy. 

The more she thought about it, the more excited she became. Excitement bubbled up inside her, and she picked herself up. She rushed into her room to dress up. 

Dimitri laughed, twirling the glass in his hands and watching the whiskey-brown liquid swirl. His mother's "small" gathering was in full swing. He sat at a table with some of his college friends. They discussed basically anything that came to their mind to discuss. Men and women still walked into the house in their numbers. The window to his right gave a direct view of their driveway. When he looked outside, he could see cars still driving in. 

The floors were filled with stylishly dressed people, most of which were friends of his family. Soft jazz music played from the speakers, and some guests swayed around as they talked. The waiters, dressed in black and white, bustled around the floor, assuring every guest was taken care of. 

"So you're moving out in a few months?"

"Funny, isn't it." Carlos laughed along with some other guys at the table. "You think it's about time you got back home and settled here, and I think it's about time I left."

"Different strokes for different folks. Unlike me, you've lived here your whole life. If you want to see other parts of the world, I think it's a great idea."

"So your plan is to spend a year just travelling the world?" Steven asked, and Carlos nodded. "Have a flight plan planned out yet? Or is it just going to be a spur-of-the-moment choice?"

"I am not leaving yet. I'll decide later on. Hey, but first on my list is Dubai." Dimitri laughed, his lips against the rim of his glass. "You've spent years praising the place. I think I am going to see what it's all about."

"Well, I think you'd find yourself pleasantly surprised." He pondered over his empty glass. With a glance at the bar, he stood from his seat. "If you guys will excuse me, I am getting myself another drink."

"Sure, man."

On the way to the bar, he was stopped by some acquaintances of his father. He stood to speak to them for a while, discussing the town and his father's role as mayor, amongst other things. Their family was well known long before his father ran for office, but Dimitri felt like there were more eyes on them now. It was no longer just them being the wealthiest family in the town. They were now the family of the Mayor of Watford, as well. 

"Whiskey on the rocks."

"Hello, Dimitri."

He looked over his shoulder and noticed Sofia standing behind him. Pleasantly surprised to see her after a long time, he turned around to get a good look at her. She was dressed like everybody else, in high-end fashion and glittering jewellery. Her golden evening gown was moulded to her skin and complimented by topaz jewelled earrings. 

They had dated while he was away, for four years until things ended between them, and she returned to Watford not long after. They had spoken on occasion, but it was the first time since the break-up that they were finally seeing each other. 

"Sofia. It's good to see you." He embraced her. "I didn't know you were coming."

"If you had called me, you'd have found out. You came back and didn't even say hello."

"Sorry, I didn't think of that. My head's been full lately. You are here now, and as I said, it's good to see you."

"You too. How long are you going to stay?"

"Unless things change, I am staying indefinitely." The bartender pushed a new glass of whiskey over to him. "Would you like something to drink?"

"Champagne, please. Any."

"So, what have you been doing? Still working at the school?"

"No. I am now a business manager. Your mother didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

"I am her buisness manager." His look of complete surprise was the only answer she needed. "I started working for her a year ago. She and a few other people here and outside of town."

"That is surprising, but you have always been good with such things. I am glad you are making something out of it. Just wondering why my mother didn't say anything."

"Maybe she didn't think it was a newsworthy announcement." Her order arrived, and she took it with a smile at the bartender. Then she wrapped her arms through his. "How has it been for you? Being back? How are you liking it."

The question made him smile to himself. It was the same thing he asked Ayesha when he realised she was new to town. In many ways, they were alike. They were both trying to find their footing living in Watford. His only advantage was that he lived here most of his life before moving out after college. 

"What?" Sofia chortled at his smile. 

"Nothing, just remembering a conversation I had with someone. It's been good being back. Not much has changed here, and thankfully, I still remember most of the places."

"Met any new people..." she trailed off as they stood in front of the tables his friend sat at. "Aside from these guys."

"No. None."

"In that case, I'll leave you to them." She kissed his cheek and squeezed his forearm with a sweet smile. "It's nice seeing you again, Dimitri. Hope we will be seeing more of each other."

"Sure."

His friends watched her sashay away to socialize with the other guest. 

"You guys are on speaking terms?"

He shrugged at Steven's question. "I didn't think we were."

"Since you haven't dated anyone else after your break up, are you thinking of getting back together with her?"

Dimitri chuckled. "My mind is very far from that. I am just happy she is in good spirits. Better to be on good terms now more than ever."

"Why?"

"She works for my mother now."

"Are you kidding?" Steven asked in shock. 

"No."

"Seriously?" They all snapped around to watch Vienna march over to them. Carlos lifted a drink to her, and she took it out of his hand, leaving him open-mouthed. 

"Are you guys going to sit here gossiping like little children?" She dropped the glass on the table. Her eyes took in each of them, and she snapped her fingers. "Dimitri, with me, please. I told some friends I'd introduce you. And the two of you get up and mingle. It's a party."

Feigning surrender, he took her hand, and she pulled him out of the seat. He drained his glass and followed his sister towards the ballroom. In a matter of time, he was swarmed by various guests. He spent the rest of the night making introductions and introducing himself to others who had never met him.