Chapter 5

Catalina

     I've spent days thinking of an escape plan but so far I've come up with nothing. The house was guarded, wherever I went there was at least one man with a gun. I was only allowed to go out if there was a group of bodyguards with me. It was frustrating but I continued with my activities normally to avoid raising suspicions. I cooked breakfast knowing fully well he wouldn't eat, I danced for him whenever he wanted, I went out with my security without complaining. Trust….I was building trust so that when the time came for me to escape it would be so easy.

     My problem was Gabriella. She treated me like an outcast. She only talked to me when it was very necessary or when I asked her a question. I was lonely in that mansion and I thought we could become friends. Friends my foot. Gabriella would be the first to report me to Miguel if she has even the slightest idea of my escape plan.

Miguel. He seemed more occupied these days. Maybe a serious issue in the mafia world. I didn't want to bother myself with those things. The thought of the activities they partake in makes me sick to my bones. Wait…..sick!! I just got a brilliant idea.

     The next morning, I didn't make breakfast and I remained in my room the whole day. I didn't make breakfast the next day too and I stayed inside. Later in the day, Gabriella came to my room.

“Miguel sent me to check up on you. He wants to know why you haven't made breakfast.” 

“Not like he eats it anyway.” “And if he wants to know he can ask me himself.”

“Don't get cute with me Catalina. Give me an answer.”

“I'm sick.”

For a moment she looked as if she didn't believe me.

“I'll call a doctor.”

“No!” Calling a doctor will ruin my plans. “I need to go to the hospital!”

“Why?” 

Think fast Cat, think fast.

“I need an x-ray,” I blurted out.

“Why?”

“I can only tell Miguel the reason.”

“Okay then.” Gabriella looked unbothered. She quietly walked out and shut the door. I'm sure she'd make a phone call to Miguel.

     Miguel came straight to my room as soon as he got back. He knocked furiously at my door, I purposely waited for a while before opening it. 

“What game are you playing Catalina? What do you mean by an x-ray?!” He raised his voice and looked me dead in the eye. This wasn't the time to be scared, I told myself.

“I'm not playing games, I need one.” I replied calmly.

“For what?”

“When you pushed me against the wall like a mad dog!! Didn't you think it'd hurt?”

“That was like a week ago.”

“It still hurts! And on top of it all I still had to dance for you. The pain has become unbearable. At this rate I might not be able to dance again.” I lied.

The look on his face was mortifying, I guess the thought of me not dancing again really haunted him.

“You're going to the hospital first thing tomorrow morning. Goodnight.”

This is it. Tomorrow, I'll be out of this place and Miguel's life.

———————————————

     I wore light clothes in case I needed to run. I hid extra money in my bra and I made sure I ate enough that morning. As we got ready to leave, I looked around the house for the last time. This place felt like a prison and I was finally going to be free from its shackles. 

Miguel instructed five bodyguards to go with me, Gabriella was coming too. We drove quietly to the hospital, it was very big. Two men stayed at the entrance to look out while three followed me in with Gabriella. As we walked, I scanned the area thoroughly, working out my plan.

I thought I'd have to wait for a while to see a doctor but at the mention of Miguel's name I was attended to immediately.

Gabriella followed me to the doctor's office where I explained my fake symptoms and how desperately I needed an x-ray to know if I had a broken bone. The doctor told me I'd be ready to go in for an x-ray in two minutes. I have two minutes to get rid of Gabriella. 

“I left my phone in the car, can you help me get it?” 

“You'll get your phone once we're done here.”

“I want to call Miguel.”

“Use my phone.”

“I don't think Miguel will be happy if I tell him about this.” I threatened.

“He'll understand.” She stretched out her hand and offered me her phone.

Shit. This is not going as planned.

“I need some privacy.”

“Why?”

“Did Miguel tell you the reason I need an x-ray?”

“No.”

“Then I don't think you need to hear this.”

“I'll be outside.”

Think fast Catalina.

     I dialed Miguel's number, then I held my stomach tightly and made a disgruntled moan. I pushed open the door and handed over the phone to Gabriella.

“Talk to Miguel, I need to use the restroom urgently…….ahh….my stomach” I continued holding my stomach and ran quickly towards the direction of the toilet. Gabriella made a move to follow me but I heard Miguel's voice on the phone and she stopped to answer. Good. The bodyguards wouldn't follow me to a female restroom and I had like one minute before Gabriella came to check on me. 

     I moved fast. My only obstacle was the guys at the entrance but I had an idea as I ran past a doctor's office. Luckily it wasn't locked, so I entered inside and grabbed the coat hanging there and put it on. 

Sorry to whoever owned this. 

If I keep my head down and quickly walk past them, they wouldn't notice me. Gabriella should be looking for me by now, but I'd be long gone before she dreams of catching me. 

I walked as quickly as I could, running would attract attention to me and I didn't want attention. The guards placed at the entrance weren't there anymore. Why did they leave their position? I wondered. Better for me anyway. I was out of the hospital now, I only needed to get a cab and I'll finally be free. I waved down a taxi and got in.

“Where to ma'am?”

“Train station please.”

I buried my head in my laps and sobbed quietly. This was it. My freedom. I didn't need to be a slave to such a dangerous man or be a part of his dark underworld. I would go to a nice little village and start my life again. 

     Suddenly, the car stopped.

Were we already at the station? 

I raised my head and almost fainted in shock.

I was in front of Miguel's huge gate and there he was…. standing in front of my car with a gun in his hand.