CHAPTER 7

Nicole

*Flashback*

"Remember, the more you learn and get used to it, you'll get better and better." Matt, my personal bodyguard and a trainer whose also my dad's trusted friend, instructed me one more time for like the hundredth time that afternoon.

"I get it uncle matt. Again, why are we doing this?" I asked while loading up my gun.

We were at the shooting range at 4 in the afternoon right after I had my classes for the day, and now I can feel my body giving up on me slowly.

He shot me a small smile, one that hides many hidden answers yet looks casual and polite.

"Its to prepare you for future disasters." He replied shortly.

I cocked my gun.

"Future disasters where I have to shoot someone?"

"Its important to prepare you for unexpected things that might happen to you any day." I aimed my gun at the dummy that was sat up right across the room far away from in front of me and closed one eye while taking my aim.

"You make it sound like my life is about to be in danger or something." I said sarcastically and he chuckled.

"Maybe." I started shooting immediately just as he said that last word to me that day.

* Flashback ended*

I didn't process his words carefully till now. Everything that uncle matt was making me do and  saying that it will come in handy someday, it was all preparation for this day.

I was an ignorant bitch back then. I wasn't serious about what was happening and I didn't care enough or wasn't curious that much about what was uncle matt telling me about or the purposes of those endless training.

Now that I recall every last training session and weird conversation that we've had, I finally realised what it all means and the purposes of them happening.

I don't know which day it is right now. I don't know what time it is. I don't know whats happening right outside that door. That's because I don't know anything!

Questions and questions filled up my head and I'm afraid I will explode if I don't get to answer them.

My body feel so weak and my head still hurts. I feel disgusting because I've been down here, tied up to a fucking chair for so long without a shower, that I ended up lose tracking of the days that have passed.

My eyes slowly opened at the sudden beep that indicates that the door was being opened and I slowly tilt my head upwards to see who it is.

It was her again.

That girl named Sofia and she was carrying a tray of something in her hands.

"Oh god, are you okay? Jesus what did she do to you?" She started questioning as soon as she placed the tray down on the table and rushed to my side.

"Nothing I cant handle." I croaked out. She looked at me while inspecting me while pushing my hair away from my face.

"I swear to god, I'll strangle that bitch to death for doing this to you. Shit, she did messed up your face pretty badly." I scoffed.

"And you stating the obvious, is somehow gonna help?" She let her hand fall to her side and smiled sheepishly at me.

"Sorry. Let me help clean up those cuts for you real quick." She went back to the table and grabbed a bowl full of water in it with a tweezer thing that held a cotton wool on it.

She kneel down in front of me and started dipping the cotton wool in the bowl of water and dabbing it on my face.

I tried not to wince when the cold water made contact with my wounded face. She continued dabbing some more while rabbling on about many ways of killing sienna and making it look like an accident.

Since she's the only one whose been making regular visits to me and the only one who cares to take care of me while being stuck in this situation and giving me food, I'll admit, she's a good friend. For now.

"Here, you should eat some." She held up a sandwich to my mouth and I took small bites from it and drinking from the glass of water she also held up for me to drink.

"Can I use your phone?" She looked at me with confusion and a hint of suspicion in her eyes.

"I just need to use your camera to see myself." I confirmed and She instantly relaxed and pulled out her phone from her back pocket. She clicked on the camera and turned the screen to me.

I groan when I saw what my face looked like.

"Fuck, I look like shit." Sofia chuckled. I saw a long gash that runs down from the corner of my left eye down to my cheekbone. A visible bruise was starting to show on my right eye. A few small cuts  on my jaw and a visible handprint can be seen on my right cheek.

Sofia slipped her phone back in her pocket and shot me a sympathy look.

"Nicole-" I shook my head for her to stop.

"Don't. I don't need anyone to pity me right now or hear you say sorry multiple times to me even though its not your fault." She sighs while placing her hand on my shoulder.

"I know they thought differently about you but I do know you're not like who they're saying that you are. To be honest, I've never met anyone as brave and strong as you are." I met her eyes and a small smile made its way to my lips.

"Thanks." I muttered.

"I'm gonna make sure you get out of here Nicole. Just hang in there alright?" I chuckled while nodding.

She smiled at me while reaching for her tray and stepping out of the room.

She's definitely right about the brave and strong part.

Remember the words of encouragement from matt Nicole! You can get through this once and for all and get out of here in one piece.

Keep calm and hold yourself together Nicole. You can do this.