EMMA.I walked out silently, weakened by all Stella had said. I forced my hands into my pocket, trying to push out the thoughts in my head. The fear in Stella's eyes was as clear as day. Nothing I could say would change her mind. She feared for her life, and I couldn't blame her. Isabella was crazy. Coming over to threaten Stella with a gun was the height of it. I sighed deeply, before taking in the air in the atmosphere. I knew it was a matter of hours before Stella went live, and once she did, it would take blogs less than an hour to connect dots and make everything public. I didn't know if I should head to the hospital or my home. I wanted to lay my head, and forget everything, but I equally knew I had to check on my sister. I was all she had. Leaving her alone at the hospital was unwise.I wiped my eyes, trying to stop the tears from pouring. I shouldn't have released that tape. I should've bought more time. Now, it was out, and my only escape had decided to flee for her life. W
EMMA.“I don't understand this,” she said out loud, pushing her weight up. I watched her struggle to sit right.“Please just lay down. You're not strong enough to sit.” I said to her, I didn't want to approach her just yet. She would be contaminated with the sin that I was. “Emma, why?” She asked in a deep sigh. Confusion was bold in her eyes. “Why would you do such a thing? Like, why? I don't get it! It makes no sense!” She shouted.I covered my mouth with my palm, trying to stifle the tears. I didn't want to cry before her.“Emma, this isn't you! You're better than this! I know you are!” I watched her scream the words out, veins bulging from the side of her head.I wanted to tell her that I wasn't better than what I did. I did in fact, fit into the description the press gave. Whatever Stella had said was right.“Emma,” she called my name, in a deeper sigh. Disbelief was all too evident. “Emma,” she called again, “I want to believe this is a lie. I want to believe you were framed.
EMMA.The moment I stepped into that car, it felt like the entire pressure dissipated. I watched as the reporters banged on the car.“Should I drive?” He asked.“Hell yeah,” I replied. I watched as they chased after us. Most of them gave up, as they saw us drive off, but a desperate reporter ran after us.“Let's use him for some fun,” he said, with a grin on his face. I smiled as he slowed down, giving the man a chance to catch up. Right when the man thought he had us, he bent to catch his breath, and we sped off again.I chuckled slightly, watching the streetlights towards the window.“Thank you for coming,” I thanked him.“I'm always with you,” he replied.I knew it was true, but I pretended not to hear him. I didn't want to acknowledge the fact that Alex had sent an eye to watch over me at all times. It was just easier to pretend I was normal, while knowing I always had someone to protect me.“You're quite sneaky,” I said to him,desperate for a conversation. I was willing to say an
EMMA.As I sat on the shotgun seat, I reconsidered my actions. Would it be better to face the menace on the streets or deal with a woman I wasn't safe enough to blink around?“We are no longer enemies,” she said out loud, interrupting my thoughts, “we never really were.” She continued. “Matter of fact, I've always liked you. There is something different about you. You are tender, yet quite sharp. You're the kind of virtue that lies unhidden.”I didn't know what to say, so I remained silent.“Whatever I may have done that night was out of proportion. Sometimes our emotions get the best of us. John, and I had been together for years, and before that, I had a huge crush on him."She faced me with a worn out smile on her face, “it was why I always competed against him. I wanted him to notice me. He was so engrossed in his studies that I knew the only way to get his attention was to be in alignment with his ambition.” She explained.I remained silent, looking straight into the street. Every
EMMA.The noise did not die down, even after Laura had told them she wouldn't answer their questions. I heard more footsteps approaching the door, and for a minute, I feared that had trampled over her.I stood by a dark corner, listening. A minute later, I heard a loud thud, and soon enough a hiss.“She kicked him on the groin!”a woman shouted.“I dare any of you to touch me again,” Laura replied.The questions were still up, and buzzing, but there were no footsteps to be heard.She opened the door, and I watched as she walked towards me.“Where's the door man for Christ's sake? Someone needs to lock this place up.” She said, as she approached me. Her face softened, as she watched me.“This will be really tough for you. You'll be lucky to make it out unscathed.”I didn't say anything to that, mostly because she was the first honest person. While I appreciated the motivation others tried to give, I was grateful for someone that acknowledged the gravity of the situation. This was just mo
EMMA.“Open up!” A loud voice came across with an even louder thud. I jumped from my sleep, into reality. “You have ten seconds to-”the same voice said, again. I couldn't make out the rest of what he said, as my mind was clouded with thoughts.I pulled over the blind. The rays of sunshine attacked immediately, causing me to shield my eyes.Right before I could consider my next move, I heard a loud thud. It was so great it felt like the foundation of the house was shaken.I ran out of the bedroom, and into the living room. On seeing everyone present, I froze in space.There were about five or six cops in my apartment. I looked to find they had broken the door down. I wiped my eyes, trying to clear up everything.The sleeve of the shirt I slept in had been rolled up to my elbow.“Ms Martinez, you are under arrest for the possession, and use of cocaine, marijuana,meth, amongst others.” The cop read out. I watched in shock as he read out my rights.“What are you talking about?!” I asked
EMMA.“Laura!” I called her name. She paused and turned to face me. I could see in her eyes that she desperately wanted me to tell the truth, and that was what I was doing, but as expected, she didn't believe me. I couldn't let her leave, she was my last hope.“Please sit,” I pleaded.“I don't have the time for this. Just tell me the truth, and I'll know how to help you.”“Please, sit. Please. Even if it's for five minutes, I beg of you. Please give me your time.”She sighed deeply, but then she dropped her bag on the desk, and sat.“I'm sat,”“Thank you,” I thanked her. I exhaled a deep breath, before I spoke up. “I have seen the pictures, and there are obviously the marks on my arm,”“Get to the point. I don't have all day,”“I know you don't, but please just listen to me. I'm driving somewhere.”She pulled closer.“Laura, you are my last, and only option. Aside from you, I don't know where to seek help from. I wouldn't lie to you. What would I gain from lying to you? You, and I kn
EMMA.I sat on the empty bed, while the women stood at the other end of the room. I couldn't call it a far end because the cell was the size of my fist. It felt like I couldn't breathe without touching the next person.In total, we were five in number, and there were only three beds. I looked through the bars. There was no need to panic, I wouldn't spend the night here. I had Laura, and she was the best. She wouldn't let me spend more than an hour here. I just had to trust her, and her ways.I clinged to myself, ignoring the glares others passed by way. They whispered words, but no one approached me.I had heard stories of jail, and the things that happened there. Although I knew none of these could happen unless in prison, I was still a bit terrified. If any of these women could end up here, they had to be horrible people.I shut my eyes, trying to push back my thoughts. That was an unfair thought. I was here, and I knew I was wrongly accused. It could be the same for them.I turned
EMMA.At about five pm, Samuel had texted, telling me I would get picked up by eight. That meant I had three hours to prepare. Kristina and I had already chosen the dress, shoes, and bag I would use so it wasn't that much work left, but I still panicked.I needed to get my hair, and make up right.We eventually started preparing by six pm. A girl needed her time to prepare right?I sat before the mirror as Kristina worked her magic with my hair. Luckily, Zara had some curlers around and we made judicious use of them.“This date will be amazing,” Kristina said, brushing my hair.“I hope so,” I replied, trying to ease the tension I felt in my chest.It had been a while since I went on a first date with anyone. What were the etiquettes? What would we talk about?For someone who had decided to dump the dating pool for a long while, it surely was too early for me to be rehearsing what to say on a first date. What would we even talk about? I couldn't think of one thing we had in common. Su
EMMA.I knew Kristina often worked out to tone her body, and maybe gain some strength, but I was beyond surprised when she lifted the heavy box off the floor, and headed into the living room.I stepped out of the way giving her all needed chance just so she could do what she wanted.She slammed the box on the floor, turning to face me.“It wasn't even that heavy,” she said, breathing heavily. Yeah…“It wasn't that heavy but you lifted it off the floor, and slammed it down like a two hundred and sixty five pounds man. Oh, and the delivery man himself refused to lift it because she thought it was ‘too heavy’”“Come on, you know I work out. I lift weights often. This is a breeze.”“I work out too, but you don't see me lifting things like superwoman.”.She laughed out, wiping her face.“There's absolutely no point in arguing over this. Samuel gave you a gift, and I helped you bring it in. The least you could do is appreciate me.”“Fine,” I agreed, “thank you.”*You're welcome.”“Now let'
EMMAOh well. The day I agreed to go on a date had arrived.I didn't inform Kristy, neither did I tell Zara. Not even my mother was aware.I sat on my bed, pondering on what to wear. I knew I should have told them what happened, but after yesterday's event, we all clocked out.Since then, I just couldn't come up with a way to tell them. Not that they would be annoyed or anything.I knew they would be excited for me. They loved me.Kristina on one hand would be over the moon. She had been waiting for this for a long time.But in my heart, I harbored some thoughts.Was it wise to start something with Samuel?What if it didn't work out? What would happen to his lovely relationship with my family? He knew them before me. I didn't want to get in the way of anything.If I ended up ruining their friendship, I would be pissed at myself forever. I couldn't even tell if I would recover from that.Then again came the question of time. Wasn't it too early to date? Did I want to fall in love jus
EMMA Well, it was safe to say this was the sweetest and most intentional thing any man had ever said to me.I was dumbfounded, and couldn't even come up with any concrete reply. “Emma,” he called my name.“Yes?” I croaked out.He seemed to be genuine. As I stared at him, I will ndered if his words were genuine? They could always be lies.I would be a fool to believe his lies.“Emma, I want to take the appropriate step. Can I take you out on a date tonight?”Tonight? I had nothing to wear. All the clothes I had brought were casuals, and it would be almost impossible to find an outfit that would work in less than six hours.“What's the time?” I asked,He pulled out his phone. “Six thirty three.” He answered.No. Definitely too late.“I don't think I can,” I replied, slowly. I just hoped he didn't get the wrong message. I did want to go on a date with him, but I was beyond unprepared.“Why?” He askedIf I asked for a dress for the date would I come out as entitled?I mean, he had alrea
EMMA.He turned around.“Are you sure about that? I can always come by later.” I closed off my phone, “I'm sure.” I replied.His smile was all too bright for his excitement to be hidden. It somehow made me excited too. He had this boyish glow in his eyes whenever he was excited.I walked up to him.As I approached him, I noticed his eyes following my chest.Little did I realize that I wasn't exactly clad. I had unbuttoned my shirt, and while I had covered up, the buttons were mixed up, giving him access to see my chest. He looked away immediately. What a gentleman. Well-behaved. He maintained eye contact with me, and in his eyes, I could see him battling not to look again.Something about that turned me on.“Please come back,” I said.I said out loud just because. It was good that I did. I wanted to choose someone who wasn't Alex, and I had done that. I verbally, outrightly chose someone who wasn't Alex.I had broken free away from his grasp. I was my own woman.I took a breath, l
EMMA.The first time I had made an attempt at calling Alexander Blackwood after his wife pleaded, he did not answer.I was immensely grateful for that. At least, I could say I tried.I mean, it would go down in record that I dialed his number, right?Yes, it would. I hadn't done anything wrong.I laid in bed, watching the ceiling, engrossed in thoughts.The day had gone all so well. Kristina and Samuel had gotten into a deep conversation about me, and I didn't want to be there while they analyzed my lifestyle.Well, two hours had gone by, and neither of them had come up to me.I looked out the window, only to find the entire family, and some friends in the backyard. They seemed to be having fun discussions, and eating together.Did anyone notice my absence?Did it matter?I was sure they were preoccupied with activities.I laid back.Looking at my screen, I stared at my wallpaper. There was a picture of me in sunglasses, and red lipstick. My smile was broad, and genuine. I was all too
Emma.“Hey, Emma. We need to talk,” Mrs. Blackwood's voice came out as soft and gentle, but it was enough to send a chill down my spine. I sucked in a deep breath and wondered if picking her call was a good idea. I hadn't thought it through before picking her call.“Mrs. Blackwood,” I replied, sounding a little apprehensive. “How may I help you?”I didn't need a mirror to know my face had turned pale. I could easily tell from the weird and worried look plastered on Samuel and Kristina's faces. Kristina mouthed the words, “Are you okay?”I shrugged.Mrs Blackwood let out an audible breath before continuing. “It's about my husband.”My mouth ran dry. I knew bullying Anna wasn't far from him, but talking his wife into speaking with me? I didn't think he'd go that low.“Firstly, my husband didn't send me to call you, if that's what you're thinking,’’ she continued.“Okay,” I whispered into the phone. I could feel my heartbeat pick up pace. If Alex had not coerced her into calling me, the
EMMA.“Well,” Samuel started his speech, still standing really close to me, “I would try to initiate a conversation to see if there's any remote chance we could have anything serious.”“And then?” Kristina urged,I knew what she was searching for, and judging by the kind of person Samuel seemed to be, he would play along, and that would ruin me.“After that, I would try to make a grand gesture for her. That is after she has given me a green light of course,”Did I, by any chance, give him a greenlight?“And what's the definition of a greenlight to you?” Kristina probed,“I don't think it's wise to disturb,” I tried to divert their attention, but Kristina was so focused on what she was trying to achieve.Knowing the kind of person she was, I let her be. If she wanted to prove, she better do it.Moreover she would be gone in three days, and after that, the only source of information she would have would be me. I would definitely make her suffer. It wasn't time yet.I just had to endure
EMMA.I didn't know how to react to that message. Well, it was obvious Samuel wasn't trying to hide his status, but what was he doing in such a small town? He was supposed to be with the top leagues.I had heard of the johnsons. Although I had never met or had any personal encounter with them, I had attended some of their parties. Of course, Alex had been invited to some of their parties, and when I worked as his assistant, I was an immediate invitee.I bit my lips gently. If I was wiser, I should have taken advantage of that opportunity.I should have made some friends, even at the least a few connections with some elites. They would have helped.I took a deep breath.“What is he doing here though? As a sheriff at that,” Kristina finally asked the questions in my heart,“We have no idea. Although some say his father is trying to build a brand here so he's kind of preparing the place for him.”“Hmm…” I took a breath, “so, he's brooding this place.”“Something of that sort,” my mothe