Chapter 4

Kamara's POV

“He is just as the rumors had said. Heartless and inconsiderate. I wish I had a knife. I would have pierced that cold heart of his to shreds.” I whined, pacing the room back and forth. 

Chantelle sighed tiredly, “you should take a seat at least. Since you returned, you haven't settled. Sit down and let's discuss this. I don't even know who it is you are angry at.” 

Listening to her advice, I slumped into the couch, feeling the tears swell up in my eyes again. I didn't know things would go this way. I have never felt so humiliated in my life before. It took me a moment for the dire situation we are in to dawn on me. If this cruel man keeps to his word, my entire family would be on the street in the next five days. 

“What is going on exactly, Kamara? Please talk to me?” 

I sniffed wiping off the tears, “apparently my father got himself into a gambling mess and ended up owing Diego Sanchez.” 

She gasped in shock, “please don't tell me it's the same, Diego. The unforgiving mafia?” 

“Yes, Chantelle.” I sobbed, unable to hold back the tears any longer. “He said he would take our home away. I can't afford to lose our home. That is the only solace for my family and me.” 

“How much is it?” 

“$150,000.” 

“What? How in the world did he owe so much?” 

“I wish I can explain it, Chantelle. Diego insists on getting his money by the end of the week, if not, we would lose our home. I don't know what to do. I can't tell my family anything. My mum looked a bit hopeful yesterday. If only I knew I was just raising dust all for nothing.” The tears fell uncontrollably again. 

“Hey, stop crying, please. I wish that I can help so bad, but you know how hard it is for my mum to fend for me with her civil job. Every so often I wish she would take on more expensive cases and not victims of injustice.” She paused, smacking her lips. “now that I think about it. We can actually get my mum to represent you in court. Diego's means of getting his money back is no way right. He can't just take your house. I am sure it's worth more than the money owed.”

I sat up hurriedly, “do you think that would work?” 

Her face morphed into a wide smile. “yes, I can assure you it would. We should go to her now. She only listens to appointed complaints today, so we don't have to worry about her going to court.” 

“Are you sure we won't be barging in on her?” 

“Is that what you care about now or getting the required help.” 

I shook my head, causing my curls to fall. “I need every help I can get. Thank you so much for this, Chantelle.” 

“You don't have to thank me. That is what friends are for, to help each other when needed.” 

I pulled her into a hug, it was more for me. I need to feel comforted as it is, my entire body seems out of place. I don't know if I would be able to survive the coming storm without losing a part of my mind. When we got to Sofia's office, she was busy attending to one of her clients, who appeared hysterical after being scammed by her trusted partner. It almost seems funny, but then I know people can be quite funny. 

My ex-boyfriend would always make me bring bake goodies from my parents' shop in a bid to give to the woman he truly desired. One of our bake shop specials is her favorite. I felt cheated that I had him limping for a week after hitting him hard on the leg. He got what he deserved. 

“What brings you here?” Sofia smiled widely at us as she hugged her daughter. “It's so nice to see you two. You hardly come around to see me.” She pouted. 

I laughed lightly, “pardon us, please.” 

“Mum we have something important to share with you. You can save the pleasantries for later.” Chantelle said bluntly. She has always been the one to start the most uncomfortable discussion. 

“What's wrong?” Sofia inquired with her face scrunched up in worry.

Inhaling sharply, I explained the situation of things to her and how I hoped we would be able to get a case filed against the wicked man. Sofia stayed quiet for too long that it became bothersome. 

Taking off her glasses, she folded her hands on the table. “I know this might sound unprofessional for a person of the law to say, but I would anyway. Diego Sanchez isn't someone you want to enter that puddle with. He controls all of Atlanta. And I know it might sound crazy, but it's the truth. You won't win, and might end up losing more than you bargained for.” 

My mouth was wide agape as I stared confused. “can you speak in simple English please?" 

Sofia had a pitiful look in her eyes, “you don't have a case. Your father probably signed off the house that he is unaware of. I am so sorry, darling. I really wish I can help you on this case.” 

“So in one word, they would have to give up their home?” Chantelle questioned. 

“I'm sorry, baby.” 

“This is so wrong!” 

As they exchanged words, the only thing I could hear was the thump of my heart. It feels so loud that I fear it would jump out of its cage. I can almost picture my family fighting on the line in shelter homes just to get a bed to sleep in for the night. It would have been fair if the bakery shop hadn't been closed down. We are the exact definition of stranded. 

Standing up from the chair, it felt like my breath was beginning to seize. I held the chair tightly to steady myself. I envisioned me building a beach house and everything collapsing with the waves visit. I want to assure myself that it would be fine, that a miracle would happen, but it's a dead end. There is simply no way out. 

“Kamara.” I heard someone call in a distant. It's almost hard for me to reach the voice. “Kamara!” 

I couldn't hear anything any longer, my body softened and everything turned black.