KATIE’S POVThe threats kept coming, even after I called Blaze to plead with him to tell them to stop. It was as though I hadn't spoken, or he didn't care that I was not in a relationship with Zuhra. Maybe he just wanted to punish me; this was his plan.Well, at least no one has shown up at my doorstep to threaten me. But I could feel it coming, so I couldn't relax.Over the week, the threats became more threatening. I couldn't get over the picture sent with the letter two days ago. It was a picture of me, but the person had used some object to mar the surface. Jagged lines scraped from my eyelids to my chin, busted lips illustrated by red paint... it was like some child who hated me decided to demonstrate how he'd like me to look. And yet, it filled me with chills. The suspense was killing me. Threats and threats, and nothing had happened yet. It seemed like the person was giving me sufficient warning, and I didn't know how to stop it.I wished Blaze just listened to me and called o
AUTHOR’S POVBlaze scrolled down to the bottom of the page, his eyes scanning the document once more like he had done five times already. He grunted in annoyance. If he couldn't even focus at home, then why had he brought the work home? He had just gotten tired of the work environment, so he asked his manager to send him the file. He'd work on it at home.As it turned out, that was a bad idea. His mind kept drifting midway through the file, drifting to none other than Katie.She was so far away from him, making her way to Raleigh alone. Of course, there was that Zuhra girlfriend of hers. That still made him smile when he remembered the look of shock on her face when he asked Katie's real name.At least she had a friend to care for her during the time it took him to realise she was innocent. And if there was anything romantic between them, even better. He wondered how strong they were, though.He thought back to the call yesterday, and his brows furrowed in confusion. He was even surpr
KATIE’S POVI sighed, leaning my head back on the headrest of the chair. What wouldn't I give to disappear right now?The only thing worse than the person giving me a request to leave Raleigh was telling Zuhra all that had been going on. She'd think it was all happening because of her, and I didn't want her to feel wrong about anything.Maybe it would be best if I left. Then I'd be safe, and so would she since it was because of me she was mistakenly targeted. But still, two days?I had things to do here. A job filled with lovable people, a house given by my nemesis, but a house either way..."You know I'm waiting for an explanation, right? Seriously, a dead rat?" Zuhra asked, gesturing to the way the nurse had gone out through.The pungent odor had cleared up, but I still felt like it was here. When I get home, I'd have to wash the smell off my nose."It's complicated... I don't want you to worry...""Stop that, Tessa. I'm your friend; I have to worry about you. Even when you're safe,
KATIE’S POVI watched Brooklyn for the remaining time she stayed, observing how easily she bonded with Zuhra and Larry. I wondered if they had any idea of her dark side, and I also wondered why that was directed at me. There was no reason for her to show such hatred towards me.Even if I thought of telling her friends about what she did, would they even believe me? Zuhra was one to always stand up for her friends; I knew that firsthand. So, laying such accusations on Brooklyn might make her angry.I got that thought out of my head and decided to let it go. As much as I wished she was giving empty threats, I had a feeling she was for real, and I couldn't take any chances, not in the state I was in. She'd already come close to killing me and my baby, and I wasn't going to wait till she made another attack. Finally, she and Larry stood to go."I'll come over to see you tomorrow," Brooklyn said, patting Zuhra's head like she was a little girl. Zuhra swatted her hand away. "Please, just s
KATIE’S POV"You really don't have to do this," I said, walking slowly to keep pace with her as she stormed into the building. Or rather, she tried to storm in even with the limp in her gait. A few people in the hallways looked up as we passed and waved, but she ignored them all and me, too. She had a determined look in her eyes, and I could also see anger there. This would certainly be a dramatic confrontation.I gave up on trying to talk her out of it and just followed her. She burst the door open, and we were met with a room full of people. Some were working out, and others were in small groups talking. But that was not what caught my attention.I had never been in a dance practice room in real life before, and it was much like what I had seen in movies but looked even better upfront. The front and back walls were literally made into mirrors, and bars and stands were lined in front of them at intervals. It was enthralling to see people move so elegantly with every step, but that w
Author's povKaite splashed water on her face, trying to get what happened earlier off her mind. Well, this method wasn't working. She wanted to act happy that the threats from Brooklyn would end, but she couldn't. How could she when she was the reason Zuhra was throwing her role at the dance school away? She was a whole team leader, and she wanted out of her team. That sounded like a rash decision to her.She'd stopped talking to Zuhra about it when they returned, but now she was done doing that. Maybe Zuhra had to be reminded of her goals, and Broadway dreams that she was throwing out the window because of a silly friend.She left the bathroom to find Zuhra still in the position she had left her. Tapping her phone with a scowl on her face."What are you doing?" Katie asked, climbing up beside her."Blocking and unfollowing Brooklyn and every other person who sends a message to tell me to come back," Zuhra stated. She didn't feel bad about what she did in any way. It was only a matt
KATIE’S POVI stayed agitated for three days, wondering what would happen next. It seemed like everything was at a standstill, and I wouldn't say I liked the suspense much.Zuhra didn't take back her declaration like I asked her to. Well, even if she did, she still would not be able to practice with the team. Sure, she was healing, but it was a slow process of easing her back into the dance routine. She had her instructor give her workouts and practice moves. I knew because whenever I came to visit in the evenings, she told me what happened when I was away.She also told me she was bored with staying home alone. I wouldn't have minded staying with her all day, but that would have been too much to ask of Vivian. She was kind enough already.Blaze didn't call again. I did receive some money from him, but when I called to thank him, he didn't pick up. I tried not to overthink why he didn't, but my mind kept telling me he was mad at me for some reason.That didn't make sense, though. If
Katie's pov"Remind me again why I'm helping you," I said, stopping at our table with a tray in hand. I set it on the table and retook my seat.I was glad I'd picked this place; there was nothing that could compare to taking in the cool evening breeze over a snack. Or, in this case, a drink.Brooklyn offered me a grateful smile. "Maybe because I asked nicely?""Oh please," I scoffed. I could have just left her to figure out a way to make her peace with Zuhra, and no one would judge me for it. Yet still, I had decided to help. Maybe it was that part of me that was willing to accept Blaze that she spoke to.Speaking of Blaze, I still haven't heard from him. I didn't know if he still planned to come over or not. Well, if he did, he'd meet an empty house, which serves him right for ignoring me."Thanks again," Brooklyn muttered. She picked up a glass and filled her cup."You know you're paying for that, right?" I reminded her, and she nodded. I sighed in relief. I definitely didn't intend