4

_KIMBERLY_

I gingerly walked down the hall of the three story building of my apartment. My eyes were downcast as I fidgeted with the straps of my black handbag. My room was on the top floor but I took my time because I was in no hurry to get there. 

With every agonising arrival, I was greeted by an empty room and the usual lonely hollowness that swallowed me. A quiet abyss that would either grant me peace or give voice to my pain. 

I laughed at myself. After residing in that same room for the past five years, I should be used to it by now. Running away from home to start afresh didn't seem to be working out for me. Each day brought new paranoia and it wasn't a good feeling to live with. Sometimes I even felt like I was going crazy.

I swallowed the knot that formed in my throat and let out a tight smile when I stepped out of the elevator. I was a "cheerful" woman and I couldn't be caught wallowing in self-pity. I had to look as natural as possible just in case I bumped into one of the neighbors.

Ever had your family working against you?

Plotting your demise?

Your downfall?

Your death?

Have you ever had your family point fingers at you and look at you with so much disgust for something you didn't do? Something that they won't even give you a chance to explain?

I finally stood in front of the red wooden door that led to my room before letting out a relived breath. Walking all the way up here felt like a battle, especially putting on a fake smile to show everybody that I was fine despite my endless nerves. 

I pulled out the key from my handbag and stared at the door. Making no attempt to do more than that, the key gradually warmed up in my closed palm and I thought of going somewhere else first to pass time. I didn't need to be here. Nobody needed me here.

"You're back?" a familiar voice behind me asked.

I quickly turned to face Jeffrey, my neighbor, whose apartment was right across mine. "You startled me."

Jeffrey was a kind, fifty-two year old man with a stern face. Being a close family friend back in the day, he was the only person in this city who knew who I am and where I'm from. His tall frame was sturdy and he sported salt and pepper hair. Despite his age, he didn't look much like it.

"Sorry, dear." He smiled apologetically. "On my way up, one of the workers approached me to ask about unclaimed mail that arrived over a month ago." He handed a white envelope to me. "There's something for you."

I stared at it then back at him. "I'm not going to take it. Didn't you think that there is a reason why I don't collect mail?" 

"Well, when I saw that it was addressed to you, I couldn't help myself."

I frowned. "I frankly don't care about whatever is in there."

"It might be a clue, Kim."

"A clue to what? How long they've decided to let me live?"

"Maybe, but it's better than not knowing." He attempted to give it to me once again. "I know that you're as curious as I am."

I hesitantly took it before eyeing it suspiciously. My wariness grew when I noticed that there was no return address on it and I looked at Jeff. "Who...?"

He shrugged. "I thought you said that nobody knows your whereabouts."

"Nobody does. I didn't tell anyone," I replied honestly.

He looked thoughtful then asked with a voice full of concern, "What if they find you?"

"They won't." I clutched the envelope tightly. "I know exactly what I'm doing."

"I'm sure you do. You also know the hell that will break loose when they find you."

"If they find me," I corrected. "Thanks for your concern but I'm not in the best of moods today."

He sighed. " I understand but please, be more careful."

I bit my lip, knowing that he was only worried about me even though I was being shitty to him right now. He was probably the only person on this planet who genuinely cared about me. But I already had a lot on my mind and this anonymous letter wasn't helping the situation at all. 

"Your ballet school has caused quite the stir in town," he continued. "Everyone is curious about what line of Wingates the 'simple' ballerina belongs to."

"Neither paparazzi nor journalists have shown up there."

"Not yet."

"Jeff," I said, my tone warning.

He rose his hands up in surrender. "I was good friends with your father and you know it, Kim. Even though he's not around anymore, you're still like a daughter to me."

I smiled lightly and nodded. "I got it. I will double security measures and keep everything as low key as I can. Regardless of the entire family rejecting me, I still have my rights as a human being."

"I'm glad that you're still rational." He rested his hands on his waist. "Since that is out of the way, have a good night." 

"You too. Greet your wife for me."

He nodded and with a wave, he walked back.o to his apartment.

I unlocked the door to mine and stepped in before shutting it behind me. My eyes instantly dropped to the crampled envelope in my hand.

Must I read it?

Must I dare?

What if it's another threat?

Or a letter of apology?

I laughed at the last part. They'd never apologize and if they did, I would never forgive them. I gritted my teeth in anger. Greedy fucking Wingates. 

I looked at the envelope again and stuffed it into my handbag. I wasn't ready for this. At least, not yet. 

_OLIVER_

"Kim tells us a lot of interesting things and she looks amazing when she dances," Lora said. "It's like she's dancing with all her heart and soul!"

Kim has been a common topic for the past week and I could see Lora's strong fondness of the young woman. It was good to see that she enjoyed her dance classes this much and she never ran short of stories to tell. 

"I bet she does," I said and ruffled her hair affectionately. "The dance moves that you showed me yesterday were beautiful. You're quite the hard worker, aren't you?"

She blushed and nodded eagerly as we turned into the hall leading to Kim's class. "You should ask her to dance for you one day."

I stopped in my steps. "Honey, that's a little too much."

She giggled. "Oh Daddy, you're such a guy."

Such a guy?

What's that even supposed to mean?

We entered Kim's class a few minutes later and the woman quickly approached us with her usual smile. Being only two weeks of bringing Lora here, Kim's joyful demeanor made me smile everytime I saw her. 

"Hey, there," she greeted cheerfully after stopping in front of us.

I would often think that she was probably the happiest person alive because she looked so excited all the time. Despite that being said, I couldn't help but notice how her eyes seemed to tell a different story. They were never as bright as her smile and I wondered if that's how she naturally is.

"Hey, Kim," Lora greeted with a wave.

"How are you, Lora?"

"I'm fine. I ate all my veggies last night so I'm more than ready for the lesson."

"That's great to hear." She looked at me and smiled. "You seem to be doing well."

Returning her smile, I said, "I can say the same about you. Once again, thanks for taking care of Lora. She's been having a great time here."

"No problem, Mr. Woodling. If there's anything that you need, please feel free to tell me." 

"Oh!" Lora suddenly exclaimed and we both looked down at her. "Dad's asking if you could dance for him sometime."

A light pink blush creeped across Kim's nose and spread on her cheeks as her eyes widened in surprise.

"I didn't say that. I just.... Uh, I mean I uhm...." I nervously rubbed the back of my neck as I thought of how to explain without making Lora upset. 

"What do you think?" She persisted.

I noticed the nervous look on Kim's face and tried not to find her cute. Pushing all unnecessary thoughts aside, I had to save her before Lora went puppy dog on her. If Lora goes puppy dog, there's no turning back.

I stepped in between them and put my hand on Kim's shoulder. "That won't be necessary," I said with a small smile.

We stared at each other for a while before she nodded and stepped back, making my hand drop to my side.

I turned to face Lora but she had already left in the middle of the mess she had created. Cunning girl. Kim was about to leave too but I gently held her wrist before she could go far. "May I have a word?" 

"Yes?"

"Lora's birthday is next week and I know that she would love you to be there." I noticed that Kim kept her eyes on where I held her and I immediately let go of her wrist. Did being touched make her uncomfortable? "Would you like to come?"

She nodded. "Of course. I'd be happy to attend." She dug into the front pocket of her grey cotton sweater and pulled out a pen. She then walked closer to me, held my palm and scribbled something on it. "My number, in case...." She bit her lower lip in thought and my gaze unconsciously fell to her lips. "In case you need help with the preparations."

I smiled then looked at the numbers. These carefully scribbled numbers and I felt a bit giddy inside. "Sure."