Sofie’s POV
“Why do you look so surprised to see me?” I scoffed, as Katie’s eyes widened into the size of jugs.
I had decided to pay her an impromptu visit that day, because I was depressed and frustrated about my worsening relationship with Roman.
The memories of the night before still burned my memory like a fresh wound, and I didn’t want to keep mulling over my sad thoughts.
It wasn’t good for the baby.
“Because I am really surprised to see you! How did you even get my address?” She exclaimed, stepping out of the way to allow me in properly.
“You must have forgotten that you told me your address months ago, and I happen to have a very retentive memory.” I said.
“This is a really nice surprise, Sofie. I must admit you took me completely off guard, don’t mind the disorganized painting paraphernalia lying around. I paint during my free time, and I haven’t really had the time to organize my instruments.” She explained, as she grabbed the painting brushes and crumbled pieces of paper from the floor and dumped them into a box.
“It’s fine, Kat.” I smiled. “You don’t need to explain anything.”
“So tell me, what would you like me to offer you? Would you like some alcohol, beer, juice or should I order some pizza?” She had already fished out her phone out of her pocket, and was about to make the order.
In response, I shook my head. “You don’t have to order anything. I’d like a glass of water.”
“Just water? What are you? A nun?” She scoffed but nonetheless, she walked into her kitchen and soon returned with a glass of water.
“I can’t take alcohol for now.” I said.
Like I expected, she frowned, “Why? Are you sick?”
“Yeah, kinda. I should be able to take alcohol again after some weeks.” I replied before quickly changing the topic before she caught on. “By the way, I really love the design of your place, it’s so cozy and warm.”
Katie’s apartment was painted a soft beige color with brown finishes.
The place was cute, which suited her cool, and caring persona.
“Thanks. My boyfriend and I painted it by ourselves. By the way, I have great news.” She shrieked, excitedly clapping her hands.
Momentarily, I forced my miserable thoughts aside and tried to share in her glee. “What is it?”
“Remember how I told you I’ve been applying for scholarships.” She began, to which I nodded.
She had told it was her dream to move away from the United States to any country in Europe to be a clinical dietitian.
“So I got an email from Nile university today, and guess what?” She squealed, outstretching her hands to enclose mine.
I could already predict where this was going but I squealed back. “What?”
“I got accepted, Sofie! And it’s a full scholarship too, I have to resume in a month, so I have just three weeks left in this country. My dream is really coming true!” She screeched as I pulled her into a hug.
I was happy for her, but I also felt ashamed by myself.
Katie was younger than me, but she already had her life cut out for her, and she didn’t have to whore herself out like a prostitute.
She had simply studied hard, applied for scholarships and persevered even when she had repeatedly gotten rejected.
“Congratulations, Kat. You deserve it.” I said, and my words left a bitter taste in my mouth.
I felt like a bad friend, because I was being jealous of Katie’s success.
I knew I had to get out of there before I had a full-on mental breakdown about the bitter reality of my life.
“Thanks, babe.”
“Fuck, I can’t believe I almost forgot I had to pick up stuff at the mall.” I lied smoothly, and even groaned to make my fib more believable.
“Oh. You should run along then, we can always catch up whenever. After all, I’m not leaving the country anytime soon.” She said, and I nodded as I felt my heart clench again.
I was so pathetic and envious of Katie’s success.
I was such an horrible person, that didn’t deserve a sweet, caring soul like her.
“Thanks for the warm reception, babe and also, congrats again on the scholarship.” I said as we hugged briefly.
“No problem, Sof. Thanks for your warm greetings.”
I just nodded, ignoring the guilt clogging my chest, as we disengaged from the hug, and she walked me to the door.
Fortunately, I didn’t have to walk to the bus stop to get a cab because I sighted a free one as soon as I walked out of Katie’s apartment.
“To the mall, please.” I said to the driver, and watched him nod through the rearview mirror.
I didn’t need to pick up anything from the mall, I just wanted to be in a busy place with other people.
The mansion was too suffocating for me to stay in as it bore memories of Roman and his hatred for me.
I knew it was only a matter of time left, before his wrath toward me aggravated, when he eventually found out about my pregnancy.
“Excuse me, ma’am.” I heard a man speak beside me.
I tilted my neck sideways to look at him–he was a tall, lanky man with disheveled hair, and he had a harmless smile plastered to his face.
“I need you to look down for a minute.” He said, his smile widening.
I frowned, but I still obliged his request.
What I saw however made a choked gasp escape my lips.
A gun was directly pointed to my side. I gasped fearfully again, and the man pressed the dangerous firearm violently against my ribcage.
The smile on his face had been replaced with a deadly scowl, “If you dare steer attention toward here, I’ll pull the trigger and you’ll be dead in an instant. So for your best interest, follow me quietly.”
“Okay, okay. I won’t say anything.” I whimpered as he shoved me forward toward the exit.
A black van was parked outside, and I deduced it was waiting for us. The man dragged me to the van, pushed me into it before slamming the door shut.
I shuddered with immense trepidation as my teeth clattered against each other. I didn’t even realize that there were other people in the van, until I heard a chuckle from behind me.
As I made to turn around to see who it was, something was pressed against my nose and in a twinkle of an eye, everything became fuzzy and bleary.
The last thing I heard before slipping into unconsciousness was the wicked cackle of a woman.