TIFFANY’S POV
“Can I take you shopping anytime soon…?”
She was taken aback when he said those words to her. It came as a surprise and she didn’t make any effort to conceal it because it was etched on her face when she turned to face him.
“Shopping? Like, you take me shopping?” She asked to be sure she heard him right.
“Yes. Take you shopping. What day and time would you be free?”
“Ummm…. on Monday after school.” She replied, still wary about everything. It felt surreal and too good to be true.
Shawn Gold wanted to take her shopping? Whatever effect being made chairman was having on him should not wane, because it was a good one.
He nodded and she walked out of the room. After doing the dishes in the kitchen, she walked to the sitting room to watch a reality show. It was Sunday and she was not going to school, the least she could do was while away her time on the television or on her books.
She didn’t realize she slept off until Shawn woke her up with his taps.
“The couch is uncomfortable. You should go up to your room.” He suggested as he sat down beside her and took hold of the remote.
She got up and walked to her room. She couldn’t chat with her friends since the incident with Timothy. Their chat was awkward as no one could say anything.
She blamed Timothy for everything. He ruined the beautiful friendship they all shared. They don’t go to the cafeteria together anymore, wait for each other at the parking lot, or even hang out.
She took out her books and immersed herself in them. And just like that, the day flew by and it was Monday again.
She got prepared and went downstairs to eat breakfast. Shawn was already at the table eating.
“Good morning,” she greeted and he gave a Curt nod while munching on his toast.
“I will pick you up at school so we can go on your shopping spree. I hope you have a list ready.” He asked after a moment of silence.
“No. I will make one in school.”
“Suit yourself.” He said and got up. He dabbed his mouth with the tissue on the table. Next, he picked up his plate and cup and walked to the kitchen.
“Be good today, brat.” He said as he walked out of the kitchen. He picked up his briefcase on the couch and without a second glance, walked out of the house.
She finished her meal a few minutes later and left for school too. She got to school, and after exchanging pleasantries with Freya left for statistics class.
Their test was fast approaching and she was trying her best not to miss a class so she could do well. She might be out of the students body committee, but she still had the college to get into, and to be able to do that, she had to have good grades until graduation.
Her last class for the day was Geography and the teacher had Insisted they had the class in one of the free and unused classes at the school rooftop.
The students had agreed because of the vantage view the rooftop gave. Although she was not comfortable with the idea because of her fear for altitude, she had to accept and attend class like others.
They were soon done with the class and after the brief sightseeing, everyone left and she was left alone because she wanted to go through the lessons again.
After she was done, she made her way out of the class, and for reasons unknown to her she was tempted to go over to the rooftop and see what others had been seeing. She walked up the deck, and stood as she had a panoramic view of the entire school and the streets beyond.
It was a beautiful sight and for a moment, she got carried away and didn’t hear the approaching footsteps behind her.
“Enjoying the view? You should, because it would be your last as a human.” She heard a familiar voice say behind her, and as she made to turn back, the person pushed her.
As she fell off the rooftop and was in the air, panic and confusion kept reverberating inside her, and as she hit the ground below, the face of her attacker snarling devilishly above her was all she remembered as she lost consciousness.
RACHEL’S POV
She had gotten all the information she needed about her quest to eliminate Tiffany. They had set up a meeting with a student that was willing to do the job.
A Knock on the car down, and she let down the car windscreen. “Come in,” she said and motioned to the girl.
“So, I was told you could do the job and you are willing to.” She said adjusting her sunshades as the girl sat beside her in the car ‘s back seat.
“Yes, I can, and I am more than willing to.”
“I hope whatever animosity you have towards her is enough to propel you to carry out the job effectively? I do not want a half done job or anything to go out of plan.”
“Be rest assured of a well executed job. One of my greatest dreams is to see Tiffany Dion out on the surface of the earth. I hate her with every breath in me.”
Rachel smiled to herself. This was exactly what she needed and expected. Someone who shared the same hatred as her towards that little girl.
“Okay, then. Work with the instructions and make it seem like an accident. And make sure you leave no traces that could lead anyone to you. Remember, I don’t know you, and you don’t know me either.”
“You have nothing to worry about.”
Rachel took out a large amount of wads of dollar bills and handed it to her. “There is more from where this is coming from. Your ability to do the job impeccably would determine how much more you would get. You can leave now.”
The girl took the money from her and shoved it underneath her shirt before alighting from the car.
Adjusting her sunshades and letting the car windscreen up, she drove off. She had left the company during lunch break to meet the girl and was returning to work.
She got back a few minutes before lunch break was over and walked to Shawn’s office. His leave was over and he was back to work.
“Hey, Shawny.” She said happily as she walked into the office.
“Hi. Where have you been? I looked for you during break time and you were nowhere to be found.”
“I went to get something, and at the same time stopped by an eatery to have lunch.”
“Oh, that’s fine.” He said simply not looking up from his laptop.
“I see you are busy. Anyway, it’s good to have you back at work.” And then she walked over to him and placed an arm on his shoulder. “I missed you.”
She felt him stiffen, and then gently, he took her arm off his shoulder.
“I think you should return to work, Rachel.”
“You don’t always have to be uptight. Did you miss me at all?”
“Yes, I did miss you. Can you please return to your office now? I have a lot to do and you are distracting me.”
“You don’t value me as much as I value you, Shawn. Sometimes, I feel like I’m the only one who cares about our friendship.”
“Seriously, Rachel? We can’t have this conversation now. How come you always forget that this is a professional setting? I have work to do and I’m sure you have the same to do. Don’t try to guilt trip me with those phrases.”
“I will be in my office, then. Let me know if you need anything.” She leaned over and pecked his cheek.
He was about to reply to her when a call came in on his phone and he ignored her and picked up his phone.
“Yes? Yes, this is Shawn Gold and yes, I am her husband. What?” What hospital? He shouted, sounding agitated as he got on his feet.
“What’s going on?” She asked as he dropped the call and picked up his jacket.
“Tiffany is in danger. She was pushed down the rooftop at school…”