Chapter 21
Tessy’s POV
I laughed so loud saying,”Elizabeth, you’re overthinking this,”
“This doesn’t call for laughter, I am serious Tessy, I know what I saw.” Elizabeth’s voice rose. “That mask is identical to the one in Miami.”
“People buy masks from the market, Elizabeth. It doesn’t mean a thing,” I tried to reason with her, people can buy masks and wear them. Moreover some of the security guards there at the Opera had a mask on, some dancers had masks on so it doesn’t mean danger, my friend is just being an over-thinker.
“Tessy, listen to me. This is a Viper mask. It might belong to a gang,” Elizabeth’s eyes locked onto mine.
“I know you’re worried, but it’s just a mask,” I calmed her. “What if Anthony is… involved?” Elizabeth’s voice barely above a whisper. “Involved in what?” I asked. “A mafia lord or something,” Elizabeth’s voice trembled.
I burst into laughter. “Elizabeth, that’s ridiculous!” “How can you be so sure?” Elizabeth’s brow furrowed. “Because Anthony is gentle, sweet… he doesn’t have the gut to hurt a fly,” I insisted. “Maybe that’s what he wants you to think.” Elizabeth’s words sent a shiver down my spine. “No way, I know him and you barely know him, stop jumping into conclusions with what you don’t know, my man is kind, caring… he loves me,” I defended him with every bit of strength left in me.
“Love can be blind, Tessy. Please, trust me,” Elizabeth’s grip on my arm tightened. “I trust Anthony,” I said firmly. Elizabeth’s eyes searched mine, filled with concern. “Fine, but promise me you’ll be careful,” Elizabeth said. “I promise,” I reassured.
As we walked away, I couldn’t shake off the lingering unease. Was Elizabeth’s fear justified? No, I pushed the thought away. Anthony loved me. He would never hurt me. Or would he? Lastly, he can never be a mafia lord, it’s impossible.
We continued our fun at the amusement park, laughing and screaming as we rode the seesaw. As we soared into the air, Elizabeth grinned. “Remember when we were kids and rode this thing for hours?” I chuckled. “Time flies, doesn’t it?” We both gazed out at the park, nostalgia washing over us.
“Seems like yesterday we were kids, dreaming of our futures,” Elizabeth said wistfully. “Now we’re adults, living our dreams,” I added. The seesaw dipped, and we shrieked in unison. As we stepped off, Elizabeth turned serious. “Tessy, promise me you’ll be careful around Anthony.” I rolled my eyes good-naturedly. “Liz, I told you, he’s harmless.” Elizabeth’s expression remained solemn. “Just promise me.” “I promise,” I reassured.
We walked towards the Ferris wheel, the evening sun casting a warm glow. As we waited in line, Elizabeth asked, “Want to ride alone or together?” “Together, always,” I replied. We shared a smile, our friendship unbreakable.
The Ferris wheel lifted us high above the park, the city lights twinkling below. “Life Is beautiful, isn’t it?” Elizabeth said. I nodded, feeling grateful. But amidst the joy, a nagging thought lingered Elizabeth’s warnings about Anthony. I pushed it aside, focusing on the present.
Tonight, I just wanted to enjoy life with my best friend. As the Ferris wheel stopped at the top, we gazed out at the breathtaking view. “Cheers to friendship and happiness,” Elizabeth said. I smiled. “Cheers to that.” We clinked our hands together, sealing our promise.
As we descended, the park’s sounds and lights enveloped us once more. We strolled through the crowds, taking in the lively atmosphere. “Let’s grab some cotton candy,” Elizabeth suggested. “Sounds perfect,” I agreed. We walked hand in hand, lost in our own little world of friendship and fun.
As I walked into the apartment complex, I noticed Anthony’s door was closed, but the lights were off. I frowned, wondering where he could be. I approached Sophia’s door, intending to say hello, but it was locked. I recalled Sophia mentioning her trip; she must have left already.
I entered my apartment, dropping my bag on the couch. Just as I kicked off my shoes, my phone rang.
“Hey, sweetie!” Mom’s cheerful voice filled the line. “Hi, Mom. What’s up?” I asked.
“How’s Eddy treating you? Let me guess you are already getting along, I know you will love him.” Mom asked. I sighed inwardly. Not again. “Mom please, can you stop talking about it, you and dad sold me out, remember? A forced marriage!” Just in case she has forgotten already, I had to remind her.
“I know you two would make such a great couple and you will later thank us!” Mom insisted. “Mom, stop. Please. I’m tired,” I said firmly.
“Okay, okay. Get some rest, dear,” Mom relented. We chatted briefly before I ended the call.
I collapsed onto the couch, feeling drained. Elizabeth’s warnings about Anthony still lingered, and Mom’s persistence about Eddy didn’t help. I closed my eyes, willing myself to sleep.
Just as I drifted off, my phone buzzed. Anthony’s name flashed on the screen. “Hey, Babydoll, I miss you tonight,” his text read.
My heart skipped a beat. “Where are you? I miss you so much.” I replied. “I finished work late and I just got to my villa,” Anthony responded.
I smiled, feeling relieved. “Oh, make sure you freshen up and get enough rest.” I texted. “Sure, I will call you soon,” Anthony replied.
I smiled, my eyelids growing heavy once more. But as I drifted off to bed, Elizabeth’s words echoed in my mind: “Be careful around Anthony.” She must be over thinking things.
My phone rang, shrill in the silence. I hesitated before answering. “Hello?”
“Tessy, it’s Elizabeth. Meet me at the old cafe on 5th Street. Now. It’s urgent,” Elizabeth’s voice was laced with panic, sending a shiver down my spine.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, my heart racing.
“Just come and I will explain to you,” Elizabeth insisted, her tone firm, before hanging up.
I sighed, Wondering what was happening, I grabbed my jacket and rushed out into the chilly night air. The streets were deserted, the only sound being the creaking of trees. I took a taxi and got to the place. I paid the driver and walked to the place, the old cafe loomed before me, its dark facade eerie. I called out, “Elizabeth?” But I got no response.
“Elizabeth?” I repeated, louder, my voice trembling.
Suddenly, a hand clamped over my mouth, silencing me. I struggled to break free, but a vice-like grip held me firm.
A figure loomed behind me, its presence suffocating. I tried to scream, but my voice was muffled.
Then, a blinding pain exploded in my head. Stars danced before my eyes as I stumbled.
A second blow sent me crashing to the ground. My vision blurred, and I felt myself slipping away.
“Someone… help…” I whispered, my voice fading.
Everything went dark at once.
TBC.