Chapter 60
Tessy’s POV
“It’s over for us.” my friend said in a whisper.
“Have hope, we will get out of here, I will try to strike a deal, I still got little cash in my account,” I whispered.
“I see you have your men around you, let’s not get to the violence option,” I said trying to be bold, I am certain that he wouldn’t hurt us at all.
He laughed out loud, like is he crazy? I am trying to make an offer here and he is laughing.
“Do you think you have the right to make an offer?”
“1000 dollars, what do you think? You delete the picture and let us go.”
He dragged me with force and touched my chin saying, “I don’t need such a ridiculous amount of money when I have a face that can make me billions of money, I know you, the pretty face trending online, imagine having your nude posted online too.” He said and I was really scared, but I hid behind my mask, I wouldn’t show it.
“Please don’t hurt my friend, just let her go.” Elizabeth added but he asked his men to seize Elizabeth.
“As for you pretty, let’s have some fun and make videos, you are going to make me a lot of money.” He said feeling himself and at that moment, only a miracle could take place.
About taking me to the room, everything became chaotic. It was the police, thank goodness, but how on earth did the police know we were here?
We later found out he had also done this with some ladies, one of them committed suicide and others reported so they tracked him to his new residence, I can’t believe he did this in another town and got away, I am happy he was caught now my friend is free.
“Come here!” I said opening my arms to hug her, she cried saying, “I can’t believe I am finally free.”
“Stop crying my baby, it’s all over now, why don’t you spend this week at my place? Girls trip, I got enough money, remember sugar daddy spoiled me a lot before he left me.”
“Thank you so much, Tessy.”
“It’s okay.” I calmed her down and we exited the place to my apartment after making use of a taxi we stopped on our way.
I opened the door and let her in saying, “Be right back, I need to get a few things.”
“Okay, I will rest a bit because I am feeling a headache and body aches.”
“Don’t worry, I will stop at the pharmacy first, feel at home.”‘
I said taking my leave and making use of the bus.
I stepped into the bustling mall, surrounded by the sounds of chatter and laughter. My mission: gather essentials for the ultimate girls’ night and knowing she complained of a headache, I will give her the best treatment, she has been through a lot already.
First stop: the pharmacy. I scanned the aisles, grabbing pain relievers, scented candles, and essential oils. Lavender and peppermint would work wonders for Elizabeth’s headache. I tossed in some luxurious face masks and plush eye masks for good measure.
Next, I headed to the beauty store. Rows of colorful cosmetics and skincare products beckoned. I picked up nail polish, lip gloss, and a few of Elizabeth’s favorite skincare brands. She loved that fancy French moisturizer.
Time for snacks. The gourmet food store was a treasure trove of treats: artisanal chocolates, crispy popcorn, and flavorful teas. I selected a soothing chamomile blend to calm Elizabeth’s nerves.
As I wandered through the mall, my thoughts drifted to Anthony. Our last night together still lingered in my mind. His gentle touch, his soothing words… I blushed but suddenly felt like crying knowing he dumped me that same night.
Shaking off the distraction, I focused on the task at hand. Candles, check. Bath salts, check. Comfy pajamas… Ah, perfect.
In the clothing store, I found the softest, coziest PJs. Elizabeth would adore the pastel pink set with fluffy clouds.
Finally, I stopped at the wine shop. A chilled bottle of Sauvignon Blanc would complement our gossip session perfectly.
Loaded with bags, I headed home. Tonight would be all about relaxation, laughter, and bonding.
As I unpacked the goodies, Eddy texted to know if I was okay, I would reply to him later and he sent another message again, so annoying, I kept my phone since I had gotten everything needed, I needed to return home ASAP so Elizabeth doesn’t collapse of boredom.
I returned to my apartment, arms loaded with bags. “Elizabeth, I’m back!” I called out.
My best friend emerged from the living room, a hint of relief on her face. “Thank goodness! I was starting to think I’d never survive this headache.”
I chuckled, setting down the bags. “I’ve got everything we need for a relaxing night.”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened as I unpacked the goodies: scented candles, essential oils, face masks, and plush eye masks.
“You’re a lifesaver, Tessy!” She hugged me tight.
I handed her a glass of chilled wine. “Drink this while I run the bath.”
As the tub filled with soothing lavender water, Elizabeth changed into the cozy PJs I’d bought. We spent the next hour pampering ourselves with face masks, nail polish, and gossip. Seeing her smile makes me happy, my friend deserves the best.
We had a delicious dinner of takeout and laughter filled the room remembering some funny moments.
“Thanks for this, Tessy. I needed this for real, you saved me.” She smiled.
I grinned. “Anytime, Elizabeth. That’s what friends are for.”
As we settled onto the couch, surrounded by soft cushions and calming candles, our conversation turned deeper.
“So what about Anthony? Did he ever try to reach out ever since he asked you to leave his Vila?” She finally brought up Anthony, I didn’t want to talk about it because I was feeling emotional knowing there was no way for me to win him back into my life.
“I haven’t heard from him yet but I know one day, we will cross paths, it’s not over until I say so.”
“What if this is for the better? You can focus on Eddy now, he seems nice to you know.”
“I know that but what do you expect to do when my heart doesn’t beat for him? It’s complicated, can we not talk about it for now and focus on other things? I don’t wish to be heartbroken.”
“Sure, anything for you, about your nightmare, are they gone now?”
“No, I still get them once in a while, I believe with time it’s going to go fully.”
“I wish I can render help to make it stop.”
“Then let’s play a game,” I suggested and she jumped in excitement.
*
*
Morning sunlight streamed through my apartment window, signaling a new day. Elizabeth and I exchanged sleepy smiles as we prepared for our shift at Hailey Hospital.
“Time to save lives,” Elizabeth said, grinning.
I nodded. “And perfect our surgical skills.”
“I will fix breakfast,” I suggested and she was happy about it, thinking about everything Elizabeth went through, I am happy she is free from it at last.
At the hospital, we changed into our white coats, the emblem of Hailey Hospital embroidered on the sleeve.
“Looking sharp, Doc,” Elizabeth teased.
I grinned. “You too, Doc.”
We parted ways, heading to our assigned duties. Elizabeth joined the medical team for rounds, while I scrubbed in for surgery.
I noticed my task today was assisting in a complex procedure. Focused, I scrubbed in alongside Dr. Thompson, our renowned surgical instructor. Thank goodness it’s him and not Doctor Louis who was always giving me the heat.
Hours flew by, punctuated by intense concentration and precise movements.
Before I knew it, lunchtime arrived.
I met Elizabeth in the hospital cafeteria, where the aroma of fresh sandwiches and soup filled the air.
“How’s your morning?” I asked.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “Long morning rounds.”
I nodded sympathetically. “Surgery was intense.”
As we ate, our conversation turned to last night’s gossip. My phone ringtone got my attention, I had to pick up immediately after I saw the name, “Dad!”
“Hi, dad!”
“How are you doing today? Hope the hospital is not stressing you?”
“Not at all Dad, so how is work?” I asked feeling happy about his call.
“Quick one, your mother-in-law’s birthday is coming up so your mother suggests you go to their home and give some helping hands as another opportunity for you to learn a lot about the family you are about to enter.”
“Really Dad??” I frowned over the call and Elizabeth asked if I was okay, I gave her the sign of hold on.
“I am not forcing you okay, it’s okay if you turn down the whole thing but I would be happy if you honor it.”
“I am not attending, I need to get back to work now, bye dad.” I ended the call at once and explained to Elizabeth what was taking place.
“Hum, why don’t you just attend? It’s just for a few days you know.”
“Are you going to support me?”
“Team Tessy it is, anything for you baby girl.” She said and I let out a smile.
We finished for the day and returned to my place together.
We continued with the same routine until Eddy came to the hospital where I work to ruin things for me.
“What are you doing here Eddy?” I questioned.
“Come on, I came to check on my fiance, hold on a second, you still not wearing your ring? Come on, you know you are pretty, I don’t want other guys to steal you from me.”
“I forgot it at home.”
“I see, so I won’t be wasting time, I came around this vicinity to do something so I decided to stop by.”
“That’s thoughtful of you Eddy.” I hugged him.
“Lastly before I leave, my mom’s birthday is fast approaching, my uncle will be around, we will be complete so I don’t know if you can spend a few days with us while we prepare, my mom would really love to have you around.”
Immediately he mentioned his uncle being present as well, I agreed at once, “Count me in!!”
TBC.