CHAPTER 5 I NEED TO SEE YOU
1204 Words
The morning sun filtered through the thin curtains of the hotel room, casting a pale glow over the disheveled sheets and the figure curled beneath them. Wendy stirred, her eyes fluttering open to the unfamiliar ceiling. The events of the previous night came rushing back.
She sat up slowly, the weight of her thoughts pressing down on her. The room was silent, save for the distant hum of city life beyond the window. Her phone lay on the nightstand, its screen dark. She reached for it, hesitating before unlocking it to find a series of missed calls and messages.
Among them, her father and Clara’s name stood out.
Before she could delve into the messages, a soft knock echoed through the room.
“Wendy? It’s Steve.”
She rose, wrapping a robe around herself before opening the door. Steve stood there, concern etched into his features.
“May I come in?”
She nodded, stepping aside to let him enter.
He carried a tray with two cups of coffee and a paper bag.
“I thought you might need some breakfast.”
She offered a faint smile, taking a cup from the tray.
“Thank you.” She said. “By the way, how do you know name?” She asked, curious.
“Oh, that? Your ID was in your pocket and I happen to see it when the doctor was dressing your wound last night.” He explained.
They sat in silence for a moment, sipping their coffee.
“Wendy,” Steve began, “I want to understand why you wanted to die last night . If you’re comfortable sharing.”
She took a deep breath, the words catching in her throat.
“It’s my father,” she finally said. “He… he killed my mother.” Tears rolling down her cheeks.
OMG!
Steve’s eyes widened slightly, but he remained silent, letting her continue.
“And my sister…he… he sold her. Tell me , which father sells his own daughter for money that wouldn’t last for a week? I was next. I couldn’t see a way out. And since he killed my mum too, I didn’t see any reason to live anymore. I didn’t want to be his sacrificial lamb, I didn’t want to stay in the same world with someone like him. I wanted to die and reunite my mum, and console her.”
Tears welled up in her eyes, and Steve reached out, placing a comforting hand on hers.
“You’re safe now,” he said gently. “We’ll figure this out together. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
She nodded, the weight of her secrets slightly lifted by sharing them.
Her phone buzzed again, drawing her attention.
Clara’s name flashed on the screen, but she ignored it.
“This person has been calling you since yesterday. Shouldn’t you atleast pick and tell her you’re okay?”
“Okay, I’ll call her back” Wendy said, standing up.
Steve nodded, giving her space.
She stepped onto the balcony, the city stretching out before her, and dialed Clara’s number.
“Wendy!” Clara’s voice was filled with relief. “I’ve been so worried.”
“I’m sorry,” Wendy replied. “I just needed time.”
“I understand. Can we meet? I need to see you.”
Wendy hesitated, then nodded. “Yes, let’s meet.”
They agreed on a café downtown, and Wendy returned inside to get ready and she told Steve about it.
“Are you sure about this? I mean, you shouldn’t go out now.” Steve was worried.
“It’s fine Steve. Clara is my childhood friend and I trust her. I’ll be back soon. Besides, I need to figure something out soon, I can’t keep staying in this hotel, I am sure it is expensive given the decoration and quality of things in the room.“
“You can stay here as long as you want. My friend owns this hotel and it is not that expensive.”
The café was bustling with the lunchtime crowd, but Clara spotted Wendy immediately.
They embraced tightly, the tension between them dissolving.
“You look tired,and weak.” Clara said, concern in her eyes.
“I know right. My mother died and I just wanted to be alone.” Wendy said.
Clara went silent. She didn’t talk about meeting her dad.
They ordered their drinks and found a quiet corner to talk.
“I wanted to tell you,” Clara began, “you shouldn’t blame yourself for your mother’s death. You should cheer up and be the bright, happy Wendy again. I am sure your mother won’t be happy seeing you this way. She would want you to continue your life and keep searching for your sister.”
Wendy looked down, tears threatening to spill.
“I know it’s hard, but you need to come back home, back to work. Surround yourself with people who care, so that you can forget about her death.”
Wendy nodded slowly. “I’ll try.”
“I went to your house yesterday. Your father looked terrible. He needs you now more than ever. You should not beat yourself over your mother’s death, you still have your father.”
Only God knows how Wendy manage to conceal her anger and irritation. She didn’t want to tell her friend about her father especially since Clara also saw him as a father figure. She would still tell Clara, but definitely not now.
“Okay”
As they finished their drinks, Clara glanced at her phone.
“Your father has been so worried , I should probably tell him you’re safe and you just need time.” she said.
Wendy’s eyes widened in alarm. “No, Clara, please don’t…..”
Before Clara could respond, her phone rang.
“I have to go,” she said, standing abruptly. “It’s urgent.”
“Clara, wait—”
Clara barely made it three steps before two large men in dark suits entered the café, followed by Mr. Jackson himself, impeccably dressed, his expression a polished mask of concern.
“Wendy!” he called out, arms wide in relief. “Thank God you’re okay. I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”
Wendy froze, her blood turning cold. Clara turned too, surprised. “Mr. Jackson?”
He approached swiftly, his men flanking him like shadows. “Sweetheart, come home. You’re not well, you need help,” he said, voice loud enough for nearby patrons to hear, carefully projecting the image of a worried father.
Wendy stood up. “No! I’m not going anywhere with you!”
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the café. Clara looked between them, confused. “Wendy, what’s going on?”
“I said stay away from me!” Wendy took two steps away, her voice shaking.
Mr. Jackson’s smile faltered, but only for a second. “She’s not in her right mind,” he told the crowd. “This is a family matter.”
But people began pulling out their phones, some stepping between him and Wendy.
Seizing the moment, Wendy turned and bolted for the exit.
She burst onto the street, just as a car screeched toward her.
Tires screamed.
Then everything went white.
- Writer
