My Healing

Terrified

Cecilia

It was late in the afternoon, and I was walking to the bus stop with Manuela when a stranger approached me right in the middle of the street, gripping my arm tightly and glaring at me with a look filled with anger.

"Do you know where Bobby is?" He asked, his gaze holding mine in a dangerous manner.

I felt my whole body tremble, fear rendering me completely speechless. I couldn't even utter a single word.

"Answer, girl!" The menacing man yelled this time, even spitting in my face.

"I... I don't..." I stammered, simply terrified.

"Don't play games with me, girl!" He leaned in, pressing harder.

"She doesn't know anything about Bobby, Marcão," Manuela came to my defense, her voice trembling but at least she was speaking. "She has no contact with Bobby!"

"Don't get involved, Manu," the man yelled at my colleague. "I'm talking to her. Bobby said she's his little kitty."

Well, now I was just desperate for this information.

"I have nothing to do with Bobby, sir," fear forced me to speak now. "I swear."

My voice came out shaky and desperate, but I needed to make it clear to this man that I had nothing to do with Bobby. My hands were cold and sweaty as I tried to free myself from his tight grip. I looked at Manuela, seeking support and help, but she also seemed too frightened to react.

The man, whom I now know as Marcão, stared at me with a mix of anger and suspicion. His eyes, full of latent hatred, seemed to pierce my soul. For a moment, I thought this situation could end very badly for me.

"Do you swear?" Marcão said sarcastically, releasing my arm but maintaining his threatening presence. "Because if you're lying, believe me, I'll find out. And then there will be nowhere to hide."

Fear consumed me. My mind struggled to find a solution, a way to escape this distressing situation. I had nothing to do with Bobby. But how could I prove that to Marcão?

"Please, believe me, I really have nothing to do with Bobby. He asked me out, but I never accepted!" My voice grew firmer, attempting to convey conviction even amidst my fear.

Marcão observed me for a few moments as if evaluating my sincerity. I hoped he would see the truth in my words. Gradually, I noticed a slight softening in his expression. He seemed to ponder for a moment before finally stepping away.

“Alright, girl. I've got my eye on you. If I find out you're lying, you won't like the consequences.” He threatened before turning and leaving, leaving me with a mixture of relief and apprehension.

Manuela rushed to me and hugged me, trembling. I could feel her agitated body against mine, both of us sharing the fear of what could have happened. I silently thanked her for defending me and speaking up for me in that terrifying moment.

"You and Bobby...?"

"No!" I protested vehemently. "He got fixated on me, and invited me to the movies, but I never accepted his advances."

Manuela nodded, still looking very nervous. With my heart still racing, I looked around, searching for any sign of safety. The street seemed more dangerous and hostile than ever.

"We better head to the bus stop now, before he changes his mind," Manu whispered, and I could sense the urgency in her words.

We then walked quickly toward the bus stop, while my mind worked tirelessly to find a way out of that place. Something told me that from that moment on, due to a madness created only in Bobby's mind, my life was in danger.

********

I worked that night with a bad feeling in my chest, constantly fearing that some lunatic would attack me. Not to mention the clients themselves, as there were always a few more spirited and bothersome. They seemed to be just one step away from grabbing me, as had happened the night before with Liam Ricci's friend.

Damn it, I was trying hard not to think about that rude jerk, but my thoughts had a mind of their own and kept bringing his memory back, which was annoying. I just hoped that night would end soon. I didn't know if I could continue much longer with all that tension.

After what happened at the Sussex Club the night before, I thought a thousand times about never going back to that place. I was tired of swallowing insults and dealing with drunk men's harassment. However, as I looked around the dreadful room where I was living, I reconsidered my decision and decided to continue. Now, I had a new incentive to work hard: I needed to leave the boarding house as soon as possible.

I was working, completely engrossed in my task, when I saw Liam Ricci enter the club. Immediately, a sense of tension overcame me. I did not want to interact with him again, especially after everything that happened the night before.

I decided to act quickly and approached my friend Manu. In a hushed tone, I informed her that I needed to use the restroom, thus managing to avoid being seen by Liam in time.

In the bathroom, I took the opportunity to prolong my stay as much as possible, hoping that when I returned to the salon, Liam would no longer be among the customers. In the worst-case scenario, I hoped he would be in a part of the salon where I wouldn't have to serve him.

However, as I returned to the salon, my heart sank when I noticed that he was sitting at the same table he occupied the previous night. This implied that I would have to attend to him once again, but a certain relief washed over me when I noticed that Liam already had a drink in front of him, indicating that he had already been served. I continued my rounds through the salon, trying to avoid any direct contact with him.

However, my attempt to keep my distance was abruptly interrupted when I noticed that Liam was calling me. A mixture of irritation and curiosity washed over me as I made my way to the table of my arrogant former boss, maintaining my professional tone.

"In what way can I assist you, sir?" I asked, while Liam gazed at me with an air of superiority, which only heightened my irritation. However, I couldn't show my emotions, so I waited with a false sense of tranquility.

"I would like to have a conversation with you, Cecilia," he declared unexpectedly, sparking my curiosity about what the all-powerful Liam Ricci could want to discuss with me. Before we could delve further into the subject, I was called by some customers at the adjacent table.

"I'm sorry, sir, but I can't converse during my working hours. Is there something specific you'd like to request?" I responded with utmost courtesy. My attitude visibly irritated him.

"It's important, Cecilia," Liam insisted. "I just need a few minutes."

Despite my considerable curiosity, I couldn't accept his offer.

"I'm sorry, sir, but I'm busy right now. How about after my shift?" I suggested with a touch of irony. Liam simply nodded with an expression of displeasure, something understandable given that he was a man accustomed to having his desires fulfilled.

"I'll be here, then, until the end of your shift."

That caught me by surprise and left me incredulous, but I couldn't linger. I had customers to attend to, and it was my job. Liam continued to sip his drink and even ordered another, while I struggled to focus on my work, although I could feel his gaze on me throughout the night.