“The Price of Freedom

Part 6

Mia slowly stirred her coffee with a spoon.

— It’s getting close to seven, so does that mean we’ll leave here and go straight to the cinema? said Mia.

Anna nodded with a smile at the corner of her lips.

— Yes… maybe so.

Mia looked at her suspiciously.

— What do you mean by “maybe”?

— Mia… you can’t go to the cinema looking like this.

— Why can’t I?

— Because people will watch you instead of the movie.

Mia rolled her eyes.

— Anna, stop it.

Anna looked around once and leaned her elbows onto the table.

— Because we’re not going to the cinema.

Mia frowned.

— What?

Anna took out her phone and held the screen closer to her. On it was an advertisement for a famous night club decorated with neon lights.

— We’re going to this place.

Mia stayed silent for a few seconds.

— Anna, are you serious?

— Very.

— I’ve never been to a night club before. No no no, your surprises for today are enough, I’m not going. I’m really tired.

Anna laughed.

— That’s exactly why I want to take you. Your tiredness will go away too. Mia, you always live the same life. University, home, university again… Just for one night, feel free.

Anna continued:

— Mia, you can’t live in fear every time. One night. Just try living for yourself for one night.

There won’t be any alcohol. Only cold non-alcoholic drinks and no stupid things either. We’ll sit there for one hour, listen to music, and come back home until the movie ends. I promise.

— Just agree already, said Anna as she widened her eyes and looked at her with affectionate childish eyes.

Mia looked toward the window.

— If my dad finds out, he won’t leave me alive.

— He won’t. Anna stirred the coffee in the cup and continued:

— The plan is ready. Everyone will think you’re in the cinema with me. I already bought the tickets online. If anyone asks, we won’t answer the phone until the movie ends.

Mia unintentionally laughed.

— So you thought all this through beforehand?

— Of course. This isn’t a plan, this is a little trick, said Anna and held her hands.

Mia took a deep breath. Fear and curiosity were mixed inside her. Maybe for the first time she was thinking about breaking the rules.

— Daniel will be there too.

Mia’s face changed.

— So this is you two’s plan, she said to Anna in a dissatisfied tone.

— Kind of like that. Don’t worry, my strong guy will keep an eye on both of us, she said. Then she added, this is just an ordinary hangout.

— “An ordinary hangout” in a night club?

Anna laughed.

— It seems when you hear the word club, you imagine a crime scene.

— Anna… this is a bad idea.

Anna smiled softly.

— The most interesting stories always start with bad ideas.

— Really? said Mia while frowning.

— So, do you agree?

Mia nodded her head as if saying yes.

Anna shouted “Yesssssssss” from happiness, and suddenly her voice spread through the small café. Everyone looked at her while Mia tried to stop her by saying, “Shhhhhhh.”

— If there’s any problem, we’ll leave immediately, — she finally said.

— I promise, we’ll have fun without any problems, she said in a happy tone, then took out her phone and quickly texted someone.

A few seconds later she smiled and looked at Mia.

— Daniel is already waiting for us.

— Wait, first let’s get rid of these. We need to send them with the driver, said Mia while pointing at the bags on the floor.

Anna nodded her head as a sign of okay while smiling and texting someone on her phone.

Mia bit her lip and looked at the people walking outside. Something inside her was still saying “no.” But another voice was pulling her forward with curiosity.

At that moment, a message came to Mia’s phone. Her father’s name lit up on the screen.

Mia’s heart started beating faster. Anna noticed the change on her face and quietly whispered:

— Answer him and just say you’re going to the cinema.