Chapter 98: SOFIA
It was weird riding with Alicia in the back of the car like mother and daughter.
Carlos, her chauffeur drove us. My nerves were killing me the entire time. Not even the city sights calmed my nerves. Being this close to Alicia was as uncomfortable as being the smelly passenger in a public transport. Outwardly, you will claim not to care, whereas inwardly, you are praying for someone to teleport the transport to the last bus stop.
Even with the air conditioner, the air was stifling, what I wouldn’t give to wind down the window, but Alicia didn’t want her hair one strand out of place, so the morning breeze was a no no.
It was already bad enough that being this close to Alicia was making my heart hammer like crazy. And then there was what could happen when we got to our location. Honestly, it was like dread upon dread, killing me as fast as the speed of the car.
From the tinted glass, I watched people and the city brace a new day. Joggers and runners, navigating the streets with their headphones. A group of teenagers laxing on their way to school, stray dogs sniffing through garbage bags and trash cans. Construction workers in their overalls and tools bag buckled to their waists, hurrying to sites with their to go paper bags of breakfast.
Tired runners taking a break in front of coffee shops, a line of people waiting for the services of a food cart. Security guards yawning their way home after their night shifts. A man in a blue suit, running to catch the bus, his tie and unbuttoned blazer flapping in the wind.
There was a lot to see and yet so little
held my attention long enough to quell the dread that welled up within for what was and what’s to come.
"Are you nervous?" Alicia suddenly asked.
I nodded my answer, too scared to speak. I wasn’t just nervous, I was terrified. This scheme of hers to get rid of me by marrying me off to Charlie has to work. Well, maybe to the latter, but today’s plan has to.
Not only that I couldn’t speak, I couldn’t move either. I just sat immobile, not wanting to break the rare ice of kindness Alicia was showing me.
It still felt too good to be true, that Alicia had accepted Charlie. I felt like any movement I made might disrupt the whole thing. So in staying as still as possible, I willed Alicia to stay the same.