chapter six

She looked into my eyes, trying to gauge my honesty, and it seemed to work because her expression relaxed. She glanced at the wine, then back at me, nodding in dismissal.

"Fredrico, don’t you think you're being very cheap right now, trying to instill fear of the unknown in me just because you want me to take this drink? If you think I will fall for this cheap trick, then you do not know me."

"This girl is just as stubborn as a cow. What will it cost her to just take the drink from me? Does she find me so untrusting?" I muttered to myself, pouring some more for myself and downing it again, loosening the tie that seemed to be suffocating me.

Rolling up my sleeves, I faced Rita once more. "Rita, would you consider switching schools?" I began, but she was about to berate me again when I held my hand up to stop her. "Listen to me before you start nagging. It will be in your best interest to leave this country entirely.

If you want, I can send you to the US, Canada, or any other country. You name it, just say it, and I will grant it."

To my surprise, Rita burst out laughing, catching me off guard. "What's so funny?" I asked, feeling a bit self-conscious. She paused before resuming her laughter, holding her chest as if it might fall off from laughing too hard.

After what felt like an eternity, Rita finally spoke, still chuckling. "You must think I would accept your request, and it's sickening that you think you can throw some money around and get me to do your bidding. Look, I was aware of those countries before I came here.

I'm equally aware of scholarship opportunities there. If I wanted to leave the country, I would have sought sponsorship from people and organizations that wouldn't require me to pay with my life at the end of the day. Moreover, I don't want to be too far from my father. So, if you're done with your drama, I'd like to leave, sir."

Realizing her resolve, I stood up, attempting to reason with her. "Okay, I understand you. If you want to stay at Picaremore University, you can do that. Can you just take this week off? Don't go to work. I'll give you money for the days you stay off, without asking for anything in return.

Just please cooperate with me this once. I can't tell you the details, but it's the only way I can think of to protect you."

"Fredrico, would you stop speaking in parables already? What exactly are you protecting me from? I at least deserve to know so I can weigh my options and know if it's worth it," Rita interrupted.

Frustrated, I couldn't help but yell at her. "Why are you so annoying? I already said I can't tell you the details. I've tried my best for you already. If your life means nothing to you, risk it. That's your choice. Fen, go and drop her at home."

Rita’s POV:

This guy has got to be crazy or at least suffer from multiple personality disorder because there is no other explanation for his inconsistent actions. One minute he's acting nice, the next he's like an angry lion. I picked up my bag and headed straight for the door.

I can’t stand this jerk anymore, and I would be a bastard to listen to him. Fen opened the door, and we quietly drove out of the compound.

"You can just drop me at the nearest bus station; I will find my way back to school on my own," I finally said, breaking the long silence that had preceded the atmosphere since we left the apartment.

"I’m sorry, I can’t do that, ma. I was instructed to drop you at your apartment," he said, sounding mechanical like a robot. I decided to try something else, "Okay, how about you drop me at school instead?" I muttered.

I do not want Fredrico to know my address, so I really need to try my best to make sure he doesn’t drop me at home.

"I’m sorry, I can’t do that either. Alright, no problem then, do you," I said, determined not to tell him my address. When he's tired, he will drop me off where I want, I thought to myself and reached for my phone in the bag to call my dad.