Chapter 2

Couples are dancing, some people are drinking champagne and some of them are just talking. They seemed to be enjoying their nights. But for me? I was just here at the table looking at the champagne glass. I wonder if I will escape or will I escape here? I mean I hate this kind of event. It’s my father and his mistress’ wedding anniversary. Well, she is not hooked because they are married. But I chose to call her that. She is nothing but a slut to my eyes. She didn’t just ruin my family, she also ruined my trust in my father.

Since that night, daddy and I have not talked. I don’t want to talk to him no matter what he does. I entered high school and then graduated without talking to him. That continued until I went to college. And now that I’m already working, there is still no progress. How many years ago? Ten? Twelve? Fifteen? I do not know and I do not care. I only give him a nod. I also rarely let him hear my voice. When I was in college I was in another country, in Russia so we did not meet. They never visited me either, not that I care.

“Amelia!” I suddenly sat up straight and smiled at the lady. Tsk. I want to struggle. This is what I hate in a social gathering the ‘plastic’ of people. Just like the one in front of me now, she used to ignore me. But look at her now.

"Hi, aunt!" I greeted and stood up to kiss her, even though I did not want to. I even went home secretly when I kissed her. I smell plastic too argh?

“How’s work?” she asked me. "It's fine, tiring but I enjoy it," I answered her. I’m now working as a vet. Although I am afraid of snakes and especially dogs. Remember the night the dog chased me? Thank god I went home safely but with my shoes missing. I never went back there either. Going back there means digging my own grave.

“Don't you want to get involved in politics? Like your father? ” she asked me as if he was used to asking others that. I don't know but I suddenly felt bad about what she said. "I'm a sorry aunt, I just have to go to the bathroom, can I?" she looked surprised at what I said. But I remain in my calm posture because I have to be the calm and elegant Amelia all the freaking time. "Sure darling." After she said that I quickly turned around.

Sometimes I do not want to combine ‘politics’ and ‘daddy’ in one sentence. It will just upset my stomach. There were rumors before that mommy's death might have been a foul play and the one behind it was daddy's political opponent. So I don't want to hear that.

I left the venue, smiling at the person I met. Someone else wondered why I was leaving, the event was not over yet but they just kept their mouth shut. The truth is almost everyone in our place is intimidated by me. I do not know, maybe they find my smile weird? Or it’s my piercing eyes? I don’t know.

"And the best actress award goes to Amelia Morgan!" yup that’s my name and yup that’s my friend Roseanne it’s pronounced as (roshani).

I decided to call her earlier because I had someone with me.

I rode his trip and pretended to accept the trophy. I still wipe my fake tears. While we were doing that we suddenly laughed. We are like this, crazy people so we get along. Actually, before I met her for about six months maybe, I already told her the happenings of my life. Maybe it's not bad, is it? We are friends and I trust her so I guess it’s okay.

“Ice cream?" she asked me. "You only think of food Roseanne," I said with a laugh, she suddenly frowned. She did not want to be called by her full name.

"It's Shan, not Roseanne, it's a flaw to listen to." I just stuck my tongue to her in response so she pretended to be angry and chased me.

"Hey Lia, I have a metal, run girl!" she said like a fool. I, on the other hand, silly ran too. "I have a sword!" I told her laughing.

But she just laughed and chased me again. It was still hard to run because I was wearing heels. We’re like teenagers running in the street. Like fools. I was unaware that I was on my way to the road. I was just shocked when Shan shouted. “Lia! Get out of there!" she says. It turned out that there was a car coming.

It was as if everyone around me was suddenly in slow motion. The approaching car was approaching so I just closed my eyes. I waited to feel pain but nothing.

When I opened my eyes, I suddenly saw a man's face. And worst of all, I hugged him, or it’s not the other way around!

“Oh my God! Lia! ” she’s is now running towards us. "Are you okay?" I nodded and let go of the man's tight hug.

I looked at him. "Thank you for saving my life." Even if it’s not worth saving I want to add, but he didn’t replied. He just looked at me. So I coughed to get his attention.

"You are?" I asked him. To ease the awkwardness. The time before he answered, was he deaf? or mute?

He sneezed before speaking. "I'm Nicolas." He answered in a deep voice. His voice sounds familiar though.

"Have we met before?" I asked him shamelessly. He shook his head so I nodded.

“Since you save my life! I’m going to treat you! So let’s go? ” I said in an energetic tone to get rid of the heavy atmosphere.

The three of us walked together when Shan's cellphone suddenly rang. "I'll have to take this call." she told us and walked away from a little.

“Nicolas right? Where do you live?" I asked and observed him. The truth is I don’t talk to strangers, but he saved my life so I guess he’s an exception.

Shan is done so she comes back to us. "I'm sorry guys but I can't come with you anymore." I was surprised. “Ha ?! I mean why? ” I asked her once dragging.

"Hey, where are we going ?!" I just stopped when I thought we were a little far from the guy. “You’re silly! Why are you leaving me? What if he’s a serial killer ?! ” I asked her nervously.

“You were saved, right? Then he’ll kill you? Your paranoid silly! ”

"How can he do that?" I asked as I looked around at the man who looked laughing. Don’t tell me he hears us? Eh it’s too far!

"You're just there with a lot of people." I nodded at his advice.

"Just when he salvages me and kills me I will haunt you!" she laughed at my choice of words and left.

She even waved. I could do nothing but wave back nervously and think about what would happen next.