CHAPTER 12

Alicia dropped the phone slowly back on the table. She stared blankly at the room for a second, then let out a short breath. "Enjoy it while it lasts," she murmured to herself, wearing her blue cut frame.

She turned her attention back to the laptop, clicking through the document Vicky had sent earlier. Her fingers were over the keys, but her thoughts kept wandering. No matter how hard she tried to focus, her mind kept drifting back to one person: Maya.

Where was she right now? Was she safe? Was she asking for her mother again? Alicia swallowed hard. She couldn’t afford to get emotional, not now. This was a fight, a long one. And she had no plans of losing it. Not this time.

*****

Bryan sat on the sofa in the VIP corner of the club. The music was loud, people were shouting, laughing, dancing, but for the first time in a long time, he wasn’t interested. No girls clinging to his side tonight. No playful flirting, he just wanted to relax, it had been a stressful day for him, and he pulled out a major deal.

He sipped a glass of whiskey slowly, staring into the crowd, looking at no one in particular. That was when he noticed her, a young girl, no more than 24, looking uncomfortable. A man had her by the arm, saying things too close to her ear, touching her in a way that made her feel irritated, judging by the look on her face.

Bryan watched for a second. He hated this kind of thing. Hated it with a passion. Without thinking, he stood and walked over.

"Hey, is there a problem here?" he asked, almost shouting, the music was so loud..

The man laughed, trying to wave him off. "We’re just talking. Mind your business, man."

"She doesn’t look like she’s enjoying it. Let her go."

There was a tense moment before the man finally stepped back. Bryan turned to the girl.

"Come on, let’s get out of here."

She nodded quickly, following him outside. The night was cooler than expected, and the street was lonely, a different picture from the inside.

"You alright?" he asked, handing her his jacket.

"Yeah… thank you," she said quietly.

He pulled out his phone. "I’ll get you a ride. Put in your address."

She hesitated. "I don’t… I don’t have one."

"What do you mean?"

"My mum won’t let me in unless I come home with enough money. Rent’s due. She said if I don’t bring anything, I can sleep outside, and knowing my mum, she keeps to her words."

Bryan stared at her, then pulled out his wallet and handed her a thick wad of cash.

"Here. Go home, get some food, and get some rest. Is dangerous out here, be careful."

The girl’s hands trembled as she took the money. "Why are you helping me?"

He shrugged. "Because someone should."

*******************

Alicia came down to the kitchen and paused at the sight of Tim in front of the cooker He was focused, stirring something in a big pot. The smell was warm, inviting, and he was so focused.

. "You're always this serious when you cook?"

He looked up, surprised but smiling. "Only when I’m trying not to burn the house down."

She laughed, a soft one. It felt strange, laughing. But not bad.

"It smells nice."

"Chicken stew," he said. "Old family recipe. You want to try some?"

She nodded. He spooned some into a small bowl and passed it to her. Alicia took a bite, then closed her eyes.

"Wow. That’s good."

He grinned, clearly proud.

"How did you learn to cook like this?"

"Lost my parents young. Had to grow up fast. Cooking kept me sane, and I turned it into money. If I don’t cook in a day, I will feel incomplete, you know."

They stood in silence for a moment. Then Tim added, "I’m glad you’re here. You make the place feel… lighter."

Alicia blinked. That was unexpected.

"Thanks, Tim. That means a lot."

********************************

Becky lay beside Lucas, looking at the ceiling, like she was counting numbers. She hadn’t been sleeping well lately. The pregnancy made her restless, she has been trying to find the perfect sleeping position, but none seems to work..

Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her stomach. She winced.

"Lucas," she whispered, tapping him slightly.

He didn’t respond immediately. She tried again, this time tapping him harder.

"Lucas. Wake up, something’s wrong, I feel these sharp pains, they come and go."

He opened his eyes, confused at first, then alert. She was touching her stomach.

"It hurts," she said, panic in her voice.

Lucas sat up. That’s when he saw it, dark red stains spreading on the sheets beneath her.

"Oh no," he muttered.

Becky looked down and screamed.