Chapter Two-Fearless and Stranded

Satera

The cool night air hit Satera's face like a slap, but it couldn't stop the acrid burn in her throat. Her ears are ringing with the ghost of the bass, and the rough grip Bensjasmin had on her arm is already forming a tender bruise.

“Stupid. So, so stupid Satera! Are you mad? He's Khaid Jager! People die for bumping his elbow, and you told him his eyes were on 'booties'!”

Bensjasmin yanks me into the shadow of a service alley. "We have to go home now.”

Satera's Apartment

“I should have spat on his shoes. My whole week's profit... gone” I throw my bag across the tiny sitting room in vexation. The stench of spilled, ruined herbs still clung to the fabric. That's the only thing I'd managed to pick up from the shattered glass and slippery mess on the club's floor.

“Are you serious right now? You could have gotten yourself in trouble! What am I even saying? You're in trouble already. Do you know who that is?” Bensjasmin worried voice increases every second.

“Right now, I don't even want to know who he is” I shrug.

“You should because we are not sure we will sleep in peace tonight” Bensjasmin sits on the couch.

I instinctively bite my fingernails. A single act I subconsciously do whenever I am nervous. “Did I do something bad? I was only angry that he bumped into me and. . spilled my products”

“What you did was not bad but you have to read the room sometimes. You yelled at the freaking Khaid Jager!”

“I lost control of myself”

“You have to apologize to him” Bensjasmin asserts.

“I won't apologize to that self-centered, condescending and proud thing!”

God forbid I apologize to that proud thing! Because of him, I will not be able to pay my rent tonight like I promised my landlord. What's hell than owing three months rent and having your landlord embarrass you every time?

“You see what I was saying? Your lack of control, girl. You're going to apologize to him” Bensjasmin insists.

“I'd rather die by hugging a transformer” Satera scoffs.

A knock sound on the door instantly. My eyes meet with Bensjasmin's. We sit still, barely breathing. The sound of the old wall clock ticks slowly. The tiny room suddenly feels more stuffy even with the rickety fan working tirelessly in front of us. My eyes darted to my half-closed room door. My towel is hung on the door making it impossible to jam the door close. Time moves slower. The couch feels like stone and I swear I can feel my head touching the ceiling. Is Khaid here to kill me? To abduct me? No one will know I'm missing. The thought alone is killing me. .

Then the knock comes again. This time harsher and more determined. Whoever is at the door will not leave without an answer.

“Are you expecting someone?” Bensjasmin quizzes. She stands up gently and takes a fighting position while moving towards the door.

I stare at her stupidly recalling the choppy, ill-advised blocks she'd learned from cheap Saturday afternoon karate movies. What is she doing?

“Satera, open this door. I know you're in”

“Who the hell is that?” Bensjasmin mouths.

My shoulder slumps in relief. That's my landlord. A troublesome old man in his thirties is unfortunately my landlord. I signal Bensjasmin to relax and proceed to open the door.

“Good afternoon. . I mean, good evening, landlord” I greet meekly.

He checks his faded gold wristwatch and looks back at me. “It's ten minutes after nine in the night, young lady but I don't mind you saying good morning if that means my money is ready”

Why is he giggling like a mentally unstable person? I do not have your money yet.

“About the money, sir. I'd like to explain. I was in the. . .”

“Hold on. . . I asked for my rent money not an unnecessary explanation” He creases his brows.

“That's what I'm trying to explain. I need more time” I try to bargain with him.

He erupts like a raging volcano. “More time? You're owing me three months rent! Three months!”

Yes, three months, not a whole year. Chill man! Of course, I dare not say that out loud.

“I'm going in to throw out your things. Get out of my way” He rushes into my sitting room and I hear a gasp immediately. I quickly rushed after him. My mouth slacks open in shock and amazement. Bensjasmin has undressed and taken my towel to cover her body. She winks at me and starts her drama.

“OMG. . . Why did you barge in like that?” Bensjasmin crosses her two hands across her chest like a frightened person.

“I didn't know there's an undressed female inside” He turns around but refuses to leave. “Please, go and dress so I can do what I have to do”

Why's he not bulging?

“My head, Satera! Please, get him to leave. Step away from me. Go. Go. Ahhhh” Bensjasmin screamed.

“I I. .” Old landlord doesn't know how to react. He turns to me. “What's wrong with her?”

“She's a rape victim and she has a phobia for men. It was her case that opened the floor for the widespread rape case law. . You remember the popular case. Yes, she's the one. She can't stay in the presence of a male without freaking out” I false-exclaimed.

“9. .1. . 1. . Where's my phone? I need to call. Where's my phone?”

Old landlord is already in panic mode. “Who . .who is she trying to call?”

“911” I replied.

“No. .no… I will leave but I will be back again. Hold her and tell her I'm leaving” Old landlord tore out of the house, a terrified blur of panic as if he literally had fire in his pants

I rushed to close the door and face the drama queen in a towel.

“Is he gone?” Bensjasmin asks.

I nod and shake my head in wonder. As if on cue, we both burst into an epic laughter.

“You're a clown. You know that right?”

“I know I'd thrive in comedy but nahh, I will pass” She says amidst hiccups. I pour her a glass of water from the jug. She takes it and gulps it down in quick torrents.

“Atleast, this act will keep him away for another week” I stretch in relief.

“A week? Not a month? I should have done it better. Maybe fainted too” She pouts. “But seriously, babe, how are you going to do it?”

“I don't know. I honestly don't know. I brewed those herbs in bulk in hopes that I would sell them but now they are gone. I will have to brew another one but which money will I use to get the roots and leaves? I'm tired, honestly”

“I wish I could help but you know I won't get my salary until month end”

“No no. . You already did enough for me. I mean, you take care of your sick mother from a salary that is barely enough. I will look for a way out of my predicament "I assure her.

“I need to leave now” She says, carrying her bag.

“Why? I thought you're sleeping over”

“Nahhh, I have to check on mum in the hospital tomorrow before heading to school. I don't want to be late” She explains and stands.

“I will miss you” I pout.

“I've not even left yet” She sneers mockingly.

“Whatever” I rolled my eyes and we burst into laughter.

As she proceeds to open the door, sounds of running steps approaches and passes in a jiffy.

“Did you hear that?”

“Yes” Bensjasmin replies and still proceeds to open the door but I held her hand and gave her the "don't go look". She shrugs and matches to her seat.

As if on cue, my phone rings and I quickly walk to pick it up. It's my neighbor.

“The neighbourhood is not safe. I heard there's an intrusion by some strangers. Be safe” My neighbor, a mother of three children whispers and the call ends immediately.

“Intrusion? What kind of intrusion?” My phone was on a loud speaker so Bensjasmin could hear everything.

“I don't know”

Then suddenly, I know. It dawned on me. Khaid.

“Do you think Khaid is sending his boys? Maybe they are heading to my place now? Should we run? Hide? What should we do?”

“Wait? Are you crying?” Bensjasmin stared at me stupidly.

“I don't want to die” I wail hopelessly. Then a knock sounded on the door.

I look at my friend and I know the inevitable is here. I should have allowed her to leave. She wouldn't have to face this chaos.

“Lord, rest my soul” I close my eyes and wait for the end.