_KIMBERLY_
I stirred in my sleep with a groan as I shifted my body slightly on the bed that I was sleeping on. My throat was dry and I felt like I was drowning in an abyss of darkness.
I began to wonder what happened as I kept my eyes closed. The last thing that I remember was the sound of gun shots and the heavy footsteps that got louder as William got angrier. Did Oliver and the others manage to save me or did William get away with me?
I could just open my eyes to know the answer. It was simple. That was sensible enough but I couldn't bring myself to do so. What if things didn't go according to plan? I did not want to be pushed into that harsh reality.
William was never going to change. Knowing that saddened me but it made me stop hoping for it. During our conversation, he would twist my words in a way that made sense to him and I could see in his eyes that he truly hated me despite declaring his love.
The gentle touch of cold
Everything looks happy and sunny with Kimberly, Oliver, Lora and Anastasia. All bad memories have been left in the past and there is a new addition to their small family. Nothing could possibly go wrong... Or so they thought. Kimberly's death is way overdue and there is more than one person who agrees with this and is out to complete William's mission. This time, her stalkers don't want her to experience any peace and her baby is at risk. If that isn't bad enough, her family suddenly wants to reconnect! Being surrounded by the people who once shunned her, Kimberly doesn't know what to do or who to trust. Is Oliver going to manage to protect her once again or will her enemies finally achieve victory?
_OLIVER_The day - and business - went by slowly. Usually, that isn't a good sign, but it was just for the day anyway.Slow though the day went, business was too thick and heavier than usual. I guess that's what I get for taking over the family business because my older sister got a sudden passion for music and left the company all to me when I was twenty-two years old. I didn't mind the work because honestly speaking, I expected her to abandon ship much earlier.Most of the shareholders complained that I was too young and lacked appropriate experience to run the company but nobody argues better than Judd Woodling, my father, who seemed to be more than agreeable to my succession.Woodling Incoparated is a large company with many branches that specializes in software. It is a family inheritance privilege. This company has been in my family for so long that I don't even remember the founder's name. I just know that he was from New Zealan
_OLIVER_ I leaned back into the comfortable armchair in my study as my eyes skimmed through the contents on my computer screen. The way things were looking, I needed to contact the Human Resource Department to deal with finding a new closer and lawyer for the next conference. My father had signed a contract with Inofex last month and that meant that another branch of Woodling Inc. would be made in Egypt. Stretching my arms above my head, I yawned and dropped my arms before staring back at the computer. I loved this job and all, but it really took a toll on me sometimes. It was Friday and despite my roudy social circles, I haven't had the leisure to go out for a while now. With all the paperwork that I was bombarded with, going out to a pub or somewhere lively to enjoy my night would be almost sinful. "What a lousy Friday you are," I muttered under my breath, wishing that I could unleash my wrath onto the week.
_KIMBERLY_ "Yes, perfect," I said happily. "Let's try that again. One two three, one two three, one two th-" I cut myself short. "Jen arms wide, your wrists below like so." I demonstrated and she copied. "Excellent." One. Two. Three. One. Two. Three. One. Two. Three. "Grace, elegance and posture. Dance is the essence of life. Let the music speak for you," I instructed. Ever since I was young, ballet dancing was my life. It expressed me the finest and explained the emotions that I couldn't describe with words. It calmed me and, most importantly, it kept me sane. It saddened me that I would one day grow too old for it so, I wanted to enjoy as much as I could while my body could allow it. This class wasn't so bad. Well, most of the students' technique was poor but nothing that couldn't be fixed. That's why the
_KIMBERLY_ I gingerly walked down the hall of the three story building of my apartment. My eyes were downcast as I fidgeted with the straps of my black handbag. My room was on the top floor but I took my time because I was in no hurry to get there. With every agonising arrival, I was greeted by an empty room and the usual lonely hollowness that swallowed me. A quiet abyss that would either grant me peace or give voice to my pain. I laughed at myself. After residing in that same room for the past five years, I should be used to it by now. Running away from home to start afresh didn't seem to be working out for me. Each day brought new paranoia and it wasn't a good feeling to live with. Sometimes I even felt like I was going crazy. I swallowed the knot that formed in my throat and let out a tight smile when I stepped out of the elevator. I was a "cheerful" woman and I couldn't be caught wallowing in self-pity. I had to look as
_KIMBERLY_ I watched the class stand in front of the mirrors with their hands on the barres, as they practiced leg movements and arabesques. "Relax your bodies, children. Take calm breaths and remember the tips we went through earlier. Please don't strain yourselves," I instructed as I went around supervising and helping the children that needed extra attention. Mozart's Don Giovanni, took hold of the background and some of the students were making their own moves as they practiced. This song's soft tune and sharp tones made it one of my favourites and I couldn't help but hum along with a small smile. After my rounds were done, I looked out the window at the beautiful clear sky. The entire wall on the right was glass and the view beyond it was a paved path with a few trees beyond it. The view wasn't anything unique or breathtaking but it was peaceful. People rarely walked there and after a few minutes of staring, my mind wandered.
_OLIVER_ Kimberly sat across from me as she took brief sips from her coffee. We had been quiet for the past twenty minutes and I was starting to get a little uneasy. I would casually sneak a few glances at her and noticing that she also felt awkward made me feel a little better. She spent most of her time stirring her coffee or she would look up every once in a while. The sun shone through the large windows and fell over Kimberly softly, causing her skin to look warmer than it was that it almost looked like she was glowing. Regardless of the number of times that I saw her, I could not get over how attractive she was. "How's the ballet school coming up?" I asked after the awkwardness became strained and our eyes met. "It's okay. So many people like the art, I guess," she answered and I nodded, glad that my question gave us a ground safe for conversation. "How is work?" "Stressful. I've got more than plenty of papers to sign
_OLIVER_ "And you go down like this," Lora explained as she gracefully brought her hands to the sides of her waist. "And do a cute, little jump." "Bravo!" I exclaimed as I clapped my hands at the demonstration that she gave me. "You're getting even better at this." "Of course, I am!" She said and I could see her swell with pride. "I am a Woodling after all." "Yes, you are." I spread my arms and she smiled before running into them although she had a mini struggle climbing onto the couch. We were currently in the living room and since I was on vacation, Lora skipped school to hang out with me. Despite my protests, she refused and insisted to stay just for today. I knew that I was a little too soft on her but I hated seeing my daughter in tears. "If you misbehave tomorrow, I'll be strict on you," I said and she pulled away from me with a pout. "Why are you bringing that up now?" She asked with folded arms.