TIFFIN 3

25

Despite my attitude towards everyone, I was sure to let them know what happened. Both my parents were worried of course. 

Rose, Kylie, Jo, and Brendan were dumbfounded.

"Girl, when is that woman going to leave you be?" Brendan demanded. "It's like she's everywhere."

I shook my head.

"She'll never leave me alone. Whenever I'm tied to Hero, she comes running."

"Well, that shouldn't be a problem considering-"

He stopped dead in his tracks noticing my expression. Maybe he was right. Though, the issue with the cafe the night before still stood.

I lowered my eyes.

"Yes, I know. We broke up."

Brendan frowned.

"Look, I'm sorry. I didn't think before I spoke. I just don't want you sulking. You should go meet other people."

I stood to my feet, shaking my head feverishly.

"No... That's not an option! I tried the dating thing, okay? Look where it got me."

Josephine didn't find it necessary to berate me; she ran, enveloping me in her arms. After a minute or so, she pulled back.

"This is all so strange, Kristina. Hero wouldn't be so quick to give up on his love for you."

When I winced, she went on.

"Yes, I do mean it. He loves you. End of story. Do me a favor and really ponder on what Diedre needed from you. Why would she lure you somewhere in the odd hours of the night?"

Yes. Why did she do that?

"What if he didn't leave because he wanted the best for you?" She continued. "I mean... what if that grandmother of his made a threat? She did try to boil you to death after all."

Tears gathered in my eyes when I recalled that very day. The water. The waiter. Diedre hitting my leg. Hero not believing me.

When I surveyed the rest of my friends they were all staring in disbelief. Obviously, they didn't share the same views as Jo.

"What really got me uncomfortable was the figure behind the glass," I said. "At first I thought it might have been cars from the street but then... it sounded as if someone were spying from behind the counter."

At this, the group perked up at me, excited to hear more.

I cleared my throat, intent on revealing more.

"That was when Diedre laughed it off and told me it was an old establishment. When I felt something eyeing me, I bolted. That was when I saw the man staring as I made my way out. He and Diedre seemed to be in cahoots."

Kylie intercepted shaking her delicate head.

"I never liked that old hag the moment Hero told me about her. Their relationship was always... too familiar. She's a poisonous bitch. What is your theory on what she wanted?"

I pressed my lips into a thin line.

"I've listened to my share of horror stories. I'm pretty sure she was having me kidnapped."

No one spoke a word. We all exchanged worried glances as if we'd known there could be no other explanation. I could remember the shadow clearly. 

The menace behind the glower.

Kylie rushed towards me, grabbing ahold of my hands.

"Look... in these past months, we've grown close. I'm sure you consider me your friend as I consider you mine. I have... um... connections. Let me ask around and I'll find something on that wench. Something is fishy."

For the first time, I pressed a languid kiss to her cheek.

"Thank you, Kylie. You are my friend. Everything else that happened at the frat... all is forgiven."

As I looked to the rest of the crew, they gave me determined looks. 

We were a team and it was our duty to fix each other, broken or not.