Kidnapped: Welcome 'home'

Chapter 20: A Party?

One day, I had returned from a tense walk in Central Park, which was the opposite of what I wanted to do because Steve was following me and my every move, to a bright eyed, excited David awaiting my return to the apartment. He sat me down and started telling me about this grand party he was going to throw on a boat of his in two days time to celebrate the release of his latest fashion line – the very one I had to model.

That is how I found myself looking elegant as I sat at the back of a shiny brand-new Rolls-Royce, on my way to a grand party hosted by a rich businessman that was being held on a boat.

Many people attended, some of whom I recognised and others I didn't. I had to pretend to be content to avoid suspicion, yet, somehow, there were many security guards all over the place and no one found that even a little off. It wasn't just King, Steve and Pierre, but a whole gang, a whole colt, a whole mafia. They were so stern and dressed in suits, they made King and Steve look very friendly, yet they treated them with so much respect as though they were... of a higher status.

The only positive thing I can say about the party is that, out of everyone, I looked the best. I managed to maintain my modesty and still outshine all these rich people in fancy dresses. Interesting. At one point, I passed a mirror and glimpsed my reflection. I looked happy, sweet and friendly.

David was introducing me to endless guests with a wide smile on his face as if I was a family member of his that he was so very proud of. My cheeks hurt after all the smiling so, once it became unbearable, I excused myself and hid in a bathroom for a while.

Staring at myself in the mirror, I tried my best not to cry. The girl staring back at me didn't look friendly. She scared me. She looked dangerous even. As if an impatient, untamed monster was caged inside of her, about to break out any second now. A party? What on earth was going on now? Closing my eyes, I took slow, deep breaths.

Spending the entire night locked up in the bathroom didn't seem to be a bad idea. I was down for it. The thing is: it is a bathroom – a washroom, a restroom, the WC – people are going to need it, which is why I knew I couldn't stay inside it for the entire party, especially since someone already just knocked on the door.

I looked at myself one more time through the mirror, took a deep breath and plastered a fake smile on my face, reviving the friendly girl from the start, before opening the door and stepping out.

"Sorry." I apologised but stopped halfway when I noticed who was there.

Sophia stood in front of me in an evening dress. Her hair was curled a little and she had done her makeup beautifully with smoky eyes, some blush and pink lipstick that matched her natural colour. She must have worn contacts because she wasn't wearing her glasses as usual. She did look pretty, but I didn't want to admit that: I was still mad at her.

"Oh, Asmaa... wow! You look beautiful." she said.

"Thanks." I nodded and made my way to leave.

"Wait." she called, grabbing my wrist. In her hand was a wine glass with some red liquid that must have been some sort of alcohol because... why wouldn't it? "I'm sorry." she continued, "I really am. I messed up. I shouldn't have given him your contact details without your permission and... please forgive me."

Sophia looked like she was going to tear up and I felt a little bit sorry for her, until I remembered why I was mad at her in the first place.

Do not get attached to anyone.

"Your apology still doesn't fix anything." I stated calmly, then yanked my wrist out of her grip and marched away. Really and trully, the situation didn't bother me so much.