Between Perfect Strangers

Chapter 4 - Welcome to Miami - Cecilia

1 day ago

    He had nice eyes. 

    What unnerved me the most about him was that he’d been kind towards me even though he didn’t have a clue about who I was. He had no idea how experienced at lying I was in, or where I came from. He didn’t even know my name. But that was the thrill of meeting strangers. 

They allowed you a chance to start again. Like phoenixes rising from the ashes, a new identity was born and with that, a new narrative could be formed. How would they know if you’re lying to them? Viki struggled with our luggage and I helped her out as we took a taxi to our new residence. As we passed by the busy streets full of more strangers, I smiled to myself, hungry for all the possibilities.

    I could win big cash here. I could pass as a socialite who everyone loved and I could easily gain the attention of rich men. I could swindle their valuables, get them to fall to my feet and still get away with it. But I promised Viktoria that I wouldn’t do another con. I entered the penthouse with concrete walls and I stared at the furnished house and gave Viki a look.

    “How did you get this place?”

    “Your last three cons paid for this place.” She said dryly as she started taking our luggage to the rooms before I spotted a comfortable plush sofa and I sighed happily. I had no idea why, but this was starting to feel like home already. Viktoria had arranged this place for us and the fact that she had accommodated both of our tastes into a place just for us made me smile. Viki might just be a maid, but she was like my best friend. 

    “Viki!” I hollered and she quickly ran to check on me.

    “What?” I patted the seat next to her.

    “Sientate conmigo,” I told her and she smiled at me.

    “Never forget the spanish because it’s always been your most effective ally in all your cons,” she said quietly and I hugged her, leaning my head on her shoulder. We were free. It was a commodity I never thought I’d ever have but as I stared at the blue ceramic vase in front of me and I looked at the bright blue walls around me, I knew this would be home. I could finally go to college and to be a normal, ordinary student.

    “Did you research about a college nearby?” Viki nodded softly and smiled.

    “I already got you enrolled into the university of Miami, so there will be no problem about starting. Richie took care of the supplies and you should be ready to go. Cecilia..” she trailed off and I looked at her, her hazel eyes full of worry.

    “Yes?” 

    “Make it count. Don’t end up like me, who never finished college and became a housemaid to your family,” she said sternly and I nodded.

    “I won’t fail you, Viki.” she stood up from the sofa and took out a purse, tossing me my wallet.

    “I’m guessing you’re going to splurge?” She asked me and I nodded. I quickly left the house to do some… analyzing of my own. While going shopping for new clothes, I passed around campus, looking for Viki’s contact until I spotted him. He was a senior in the criminology department and when he spotted me, he waved nicely.

    “You must be the new transfer, right?” I nodded and shook hands with him.

    “I’m Cecilia.” He smiled at me, analyzing me with his glasses and smiled amicably.

    “I know. Viki said that you needed to start fresh. I got the papers ready and your courses were transferred successfully, so you’ll be able to start tomorrow.”