First Blood: The Perfect Mistress

CHAPTER 21

Until we got home, we argued about the marriage proposal she received. I couldn’t accept it no matter what! “Did you accept it?” I’ve been asking her several times but she wouldn’t give me a definite answer.

“Can we just talk about it later? I’m tired, Cassie.” She refused to talk to me anymore and walked towards the stairs.

I followed her until we reached the second floor but she said nothing! “Mom, please I need to know,” I beg her to shed some light on the doubts I had in my heart. “You can’t marry someone else!”

“And why not?”

All of sudden, cold shivers ran through my veins and I had to control my temper before it would explode. “You just can’t. You promised me!” Adrianna shook her head in response and I got mad for being not able to know what she’s thinking.

“Later, Cassie.”

When she closed the door to my face, I felt lost! It was the first time, she completely ignored me, as if I didn’t mean anything to her anymore! Didn’t my father treat me the same when he found Rachel?

I clenched my jaw and glared at her door before going to my bedroom.

After thinking so much, I made a decision that I wished I wouldn’t regret in the future. I called Keith on the phone and asked him to come to my place. I was mad at my mother and if she planned to abandon me just like Daddy, then maybe I should do it first.

“What time can you come here?” I asked him when he agreed to see me.

“Later, Cassie. I’m still tied up with other things,” he reasoned out.

Wasn’t it the same response I got earlier from my mother? Later? I smiled bitterly at the realization that I wasn’t good enough to be prioritized.  Maybe I wasn’t good enough to be placed at number one.

But why?

What’s wrong with me?

“Never mind, Keith.”

I dropped the call and smiled bitterly as I stripped off my clothing and went inside the bathroom. I need to relax my nerves or a disaster would follow. Just a quick shower would help me ease my mind.

Well, that’s what I thought earlier.

I had a cold shower, and I also did my usual routine but nothing made my worries disappear. I was anxious and scared at the same time.  Who wouldn’t? After my father was gone, I only looked up to Mom and I couldn’t accept the fact that she would also leave me.

When I got out of the shower, I turned on the sound system, and EDM sounds filled my room. The music helped me to calm down but staying in bed with nothing to do was something that I didn’t like. I had to force myself to sleep but it was also difficult! 

  My mind was troubled and somehow my tears began to fall. I had no idea why I cried but I felt like the world was crumbling on my feet. It seemed that I’ve met a dead end and I felt the urge to kill!

Yes, the desire to take someone else’s life was so strong that I had a hard time controlling it within me. Tears clouded my vision as I tried to get up and put on something comfortable. At the door, I checked the time and it’s only two hours before dinner time.

My mother didn’t even bother to check when I slammed the door. She must have been on the phone with her lover or who knew if she went somewhere to meet her boyfriend? It’s seldom that I used my access to log in at the club’s confidential information but I need to know where Nancy lived at the moment.

No one would know!

Since I drove the car slowly, I was able to admire how the sky changed its color from vibrant blue to a mixture of red and orange. My father and I used to watch the sunset together and it suddenly stopped when Rachel came into his life.

I was one block away from Nancy’s residence when my phone rang nonstop. I slowed down a little to check and my jaw tightened when I read Keith’s name on the screen. I ignored his call but he wouldn’t stop!

“What is it this time?”

“Where are you? I thought you’re home,” he said.

“It’s a shame that you missed your golden opportunity, Keith.”

“Drop by at home if you are nearby,” he said before disconnecting the call.

When I returned to the car, I checked my appearance if my lipstick didn’t smudge. I would hate it to see some smudge on my pouty lips. When I arrived at my destination, I parked my car a little far from her residence. I just walked the remaining distance and I smiled when the ride just came on time.

I took the pizza and drinks that I ordered in Nancy’s name and after paying for it, I pressed the doorbell. Where’s Nancy? I’ve been standing outside for too long but she didn’t open the door yet. Did she input the wrong information on her form? She was supposed to be home at this hour!

Out of rage, I kicked her door and I was surprised to discover that it was open! What the hell? Slowly, I made my way into her apartment and turned on the switch by the door because it’s a little dark.

“Nancy?” I called her name. “Hello?” I put the box of pizza on the table and searched for Nancy, then I stopped. The scene was familiar and I shivered in fear when I realized something. “Nancy? Are you in there?”

The only place I didn’t search was her bedroom and I was positive that she was probably inside…hiding for her safety. I tiptoed towards the only bedroom inside the tiny apartment and slowly pushed the door open.

I gasped for air as I watched how a dark figure slit the woman’s wrist while she’s lying unconscious. I stepped back when I see red and ran towards the door. I didn’t dare to look back and only stopped when I reached my car.

My chest heaved high and low while trying to catch my breath. Then, I stared at the mirror. Why me? I didn’t do anything wrong in my life but just witnessed it! I shouldn’t feel guilty about it, right?

As soon as my nerves were back to normal, I checked my make-up and when I was satisfied with what I saw, I started the engine. This time, I drove like a maniac. I drove like a devil chased me and I fought for my life.

A few minutes later, I was in front of Keith’s home and I wondered if he’s inside. “Where are you, Keith?” I asked as soon as he picked up my call.

“I’m just at home,” he replied.

“I thought you’re not home because it’s dark. I’m here outside,” I told him.

“The gate is open, Cassie.”

I didn’t wait for another signal and pushed the gate open. Then, Keith turned on the lights and suddenly, I was worried that someone would come to take me to the authorities. I walked faster and when he let me in the house, I didn’t wait for a single second and kissed him.

“Cassie, wait!”