Chapter 4 004

I turned around, peering into the darkness, but saw no one. My heart began to race. I quickened my pace, the sound of my own footsteps louder now.

The other footsteps got just as loud as mine, matching my speed. I glanced over my shoulder but still saw nothing. My breath came faster, my chest tightened.

I turned on my phone flashlight and tried getting a clearer view. "Looking for us?" a masculine voice came from behind me.

I immediately felt an adrenaline rush, I clutched my bag tight. "What do you want from me?"

One of them stepped into the light of my phone flashlight, revealing a menacing grin. "Just a little chat," he said, his tone mocking. "You seem to be in such a hurry."

Another one emerged from the shadows, his face partially obscured by a hood. "Yeah, we don't like it when people don't have time for us," he added, cracking his knuckles.

I took a step back, trying to steady my trembling hands. "I don't have anything valuable on me," I stammered, hoping to defuse the situation.

The first man laughed again, a harsh, grating sound. "Oh, we ain't after your stuff, sweetheart. We just wanna have a bit of fun."

The second man moved closer, his eyes cold. "And maybe teach you a little lesson."

Fear gripped me, but I knew I had to stay calm. "Please, just let me go. I won't say anything to anyone."

They exchanged glances, clearly amused. "We'll see about that," the first man said, his grin widening. "But first, let's get to know each other a little better."

Just as they closed the gap between us, another deep voice emerged from the shadows. "Let her go," his footsteps became louder as he slowly approached us.

I took advantage of the distraction and hid behind a car. And in less than five minutes, the man from the shadows had both gangsters on their backs.

I could barely see his face but I could see how fast he threw punches and kicks. I stayed behind the car till I was sure the coast was clear.

"You can come out now," he said out loud.

I slowly approached him, my legs still shaking from the adrenaline. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice calm and reassuring.

"Yes, I think ," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

As I got closer, I could make out more of his features under the dim streetlight. "YOU?"

"Are you kidding me right now? You?" he retorted, his voice filled with disbelief. He immediately turned on his heels to leave.

I felt my face flush with a mix of anger and embarrassment.

"Wait," I called out, my voice trembling. "Why did you help me? Where did you even come from?"

He paused but didn't turn around. "I'm not a jerk, I don't enjoy seeing people get hurt. Plus, you should seriously reconsider following dark alleys at night, it was foolish of you."

Feeling my face flushed,I took a hesitant step closer. "But you..."

He finally turned to face me, his expression impassive. "Yes I did and you slapped me. We became even. I saved you, so you owe me."

I shook my head, feeling a knot in my stomach. "That's not the same. You humiliated me."

"I'll take you home, but stay off my path unless you're ready to pay what you owe," he grabbed my hands and headed for his car.

I clenched my fist on my trouser the whole drive, only pointing in the direction that led to my house.

"Get down," he said, breaking the silence once we got to my house.

I hurried down and he zoomed off immediately. "Thank you," I murmured since he didn't give me a chance to say anything.

Why do I feel bad? He messed with me first and I don't owe him any apology. He deserved the slap. He saved me, so what?

I opened the door as quietly as I could and tiptoed to the staircase so I wouldn't wake anyone . "And where do you think you're going?" My mom's voice echoed from the dining room, leaving me startled.

I halted and turned toward her direction. "My room of course."

"Your father and I have been trying to reach you but you chose to ignore us. Still being rebellious even at this old age."

"Do you think you're still a teenager?...Do"

"Mom! Mom please!" I interrupted

"I don't even have the time for this. I had a rough day," I replied aggressively.

"A rough day serving the rich and mighty. You brought it upon yourself, make things right and you'll have people serving you instead," She said impassively

"Mom! That's really all you care about, huh?"

"Well yes!" she retorted, slowly approaching where I stood.

"What's important now is that you go to the Osbornes and speak to Alex. Make sure he accepts the proposal or consider yourself out of this family."

"Mom?" I yelled in disbelief. I heard footsteps from beside me and immediately I turned, I felt a stinging sensation on my face.

"What the...."

"I didn't spend money on expensive schools so you can become a single mother. You better do what your mother said or don't bother coming back home," my dad yelled

"Alex canceled the engagement because of the bastard you brought home!"

"Dad! You too?"

"The Osbournes can do whatever the f**k they feel. I don't f**king give a damn!"

I stormed out of the dinning and headed back out. They don't need to kick me out of their family. I was never a part of it.

I always had to be there for myself. And they want to get me married off to some guy I barely know.

I should never have come back. I should never have thought things would be different. I need to figure out what to do next since I'm no longer welcomed here.

Storming out of Millie's mansion, I walked down, or ran. I didn't know, my emotions were a good motivator, to the only place I could find support now.

And I still wasn't sure if I'll find him there, seeing as I broke all contacts with him, but anywhere is better than being with my so-called family right now

"Jack! Jack!" I shouted, pounding on his door.

Jack and I grew up together. His parents died in an accident so he stayed with his grandmother.

I tried avoiding him after I returned because I shut him out for no reason but he's the only one I could run to right now.

He opened it but immediately tried to close it again. "Wait, I'm sorry," I said quickly, before he could shut it in my face.

"I'm sorry I left without saying a word. I'm sorry I didn't reach out all those years. I'm sorry for failing you as a friend."

"But......please! Don't shut me out, you're all I have left." Tears began to stream down my cheeks.

"Six years Dalma, Six long years. No calls, no texts and you expect me to welcome you with an embrace?"