That sound—like tintinnabulation ringing in my head. Then I saw him. Bernard. Staggering, chanting my name.
"Zizi baby! What are you doing here?" His words slurred.
The stench hit me first—pure alcohol. Whoof! He stinks.
He staggered forward, eyes glazed, muttering "my babe" as he reached for me. My heart pounded. I moved back, trembling.
Please, wall, swallow me.
"Bernard!" I gasped, sweat trickling down my forehead as he pressed me against the wall.
"What?" His stare burned into me, lips inching closer.
"Please… leave me," I stuttered.
"No. I want you." His nails brushed my skin, too sharp, scraping my neck. His hands roamed, leaving me breathless—not with love, but fear.
"You're hurting me," I whimpered.
"HEY, BERNARD! WHAT'S IT?"
That voice—deep, furious. Fred. He pulled me from Bernard's grip, holding me like I'd break.
"Fred… he… he tried…" I sobbed, clinging to him.
Fred's face hardened. "BERNARD! HOW DARE YOU?" His fist cracked against Bernard's nose. Blood flowed.
Bernard staggered back, dazed. "What was that for, huh?"
Zainab emerged from the bathroom, eyes wide. "Zizi, what's wrong?"
I broke down, hugging her. "He… Bernard… he…" My voice collapsed into tears.
Fred held me close, his cologne wrapping around me, intoxicating. Zikora, cry! Don't breathe him in. Cry!
"Don't worry," he murmured, stroking my hair. "He'll pay for this. I promise."
"I want to go home," I whispered.
Fred nodded. He guided me out, while Zimba drove my car back. Together, we left Bernard's chaos behind.
---
At Fred's place, Zara greeted me after two endless hallways.
"This is your room," she announced, flopping on the bed.
"How's Mom?" I asked weakly.
"She's out—partying with your mom and Ann's mom."
"Figures."
"Rest, Zizi," Zara said with a wink before leaving.
Fred lingered. "Goodnight," he whispered, tucking me in.
"Wait. Fred…"
He froze. "Me?"
"Yes, fool," I blurted, rolling my eyes to hide my nerves.
"What?" His gaze pinned me.
Oh God, he's making me shy. Gross.
"I'm sorry," I muttered. "For everything. For the trouble. And… thank you. Don't get used to me saying this—it's the first and last time you'll hear the word 'sorry' from me."
"That's all?" His voice dropped with disappointment.
"Well, yeah—no. One more thing…" My fingers twisted the hem of my dress.
He leaned in. "Say it."
"I… uhm… I like you," I stammered, hiding behind my hair.
"What?"
"You heard me."
"I didn't."
"Forget it!"
"Say it, Zizi."
I smacked his back. "Fine! I like you! Now leave me alone."
His grin spread wide as he crushed me into a hug. That cologne—irresistible. But geez, I can't breathe!
"Fred… lighter, please!" I wheezed.
"Sorry!" He laughed, easing up.
"What about you?" I asked, praying for his answer.
"I love you, Zikora."
My heart skipped—but I frowned. "Lies. You love Ann."
He groaned. "That was just to make you jealous. And it worked."
My jaw dropped. "WHAT?"
He smirked. "Don't act innocent. You did the same with Bernard." His eyes flicked to my neck, and his smile vanished. "Who did this to you?" His fingers brushed the raw scar.
"Ouch!" I winced.
"Answer me. WHO DID THIS?" His voice roared.
"Calm down," I begged.
"Zizi, please…" His eyes begged too.
Tears welled as the memory replayed. "Bernard," I whispered.
Fred's arms wrapped around me again. "It's okay. Sleep. I'll take care of it."
He grabbed a first aid kit, gently treating my wound before leaving me to rest.
---
But sleep wasn't kind.
I dreamed.
Ann, with a gun. Her face twisted, her voice venom.
"Drop it, Ann!" Bernard shouted.
"She took Fred from me! I'll kill her first!" she screamed.
"Please, don't kill him—kill me instead!" I begged.
Fred shielded me, but when she pulled the trigger—I shoved him aside.
The bullet tore into me.
Pain. Darkness.
I woke up screaming. "NO! FRED!"
Fred rushed in, panic written across his face. "What's wrong?"
"She's gonna kill you… Ann's gonna kill you!"
He pulled me close, murmuring, "It's just a dream."
"It felt real," I sobbed.
He stroked my hair. "Relax, Zizi. We have exams tomorrow."
I froze. "Exams?"
"Yes. Go bathe, borrow Zara's uniform, eat breakfast. Life doesn't stop because of dreams."
I sniffled, still trembling, but nodded.
And as he left the room, I realized: for the first time in a long time… I felt safe.