Chapter 7 Terrified

• Cecilia
• It was late in the afternoon, and I was walking to the bus stop with Manuela when a stranger approached me right in the middle of the street, gripping my arm tightly and glaring at me with a look filled with anger.
• "Do you know where Bobby is?" He asked, his gaze holding mine in a dangerous manner.
• I felt my whole body tremble, fear rendering me completely speechless. I couldn't even utter a single word.
• "Answer, girl!" The menacing man yelled this time, even spitting in my face.
• "I... I don't..." I stammered, simply terrified.
• "Don't play games with me, girl!" He leaned in, pressing harder.
• "She doesn't know anything about Bobby, Marcão," Manuela came to my defense, her voice trembling but at least she was speaking. "She has no contact with Bobby!"
• "Don't get involved, Manu," the man yelled at my colleague. "I'm talking to her. Bobby said she's his little kitty."
• Well, now I was just desperate for this information.
• "I have nothing to do with Bobby, sir," fear forced me to speak now. "I swear."
• My voice came out shaky and desperate, but I needed to make it clear to this man that I had nothing to do with Bobby. My hands were cold and sweaty as I tried to free myself from his tight grip. I looked at Manuela, seeking support and help, but she also seemed too frightened to react.
• The man, whom I now know as Marcão, stared at me with a mix of anger and suspicion. His eyes, full of latent hatred, seemed to pierce my soul. For a moment, I thought this situation could end very badly for me.
• "Do you swear?" Marcão said sarcastically, releasing my arm but maintaining his threatening presence. "Because if you're lying, believe me, I'll find out. And then there will be nowhere to hide."
• Fear consumed me. My mind struggled to find a solution, a way to escape this distressing situation. I had nothing to do with Bobby. But how could I prove that to Marcão?
• "Please, believe me, I really have nothing to do with Bobby. He asked me out, but I never accepted!" My voice grew firmer, attempting to convey conviction even amidst my fear.
• Marcão observed me for a few moments as if evaluating my sincerity. I hoped he would see the truth in my words. Gradually, I noticed a slight softening in his expression. He seemed to ponder for a moment before finally stepping away.
• “Alright, girl. I've got my eye on you. If I find out you're lying, you won't like the consequences.” He threatened before turning and leaving, leaving me with a mixture of relief and apprehension.
• Manuela rushed to me and hugged me, trembling. I could feel her agitated body against mine, both of us sharing the fear of what could have happened. I silently thanked her for defending me and speaking up for me in that terrifying moment.
• "You and Bobby...?"
• "No!" I protested vehemently. "He got fixated on me, and invited me to the movies, but I never accepted his advances."
• Manuela nodded, still looking very nervous. With my heart still racing, I looked around, searching for any sign of safety. The street seemed more dangerous and hostile than ever.
• "We better head to the bus stop now, before he changes his mind," Manu whispered, and I could sense the urgency in her words.
• We then walked quickly toward the bus stop, while my mind worked tirelessly to find a way out of that place. Something told me that from that moment on, due to a madness created only in Bobby's mind, my life was in danger.
• ********
• I worked that night with a bad feeling in my chest, constantly fearing that some lunatic would attack me. Not to mention the clients themselves, as there were always a few more spirited and bothersome. They seemed to be just one step away from grabbing me, as had happened the night before with Liam Ricci's friend.
• Damn it, I was trying hard not to think about that rude jerk, but my thoughts had a mind of their own and kept bringing his memory back, which was annoying. I just hoped that night would end soon. I didn't know if I could continue much longer with all that tension.
• After what happened at the Sussex Club the night before, I thought a thousand times about never going back to that place. I was tired of swallowing insults and dealing with drunk men's harassment. However, as I looked around the dreadful room where I was living, I reconsidered my decision and decided to continue. Now, I had a new incentive to work hard: I needed to leave the boarding house as soon as possible.
• I was working, completely engrossed in my task, when I saw Liam Ricci enter the club. Immediately, a sense of tension overcame me. I did not want to interact with him again, especially after everything that happened the night before.
• I decided to act quickly and approached my friend Manu. In a hushed tone, I informed her that I needed to use the restroom, thus managing to avoid being seen by Liam in time.
• In the bathroom, I took the opportunity to prolong my stay as much as possible, hoping that when I returned to the salon, Liam would no longer be among the customers. In the worst-case scenario, I hoped he would be in a part of the salon where I wouldn't have to serve him.
• However, as I returned to the salon, my heart sank when I noticed that he was sitting at the same table he occupied the previous night. This implied that I would have to attend to him once again, but a certain relief washed over me when I noticed that Liam already had a drink in front of him, indicating that he had already been served. I continued my rounds through the salon, trying to avoid any direct contact with him.
• However, my attempt to keep my distance was abruptly interrupted when I noticed that Liam was calling me. A mixture of irritation and curiosity washed over me as I made my way to the table of my arrogant former boss, maintaining my professional tone.
• "In what way can I assist you, sir?" I asked, while Liam gazed at me with an air of superiority, which only heightened my irritation. However, I couldn't show my emotions, so I waited with a false sense of tranquility.
• "I would like to have a conversation with you, Cecilia," he declared unexpectedly, sparking my curiosity about what the all-powerful Liam Ricci could want to discuss with me. Before we could delve further into the subject, I was called by some customers at the adjacent table.
• "I'm sorry, sir, but I can't converse during my working hours. Is there something specific you'd like to request?" I responded with utmost courtesy. My attitude visibly irritated him.
• "It's important, Cecilia," Liam insisted. "I just need a few minutes."
• Despite my considerable curiosity, I couldn't accept his offer.
• "I'm sorry, sir, but I'm busy right now. How about after my shift?" I suggested with a touch of irony. Liam simply nodded with an expression of displeasure, something understandable given that he was a man accustomed to having his desires fulfilled.
• "I'll be here, then, until the end of your shift."
• That caught me by surprise and left me incredulous, but I couldn't linger. I had customers to attend to, and it was my job. Liam continued to sip his drink and even ordered another, while I struggled to focus on my work, although I could feel his gaze on me throughout the night.