Laura's POV

Approaching Sophie's compound, I saw someone lurking in the shadows. A man, 6ft tall, with broad shoulders wearing a black hood. I couldn't see his face as it was dawn. I tried to figure out what he was up to but before I get close, he took off disappearing into the dawn. My heartbeat swung faster than a pendulum swinging on a wall clock. Everywhere was still, except for the sound of the birds chirping in the air. What if he comes back to attack me? I can't let fear becloud me. Instead I should tell Sophie.
As my hand reached the door knob, it opened from the inside, Sophie was stepped out,dressed and ready for work.

"Hi, So...phie" I couldn't help but stammer as her face shocked me.

Pale and swollen, like someone who cried through the night. Had she been married, I would say maybe she had lovers quarrel. Chills ran down my spine. Was it the morning cold? I doubt.
As we walked down, I tried to make sense of what happened. Could she have had issues with someone?
Her eyes looked sunken, and her usual bright smile was nowhere to be found.

"Is there anything?," she asked curtly, without even a hint of warmth.

I noticed she must have read my silence.

"No, how is your mom?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Fine" she replied.

"And everything is okay?" I pressed

Sophie scoffed, her eyes avoided mine.

"Yes. everything is fine".

But I could sense her lies. I knew she was hiding something, but I didn't push further. Instead, I changed the subject.

"Ah, I ran into Christabel and Miranda the other day, remember them?" I asked.

She let out a heavy breath.

"Sure. Think few months ago, I also ran into Christabel in a grocery store" she replied

"Oh, I see. So you guys must've been catching up about latest happenings at Wilcox " I said

"Not at all. We barely had time for a chat " she replied

"Ah, Okay. Well we had the opportunity to chat. And they really enlightened me " I said

"Really?" she asked

"Yes" I replied

"Do you know Mr Bankz? Heard he's been arrested. Can't really figure out his face. Do I know him?" I enquired.

"No, he came in after you've left. What happened to him?" she asked.

"Ah, heard he was arrested for sexual assault". I said

Sophie halted her step, as if what I said striked a cord. Her face turned sore.

"What's it?" I asked

"Nothing"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I won't lie to you " she said with a weak smile.

"Are you sick?" I asked

"No, is there a problem?" she asked.

"No, just that your face looks pale,
like you skipped sleep ".

"You're right, I skipped sleep because I was on call through the night ". She said

"On call?! With your new boyfriend?" I said happily.

I know since Sophie broke up with her ex, she hasn't considered dating again. I wouldn't be more happy if she has decided to try again.

She chuckled " you never cease to amaze me. Not a man, a woman" she said.

"A woman?" I shouted

"Yes, my colleague at work. She needed some help over an issue."

"Oh, I see. Hope you were able to help?"

"Sure"

My gut kept insisting that something was wrong somewhere, but I couldn't press further. We walked in silence for a bit, our footsteps echoing on the pavement.

"Ah, is there any tech shop around here?"

"Yes, there's one after the bus stop. Do you want to buy a gadget?"

"No,no...I want to track my cellphone. lost it on my way back "

"I'm sorry about that. So you've come to stay right?"

"Of course, I'm back to stay... which means I'll get to be seeing you steady. " I smiled.

I contemplated telling her about the mysterious person I saw outside her house. But I didn't want to add more thoughts to what's already going on in her mind. Soon we got to the bus stop.

"Alright, I guess we'll part ways here. I didn't want to leave you. But I need to check out the tech shop, then meet my realtor and you've got a job to go to" I said sadly.

"I understand. Don't worry we'll get enough time to chat later "
We hugged each other.

"It will be fine " I whispered over her shoulder.

I watched her board a taxi and left. Then I headed towards the tech shop. I hope they could really help.

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