I felt the car stop in front of my apartment and i clutched my purse.
"Its okay here" I said and held the door handle. "Thank you for helping me back there" I said as i opened the door and got out.
I watched him drive away before i got in.
********
The next day at work i told Kelly everything and her reaction was as dramatic as i had expected.
I was equally happy my relationship with her had developed and i felt more comfortable sharing certain.
Maybe. Just maybe i could trust her. She seemed like a nice person. But i was still afraid she could turn out to be like Anna so i decided to remain on my guards.
"So you mean that guy is Tristan Sanchester" Kelly said after hearing the whole story.
"I knew i had seen that face of his somewhere, but i had my doubts." she continued.
"At least you're done with those freaks that's what matters most now"she added and i nodded
"That was really the most important thing. "I said.
We closed earlier that and we all went out for a stroll.
"How's your night Alicia, heard you went out for an occasion" Andrew said draping his arm over Kelly's shoulder as she shrugged him away and he pouted.
"It was great, " I said not really wanting to extend the conversation as we walked.
Soon everyone went home and i and Kelly were left in the park.
"What were you studying in college" she asked out of a sudden.
"I started with medicine but originally i wanted to do computer engineering. What about you?" I answered
"I started designing but then i lost my parents and things became hard for grandma and i so just gave it up." She said
"I am so sorry" I said pulling her in for a hug as i noticed her tear up. I had never seen that side of her and seems like i was still blind to notice people's real emotions.
After some time, she was okay and decided to narrate the story to me.
We spoke for quiet some time before we noticed the park was getting empty.
"We should be going back" she suggested and i agreed.
"I have been thinking of this" I started and she nodded like asking me to continue."What's up with you and Andrew?"
She laughed at my question and i would have felt stupid for asking such a question if i hadn't noticed the tense atmosphere around them at times.
"There's nothing Alice, we're just good friends, nothing else" she responded and i just nodded. I couldn't blame her for keeping stuffs because i felt like i held as much and maybe even more to myself.
We had already walked half the way to my apartment when my phone rang. I took it out of my pocket and checked the caller id. It was dad.
"Alicia, there's a meeting in the family house tomorrow at noon. Make sure to be there" he said before dropping the call.
Very polite.
I turned to look at a curious looking Kelly. Like, i too would have been surprised about such a short call with one speaker.
"It's my dad about some meeting tomorrow at noon. Am definitely not interested." I said and she chuckled.
"I think you should go. I'll fill up for you at the cafe" she said and i shook my head in denial.
"I'm not going" I said stubbornly and she nudged me in the elbow. "It may be something important. Not like i am happy about you going there but i have a feeling you should go." she said
"Well, i'll think about it" I said as we reached my apartment.
"Have a good night Kelly." I added
"Good night"
Were our last words before we parted ways. I didn't want to meet those people again.
***************
The next day.
"So, you going" Kelly said on the phone
"Yes. I'll stay thirty minutes there, they better be fast" I grumbled and heard her chuckle
"Boss lady, take your time okay?It's going to be alright" she said and i smiled at her words.
"I know, it's not some important job interview at an important company. i said.
"Just get ready and don't be late. Will call you later" she said before dropping the call.
When i was done getting ready, i took a cab to the family house.
I met mom at the door.
"Well, glad you came" she said as i stopped before her.
"You're dad doesn't even want to see you after what you did the last time. He wants you to stay away from this house and anything else belonging to him. He has cut off all ties with you and will stop supporting you financially. He will no longer be in charge of the apartment you live in and....." i cut her off.
"I get it. I'll be leaving. I know you all have been praying so hard to get rid of me but you know what? I too am sick of you guys and i'm leaving." i said before leaving.
That was the last time i was seeing them and i was so relieved.