Chapter Thirteen

Antonia's Pov

"Stop staring at me like that, Kendra. You're making me very uncomfortable," I pointed out in discomfort after noticing that Kendra wouldn't stop staring at me.

I arrived at her place about half an hour ago, and even though I still haven't told her the main reason for my being here, she seemed to have already figured out that I had something to say and was struggling to say it.

"Well, I wouldn't actually be staring at you like this if you just spoke up and told me what exactly it is that is bothering you," she retorted. "The fact that you're at my place without letting me know prior and have barely said anything since you got here is more than enough reason for me to be concerned, Tonia. So do me a favor and talk to me already."

I let out a tired sigh, struggling to let out my request since I knew there was a chance that I could end up putting her in a difficult position. But regardless, I needed to ask for her help since she was the only family I could turn to.

"Listen, Kenny, I know what I'm about to ask might sound very strange, but is there a chance that I can stay here with you for a few days?" I asked nervously.

She stared back at me with a confused look on her face, and even without her saying it, I could already tell what her next question would be.

"Why would you want to suddenly stay at my place, Tonia? What's going on?" she asked, blurting out the exact question I didn't want to answer.

The reason I wanted to stay at her place was because I no longer felt safe at mine, but the last thing I wanted to do was concern Kendra by letting her know that there was a possibility someone was stalking me.

I also knew that it would be difficult for her to accept my request, especially since she lived with her child and her husband, and Mark, her husband, didn't exactly like me enough to open the doors of his house to me.

"Like I said, I know it is a strange request to ask of you, and you have every reason to want to know why, but for the time being, I can't tell you why, Kenny. I just need a place to stay for about a week, and as soon as a week is up, I'll be out of your hair," I responded, hoping she would just not ask anymore questions.

With her eyes still fixed on mine, Kendra folded her arms across her chest before getting up from where she was seated beside me and pacing back and forth for a bit.

Turning to me, she responded. "Listen, Tonia, it's not like I don't want to let you into my house or anything, but you need to give me a reason so that I can have an explanation to give Mark. You and I know how he gets sometimes, and I wouldn't want a situation where I'd agree to let you in, and then you and Mark get into a fight because he wasn't informed prior."

I sighed, knowing very well that there was no hope for me to stay here. Before I decided to ask Kendra, I already thought of going to a hotel since my place didn't feel safe, but ever since I got into a public relationship with Gabriel, I have had reporters secretly follow me around, and the last thing I wanted was for them to start speculating on why I chose to leave my place for a hotel.

"I can understand you, Kenny, but nevermind. I'll figure something out," I said to her.

She was clearly not pleased with my response, and I could tell that she was upset from her tone. "Are you really going to be like this, Tonia? What's going on with you, and why aren't you telling me? Did something happen? Is there some kind of problem with your apartment, or are you running out of money to pay rent?" she asked.

"Of course not, Kendra. My apartment is just fine, and there's absolutely nothing for you to worry about. I just wanted to know if I could stay here for a few days, but I understand that Mark might not like the idea, so I'm just going to find an alternative so you don't have to deal with Mark and I going off at each other," I replied, letting her know that I understood.

"But you still haven't told me what exactly is going on with you, Tonia. First, you show up at my place unannounced, which we both know is very unlike you; then you mention wanting to stay with me for a week, which is also very unlike you since you would never want to be in the same space with Mark for more than five minutes; and now, you're acting very suspiciously, and that is making me worried," she pointed out, and I sighed again for the umpteenth time.

Just as I was about to respond to her, my phone started to ring, and I felt relieved in that moment, especially when I saw that it was Gabriel calling.

"I need to answer this, Kenny." I said, happy that I had found a way to avoid answering her question.

"Hello," I said as soon as I picked up.

"I'm downstairs," Gabriel announced, and I was even more relieved.

"Alright, I'll see you in a minute," I responded before hanging up.

By the time I hung up, I noticed Kendra was still staring at me with a displeased look on her face, and I managed to force a smile to appease her.

"I know you probably have a lot of questions to ask me right now, Kenny, but Gabriel is downstairs waiting for me, so I need to leave. But I promise I'm going to explain all of this when everything is settled and my thoughts are no longer all over the place," I said to assure her.

But she was clearly not satisfied. "Not a chance, Antonia. You're going to explain everything to me as soon as your date with that guy is over because I deserve to know what is going on with you and why your thoughts are all over the place," she retorted.

"I promise I'll tell you soon, Kendra. I'm not saying I'm going to tell you later today or anytime soon, but I will explain this to you one of these days. I just need to sort it out first, so please understand and don't be upset with me. I love you," I responded.

I knew she was going to try to keep trying to pressure me to talk to her if I stayed any longer, so instead of waiting to hear her response, I quickly made my way out of her apartment, telling her repeatedly that she had nothing to worry about.

As soon as I was out, I made my way downstairs and immediately recognized Gabriel's car. I walked up to the car, knocking gently on the backseat window since I expected Gabriel to be seated there, but surprisingly, the passenger seat window was rolled down, and Gabriel was the one driving.

"Come in," he gestured, and I did as he asked, entering the front seat while mentally preparing myself for another evening of faking a smile and acting like I was hopelessly in love with the man beside me.

"Is everything okay with you, Antonia?" he asked me as soon as I settled inside the car.

"Yes, of course. Why do you ask? Do I look like something is wrong with me?" I questioned, wondering if I looked bothered or something.

"Don't lie to me, Antonia. I know you and I are not in a real relationship, and I might not have the right to ask you these questions, but if there's something bothering you, you're very much allowed to share it with me, Tonia. I'm always here to help," he replied, and my confusion deepened.

"And what makes you so sure that there's something wrong with me, Gabriel? I already said that I'm fine, so there's no need for you to offer help when I didn't mention needing it," I retorted, not liking how sure he sounded.

I expected that he was going to drop the subject and start driving, but instead, he turned away from the steering wheel completely and focused his attention on me.

"What?" I asked, feeling uncomfortable under his intense gaze.

He sighed before responding. "Is someone stalking you, Antonia?" he asked all of a sudden, and I froze, struggling to understand how he was aware of this.