Chapter 32 She Called Back
After practice with Carlos, he stepped into the study room to make an important call. A part of me wanted to snoop on him and find out what his so-called important call is about but another part of me was scared to even come close to him. I know Carlos and I know what he’s capable of doing. I can’t afford to upset him right now, especially since i want him to teach me more about defense.
I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that he’s the one teaching me how to defend myself. He gave me his reasons, sure—but something about it doesn’t sit right. Maybe he’s telling the truth about the attack. Or maybe he just thinks that even if I learn how to defend myself, I’ll never really be able to protect myself from him. Either way, it doesn’t matter because I’ll do whatever it takes to get out of here before it’s too late.
I stepped back into the house and headed straight for the library. With Carlos home, the usual shadow of a bodyguard watching my every move was gone. For once, I was alone.
I started reading a new book, I was completely dwelled on it until the landline started to ring. Startled, I quickly turned my attention to the landline, I waited for a moment, wondering if Carlos would come answer it or anyone would come answer it but nothing.
The moment the call ended, it only took a few seconds before the landline started ringing again, loud and urgent, filling the room with its sharp buzz. I hesitated. I knew Carlos would be furious if he found out I answered it, but the ringing wouldn’t stop. It clawed at my nerves until I finally gave in.
"Hello?" I said, my voice low and cautious.
I was consumed with silence, the only sound I heard was of someone breathing on the other end.
"Hello?" I repeated, slightly louder this time.
Still nothing.
Just as I was about to hang up, a voice, soft, familiar, and impossible to forget, broke through the silence.
"Nala."
My heart leapt. "Fiona," I breathed, joy and disbelief crashing into me at once. She didn’t say anything else, so I asked, almost pleading, "It’s Fiona, right?"
"Yes, yes. It’s Fiona." She replied almost immediately
"Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I’m actually talking to you. I’ve missed you so much," I said, my voice trembling with emotion.
"I miss you too. I’ve been trying to reach you for days, but every time I call, something goes wrong. Either the call gets tracked or it just doesn’t go through." Her voice was frantic, laced with worry. "I’m just so happy I finally got through to you."
"Me too. And I’m really sorry Carlos didn’t let you in the other day," I said softly.
"It’s okay. I’m just glad you’re safe." Her voice dropped a little, then she asked, "You are safe… right?"
"Yes, I’m safe." I lied.
I couldn’t tell her the truth. It was bad enough that she was already worried because of her instincts. She didn’t need to know what was really going on here
Her voice dropped as she let out a heavy sigh. "I may not be your real mother, She I raised you. I know when you’re lying," she said, her voice cracking with emotion. "I know I don’t have the power to do much right now, but I know someone who does. And I swear, I’ll do whatever it takes to get you out of Carlos’s chamber."
I was about to respond when a sound echoed from the hallway. I froze, my heart started pounding, and suddenly I was reminded of how risky this call was.
"Fiona, I know you’re worried about me, but we can’t talk right now."
"I know it’s risky but don’t worry, he can’t track this call." She said
"No, it’s not just that…. Carlos is dangerous, if he finds me talking on the landline, he’s not gonna spare me."
"Yes, but he’s not gonna harm you either…. at least not yet."
"What?" I questioned, confused "Wa… what do you mean?"
She hesitated for a moment before saying "Carlos isn’t who you think he is Nala. He didn’t trap you there because he likes you or because he wants a mafia queen, he trapped you here because of his selfish reasons. I don’t know exactly what those are yet but I’ll find out soon. I’m not gonna let him hurt you."
"Okay," I whispered
"Just trust me okay," She said, her voice desperate "I won’t let him get away with this. I will find a way to get you out of the house for good but you really have to trust me on this. You’re gonna have to do whatever I say, okay?"
"Okay, I trust you," I said.
"Thank you."
"But I have to ask, did you know him before this whole thing happened?"
"Who are you talking about?" She asked
"Carlos."
She suddenly went silent, for a second quietness settled both of us before she said "I did. And he knows me just as much but I don’t have time to explain everything. All I need you to know is that he’s dangerous and completely not trustworthy. No matter what he says or what he does, you can’t trust him."
"Okay," I replied, my voice quiet.
Before Fiona could say anything else, the door opened and I quickly put the phone down right on time.
Sophia walked in and I sighed heavily.
"What’s going on? You look like you’ve seen a ghost." She said
"I thought it was Carlos."
"He’s still on a call. What’s up?"
"Nothing, I’m just reading a book." I said, "I’ll be right back." I quickly walked to the bathroom to clear my head.
Pouring water on my face, I looked at my reflection in the mirror wondering if Fiona can actually help me out of here.
Everything just seems so overwhelming. Last month I was happy with my family and now, I don’t know who my real family is and I’m stuck here with a man who is the most dangerous person I’ve ever met.
I really can’t wait to get this over with. I can’t imagine staying here one more day with this fear pressing down on me, suffocating every part of my hope.