Chapter 14 Chapter 14
"Some dangers wear silk, some wear armor but they all demand respect."
Clara arrived at the nursing home with a mixture of anxiety and relief twisting in her chest. The moment she stepped into her father’s room, she saw him sitting up in bed, pale but alert. The surgery had been successful, and he was even attempting to stand with support for short periods.
“Clara…” his voice cracked with emotion, “why didn’t you come sooner?”
“I… I wanted to, Dad. I just… I needed to be sure I wouldn’t disturb you,” she said softly, stepping closer.
He gestured for her to come closer, and when she did, he reached out to grasp her hands in his frail ones. “You’re bruised,” he said, his gaze flicking to her arms and neck. “What happened?”
Clara’s throat tightened, and a quick lie came to her lips. “Oh, I fell while serving food at work. It’s nothing serious. My job… my employers are super nice, Dad. I promise I’m safe.”
He didn’t seem convinced. His eyes narrowed, the protective instinct he had for her unyielding even now. Clara felt a pang of guilt. Changing the topic, she tried to lighten the mood. “I heard you could stand, Dad. Can you show me?”
Excited, he nodded and slowly rose, gripping the chair for support. He stood tall for a brief moment, a proud smile on his face, before collapsing back into the chair. Clara clapped softly, praising him. “That was amazing, Dad. You’re doing so well.”
“Your praise means nothing if you don’t come see me often” he grumbled, though the twinkle in his eyes betrayed his concern.
They spoke for a while longer, reminiscing about smaller moments, sharing quiet laughter, and for a moment, the world outside seemed to fade away.
After leaving the nursing home, Clara met Trinity in the parking area. Trinity was leaning casually against her car, smirking as she caught sight of Clara. “You look like you just ran a marathon emotionally,” she teased.
“Don’t start,” Clara muttered, adjusting the strap of her bag.
On their way out, Clara bumped into Jason. He leaned against a column with that same sly grin he always wore, his eyes flicking over her like a predator sizing up prey. “Well, well. Hitting the jackpot today, aren’t we? Not showing that pretty face of yours at my institution,” he teased.
Clara rolled her eyes. “Stay away from me. I’ve already cleared the money I owed you.”
Jason laughed lowly, taking a step closer. “I’ll try my best.” He paused, then leaned closer to whisper, “I miss seeing you beg on your knees in my office. You know, there are other… great things you could do while you’re on your knees.”
Clara shivered, her stomach twisting. “Keep your breath to yourself. Smells like you’ve been chain-smoking the whole day,” she snapped, shoving past him.
Something fell from her bag. Jason bent down, picking it up with a sinister smile. Clara’s stomach sank when she saw it was her working card at the penitentiary. He held it up, examining it with a glint in his eye that made her skin crawl.
“Careful,” he said softly, almost a hiss, “this could get you into trouble.”
They stepped away quickly, Trinity muttering under her breath. “I can’t believe he’s still a nightmare in broad daylight.”
The next morning, the girls decided to treat themselves. Shopping seemed like a safe, ordinary activity, a brief reprieve from the chaos of their lives. Clara couldn’t remember the last time she’d been in a mall just to enjoy herself without looking over her shoulder or shuddering from price tags.
They wandered through racks of clothes, tried on shoes, and sampled snacks at the food court. Trinity picked up a sparkling clutch, spinning it around in her hands. “We deserve this,” she said. “After everything, we’re allowed to feel like… normal people for a day.”
Clara smiled faintly but her mind drifted. Even in this carefree moment, a part of her was always calculating, always aware of danger. She shook the thought away and focused on picking a simple leather handbag, sleek and practical. Just as she reached for it, a sharp voice cut through the air.
“That bag? Really?”
Clara froze, turning slowly. Rihana Brattfield stood before her, perfectly dressed in designer clothes, hair immaculate, and a look of disdain painted across her face. “Give it to someone who can actually afford it. That bag isn’t designed for… wanderers,” she said, her tone dripping with superiority.
Trinity’s protective instincts flared immediately. “Excuse me? You can’t talk to her like that,” she snapped, stepping in front of Clara. “Bimbo wannabe. And by the way, your nose? Fat. Definitely needs plastic surgery, considering you just love giving unsolicited advice.”
Rihana’s eyes narrowed, lips curling into a haughty smile. “Oh, really?” she replied, clearly amused.
Trinity leaned in closer, lowering her voice but keeping her edge sharp. “Not just that. You look more like the wanderer than we do..”
Clara tried to stifle a laugh, partly because she couldn’t help herself and partly because the absurdity of Trinity’s audacity was oddly satisfying.
Rihana, however, did not look amused. She opened her mouth to reply, but Trinity crossed her arms, daring her to speak.
Clara, meanwhile, kept a cautious eye on the princess, noting the way she shifted her weight, ready to pounce with words or perhaps something more. The mall felt suddenly smaller, the crowd around them a blur. Clara’s heart raced, a mix of thrill and unease bubbling inside her.
Trinity, sensing Clara’s tension, whispered, “Relax. She’s all talk. We’ve survived trays and bulking con men.”
Clara nodded, but her eyes lingered on Rihana’s carefully composed face. The girl may look delicate, but Clara knew better than to underestimate people who wore beauty like armor
The encounter ended with Rihana stepping back, clearly holding her tongue for now, though her glare promised the feud was far from over. Trinity exhaled loudly, a victorious smirk spreading across her face. “That’s how you handle a wannabe bimbo,” she said.
Clara shook her head, trying to suppress a laugh, though inside, part of her still felt wary. She glanced down at her handbag, securing it tightly. Today was supposed to be about freedom, fun, and escaping danger, even if just for a few hours.