I put my hand on the doorknob of the bedroom door, but suddenly, I find the apartment strangely quiet. I mean, it would be normal since I live alone, but that’s not what I’m talkingabout. It’s as if someone’s hit the pause button and the night’s frozen.
Then, a shiver runs down my spine when I feel a presence behind me. Before I can turn around or hear any sound, my stomach churns because I know whoever is here is not a friend. I try to remember what my mother taught me when I was little—that no matter how scared I was, I should keep my mind clear enough to escape an attacker.
We’ve always lived in dangerous neighborhoods, so Mom prepared me to get out of risky situations, like someone trying to force me into a car.
Come on, Olívia, think.
I take a few breaths, trying to recall the tips Mom gave me.
Don’t annoy the aggressor, but also don’t show fear. Run and scream as loud as you can if possible.
Just as I’m almost convincing myself that I can handle the situation, I hear footsteps and know the person is closer now.
Before turning around, I unlock my phone, which thankfully I always carry in my hand, and press the quick call button for Guillermo. Then I toss it onto the couch. Whatever is about to happen, he’ll hear it and I’m sure he’ll come as quickly as possible.
“I took my time, but I finally found you alone.”
Kathleen.
The advantage of being small is that I’m also quick, and in an instant, I’m almost at the window, facing her.
My disadvantage? I’m still as clumsy as ever, and the speed of my movements causes me to knock over two picture frames and trip over the ottoman, and to try to stay upright, I almost rip the curtain while grabbing it.
“Kathleen, what are you doing here?” I know it’s not for any good reason, but I’m trying to get Guillermo’s attention in case he’s listening. He’ll know for sure I’m in danger.
I look at the crazy woman. She’s fully embraced the role of an intruder. Dressed in black with her hair tied back in a ponytail, she looks ordinary, like people we bump into daily on the streets, and no longer the powerful queen who paraded around the hotel as if the world should pay her homage. I mean, she’d be almost normal if it weren’t for the crazy look in her eyes.
“It’s time for us to have a talk.” She smiles. “I’ll get you out of the way of my man once and for all.”
“Does Guillermo know you’re here to see me, then?” I pretend to buy into her madness.
“No. He’s confused by all the lies you’ve told about me, but once you’re out of the picture, everything will go back to how it was before.”
I don’t need to be a genius to understand what “out of the picture” means. “You’re right; I shouldn’t have interfered in your relationship,” I say, hoping to be a good enough actress to buy some time.
The woman tilts her head as if evaluating what I said, but before she can reply, a sound behind her catches my attention.
A quick glance that way reveals a girl almost as short as me, whom I’ve seen in photographs, and I know I’m finally about to meet Martina.
She couldn’t have chosen a worse time to come home.
Despite that, my heart calms down a bit. Even though the deranged woman is much larger than either of us, we now have the numerical advantage.
“What are you doing here, you witch? My brother will skin you alive if he finds out you came near Olívia.”
No, Martina. Wrong thing to say. Terrible time for the fiery Caldwell-Oviedo blood to surface.
Surprisingly, Kathleen turns to her, appearing calm, as if she isn’t invading our home. “Martina, you’re finally back! I’m sorry about the end of your engagement. I know it’s over, even if for the press, you pretend it’s not. I heard a voice message you left for your brother telling him everything.”
Yep, she’s crazy, alright.
My sister-in-law doesn’t pay attention to the lunatic’s attempt at casual conversation. “Get out of our house immediately, or your situation will get even worse.”
God, she definitely needs to learn to control that hellish temper of hers! This would be the moment to try to deceive Kathleen.
“Don’t be rude to our guest, Martina. Kathleen came for a visit.”
The woman seems confused after what I say and looks between me and Martina, finally deciding to honor me with her choice. But now, as she walks closer, I know she’s determined to hurt me. There’s something in her hand, and I’m not sure if it’s a knife or a small metal bar.
