Chapter 29

Laura's POV

"It's not possible that I can't leave the city! I feel so trapped, my anxiety rising gradually. My aunt didn't understand when I said I'm leaving the city, and I mean now or never! I screamed in frustration, pulling my hair in anger."

"I stormed out of the house, feeling suffocated by the familiar walls that now seemed to be closing in on me. Valerie followed close behind, grasping my arm, a gentle resistance to my hasty departure. I turned to face her, my heart racing, tears already welling up in my eyes like an uncontrollable flood.

I felt so empty and weak, unable to even meet Valerie's gaze. 'Laura, come on, it's just a coincidence, my heart feels your pain too,' she said, her voice trembling as she tried to reassure me, her words offering a small respite from the anguish I felt. 'Stop crying and let's go back inside,' she added, her voice soft and comforting."

"There, I've been trying so hard to escape this school premises without anyone noticing," I said, my voice cracking with emotion. I leaned on Valerie's shoulders, letting my tears soak into her dress as my sobbing grew louder.

Valerie tried to comfort me, "Laura, can we go to a nearby restaurant to take your mind off things and ease the pain?" But I remained silent, still not ready to face the outside world, my tears and sobs the only response she got.

Valerie held me tightly, letting me cry out all the emotions that had been building up inside me. She didn't say a word, just stroked my hair and let me sob into her shoulder. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, my tears began to subside, and I pulled back, wiping my face with my sleeve.

"Sorry, Val," I said, my voice still shaking. "I don't know what's wrong with me."

Valerie handed me a tissue and guided me to a nearby bench. "You're just overwhelmed, that's all," she said gently. "You've been carrying this weight around for too long. It's time to let it go."

I took a deep breath and looked up at her. "You're right," I said, determination rising up inside me. "I need to get out of here, Val. I need to start fresh, but not in the same pack where people hurt and discomfort me.”

We stood outside the house for a few minutes, watching the cars drive by and the pedestrians walking by with purpose. I let out a mocking chuckle, my eyes fixed on a young woman whose legs were covered in dust. "Val, this lady's legs remind me of yours after a long day of classes," I teased, my heart racing with excitement. With a step backward, I suddenly turned and stormed into the compound, leaving Valerie looking puzzled and amused.

As I entered the house, I felt a sense of determination wash over me. I was ready to take control of my life and make a change. I couldn't bear the thought of staying in that suffocating environment any longer. I needed freedom.

I dressed up in my blue jean trousers and a white crop top, standing in front of the mirror, twirling and admiring my reflection. It was a profound sense of self-love that always made me happy. Just then, the door creaked open, and Valerie walked in, shaking her head like a lizard.

I turned to her, my gaze skeptical. "What's the problem, girlfriend?" I asked, my eyes rolling heavenward as I kept admiring myself in the mirror. "Well, the dress you're wearing, I would want to wear it," she said, her eyes fixed on my outfit, "and the shoes, too." She pointed at my feet, her childish attitude almost making me laugh out loud.

I playfully rolled my eyes and chuckled, "Valerie, you're always trying to steal my style!" I teased, smiling at her reflection in the mirror. She pouted, her lips jutting out in a mock sulk. "Hey, I have great taste, and I know a fabulous outfit when I see one!" she defended herself, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

I laughed and shook my head, "Well, I'm not giving up my outfit without a fight!" I joked, pretending to guard my clothes from her grasp. Valerie giggled and skipped over to me, throwing her arms around my waist. "Fine, fine, you win this time, fashionista!" she conceded, her voice muffled against my stomach.

As I stepped out of the house without a care, a sense of freedom caressed my mind, a stark contrast that made me consider staying in the pack, since Valerie has been feeling bad about the idea of leaving the pack. We had already boarded a cab to the restaurant, and the silence between us was palpable. Everyone was lost in their own world, scrolling mindlessly through their phones as if searching for something more interesting than the present moment.

The cab driver's voice broke the silence, "So, where are you ladies headed today?" Valerie and I exchanged a glance, and I spoke up, "Just a nearby restaurant. We need a change of scenery." The driver nodded, his eyes flicking between us in the rearview mirror. "Well, you've come to the right place. Their food is amazing!"

"Santiago Chile Chicken," I murmured softly, the name of the restaurant a comforting familiarity. It had been my go-to heaven, my favorite escape from the chaos of everyday life. "Valerie, sweetheart, let's go in," I said, as we stepped into the cozy establishment. The aroma of baked beans and savory sauce enveloped my nostrils, transporting me to a state of tranquility.

The warm lighting and rustic decor seemed to embrace us, immediately putting us at ease. We slid into a comfortable booth, and I felt my tense muscles relax. This was my happy place, where the world outside receded, and all that mattered was the present moment.

"We ordered baked beans, the main reason I'd followed Valerie to this cozy haven. But just as we were settling in, a familiar face caught my eye. Arla! My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met across the room. What was she doing here?