Chapter 51

Laura POV
"The rain poured down, and a strong gust of wind blew my umbrella to the side, sending dust and debris from the coast swirling around me, creating a chaotic moment. I tightened my grip on the umbrella, settling my gaze forward with a determined mind, and focused on reaching my aunt's apartment, which was miles away from my house and a long walk from the mall. Aaahh, I groaned in frustration, clenching my fist tightly around the umbrella handle."

"As I struggled to control my umbrella, I quickened my pace, my eyes fixed on the apartment building in the distance. The wind howled and the rain lashed down, threatening to engulf me at any moment. Despite the turmoil, the road remained eerily calm, with only a few people brave enough to venture out, huddled under their umbrellas and wrapped in raincoats."

"My legs moved urgently, battling against the elements, determined to reach my destination, when a black Range Rover sports car sped by, splashing me with water. "What the...!" I exclaimed hoarsely, dusting off my coat hastily. The car's headlights flickered on, and it screeched to a halt, reversing with a jolt, the tires squealing in protest as they bit into the wet pavement."

"Who's that? And why's the car reversing?" I thought to myself, my mind racing with anticipation and fear as I stood frozen, the car screeching to a halt just inches from my knees. The driver's door swung open, and Clara emerged, her face pale and furious, her black shades and black outfit sending a shiver down my spine.

"Luara, the belittler," Clara muttered, slamming the door behind her. I stumbled backward, still clinging to my umbrella, my mind racing with questions. What did she want from me? Why was she here? I took another step backward, my eyes fixed on her approach, despite the rain pouring down on us. She chuckled loudly, the sound sending shivers down my spine, her eyes gleaming with sinister intent.

"What do you want, Clara?" I asked my voice barely above a whisper, my fear and vulnerability evident in my tone. I had never felt so small and powerless before. “Nothing, just passing, and I would love to give you a lift to your house.”

"I don't need your help," I said firmly, trying to shake off her grip. But Clara's hand grasped my shoulder, pulling me back to her. "Wow, is stubbornness necessary?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light despite the tension. "I'm not hitting or hurting you, Laura. What's going on?" She asked, but Clara's expression was unreadable, her voice shaky as she spoke.

"Anyway, Frank and I are inviting you to our wedding grand ceremony." The words hung in the air like a challenge, and I nodded curtly, my mind racing with questions. Why were they inviting me? What did they want from me? Okay, but I can't attend your wedding.

"Laura, I've got important things to figure out, so bye!" I said, wiggling my fingers in a dismissive gesture as I turned to leave. But Clara's outstretched heel caught my ankle, sending me tumbling to the ground.

I landed hard on the littered floor, the wetness of the raindrops soaking through my coat, mingling with the dirt and grime of the pavement. I groaned, rubbing my sore head, as Clara's laughter echoed through the night, a cold, mirthless sound that sent shivers down my spine.

I glared up at Clara, her eyes gleaming with a triumphant smile. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?" I spat, my anger and frustration boiling over.

"No, I'm not happy, Clara," she said, her voice low and even. "You're a freaky creep. Come on, crawl to my feet, lick the dirt, and I promise the torment of today will never repeat itself." She sneered, squatting down to my level, her voice dripping with malice.

But instead of cowering, I stood my ground. "Fit your ass into the gutter of the street," I spat, my anger boiling over. I pushed her to the ground, my hands shoving hard against her shoulders.

Clara's eyes flashed with anger as she scrambled to her feet, her face twisted in a snarl. "You'll regret that, Laura," she hissed, her voice low and venomous. "You'll regret ever crossing me."

I stood my ground, my heart pounding in my chest. "I'm not afraid of you, Clara," I lied, trying to keep my voice steady.

A figure emerged from the car, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Someone is trying to act brave here, Laura Stevenson." My eyes went wide with shock, bulging out of their sockets as I stared in disbelief.

"Nora? What the heck are you doing here?" I couldn't help but feel a surge of insecurity as I watched Clara get up from the floor, brushing off her dirt-stained body. Her eyes locked onto mine, a cold, calculating glint in their depths. I knew I was in trouble.

"Nora, what are you doing here?" I asked again, my voice shaking slightly. Nora's expression was unreadable as she replied, "That's none of your business, Laura." She leaned against the car, her movements slow and deliberate, flipping her hair with a practiced hand.

Her legs were crossed, and her eyes fixed on me with a cold, calculating gaze that made my heart race with fear. I clutched my handbag tightly to my armpit, my fingers trembling as I struggled to find my voice.

"You're shaking, Laura," Nora said, her voice dripping with amusement. "What are you afraid of? Clara here, or something else?"

I tried to steady my hands, but they refused to obey. "I'm not afraid of anything," I lied, my voice barely above a whisper.

Clara snorted, her eyes gleaming with malice. "Oh, come on. You're terrified. And you should be. You're in over your head, and you don't even know it."

I tried to lose them in the darkness, my feet pounding the pavement as I walked away as fast as I could. But Clara and Nora kept following me, their footsteps echoing mine down my street. Our pace was quick and urgent, my mind screaming for help, but the road was eerily quiet. No cars drove by, and no pedestrians passed us. We were alone.

I made a swift turn onto my street, but before I could take another step, something hard crashed down on my head. My eyes blurred as I fell to the ground, everything going dark.