SUSPICIOUS WOMAN

I peek at the peaceful faces of my three friends sleeping, and all I can feel is covetousness. I envy how life is just sweet and peaceful for them. They might be struggling with one or two things, but nothing is correlated to this grief I am nursing. All the same, I am indebted to them for being by my side all through my lowest moment—the time that the day turned into night, the darkness dimming the light.


I imprint my feet on the scantily frigid floor and stroll to the window, pull the curtains aside, and try to savor the serene, warm breeze of the summer. I cast my eyes around the blooming, humongous yard, cruising in its beauty for a moment. The tranquility brought about by the outside breeze is terrifically magical, and the picturesque flowers are irresistibly scenic to my eyes, which contradicts my predominant condition.

Nothing has been the same since I returned here. It's been one nightmare after another, and the last one, the demise of my father, left me shattered, confused, and desolate even in the company of my friends. Damian has played a meritoriously applaudable role in ensuring that I am never alone, and my good friends have followed his orders to the letter. However, peace is something that has lost meaning to me a long time ago.

The witches ensured to wreck my peace and freedom. I can't remember the last time I ate food downstairs because I evaded them like the plaque to thwart discord and unwarranted endless barkings. I stay here in my room, and my nanny Aisha has been kind enough to bring all our meals upstairs and everything else I need. But for how long can I bear being a prisoner in my home? How long does it take to grieve, because I feel like this pain will sting forever?


Somewhere in the middle of the yard, I spot the senior witch muttering something on her phone. This has become so dubious. She doesn't know, but I watch her from this room, and I can't reckon how many times I have seen her make these weird calls. That spot has become her favorite, and she makes these bizarre calls when no one is around. Again, I ask myself, What is their game? But yet again, I just can't wrap my finger around it, but I will.

She finishes her business and dashes in the direction of the castle entrance while I stroll back to bed, where my friends are dumbfoundedly staring at me. I didn't notice them waking up.


"Sorry if I woke you guys up," I apologize, and I recline on my bed.

"You saw her again?" Grace asks, referring to that witch.

"Yeah." I respond flatly.

"Do you still think she is up to something? Maybe it really is nothing. I mean, she hasn't made any moves yet." Rose says.

"Not yet, Rose, but my skepticism tells me that she is up to something shady. Why make all those calls in hiding if she is not concealing anything? And that's not all. A lot of things, especially from the day my father fell ill, aren't adding up." I respond.

"Well then, Ellie? Are you going to wait until she strikes? That's risky because you have no idea where exactly she will hit." Sherry says.

"I think it's time." I mumble, alarming them all.

"T.i.m.e. for what?" Grace speaks.

"To find out what she is up to. I hired a private detective when I returned from Mombasa to look into her records. Unfortunately, things happened so fast that I haven't had time to do a follow-up. But it's time now!" I explain.

I don't know how long it takes to bemoan, particularly in my case. I also don't know if I will ever recoup from this great loss, but I know that the time for slumber is up. I gotta do something, or else these witches will crash me like a vagabond. I have to fight for and protect what is left of my family—the Riccaford legacy!

"Wow! That was a nice move, but you have to be extremely careful. Gracia doesn't seem like someone who would take any fight seated down and with folded arms." Rose says.

"I will be, but before anything, I need you guys to get out of here," I say.

"What?" They all ask together, and I understand the confusion, but this is for the best.

I can't get them tangled in this web because I know it's going to be a formidable road. Something tells me that this is deep, and I don't want to drown anyone. No one!

"You don't expect us to leave you all alone here, Ellie, because I won't!" Grace speaks.

"Listen, guys. I am not tossing you aside. I will need your help, but you can't help me when you are in here. It's too dangerous for us to stick together like this." I explain.

"But, Ellie, come on! It's more dangerous if you remain here all alone." Sherry emphasizes.

"I am not alone. Have you guys forgotten that I have a batallion of personal security guards right outside this door?"

"Yes, all thanks to Damian, and you know he too won't consent to this insanity you are formulating, Ellie! Come on! The guy is moving heaven and earth to keep you safe, and you still want to expose yourself to more danger? He will be pissed off!" Grace states.

I know. I get it! She is right. But Damian will also understand that this is for their own safety.

"I will handle Damian, and guys? I won't go running into danger! I will be careful!"

"What if..."

"No what ifs, Sherry! This is the right thing to do. And Grace, I think the shop needs you now. You've been gone for too long." I state.

"I know we can't change your mind, but please promise me that nothing bad will happen to you and that you will make all your plans known to Damian. He is the only one who can protect you, Ellie." Grace says.