Chapter 18: Chapter 18

Throughout the entire way back home, I couldn't stop thinking about what had happened. Madelyn had threatened me over something so trivial. How could someone threaten another person just because of their obsessive passion? That person must be sick.

When the taxi stops in front of Joshua's apartment, I get out of the car. Apparently, my boss wouldn't be coming home tonight, as I haven't seen him since the call he received.

As I reach the upper floor of the building and enter Joshua's apartment, I see that Mrs. Taylor is not around. So, I decide to make a herbal tea to help me relax a little, as my mind is in turmoil.

I leave my things on the kitchen counter and approach the stove to heat the little water I had just taken from the tap.

"Alice," I hear Mrs. Taylor calling me. I turn to look at her in the living room. "I'm leaving. Mr. Scott said he won't be coming home tonight. Something unexpected came up, and he asked me to let you know."

I nod and watch her adjust her purse on her shoulder before leaving the apartment.

As I had deduced, Mr. Scott won't be coming home.

I look back at the boiling water for my tea.

I hear my phone vibrating in one of my purse pockets. I turn to the counter and pick up my phone in my hands, seeing a video call request on the screen. It was my mother. She called me after many days. I didn't hesitate to accept. I really needed to talk to her, in fact, I needed someone to talk to, since the person I usually confide in is Betty.

"Mom!" A huge enthusiastic smile automatically takes over my lips. "I miss you so much!"

I settle into the kitchen stool, resting my elbows on the counter.

"I miss you too, dear! I was afraid I wouldn't be able to talk to you now."

"It's okay, I would have answered anyway." I assure her. "Mom, so many things happened during these days we didn't talk. I ended up leaving Los Angeles and coming to London to work at a cosmetics company. And for now, I'm living with Mr. Scott's son. But soon I will be looking for an apartment to live in, I'm just waiting to receive my first salary."

"I'm so happy for you to have a better opportunity." She says and opens a weak smile.

"Is everything okay?"

A brief silence threatened our conversation. My mother was different. She used to be more radiant during video calls, and it was not usual for her to call me without warning. What's going on?

"Mom?"

"Alice... I have a serious matter to discuss."

I feel a chill run through my body, fearing something bad.

"Your sisters will need to spend some time with you..." Her voice sounded almost shaky.

"Why? Did something happen?"

"I will have to spend some time away, and... I can't take them with me."

"Where are you going?"

"I have to solve some problems, but... it's not serious. So... Don't worry. Build your future, Alice. Don't just think about me and your sisters. Soon, my time will end, and I don't want you to have wasted your time with me."

"What are you talking about, Mom? Your time is not ending!"

"It's okay, darling," she says, giving me a small comforting smile. "If you want my happiness... I will wish for yours first. Be someone worthy of respect, who no one can bring down. Dare... Try... Fail. But never give up, because giving up is for people who have no imagination. And you are the most dreamy girl I've ever met. I believe in you!"

I felt a tear roll down my face as I heard his words. I left a small, but sincere smile on my lips.

"I love you, Mom!"

"I love you too!"

***

I spent almost the whole night tossing and turning in bed. The conversation I had with my mother wouldn't leave my mind. I was afraid there might be an unspoken truth. Where would she go? And why? Her words to instill confidence in me were strange, although they were rebuilding me from the inside out.

I wanted to know more. I wanted to be with her now. I felt that something was wrong. She didn't seem happy that night.

And according to her, her happiness was seeing me happy and someone better than the image imposed on her. And for that reason, I left Brazil. I wanted to become someone capable of helping my mother and my sisters in everything.

And although I thought that my happiness was not as important as theirs, I needed to fulfill my mother's wish for me to be someone respectable.

***

I wake up early. Thinking about the words I had said to my mother about looking for an apartment, I decide to start my search, as it would anticipate everything and when I received my first salary, I would already have an apartment in mind. And since I had a few hours free before going to the company today, I could visit at least a few available apartments.

So I walk downstairs and head to the exit, ignoring Mrs. Taylor in the kitchen and someone else I guessed was Madelyn. I have no idea what she could be doing here, but since Mrs. Taylor was her aunt, she probably came to visit her aunt, although deep down I felt that her intentions were based on Joshua.

In hurried steps, I head to Gregory's café. I didn't know London so well, the memories I carried were from thirteen years ago, so I would need someone who knew more places in the city, and besides Joshua, whom I hadn't seen since yesterday afternoon anyway, but either way, I intended to avoid him as much as possible, because I didn't want to hear another threat from Madelyn, the only one I imagined could help me was Gregory, since Samantha was busy today.

Now I must focus only on myself again.

Gregory's café was already open, even though it was very early, but I was grateful for that. I enter and approach the counter, where Gregory is serving some orders.

"Gregory!" I greet him with a small smile.

He returns the greeting and leans over the counter, resting his elbows. The small smile on his lips turns mocking.

"Well, if it isn't Miss Collins. At least today is sunny, so I don't think your boyfriend will come to pick you up in the rain."

"Joshua is not my boyfriend," I retort, undoing my smile.

"I was just kidding," he says, noticing my sudden seriousness. "So, what brings you here? Do you need a table?"

"In fact... I didn't come here to eat, I came to ask you for something," I say, and immediately Gregory looks at me confused. "You're the only person I know in town, besides my coworker and Joshua, but at the moment, he's not a good option. I'm looking for an apartment to rent, but I don't know all the places in the city. So, I really need your help."

Gregory leans off the counter and crosses his arms, a little thoughtful. "Well, given your unexpected approach during business hours, despite being the owner here, I still have obligations to fulfill... It won't be bad to help a friend."

Automatically, an excited smile spreads across my face. "But," he adds. "I can help you, but only after my shift ends. I have to get everything in order."

"Sure, sure. What time are you available?"

"You can come in the afternoon, I'll still be here. In the meantime, you can take a look around the area, there are some available apartments."

I nod and thank him. "And come to think of it..." Since I hadn't had breakfast yet and had a few hours before work, I decide to order something. "I'll order something to eat."

I place a slightly different order than the first time I came here. "Coming right up," Gregory smiles and begins to prepare my order.

After a few minutes, I see the friendly figure of Gregory coming towards me with a small tray in his hands. The cup of coffee he was carrying was steaming in the corner of the tray, next to the croissant. He hands me my order with a welcoming smile and I feel an instant comfort.

It was only the second time I had been to Gregory's café, but from what I had already observed in that time, he was always very attentive to everyone's orders and made a point of preparing the drink with care and attention to detail.

Today, I ordered an espresso with milk and brown sugar. Gregory brought me exactly what I asked for, and even added a special touch: a little cinnamon powder on the surface of the drink. The aroma combined with the flavor was divine, I felt like I was drinking a gourmet and at the same time homemade coffee.

The most incredible thing was that Gregory was dedicated to offering us the best possible coffee experience, as if each cup of coffee he prepared had a dose of care and attention that helped everyone face the challenges of work with more energy and disposition. And I know I'm not the only one who appreciates his work, since there are five stars on the sign outside.

I thank Gregory for bringing me the coffee I ordered, which by the way was delicious. (...)

While I had breakfast, I looked for a nearby real estate agent and thankfully found one. After finishing my coffee and paying the bill, I said goodbye to Gregory and left the café. I took a taxi and asked the driver to follow the address I had in the real estate agent's description.

Minutes later, I arrived at the building and went inside. I met with a friendly woman with curly hair who appeared to be the responsible agent. "Hello, how can I help you?"

"I would like to see some properties."

"Sure, here's our catalog, we have some properties available in the area."

I nod and take the catalog in my hands. I observe the prices and see that most of the properties were expensive, even though she said they were below average compared to other agents, I knew she was just trying to convince me to buy it. Just like every salesperson does.

But I couldn't deny it, all the apartments were amazing. And one of them, the "cheapest" among them all, was spacious and had a good view. It had two bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room, a kitchen, and a balcony with a magnificent view of the city. The building had several floors, and the last one was the one available.

"If you choose this apartment, I'm sure you won't regret it. In fact, it's one of the best we have at a lower price. And to be honest, the price is very good for being close to the city center. It's even well below the average of other brokers," she said with a smooth talk.

"Hm, interesting. I'll think about it before making a decision."

"Of course, of course. Don't hesitate to call me. I'm always available!" she smiled.

***

I left the place and walked down the street, retracing my steps in search of a taxi. I needed to get to the company in less than thirty minutes.

I feel my phone vibrate in my coat pocket. I thought it might be my mom or Betty. I take my phone in my hand and notice an unknown number. I answer.

"Hello?"

"Alice?" a sexy, husky voice sounded on the phone, making my whole body shiver. By that tone, I deduced who the owner of that voice was, but I wasn't sure since he shouldn't have my phone number.

"Yes...?"

"Where are you?"

"Who is this?" I ask to make sure who that voice was.

"Joshua."

As I imagined... but how did he get my number?

Soon Betty's image comes to my mind, and I mentally curse her.

"I'm a little busy now, but I'm going to the company."

"Tell me where you are, and I'll pick you up."

"Thank you, but you don't need to. I'll take a taxi."

"Okay. When you get to the company, come to my office. We need to talk about what happened yesterday."

"Joshua... Actually, you don't need to. Really. It was all just a misunderstanding. Let's forget what happened and move on."

"Are you sure?"

"It's better this way."

I say and end the call. I let out a long sigh. I needed to focus solely on my work and forget all those sensations that Joshua had caused me.