complain
Aria pov
“Nancy, just a moment, I’m coming!” I yelled, frustrated by her relentless pounding on the door. I opened the door. She embraced me tightly.“What’s going on? Are you alright?” I asked, puzzled by her unexpected hug.
“I’m glad you’re safe,” she said, taking a sigh of relief, moving away, and making her way straight to the dining table.
“What do you mean by that?” I questioned, following her to the dinning table.
She picked up a glass of water and gulped it down in one go. Stretched out the newspaper she had been holding from the beginning, which I hadn’t noticed.
“What?” I hold the newspaper in my hands, confused.
“Check out that page. Remember, how you complained about the constant noise and the stream of frightening people coming and going from the neighbours building?” she inquired.
“Yes, I remember and I believe the police did their job effectively because the noise ceased and so did the crowd,” I said nonchalantly as I took a seat at one of the chairs.
“Oh girl, you have no idea what was happening over there” she exclaimed, dramatically.
I laugh at her reaction. “Just say it, girl,” I put the newspaper aside. The way she delivers news is so much more enjoyable than this tedious newspaper.
“That building used to serve as a base for mafia drug activities, and the police recovered millions dollar worth of drugs from it.”
I gasp in shock.
“What?”
“Exactly...That’s what made me feel uneasy, so I hurried over to see you,” she explained and sit down next to me.
“But why are you worried about me? I have nothing to do with the drug business,” I confirm, in case she doubts me.
“Oh girl, could you please start paying attention to the events happening around you?” she roles her eyes, a bit frustrated.
“I’m the person who voiced my complaint about that building since I pay close attention to what’s around me,” I defended myself. “andd...”
“The officer tasked for seizing the drugs has vanished,” she interrupted and my eyes widened. she continued “This is why, I’m concerned about you. You’re the one who filed complaint about them.”
I allow myself the time to sink in the words in my head. “When did that police officer get kidnapped?” I inquired.
“The day the drugs were confiscated,” she said, and I let out a sigh of relief.
“Listen to me....It’s been two days already. If they were really after me, they would have kidnapped or killed me by now,” I reassured her.
Her eyes widened and she slap on my left arm. “How can you discuss dying so nonchalantly?” she asked.
I burst into laughter.
“I’m merely stating the facts,” I replied before getting up and walking into the kitchen.
“How about you come along and stay at my place for a few days? It would ease my worries about you,” she offers as she followed me.
I turned to her “What about your privacy?” I raised an eyebrow. She looked down, avoiding my gaze. With a sigh, I continued. “Nancy, you share a space with your boyfriend, and not just any boyfriend. He’s incredibly clingy to you. He keeps you by his side every second you’re together. How can you expect me to be comfortable in that overly passionate apartment?”
“Maybe it’s time to find a new apartment and move out of this old building.” she suggested out of concern. “You stay so far from the city, and your neighbors don’t seem very involved. Just think about it, if something were to happen, who would be there to hear you if you needed help?”
“What about the rent? How am I going to manage it?” I asked her.
“I can help you with that,” she suggested again, sounding hopeful.
“No, you lost your job once already when you tried to help me get settled,” I responded sternly. “It’s not that I can’t find work in the city and earn more. I just prefer not to revisit those memories. I’m happy here.”
“So, you’re stuck in a small library,” she said, dripping with sarcasm.
“Well, at least I have my peace,” I shot back. I continued, “My mental health is what truly matters.” when she saw the determination in my eyes, she sighed and pulled me into a hug.
“Alright, as you wish. Can I spend the night here?”
“No, you have an office to report tomorrow, and I doubt your boyfriend would let you stay here” I told her.
She nodded in agreement and we made our way to the door. “Be careful and call me if you need anything” she said before leaving.
I shut the door and lock it. I walk quickly to close the windows as well.
I may appear calm and collected to Nancy, but the news about the missing police officer genuinely frightens me. After closing the windows I head to the kitchen, grab a snack and walk to my room.
I sat on my bed and started to compiling a list of books I need to order for the library. Immersing myself in books is my sole refuge, allowing me to forget my past memories and divert my attention from the moments I once treasured.
