Frozen in Time by Radia Al Rashid (the speed reading book .TXT) 📖

then. ;)”

“Sure!:)”

Dude! Enough with the winky faces! I still feel for you friend. I’m such a fricking unsettling human being. I throw my head back in frustration. I don’t wanna face Richard and Melissa AGAIN!

For the millionth time, my ringtone startles me out of the blue. Who can that be!

Hm, unknown number! I don’t think I should pick up the call. Let him/her die.

The phone continues ringing even after ignoring it 5 times at a row. The flashbacks from the day Julia had the accident start floating by. I suddenly seem to feel a jerk inside my brain with the overwhelming sense of the traumatic events that day.

Is it Jules? Maybe, she is calling from some friend’s phone. I think I should pick this up after all.

“Hello?” doubt is literally oozing out of my voice.

A brief pause follows the voice, “Hey!”

No matter after how many years I’m hearing this voice again over the phone, I unfortunately don’t have to halt once to recognize him right away.

“Why?” I ask bluntly.

“Evelyn, I-I’m sorry to call you like this but I think, um you should be more careful, you know.”

“What? Why do you think so? Is it because I went incognito for years? No worries Mr. Miller, I’m doing just fine.”

“I didn’t mean it. All I have to say is, that psycho still lives in LA and I doubt he’d figure out your presence and it doesn’t matter whether you’re Evelyn Lawrence or Evelyn Walker.”

The mention of that psychotic jerk snaps at my heart making it stop for a while. I remain silent for a moment to sip in the words Ted just uttered.

“I am aware of that Mr. Miller. Thanks for your concern by the way. Anything else you have to say?”

“Evelyn you don’t... well if you think you are ok then I’m not going to bother you anymore. Stay safe, Evelyn.”

“You too! Say hi to Melissa.”

In reply he just lets out a breath and I hang up.

After that? You guessed it right. I start crying all over again. I don’t know whether to feel threatened with the thought of Scott or feel emotional knowing my ex love interest still cares for me, or at least pretends to.

Fortunately, the crying episode doesn’t last long this time. A knock on my door is enough to distract me from my emotional eruption. Washing the face, I head to the door.

“Who’s there?”

Not getting any reply, I ask again, “Who’s there? I don’t have a door lens and I can’t see you. Can you just tell me who you are?”

“That’s interesting.” A hushed voice comes in.

“What? Why is it interesting? Who are you?” now I’m not just casually asking, I’m starting to freak out.

“This is Evelyn Walker, correct?” the voice sounds gravelly.

I gulp before answering, “No! you might have gotten the wrong address.”

“Really? I don’t get things wrong.” His voice drains all the blood from my face. I can feel my heart starts knocking at my throat to come out.

“Guess this time, you actually got it wrong. Okay, bye! I have things to do.” I try my best to keep my voice natural.

In reply, the person says something indistinct but he doesn’t go away. I keep standing like a light-struck deer on the other side of the door. The door seems to be the most valuable shield of my life at this moment. What if the guy standing on the opposite side starts banging or thinks about breaking the door? OMG! Who might he be! is he Scott? But the voice is not of that psycho. I can’t mistake that voice!

After what feels like an eon, the guy starts to step away from my door. I silently remain glued against the door in the hope of the sound of his footsteps to fade away. After the heavy steps become much fader, I wait some more minutes before opening the door.

He’s gone. WHO the heck was HE! What did I get myself into!

Being extremely uncomfortable and indeed freaked out, I dial Julia’s number.

“Hello, Eve! What’s up? How are you doing? Did Sarah leave already?”

“Hey, Jules I’m fine, I guess. Yeah, just saw her off um like 3-ish hours back.”

“You are sounding a little bland. What happened?”

“Nothing in particular. It’s just I’m a little you know, suspicious...”

“Suspicious? OMG! What happened to you Evelyn? Tell me, now. Did anyone try to hurt you? Did someone break into your apartment? What is it?” Okay, now Julia is freaking out even more intensely than me. So, I better not tell her about the guy, not yet.

“Shush! Callllllm down Jules. It’s nothing serious, trust me. I was just wondering if that psycho got out of the jail or not. That’s it. You know, random thought.”

“You serious? Is it really a random thought? I am having some real bad feelings about it.”

O no! I shouldn’t have freaked her out like that. Now she’ll get crazy thinking about it all over again.

“Julia! I say slow down, girl. I swear it’s nothing. Nothing happened, I was just curious. That’s it.”

“Ah well! I don’t know really. Mat, do you have any news about that messed up sicko?”

After a little pause she starts speaking again, “He doesn’t know either for sure but he is saying he’ll look it up. You don’t worry, Eve. That swine will never hurt you, okay?” she sounds like as if she’s reassuring herself instead of me.

“Sure, Jules. I’ll be fine. How’s Mat and how’s your little diva doing?”

“Matthew is doing okay and he says hi to you but you wanna know what did Sam do last night?”

“What?” I chuckle with the suspense of hearing something crazy.

“She drew on my face with a fricking permanent marker.”

“What?” I let out a full-fledged laughter.

“you heard it right! I was napping and that little devil just did her artwork.”

“Where was Mat?”

“I was cooking the dinner for your amazing sister.” He shouts from the other side.

“Such a great opportunity she’s got, I see.” I keep laughing.

“Not funny!” Julia sounds a little mad.

“I’m sorry Jules but it is funny. How did you take that off of your face?”

“Don’t even get me started on it now.”

“Okay! I’ll hear it out from Mat, no worries.”

“Shut it, you guys! It’s not funny.” She laughs.

“Anyway, here’s a news.”

“What?” the anxiety crawls back to her voice.

“No, no! it’s kinda on the good side.”

“Tell me, tell me.”

“I got appointed in the managerial team, so you can call it a promotion though Rogers didn’t put it that way.”

“OMG! Eve! This is amazing! Congratulations, I’m SO PROUD OF YOU! Mat! She got a promotion!”

“Congratulations Eve!” his voice floats in from the other side.

“Thanks! Thanks a lot, you guys! Wish me luck cos I’m feeling pretty diffident.”

“Don’t you dare...”

“Ok, ok my bad.” I chuckle. “Anyway, you gotta give me all the directions on dress, hair and make-up, remember?”

“Yay! You’re going to the party! Atta girl! Sure, I’ll be available whole day tomorrow.”

“What would I do without you!”

“Nothing apparently.” She chuckles.

 

Chapter Thirteen

 

“But Jules, this dress looks a little too slutty.” I pout at the black dress held in my hands.

“What? You kidding me, Evy! This is not slutty at all. I can’t see anything wrong with it, really.” She snaps.

“Look, here,” I turn the back of the dress towards my mobile screen, “It’s backless, only two straps. I feel exposed already.”

“Evelyn! It’s called fashion, not slutty or exposed! What are you? An 80-year-old grandma?”

“Hm, I kinda am.”

“Trust me, I’d easily wear this dress after being married with a kid. You still are young, beautiful and single...”

“Please! What does a dress have to do with being single!” I smirk rolling my eyes.

“You want to look pretty or not?”

“I prefer not to, I suppose!”

“Okay, then I’m hanging up.”

“No... no! okay, darn it! I’ll wear this thing.” I growl.

“Yikes! Your manager will have an eye candy to enjoy!” she winks.

“Seriously, Jules! What the...” she still doesn’t know it’s Aron she’s talking about. I roll my eyes.

“What do I do with my hair?” I pout.

“Loose curls! Classy.”

“Black backless bodycon dress with bright red loose curls... I’m gonna look like a hussy!”

“Then be it.” She smirks.

“Juliaa!”

“What?”

“It’s Aron’s sister’s anniversary we’re talking! not mine.”

“Aron? Is that your manager’s name?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Not the one I’m thinking him to be right?”

“Uh-huh.” I bite my nails, “Yes, that’s exactly the one you’re thinking him to be.”

“Eve? What? You didn’t even tell me that.”

“I don’t want you to wander through those darkest hours of your life again. Besides, his being my manager is not my fault.”

“Fault? No... no! that’s not at all what I meant. It’s different.” She lets out a breath. “Did you meet him?”

“Who?” I pretend not to understand.

“Richard.”

“Yes, I did. Not in the office or through Aron but in some other place.”

“Where?”

“Jules, I’m gonna be late.” I try to avoid eye contact with her cos I’m already feeling the threat of tears in my eyes.

“It’s simple answer Eve, and you were the one cutting off the connection with him, right?”

“Yes, right and that’s why he’s now living much better life with his beautiful girlfriend where I am here doing what I don’t know.” I throw my hands up in frustration and anger.

Silence ensues for a couple of minutes before she starts talking, “I’m sorry Eve, I didn’t know you were going through all this! You didn’t even mention any of it with me or else I would’ve understood.”

“It’s fine, Jules. Not your fault.” I give a little grin. “Now, if you excuse me, I’m gonna go get changed into this classy piece of clothing.”

“Eve, if you don’t wanna go, that’s totally your call.”

“Nah! I’m going Julia! After all, I don’t have much to do being stuck in here.” I shrug.

I will face Richard and pretty Melissa with no feeling of sadness whatsoever. After all, I’m the sole controller of my life. you better keep this strong statement in mind throughout the party, Evelyn!

“O hey! Girl, you’re glowing!” Sloan winks at me as I enter.

“Ah hey! What’s up? Thanks, I guess.” I awkwardly smile at her compliment.

“So, it’s Aron we’re looking for, no?” the mischievous smile doesn’t leave her lips.

“What? No, I mean it’s fine. You guys are here, I can hang out with you.”

“Sure, you can but if I’m not mistaken, the poor guy has been remembering you A LOT!”

“Ow! Has he?” I can feel the unnecessary blush heating up my cheeks.

“Oops! Now someone s blushing!” she singsongs. Before I can say anything in reply, I hear the overly excited voice from behind.

“Hey Sloan! I’m looking for you all over the place. Where are you?”

“Mel! Look who’s here!” Sloan cranes her neck.

“Is it Eve? OMG! Girl, you are literally g-lowing! And look at you... don’t you steal all of our guys today!” she grins hugging me.

“Hey! I mean, thanks but you guys are looking absolutely stunning! Never could I steal guys from ladies who look like straight out of the vogue cover.” I can feel her dramatic nature brushing some flavor over me.

“That’s sweet! Hey, let’s go over there. The folks are waiting for you.”

“What folks?”

“Your guy and your colleagues, duh!” she rolls her eyes like a total plastic from high school.

“W-wait! Aron is not my guy and for your information we are not really thinking much about it, not right now.” I give a tight smile.

“We’ll see!” Sloan and Melissa say