From Frying Pan to Strange Fire

Joan woke up with a start, only to discover she was sweating profusely even with the AC turned on. Her brows knitted as she wondered why the strange dream she had the day before came back to her.

A knock interrupted her thoughts and Grace’s voice filtered in. “Jo, are you up?”

Before she could respond, Grace opened the door and walked into the room, frowning when she set her eyes on her friend.

“You look terrible. Have you been crying? And why are you sweating?” Grace asked in one breath, concern lacing her voice and features.

“I’m not sure.” Joan rolled off the bed and headed to the bathroom. She was taken aback when she saw how red her eyes were through the mirror. That was when she understood why Grace had asked her if she had been crying.

“Jo, are you okay?” She heard Grace ask from the bedroom and she let out a sigh. She didn’t even know if she was okay or not anymore.

“Yeah.” She responded from the bathroom. “I’ll be out in a minute.” Joan went ahead to wash up before returning to the bedroom. “I’m fine, Grace. I only had a terrible dream. You don’t have to worry.” She assured Grace, who was looking at her with a worry-laden expression.

“What was it about?”

“The headless man chasing me to kill me.” Joan responded, frowning as she thought about it again.

“Again?” Grace probed.

“Yeah. Still think it’s just a random dream?” Joan asked, fixing her gaze on Grace, who had a thoughtful look on her face.

“I can’t even get myself to imagine what a headless man chasing you looks like. Maybe you should stop thinking too much about everything and the dream will go away. Come, let’s go get something to eat.”

Joan let out a sigh as they walked away from the bedroom. Stepping out, they met the guard Roman sent with them standing beside the main door.

“Good morning, Madam. This came for you.” He greeted them extended a sealed envelope to her.

“From?” Joan asked, collecting the envelope.

“It’s from boss. He said to make sure you enjoy yourself.” He responded, bowing again.

Joan turned to give Grace a look, and the latter gave her a “go ahead, open it” look.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Curious, Joan opened the envelope, to find a black credit card, and a paper on which the pin was boldly written.

Grace’s jaw dropped. “He gave you a black card?” She asked, unable to believe it. Before Joan could say a word, Grace pulled her toward the elevator and they stepped into it. When she realized that the guard did not attempt to follow them, she let out a sigh. As soon as the door shut, Grace turned to Joan. “This is a bad idea!” She whisper-screamed, shaking Joan’s shoulder. “Running away is a bad idea. This guy will find you. I’m scared.”

“Calm down, Grace. You are being paranoid now.”

“Paranoid? He just gave you a black card. Do you know what that means?”

“I’m not going to use it.” Joan revealed. “You can relax.”

“I can’t relax. I swear I want to help you, Jo. You know I would stand by you and support you no matter what. But this matter is too complicated for this your escape plan. I don’t want to lose you. Do you know how heartbroken your mum will be should anything bad happens to you? Think about it.”

“Alright. I won’t run away anymore.” Joan revealed and Grace almost choked.

“What?! Are you serious?” Grace couldn’t believe it so she didn’t let out a relieved breath yet. This was what she wanted but why would Joan just agree so casually? Did she perhaps think about it last night?

“I’m serious. I don’t want you to get into trouble because of me, and this card just made me realize I may have interpreted his words incorrectly. I think it’s better I cooperate and beg him to let me go.” Joan assured and Grace finally let out that breath.

“Oh, dear Lord. You don’t know how happy I am right now. You just took a huge load off my back. Thank you.” Grace continued to breathe out through her mouth, releasing the pent up tension and anxiety.

“I’m sorry I put you through that stress. Let’s enjoy this vacation alright. I’ll sort my issues with Roman when we return to Apex Dominica.” Joan said and at the same time, the elevator door opened when they arrived at the ground floor.

They moved to the restaurant to eat, and afterward to the spa to get some pampering.

When evening came, they decided to spend their time partying in the private pool inside the penthouse.

This went on for three days and Joan never brought up the issue of running away or escaping any longer. She enjoyed herself as they toured the beautiful city, tried different wonderful dishes and drinks, met amazing people, and visited all the places she had dreamed she would whenever she got the chance. However, she made sure not to use the black card, not even for one transaction.

On the fourth day, Joan had more wine and partied harder than usual and as a result, she went to bed earlier than she normally would.

That night, she woke up before dawn, and began to dress up. Checking the time, it was a little past 4 am, the perfect time to execute her plans. So she picked up her phone and booked a ride.

The past days they had toured the city, she used the opportunity to learn the different routes out of the city and transport systems working there. After gathering all the information, she mapped out a perfect plan.

Looking at the beautiful room, she let out a sigh. This was a dream life, but it wasn’t for her. She had let other people control her life for too long. It was time for her to take the driver’s seat.

She picked up her documents and other necessities, and stuffed them into the inner pockets of the big jacket she bought for that sole purpose. After that, she walked out of the room, moving to Grace’s room. She opened the door silently to find her friend sleeping.

“I’m sorry, Gracie. I have to do this.” She whispered before shutting the door and finally walking away.