From Frying Pan to Strange Fire

The atmosphere surrounding the girls dampened after they boarded the plane. Their initial chatty and happy mood switched to a strange melancholy once they were seated comfortably beside each other, lost in their thoughts.

“This is risky.” Grace broke the silence, speaking with a low voice, knowing that one of Roman’s men boarded the plane alongside them to provide extra security. Although he sat a distance away from them to afford them privacy and space, Grace still had the need to speak in an almost whisper tone.

“I know it is.” Joan responded in the same tone of voice, shutting her eyes.

“Then can you not try to escape? I think it’s better he lets you go himself instead of you getting into trouble for doing exactly what he said you shouldn’t do.” Grace advised in a pleading voice.

“I still think he mentioned that I shouldn’t escape because he actually wanted me to. If I don’t take that offer, I’ll be blamed for coming back to him.” Joan insisted and Grace let out a frustrated sigh.

“You’re intentionally misinterpreting his words and gestures to suit your desire. But this is not the time for that. This is the time to thread with caution. Think about it. Why would he send a guard with us if he wanted you to run away? The hotel we are going to stay is his so there’s a possibility our movements will be monitored. I don’t want you to get hurt, Jo. I don’t want to lose my best friend.”

Joan slowly opened her eyes and turned to look at Grace only to smile when she saw her helpless expression. “You won’t lose me.”

“Really? Does that mean you won’t try to escape anymore?” Grace asked, feeling relief coming on strongly.

“I didn’t say that.” Joan frowned, killing all of Grace’s hopes. “You see, the reason I am eager to leave is not just because I’m not okay with marrying someone I don’t know. It’s also not just because I want my freedom so bad from the troubles of men. It’s because I feel there’s something wrong with those people.” Joan explained, and Grace tilted her head slightly to the side with a questioning look on her face. However, before she could say anything, Joan continued. “Havent you noticed anything strange about them?”

“Well, everyone says they’re dangerous even though they don’t look it. And Roman’s presence always puts me on edge. That could also be because of what I’ve heard about him. Other than that, nothing.” Grace shook her head, curiosity still dancing in her eyes when she noticed her response didn’t fully satisfy Joan.

“That’s not just it. I have been having strange experiences ever since I encountered them, and that of yesterday was even worse.”

“What happened yesterday?” Grace probed, knitting her brows.

“I know it’s hard to believe, but I woke up feeling like a different person. That’s not all. I thought it was just depression about my situation, so I decided I would go to work and I even told Trevor to come pick me up. But as soon as I went back to the bedroom, sleep came over me overwhelmingly and I couldn’t fight it. When Trevor came to pick me up, I told him I was no longer interested because I couldn’t find the strength and I still wanted to go back to sleep, which I did as soon as I got on the bed again.” Joan explained, and Grace didn’t know what to make of the story.

“So you slept throughout yesterday?” She asked.

“Yes. I only woke up for lunch and dinner, and immediately after, I would go back to sleep. Now, I wouldn’t be too worried if it was just sleep. I kept having weird dreams of being chased. And I saw things I’ve never seen before in my dream. Worst of all, I was killed by a headless person just before I woke up this morning. I’ve never had such dreams before. Why now if something isn’t wrong somewhere?” Joan asked, and Grace let out a sigh.

“What if it’s just a dream? Maybe you saw those things because you were scared?”

“I don’t think so. I’ve been through stuff and I’ve been in scary situations. This has never happened before.” Joan dismissed.

“This is complicated.” Grace let out a long breath. “Did your mom come to see you?”

“No. Why?” Joan tilted her head, not sure what her mother has got to do with their discussion.

“Nothing, really. She told me she would and I was hoping she would have. I know I’m here for you, but her presence would benefit you in many ways mine wouldn’t. You married someone she considers dangerous. She should have been able to offer you some kind of support or advice.”

“I don’t need her support or advice.” Joan uttered with a pained expression. “She couldn’t do it when I was with Richard. She won’t do it now either. I just want to love her from afar until she separates from my dad.”

“Why are you saying this, Jo?”

“I can’t count the reason for my misfortune and not include her. She didn’t do anything directly. Her only crime was sticking with that monster despite all of his atrocities, and doing everything not to offend him even when it concerns my happiness and well-being. My life wouldn’t be this messed up if she had summoned a little courage and left him.” Joan’s voice broke toward the end.

“Don’t cry, Jo. It’s okay. Don’t ruin this trip with your sad tears. This is the vacation of our dreams. Let’s enjoy it and while at it, put perfect finishing touches to your escape plan, alright?” Grace reassured, and a relieved smile crept it’s way to Joan’s face.

“I knew I could count on you. Thank you.” She uttered, visualizing her freedom already. It was so close, she could not wait to extend her hand and grab it. It was time to take control of her life.