5 Aftertaste 2 (2/2)

”Yes, young master.”

”Give me more records about that girl's life.” He said so because he knew his people only investigated how she appeared in the hotel. He added, ”Take care of her debts. One million credits is a very cheap price for a nice and helpful girl like her.”

The assistant, George, nodded. ”Got it. And that woman?”

”Oh? Just find someone we can manipulate to act as her stand in. Plastic surgery is easy nowadays. There's already many fake faces in the world that adding one to the number barely makes a difference. Meanwhile, tell the people looking for her that she's in a short vacation and will be back after a few days.”

George's expression did not change as he replied, ”I will make sure to do that.”

....

Three days passed in peace. No rogues asking for money owed by her father ever visited her humble house. Sofony was, of course, confused. However, the feeling of relief filled her more.

It was already Wednesday. It's the second week of August.

The rays of light coming from the transparent windows of the room made way to her seat. When her naked eyes wandered outside to the clear blue skies decorated with some clusters of clouds, Sofony smiled. She had learned early that it's a must to treasure this kind of rare moment of peace and calm.

Next to her, her classmate Wendy poked onher shoulder and asked with a teasing smile, ”Thinking of your crush?”

”No. I have no one to crush on. Haha,” she giggled.

”You look better these days, that's why I asked. You're not even wearing your glasses and your eye-bags disappeared.”

Sofony was previously plagued by worries because of her fear of the debt, but now that the sharks were temporarily not around, she managed to gain some sleep for the past three days. The blacks under eyes naturally lightened as a consequence.

”I lost my eyeglasses. Actually, I'm broke these days so I plan to take a few part time jobs. I'm not sure when will I have enough money saved for another pair of eyeglasses,” she half-heartedly replied.

Actually, she no longer planned to wear eyeglasses because her eyes were no longer as faulty as before. She could now see clearly from afar and it's not by wearing contact lenses.

'Friend, do you know? I painfully paid a hundred points to cure my eyes.'

When Wendy saw Sofony shaking her head lost in thoughts, she assumed her friend was having another difficulty in her life. Wendy admired her friend for being tough, unfortunately, she hated how Sofony never shared problems with her.

Sofony indeed did not mention to anyone how precarious her situation was. She's never had the habit of broadcasting her problems to people. If the problem was so tough and heavy, she'd only cry to herself and never to others. In her mind, she always says that others also have their own problems and that it's unfair to add her own to theirs.

Now, given Sofony's character, even if she committed suicide in the future, she'd surely make sure to not let other people know why to not get them involved.

Wendy remarked. ”No matter what, I'm happy to see you at least picking up yourself now. Last week, you always came to school looking like a walking dead.”

When she heard that, Sofony dryly laughed, guild evident from her tone, ”Sorry for worrying you.”

In front, the teacher had his back to his students as he wrote using his chalk. This was the reason why students like Sofony who were at the back could continue their chat.

Wendy laughed, ”No biggies. I'm your friend so it's natural. By the way, did your eyes brighten up after graduating from your eyeglasses? You really look better this way. Don't wear eyeglasses anymore in the future.”

Sofony laughed. Her eyes revealed some stiffness though. She, without knowing why, suddenly remembered that a man named Gio also uttered something like that to her a few days ago. She secretly shook her head.

'I should just forget it.'