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She replies with a grin.
As we soon approach my place, I take a look over my shoulder at the city, watching how the stars all seem to twinkle against the dark sky. And for the first time in a while, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
Chapter Two
Chiara
Tamana steps out of her heels the second we step through the door, her face scrunching up as she looks down at herself.
“Why the hell would someone do such a thing? I can’t believe I’m the only one who got splashed!”
I stifle a laugh, shutting the door behind us as I lock it before turning back to look at her.
I slip my own heels off as I bend down, rubbing my sore feet.
“Consider it an early shower, Mana.”
I say, thinking back to what happened only a few minutes ago, with a car deliberately speeding too close to a puddle, eager to get us both wet.
The look she sends me makes me laugh out loud.
“I’m going to take a shower.” She says, groaning as she looks down at her dress again. “I’ll be quick, I promise.”
I nod my head at her—she already knows where everything is—and then she’s off.
I hear the door click, and the faint rush of water as she starts the shower.
Standing back up, I walk towards my sofa as I take a seat, stretching my legs along the length of it. I yawn, pressing my hand to my mouth, as I unlock my phone to send Dario a quick message.
CHIARA: We’re home now. Today was fun :)
Hitting send, I leave my phone on my coffee table as I shut my eyes, sighing softly.
I’m exhausted.
Packing in the day, and partying in the night.
Who would have thought?
I’m able to relax for a few moments, and then I hear it.
It’s a faint sound, low and muffled.
A thud.
My eyes snap open as my heart lurches in my chest. Sitting up straighter, I glance towards the hallway, but my front door is still locked. The shower is still running, but I know the sound didn’t come from there. The sound I heard had been much deeper, heavier too.
“Tamana?”
I call out, my voice a little shaky.
There’s no reply, and I know it’s because she probably can’t hear me from the bathroom.
I swallow hard, feeling my heart beat faster as I glance all around the room. Everything looks the same—all the doors are locked and bolted exactly how we left them—but the sound remains in my mind, sending all sorts of thoughts rushing through my head.
As I reach for my phone, I glance at the screen. Dario hasn’t replied to me yet. I take some deep breaths as I debate whether to call him or not, but ultimately decide not to after checking the time.
Maybe I’ve just heard something from outside.