Easy... I can't breathe!!

" Why are we here again, weren't we told that the damn watch can't be repaired? I had even forgotten about it. "

Ria rolled her eyes at Zoey's anxious face.

It was a Friday, the beginning of a weekend when Zoey had dragged her to an electronics repair shop in the evening after their classes.

She regretted that Liam had not accompanied them since he had other engagements, as that would mean she'd be the only one being burdened with Zoey's damned naggings.

She was both tired and hungry. She had eaten a little amount of food because Zoey kept on hurrying her up so that they'd visit a couple of repair shops before the day ends.

*

" Young girls, you're lucky it's not completely damaged and it can be repaired. We only require some... "

" Ahhh, oh my God!! "

Zoey's tensed face brightly lit up and she jumped on Ria's body joyfully. She hugged her tightly making her breathless.

" Easy I can't breathe!! "

Ria cried breathlessly patting her back trying to separate herself from her.

" Muah HHH!!! "

Zoey released her and loudly pecked her flushed cheeks.

She was happy and felt relieved.

' Goodness there's hope!! '

" How much money do you need mister? "

Ria asked the middle aged man who was sitting on his working leather chair examining the golden watch. She was also relieved when she heard that it could be repaired.

" About 30 thousand dollars. We need to purchase a number of spare parts which are a bit hard to find and expensive. After all, your watch is very expensive... "

The girls' pupils dilated.

Zoey drew in a sharp breath feeling as if someone had stabbed her shoulders.

Her joy was unfortunately short lived. She inhaled deeply and nodded at the electrician with a slight smile.

Her pretty face had lost its previous brightness and vigour. It looked dull and battered.

" Okay mister. We'll contact you when we're ready with the money. Thanks a lot. "

The man who was almost lost in her gorgeous smile quickly nodded and waved back at them.

*

" What now? "

Ria asked stuffing her hands into her hood's pockets. It was 7 pm in the evening and the weather was a bit chilly outside. They had left the shop after taking the watch with them.

Zoey shrugged her shoulders without revealing much emotions on her face though her eyes looked lost.

" I honestly don't know either. "

She didn't have an idea where she could get that kind of money. Her friends Liam and Ria were just from ordinary backgrounds. They were in fact under a scholarship program in their college otherwise they'd have helped her if they had the money.

She didn't have anyone else. Her boyfriend was out of town while her family....

She didn't want to think about it.

" Buddy I wish I can help you but you know... "

Ria smiled lightly at her. They were walking slowly along the streets while chatting.

" I hate to say this but what about that boyfriend of yours, his family is filthy rich. "

" I don't know... " Zoey's eyes dimmed as she spoke.

" What's he for anyway, he should be able to help you. "

Zoey pursed her lips without answering. Her eyes were lost on the busy street.

Ria sneered inwardly shaking her head. She wanted to shout ' and you wonder why I don't like him ' to her but that wasn't the right time. She was after all going through a lot of problems hence didn't want to add more stress on her.

" I'm not sure about your uncle but what about your grandparents? "

Zoey lowered her eyes. She drew her lower lip between her teeth and muttered, " I'll see what I can do. I can even try to ask that man to give me some time... "

Ria's pupils dilated and she looked at her in disbelief.

" What?! You want to deliver yourself to that hooligan? Have you gone crazy? "

" Do I have another option? Besides, don't I have you to protect me? "

Zoey glanced at her smiling brightly. She wanted to distract herself from depressing thoughts.

Ria snorted at her shamelessness.

" You're right. Not only do you have a gorgeous best friend but she's also very capable. "

Zoey laughed lightly and rolled her eyes at her, " shameless! "

" I'm serious, I'll strangle that jerk with my own hands if he dares to lay his hands on you. "

Zoey laughed when she remembered Ria's swooned expression the previous day when she was talking about her prince charming. She was sure Ria would deny their friendship once that pervert appeared at their sight.

" You can't I'm afraid. "

" Don't look down on me little girl. I'm more capable than you think. "

Ria narrowed her round eyes at her in displeasure.

" Besides, I'm wondering why did you suddenly bring up this matter, did you two meet? Did he threaten you? "

Zoey's eyes widened and her body shivered when she reminded about his cold voice and creepy face in her dream. She bit her lips and responded.

" I had a nightmare. "

" Hahaha... a nightmare? You dragged me all this way because of a dream? " Ria interjected giving her a look that seemed to ask, ' have turned into a fool? '

" I'm serious. It felt so real. "

Zoey slightly raised her voice thinking about the scary nightmare. It felt so real. She could still remember his icy voice that gave her chills when he called her a thief and arrogantly ordered the police to arrest her.

The disappointed looks on her family, the cold metallic handcuffs...

They were all etched in her mind.

" Oh please, come off it! Don't you know that we dream about the things that we think mostly about? Stop being paranoid, we'll think of a solution. Nothing will happen, hmm? "

" B-but..."

" Shush, not more buts. Let's find something to eat, I'm already starving. "

Ria instructed rubbing her flat tummy. Zoey's paranoia was beginning to irritate her.

Zoey sighed and followed her silently. She wanted to interject but had been immediately shushed. She wanted to say that it wasn't just a dream. Ethan Hale had threatened her physically the previous day.

She sighed quietly. The stress was enough for the day. At least she wasn't hopeless. She only needed to find the money and bury her problems completely. The hooligan would be forgotten after that. She'd only curse her bad luck for encountering him.

She pushed the thoughts at the back of her mind and followed Ria to their favorite hotpot chain.

The next day was a weekend. She'd peacefully have her dinner, go home and sleep to her heart's content.

For many unpleasant reasons, she preferred having her dinner outside and she was glad that she had understanding friends who'd accompany her no matter what. She was truly grateful for that.