Chapter forty nine

Alina stood by the door, trying to keep her voice steady. "What are you doing here, Sasha?"

Sasha leaned against the doorframe, her smirk widening. "Can I come in? We need to talk."

Alina hesitated for a moment but then stepped aside to let Sasha in. They walked into the living room. "Can I offer you anything?" Alina asked, noticing Sasha looking at the portrait of Alina and her dad on the wall.

Sasha turned and smiled, her big brown eyes gleaming. "Yes," she said, "I would love an ice-cold cola. I am very hot," she added, still chewing her gum.

Alina went to the fridge and got her a can of cola. She walked over to where Sasha was standing and handed it to her.

Sasha took the cola, still staring at the portrait. "Is this your dad?"

"Yes," Alina nodded calmly.

Sasha shook her head slightly. "Hmm."

Alina wondered what that exclamation was for. Sasha opened the can of cola and drank all the contents at once.