From strangers to Sisters

After the break I headed back to the lecture hall for two more lectures before school for the day was over for me, as I took notes of the lecture, the professor's words echoed in my mind, The key to success lies in perseverance.

I underlined the phrase twice, I tried to focus on the lecture, but my mind kept wandering back to our confrontation.

Was I really cut out for this program, or was I just pretending to be someone I'm not?. I was determined not to let distractions get in the way of my education.

I know I can do this and that's all that matters, i am going to give it my best, I'm strong, I'm capable and determined.

Lectures finally ended, as I packed up my backpack about to leave, the girl with glasses and a messy bun approached me.

"Hey, I'm Sophia," she said with a smile,extending her hand. "I'm so glad I finally got to talk to you after class. You're really brave for standing up to Rachel like that."

I smiled, feeling a sense of relief that someone was finally talking to me without being judgmental.

"I'm Emily," I replied, shaking her hand. "Nice to meet you, Sophia, so her name is Rachel. What does she think this is, North shore high school?

Bullying people in twenty- twenty - four, well sorry for her, that's not how I want to spend the rest of my years, she can go find someone else to pick on.

Sophia laughed, then respond, I am so happy someone finally stood up to her, we attended the same high school and girl it wasn't fun at all, I lived afraid of what next she would mock about me, I must say that was definitely impressive.

I'm actually heading out to grab some lunch. Want to join me?"

I checked my phone and realized I had to get to work soon. "I'd love to, but I actually have to head to work. I'm working at a café nearby."

Sophia's eyes lit up.

"Oh, that's cool! I'm actually looking for a new place to stay, "Ugh, I'm so frustrated," Sophia said, rolling her eyes.

I have been looking for a place to stay for weeks, and it's been impossible.

Every apartment I find is either too expensive or in a bad neighborhood.

I've been to like five different places in the past two days alone, and none of them were even close to what I was looking for.

I nodded sympathetically. "I can imagine. Finding a place can be really tough, especially in a new city. What are you looking for in a place?"

Sophia sighed. "Something affordable, safe, and close to campus, Is that too much to ask? I've been searching online, checking out apartments, and asking around, but nothing seems to fit my budget. I'm starting to get really desperate.

I smiled understandingly. "I know the feeling.I thought for a moment, and then an idea struck me.

Actually, I'm looking for a roommate. I have a spare room in my apartment, and it's pretty affordable. Would you be interested?

Sophia's face lit up, and she let out a squeal of excitement.

That sounds amazing! I'd love to take a look. Do you think it'll work out?" I think it's going to be perfect."

I responded feeling a sense of excitement about potentially having a new roommate. 

How about tomorrow afternoon? Would that work for you?

Sophia nodded. "Yeah, that works for me. I'll meet you at your apartment at 2 pm?"

I smiled, sounds perfect. I'll see you then."

We exchanged numbers and made plans to meet up the next day.

I watched as Sophia walked off in one direction, while I headed in the other direction to get to work, as I walked to my part-time job at the local café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, transporting me back to my childhood.

My mom used to take me to this café that was down the street when I was a kid, it was called Sip & Sweet and now I worked in a cafe , serving coffee to students and professionals alike.

It is a small job, but it pays the bills and allows me to pursue my passion for education,as I worked, I couldn't help but think about the encounter with the girl. I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction, knowing that I had stood up for myself.

I was determined to continue standing up for myself, no matter what challenges came my way, I trudged back to my apartment after the close of work, the cool evening air hit me like a slap in the face, snapping me out of my exhaustion.

The streetlights cast long shadows on the sidewalk, and the sound of cars driving by created a soothing hum.

I breathed in deeply, feeling the fatigue seep out of my bones, on the bright side I had a productive day, I dropped my bag on the floor and kicked off my shoes, letting out a deep sigh of relief.

I headed straight to the kitchen to grab a glass of water, feeling the cool liquid revive me. Next, I sat down at my desk, pulled out my laptop, and began working on my assignments.

The words flowed easily as I typed away, my mind focused on the task at hand.

After a while, I took a break to grab a snack and read a chapter from the book I'd been studying, as the evening wore on, I unwound by listening to some calming music and watching a funny video or two.

The tension in my shoulders began to ease, and I felt my mind relax, as the night drew to a close, I wrapped up my assignments, feeling content and prepared for the next day.

I climbed into bed, feeling grateful for the opportunity to rest and recharge, as I drifted off to sleep.

Meanwhile, unknown to Emily, Aleksandr and Ryurik watched her on their screens, the room dimly lit, the only sound coming from the hum of multiple screens and the soft breathing of the stalkers.

They sat in the center of the room, surrounded by a bank of screens displaying various feeds from cameras they had planted around Emily's life.

One screen showed Emily's apartment, with cameras positioned to capture every angle of her living room, kitchen, and bedroom.

On the second screen, the brothers watched as Emily hastily made herself a cup of coffee, on the third screen, they monitored feeds from cameras they'd planted around the university campus.

They watched as Emily walked to her next class, her backpack slung over her shoulder, her eyes fixed on her phone, another screen displayed Emily's social media feeds, with their software tracking her online activity.

They watched as she posted updates, liked photos, and commented on posts.

The fifth screen showed Emily's email and messaging accounts, with their software intercepting and displaying her private communications.

They read her messages, their eyes scanning for any sign of vulnerability or weakness. A sixth screen displayed Emily's GPS location, with their software tracking her movements in real-time.

The brothers had been watching Emily for over a decade, their eyes on her since the break of dawn every day, even as she fell asleep at dusk.

They had seen her grow from a young girl into a determined young woman, and their fascination with her had only grown stronger.

They knew her schedule, her habits, her fears. They were the masters of her universe, and she was completely unaware, as they watched Emily, they felt a growing sense of obsession, their interest piqued by her intelligence, determination, and vulnerability but alongside this fascination, they were also aware of a darker impulse, a desire to control and possess her.

They had been hired by Emily's relatives to eliminate her family, a ruthless act to claim the inheritance for themselves however when they arrived at the house, something unexpected happened, Emily, a young girl with piercing eyes and a mop of curly hair, had looked up at them with a mixture of fear and curiosity.

After completing the job, they returned home to a nightmare.

Their fathers, the men who had taught them everything they knew, lay dead on the floor, victims of a brutal assassination by the Irish mafia.

Aleksandr and Ryurik's world was shattered the day their fathers were brutally assassinated by the Irish mafia.

The brothers, still in their early teens, were forced to confront the harsh reality of their family's involvement in organized crime.

The brothers navigated the aftermath of their fathers' death, they were thrust into a world of violence and power struggles, forced to grow up quickly, learning the intricacies of their family's business and the ruthless tactics required to survive.

Their training began in earnest, with a grueling regimen of combat, strategy, and leadership.

Throughout their journey, the brothers developed a deep bond, relying on each other for support and guidance.

They became a formidable team, feared by their enemies and respected by their peers. As the brothers' power grew, so did their paranoia.

They became increasingly isolated, surrounding themselves with yes-men and sycophants.

Their decisions became more ruthless, their actions more brutal, and yet, despite their growing unease, they couldn't seem to stop themselves, driven by a hunger for power that seemed insatiable.

Through it all, their obsession with Emily never wavered.

They continued to watch her, to follow her, to study her. And now, they had taken their obsession to a new level.

They had sponsored her education at Imperial College London, a move that would allow them to keep her close without arousing her suspicion.

They sat in their control room, surrounded by screens and wires, watching her every move.

Their eyes were glued to the screens as Emily walked across campus, her hair bouncing with each step.

They noted the way she smiled at her new friend, the way she laughed at the jokes she made.

As Emily headed to work, the brothers followed her movements on their screens. They watched as she walked to the café, her movements fluid and confident.

They saw her greet her coworkers, her smile warm and friendly, they kept watch until she finished her shift and head home, their eyes glued to the screens, they watched her head into her apartment, her movements tired but relaxed, as the night wore on, the brothers continued to watch Emily, their eyes never leaving the screens as she prepared for bed.

They saw her brush her teeth, wash her face, and climb into bed.

"She's sleeping peacefully," Ryurik said, his voice soft.

Aleksandr nodded, his eyes never leaving the screen. "Yes, let's keep watching her.