Paying Karma Love

05 What happened to Sofia

Along the way, Sofia is unceasingly talking about Rein. From Rein's favorite food, his hobbies are exploring nature, to the little surprises Rein gives Sofia. Although many people consider Rein a cold and arrogant man, but for Sofia, he is the warmest and sweetest man she has ever known. From Sofia's story, Audrey understands that Sofia loves Rein so much.

"We have arrived. It's my home" said Sofia pointing her index finger at the magnificent white gate in front of them. Two security men in full uniforms immediately opened the gate so that Sofia's car could enter. Audrey was amazed to see Sofia's house. A three-story house with large white pillars and glass doors on several sides. In the front yard lay a garden decorated with various types of colorful flowers and rare ornamental plants that only Audrey had seen from the internet. Audrey herself had no idea what the real price of all those plants was. As Audrey recalls, she played a few times at Sofia's house when they were in elementary school. But Sofia's present home is twice as luxurious as her childhood home.

Sofia patted Audrey's dumbly-witted shoulder to resuscitate her.

"This house is a gift from Rein for our wedding" Sofia whispered. "Let's go in" Sofia said, holding Audrey's hand.

A few servants greeted their arrival at the door.

"Welcome Miss," said a maid in her fifty years. It seemed like he was the butler in the house.

"Bi Mila, please bring two warm chocolates and some food to my room. I want to go straight to the room with Audrey, "Sofia's orders are still holding Audrey's hand. The butler nodded his head respectfully and gave instructions to the other servants. Meanwhile, Sofia climbed the stairs to the second floor followed by Audrey.

"Sit here, Drey. Consider it your own room. I'm gonna change for a minute."

Sofia stepped into the bathroom in her room. Audrey waits for Sofia while admiring Sofia's room, which is similar to a five-star hotel room. All are dominated by pink furniture. Audrey's gaze turned to the photos in the room. There's a photo of Sofia hugging Rein by the beach and a photo of them at a party.

They are a very compatible couple. Beautiful princess and handsome prince, inner Audrey.

There is also a photo of Papa and mama Sofia. Audrey still remembers how Ms. Ferina, mama Sofia, is very friendly and gentle. As the wife of a diplomat, Miss. Ferina never differentiated social status. He always welcomed Audrey, even letting his daughter befriend Audrey, a child from the lower middle class.

...----------------...

Sofia was already out of the bathroom wearing a pink casual suit. Audrey asked Sofia, "Where are your mom and dad, Sof? I didn't see them from earlier."

"Papa still has to stay as a diplomat for another year. So I can't go home with me yet. If mom..." Uncompleted Sofia continued her sentence, suddenly a red liquid came out from her nose. Fresh blood flowing from Sofia's two noses suddenly caused Audrey to panic.

"Sof, sit down and have a nosebleed" Audrey said worriedly, wiping Sofia's nose with tissue. Audrey helps Sofia sit on her bed carefully. "Do you often have nosebleeds like this? You must be exhausted. Better get some rest."

"I'm used to nosebleeds like this, Drey. Stop it soon too."

"Don't, Drey, please. I need a friend now," asked Sofia to hold Audrey's hands tightly.

"Okay, I'll stay here with you" Audrey replied.

"You want to know about my mother? My mother died nine years ago of blood cancer. I lost my mother very much" said Sofia sadly.

Audrey hugged Sofia to ease her grief, "Sorry, Sof, I really don't know if she's dead. Sorry for making you sad."

The knock on the door made the atmosphere inside the room calm again.

"Excuse me Miss, this is the drink and the food" Bi Mila said. Bi Mila's voice turned frantic when she saw the blood-stained tissue marks lying on the table.

"Miss, are you nosebleed again? I'll call the doctor now to check on Miss."

Sofia hurriedly prevented Bi Mila from leaving the room, "Don't, Bi. My nosebleed has stopped. Please don't call the doctor and don't report this matter to Rein. Today I just want to be with Audrey. Bi Mila can understand, right? Now leave us both," Sofia's voice slightly raised.

"Ba.baik Miss. Please calm yourself. I'm going out" Bi Mila replied in fear. Audrey who watched everything was astonished to see Sofia's violent reaction towards Bi Mila. Suddenly Audrey's feelings became unsettled. Something strange happened to Sofia.

"Sorry, Say. I've been a little sensitive lately. I just want to spend time with you. Forget about that." Sofia tried to smile to melt the atmosphere.

"Drey, since at the cafe I kept venting, now it's your turn. I want to hear a story about your first girlfriend. More precisely your first ex-love."

"But I don't want to make you sad because I heard my story. It's better not to be told," said Audrey trying to evade.

"Please, Drey, tell me a story. I won't be sad. I also promised to keep a secret. Don't you trust me anymore?" pinta Sofia in a spoiled style.

Audrey felt bad about refusing her best friend's request. With hesitation Audrey begins to tell the bitter story of her past with Dave.