Chapter II: Devil Next Door

"Come on, Samina. Stop drinking. Alcohol won’t solve your problems." Samina called this afternoon asking me to visit her in her condo unit. When I arrived, the unpleasing smell of beer and other alcoholic drinks welcomed me. Samina was in the kitchen drowning herself with those drinks which is way out of her character. She treasures her dignity and moralities in life very much that I didn’t expect to see a drunk Samina crying in the middle of the afternoon. It was so not like her to be like this. "Piper, please? Just let me off the hook this time." she said "No. You had enough. You’re drunk, Samina." I forced the bottle out of her hands and dragged her to her room. She badly needs to rest to cool off her mind. She has a lot to think about once she wakes up. A rest is what she needs and I’m giving it to her. "Why must this happen to me? I’ve been a very obedient daughter to them. How can they not think about what would I feel? If they push forward with the divorce, what will happen to me?" "Ssh, everythings going to be alright. Okay?" I said while caressing her hair until she fell asleep The next day, I cooked Samina some breakfast. I stayed at her condo for the night to make sure that she’ll have a good sleep. Once she woke up, she started crying again. She’s still not okay. And the news her Mom broke to her made it all worse. "They decided to leave me alone, Piper. Mom’s going to Brazil and Dad’s migrating to China. They promised that they’ll give me what I want but that won’t make me heal, Piper. It’s just so depressing." I knew how hard it was for Samina that her parents are parting ways and she was left alone here. That’s why I decided to buy the condo unit next to hers to look after Samina. She needs friends to be by her side in these hard times of her life. I moved in the condo after a week and Samina was very happy that we were neighbors. She said how much that meant for her and that she’s really thankful for having me in her life. I’m also thankful that I have her as my friend. Samina’s quite a handful but she’s the best friend I could ever have in my life. I thought moving in this condo was just a simple change in my life. But I never thought that it would be tiring to live in here. First I got to learn how to drive because it would be too much for our family driver to pick me up early in the morning. The condo was so far from our house that’s why I told my Mom that I’ll have a driving lesson. It wasn’t so long before I got my student license. I just had to buy a car which Mom gladly sponsored. But my troubles weren’t just the driving test and the car. I also had to renovate the interior design of the condo because its original design isn’t really into my liking. It had a very colorful painting which I assumed that are made by the previous owner. I repainted the condo myself and made the painting a mixture of gray and white. I also changed the furniture into woods because I don’t like modern things that much. The master’s bedroom was okay and that lessen the things I had to do. The condo unit needed to be renovated that much that’s why I didn’t waste any time. Slacking off was a great idea but I had to change the design of this condo. So after a tiring and eventful week, I finally got to move in. Now the unit looks like a cozy home for me. I had been staying here for quite some time now, maybe a month or so. I was just inside my unit when Samina called. Why is she calling when she’s just next door? "What’s up with you?" I greeted her and my brows creased when I heard a noisy background on the other line "Oh, hey Piper! Why’d you call?" "Are you crazy, Samina? You were the one who called me. Where are you?" I stood up feeling worried because of her "I called? Really?!" I mentally slapped my forehead when I realized where she was. She’s partying again and got drunk. Oh God, Samina. You’re such a headache. I quickly went out my unit not minding if I was only wearing small pieces of clothes. Well what can I do? I’m worried of Samina and my clothes are the last thing on my mind right now. I was in a hurry that’s why I accidentally dropped my car key. "Oh sorry." a voice said and stepped onto my key preventing me from getting it "Give me the key." I ordered and glared at Carl Why was he even here? How did he know I was here? "Not until you say please." he said and that’s what I did I shouldn’t let my pride be all the way up there because Samina might get into trouble if I don’t hurry up. There are thousands of inhumane acts people tend to do on drunken women. Plus she’s in a party with countless strangers in it that who knows might abuse the situation. "Please, Carl. Please give me the key." I said and I can tell that he was shock with what I just said "Because we’re neighbors now, I’ll give you the key. Its a simple present from your new neighbor." he said and my eyes bawled We are neighbors? I side glanced the unit next to me and I saw how he smirk. God why are you doing this to me? I fiercely got the key and rode the elevator before Carl disappeared into my sight. I quickly got into my car and drove to where Samina was. I hope she’s not hurt or something. When I arrived to some house, there were many people. They were noisy people to be exact. They were all in summer bikinis and board shorts that’s why my attire fitted in. But my main concern is Samina. How can I find her in this crowded place? I started walking when a guy tried to talk to me. I declined him politely and continued my search. Thank the heavens that I saw Samina near the pool chit chatting with some girls. "Samina!" I called to get her attention whivh I successfully did "Piper! You’re here!" she said and stood up to greet me She was walking in a zigzag that’s why I ran to her and pulled her out of there. We went into my car and Samina seemed to be more okay now because she wasn’t blabbering nonsense anymore. "God, Samina. Stop going into these parties, you might get yourself into trouble. Not to mention that I also have trouble with the devil next door."