My alarm blared to life, piercing the silence of my small apartment. I groggily opened my eyes, slapping the snooze button for what felt like the hundredth time however it was too late, i was already running behind schedule. I scrambled out of bed, my feet tangling in the sheets as I rushed to get ready. The shower was a blur of hot water and soap, the scent of citrus shampoo filling the air as I stood under the stream. The water pounded against my skin, loosening the tension in my shoulders, my hair a tangled mess as I towel-dried it, i yanked on my clothes, not bothering to check the mirror as I grabbed a granola bar for breakfast. As I hurriedly packed my bag, my eyes caught a reflection on the wall, i tracked the reflection to the source, and that was when I saw it, my admission letter, with its bold font and official seal, lay flat on the table, a tangible reminder of my dreams finally within reach, it's seal catching the sunlight and sending a beam of light dancing across the room, while I gazed at the letter,
my eyes tracing the words that had changed everything. For a moment, my chaotic morning came to a stand still, the memories of late-night studying, the multiple jobs, sacrificing my social life all to push myself to excel academically, and endless applications, came flooding in. I still remember the countless rejection letters, the disappointment and frustration that came with each 'no'. I had applied to several universities, but none seemed to believe in me, it all paid off when I received the scholarship offer, the acceptance letter from Imperial College London.
I am soon pulled back to reality by the sound of my alarm blaring it's final warning, a reminder that if it wasn't at the bus station in the next 15minutes I was going to miss the bus, i still needed one last thing, so I dashed to the kitchen, desperate for a quick fix. I poured myself a cup of coffee, the warmth a brief respite from the frenzy. As I took a hurried sip, the bitter taste jolted me awake, but my mind was already racing ahead to the day's tasks. Every second counted, and I knew I had to move fast if I was going to make it on time."Another glance at my phone, and my heart sank, I had only 10 minutes left, I never seem to grasp how fast time passes when you are running late, I hurried slung my backpack over my shoulder, feeling the weight of my books and laptop settle into place,took one last look at the admission letter, smiled, and headed out the door.
The Imperial College London is not just any university, it's an elite institution that caters to the crème de la crème of society. I couldn't believe it, I have to pinch myself every time I think about it, me, me, a scholarship student at Imperial College London.
The scholarship was more than just a financial aid, it was a validation of all my hard work. It was a reminder that I wasn't just a product of my circumstances, but a force to be reckoned with. I felt a surge of pride, happiness and content, but glancing at my phone again, I realized time was truly against me today,now I had just 9 minutes to catch my bus. As I was about to cross the road I caught sight of the black SUV out of the corner of my eye, two figures sat inside, their faces obscured by the tinted windows. I'd seen them before, back home, following me in the same way. And now, here in London, it seemed they were still following me.
I tried to shake off the feeling, telling myself it was just a coincidence. There was no way they could have followed me all the way from home to London, but the familiarity of the SUV, the way they seemed to blend into the background, made me wonder. Why were they following me?
I thought about the guy with the newspaper, the blind man with his guide dog. They'd been around me before, too. It was like they were trying to be seen, but not seen. I didn't know what to make of it. I was happy no attempt was made to hurt me, neither was I approached, it was as though we had this understanding, I pretended to not notice them watching and following me, while they pretended not to as well, it still bothered me, the question I've been unable to find an answer to. What do they want with me?
I boarded the bus, taking a seat near the back, as I sat down, I noticed a small piece of paper on the seat. I picked it up, thinking it might be trash, but instead, I saw a neatly folded note with a single word scrawled on it "Congratulations".
I felt a shiver run down my spine, but I quickly pushed the feeling aside. Probably someone dropped their note, I thought to myself, yeah, that's it , I must have picked up someone else's paper by mistake. It's not like it's addressed to me or anything.I crumpled the note in my hand, thinking about tossing it out the window, but something about it seemed... deliberate. The fold was precise, the handwriting elegant. I tried to shake off the feeling, telling myself I was just being paranoid.
As the bus rumbled on, I glanced around at the other passengers, wondering if anyone was watching me, but everyone seemed oblivious, lost in their own worlds. I convinced myself that the note was just a random piece of paper, and I had nothing to worry about but as I looked down at the note again, I couldn't help but wonder... what if? What if it wasn't just a coincidence? I folded the note and tucked it into my pocket, my mind racing with possibilities." I glanced out the window as we pulled away from the curb, the SUV was still parked there. I raised an eyebrow, thinking to myself, Okay, that's a pretty big coincidence, however I didn't let my mind wander too far down that path. I was probably just being paranoid. I mean, I am in a new city, starting a new life. It's natural to feel a little on edge.
The journey was a short one, and before I knew it, we were pulling up to the bus stop on campus. I checked my watch, less than 30minutes had passed since I'd boarded the bus.
I gathered my belongings and stepped off the bus, taking a deep breath of the crisp morning air.
I walked through the campus gates, taking in the sights,the campus was bustling with students hurrying to their first classes. I smiled, feeling a sense of excitement and nervousness as I made my way towards the student union building, my eyes scanning the crowded room for a familiar face, as I waited in line, I couldn't help but be grateful about the journey that had brought me here, I am so glad I never gave up, the struggles, the sacrifices, the doubts, they all seemed worth it now. I am ready to take on this new chapter of my life.I pulled out my schedule and map, trying to navigate the campus and find my first class. The buildings seemed to blur together, but I was determined to get to my lecture on time. I asked for directions from a passing student, and they pointed me in the right direction, as I walked to my first class, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. I am finally in college, and I'm going to make the most of it. I took a deep breath, feeling the cool morning air fill my lungs, and stepped into the lecture hall.
As I walked into the lecture hall, I scanned the room for a good seat. The professor was setting up his slides, and the murmur of conversation filled the air. I spotted a few empty seats near the middle row and made my way towards them. As I sat down, I noticed a girl sitting a few seats away, looking in my direction. She had thick-framed glasses perched on the end of her nose and a stack of books beside her. She caught my eye and smiled, her eyes lighting up behind her glasses, she nodded slightly in greeting, and I nodded back, feeling a sense of connection with her already. She went back to arranging her notes, her brow furrowed in concentration. I settled in, feeling a sense of comfort, as the professor began to speak, I focused on the lecture and taking notes, the girl occasionally scribbled furious notes, her hand moving swiftly across the page. I felt a sense of admiration for her intensity, and I found myself getting lost in the lecture alongside her."
The lecture was intense, but I was determined to keep up. I tried to absorb as much information as possible. The professor's words echoed in my mind, and I felt a sense of excitement and wonder, after the lecture, I headed to the cafeteria for lunch. As I waited in line, I noticed a girl with a condescending smile and piercing gaze, looking at me like I stole her stuff, I noticed she was surrounded by a group of admirers, and I could tell she was the Queen bee of the campus. Just when I thought I was going to have the best first day in school, Queen bee headed my way, with a look I would say was straight out of a a movie, you know that point where the hero is at the mercy of the villain, that was the exact look. I considered leaving the cafeteria and running away, but I know better, people like herself, they thrive on fear and the moment i showed even the slightest bit of it, she was going to feed of it, i decided to stand my ground and hold my head up, while I was still trying to encourage myself I heard.
"Well, well, well, look what we have here," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "The scholarship girl thinks she's one of us now."
I felt a surge of anger and humiliation, what could have warranted this behavior, to the best of my knowledge I just got here and I definitely didn't offend anyone, I made sure of that,I couldn't bring myself to believe that this bullying thing I watched on Mean girls was happening to me in the flesh, either way I stood my ground. I looked her straight in the eye, unfazed and said, "I'm not here to impress you. I'm here to learn."
Queen bees smile faltered, and she looked taken aback by my response.
She tried to regain her composure, but I could see the sparkle in her eyes had dimmed. It was as clear as day that, Queen bee wasn't used to people calling her out on her bullshit.
Excuse me, did you just respond to me? Are you talking back at me you lowlife, she yelled at the top of her lungs, gaining more audience.
Still looking her straight in the eye I responded, I'm not sure why you are surprised. I'm simply stating my intentions, I'm simply here to learn not to impress you or anyone else and the earlier you get that into your thick empty skull the better for you.
I know there was no need to engage the proud dumb blonde bimbo and I could have always walked away ignoring her word, and that I was about to do until she just had to spit out the next most outrageous bullshit from her mouth.
"Oh, wow. You think you are so brave, don't you? Talking back to me like that. Do you know who I am? Do you know what my father would do to you if I told him how you disrespected me? I couldn't help but retort with, "Do I look like I care who your father is, you better grow up and stop being a baby, tattling to papa, and for your information, I'm not impressed by tittles or social status and as I said earlier, of which you would have heard if you weren't too busy whining and being an airhead. I am here to get my education and I won't let anyone distract me from my goal, go find some other person to derail.
The airhead living up to her name refused to back down, rather responding with, "Well, well, well. Look who thinks they are above the social hierarchy around here. Newsflash, you're not special just because you're in college.
Finally tired of engaging the airhead, i realized not only will she keep making this about her being rich and me being from the slumps and it being the main reason she is picking on me. I decide to put an end to it by saying, "I'm not trying to be special, I'm trying to be focused and I would appreciate if you didn't try to derail me with your drama. I walked away, feeling proud of myself for standing up to her. As I walked away from the confrontation, I replayed the airhead's words in my mind. Why did she think she could talk to me like that? I thought about my mom's words of wisdom, 'You can't control what others say or do, but you can control how you react.' I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of happiness wash over me."
I remembered on past experiences where I'd let others' words get under my skin. This time, I'd stood up for myself. A smile spread across my face as I walked away from the confrontation, my shoulders squaring with newfound confidence. I felt proud knowing I'd stood up for myself."
I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. I realized that I'd handled the situation with dignity and assertiveness, pride and satisfaction swelled within me, and I stood a little taller." I was in control of my life, and I was going to make the most of it.
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 watch 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've 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.