"I heard about the attack", Camille said.
Her call was the first thing Rita received the following morning. Rita smiled into the phone, touched by her care. She felt a bit stupid for not answering all her texts and calls the previous day. She wasn't in the mood to answer anyone until she cleared the questions that had been burning her in mind since the attack.
"It was horrible", she croaked.
Rita was still feeling a bit dizzy from the drugs she had taken and the only way she could talk was due to her headache reducing a notch.
"I'm sorry, are you alright now", Camille said.
Rita could tell that she was worried from the tone of her voice. She didn't want her to be since she was trying to be strong ever since Rodrigo disappeared.
"I am now. It was just a graze, nothing much", Rita smiled into the phone.
"I'm glad it wasn't more than that. I was so worried about you yesterday", Camille sobbed.
"Oh please, don't cry. I'm fine now, please don't cry", Rita sighed.
"Okay.. okay, I've stopped. I just get so emotional these days", she sighed.
"Everything would be fine, that's what I'm just standing on now", Rita said.
"Yes, I believe so too. You know, as the day goes by, i just have this conviction that Rodrigo would be back", she said.
"I believe so too but until then, let's keep on hoping and praying for his return", Rita said.
"You're not going to the office today right? After everything that had happened".
"Oh no, my parents wouldn't even let me step one foot out of the house. There are major investigations going on and until the police certify everything is fine, I'll be working from home for now. I even prefer it because I'll have time to rest", Rita said.
"That's much better. I'm still in my friend's house, I don't know when I'll leave but it won't be long", Camille said.
"Okay, just stay safe. If you need anything, just call me please", Rita said.
"I will, thank you. Please take care of yourself", Camille said before cutting the call.
Rita sighed, placing the phone beside her bedside table. Just as she was about to rest her head to take a light sleep, Theresa's call came in. Rita cringed when she saw the caller ID. No doubt, Theresa would be furious at her for not returning her calls.
"Hi", Rita said.
"Rita Maryanne Isabella Anderson are you nuts!!!", Theresa screamed into the phone.
"I know... I know, I'm sorry. I should have returned your calls, I was so tired yesterday", Rita cringed.
She knew that Theresa was beyond furious and the only way she could calm down was if she told her the reason why she couldn't return her calls.
"Hmph, but you could have just dropped a text so I'll know you're okay", Theresa said.
"I totally forgot with everything that happened", Rita sighed.
"It's okay baby girl. Anyway, I'm downstairs", Theresa said.
Rita scrambled to her feet. She didn't expect her friend to be here so quickly, it was a really big surprise to her.
"Wait like... You're downstairs, in my house", Rita said.
"Hellooo... Where else would I be? I came to see you, to ascertain if you're telling me the truth. Until I see you, that's when I'll know", Theresa chuckled.
"Okay, I'm in my room. Just come on up", Rita laughed.
"I'll be there in a jiffy. I'm going to tiptoe past the living room because of your mother, I don't want her to see me especially now that my bulge is a bit prominent", Theresa laughed.
"Okay, get here soon then", Rita laughed before cutting the call.
Few minutes later, Theresa walked into her room wearing a flowing gown. Rita could make out the small bulge in her stomach. No doubt, the baby was growing bigger by the day and very soon, her stomach would be really obvious.
"Okay, you're much better than I expected", Theresa laughed, hugging her friend.
She sat on the bed with Rita, crossing her feet. Her long brown hair was curled to the side, exposing her neck that was bedazzled with chains.
"I told you I wasn't so knocked out, now you can see for yourself", Rita laughed.
"Can you blame me, I was just so worried when I heard the news. Marco had to stop me from coming over right at that minute".
"Are you crazy? You really wanted to come. Well, I would do the same if I were in his shoes, you need to be more careful Theresa. Remember, you're carrying a human in you now", Rita said.
Theresa huffed, opening her bag to pull out various kinds of biscuits and sweets. She knew Rita liked these and didn't hesitate to buy her favorites.
"You bought the cookies", Rita squealed, snatching one from her.
"I did because I know you like them. What's a friend without her bringing cookies and sweets and now that you'll be at home for sometime, expect me often", Theresa smiled, opening a pack of biscuits.
"That's better. I've been thinking on how I'll get by everyday without company, thank you love", Rita smiled.
"So, have you heard from Camille recently?", Theresa asked.
"She called me this morning. She's fine, still in her friends house. To be honest, I think she should just remain there. She'll be much safer there", Rita said, popping a sweet in her mouth.
"I hate to say this but it seems like the both of you are targets. Call it weird but that's what I think", Theresa said.
Rita mulled over her words and she agreed. Ever since Rodrigo had been working with her, she had faced a lot of attacks and there was no telling what would happen to Camille if this attacker gets to know that she's Rodrigo's mother.
"Do you think I should send security over to her friend's house?", Rita asked.
"I think you should leave everything the way it is. Doing that might draw unnecessary attention to her which wouldn't be nice. Just tell her to be careful and she shouldn't keep late nights", Theresa said.
"She doesn't even do that. I'm glad though because people hardly know her which is for her benefit", Rita said.
"True. Has Francis found anything yet?.
"Sadly no, but he said they're still working on it", Rita sighed.
"I really hope he's found. This is getting longer than expected but I believe it would be over soon, I just have this feeling", Theresa said with a far away look in her eyes.
"Is Mateo alright", Rita asked.
"Yes, he's fine. He'll be turning three next week, I want to organize a small party for him", Theresa beamed.
"Am I invited?", Rita laughed.
"If you don't come, I'll skin you alive", Theresa said.
Rita smiled and for the first time in a long while, she felt bliss.