I was sweating profusely, drowning in my sweat, suffocating, gasping for breath. The dark room had no window, just a hole, a stool and a door. The door was locked. At least he was nice enough not to tie me up, not that it would make a difference though. I climb the stool and look through the hole, he was sitting on the sofa with a woman on his lap, he suddenly looked up and saw me, he picked up a sharp object and started to poke my eyes with it, I screamed and fell.
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"Wake up, Betty, wake up" Jasmine shouted as she shook my body. I got up and realised I was sweating profusely, my heart pounding so loud I could hear it. "It's just a dream. It's just a dream" I said to myself. "Yes it is, madam" Jasmine said almost annoyed. "You're up now. Go and wash your face."she said. Where are you going?" I asked. Jasmine was dressed in a slit dress that hugged her full figure. She wore a body shaper, which hid her flabby stomach and firmed her fat butt. "who are you going to see?" I asked again. "Someone important" She replied as she applied her eye shadow.
" Obviously, 'cause you look real good " I said, admiring her. Jasmine chose to ignore my compliment, which was very unusual of her, but I didn't mind. " Who is he?" I ask again. "Since when did you start keeping secrets, Jasmine. I want to know. Who is the lucky guy? " "Trust me, Betty love, you'll soon know. I promise. It's 7.pm already. I gotta get going" she said, kissing me on the forehead. "Aii then. Jeff hasn't called. Today is his birthday and I don't even know where he is" I said. "Trust me, Betty, he is fine. Maybe he is busy. You know Jeff."she said with a smile and left. I got up, showered, and wore my best dress. I had plans for Jeff. A private birthday party at his place. Just me and him and cocktails, and cakes and our best movies. I smiled as I looked at my reflection in the mirror. I admired my lovely slim shape and long legs. Jasmine used to tease me about my shape and how I always turned heads even back in our secondary school days. I have a pretty face too, pretty eyes, and cute dimples. Jasmine is fat, she has a pretty chubby face. She has thick legs and thighs, which she hates and does everything she can to hide it. I applied my make up and carried the beautiful birthday cake I made to the car. I dialed Jeff's number and he didn't pick up. I drove to his house.
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Cars were parked in front of Jeff's house. The lights were on. I was wondering what was going on in there. With the Jeff's birthday cake in my hand, I walk to the house, praying in my heart that Jeff was fine. Rita, Jeff's secretary and my friend came out with tears in her eyes. She looked at me and said "Betty... I'm so sorry" "where is Jeff?" I asked. "You shouldn't go in, Betty" she said, pushing me back. I pushed her away with with my body and with the cake still in my hands and walked inside. Jeff was right there, in his living room with his parents, few friends and colleagues. Jeff was on his kneels, holding a ring, looking into a woman's eyes. I heard the words. I heard him say "Jasmine, will you marry me?" and I heard my best friend say "Yes" . I couldn't believe it. I stood transfixed and managed to say "Jasmine, how could you?" "Betty... Look, I was going to.. I was going to tell you...I " Jeff began to stammer. "shut up" I shouted and threw the cake at his face. As I walk out of the house, my eyes met with that of Jeff's mother, who quickly looked away. How couldn't I have figured it out. How could I not have taken my dreams so serious. Thrice, I have been traped in a dark room in my dream. Peeping through the whole in the dark room, I would see Jeff and a woman. How did I not recognize the woman in the dream. How did I not notice to flabby tommy and thick legs. Jasmine had been my only family ever since I lost my parents in a ghastly motor accident.
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I sat on the sofa, watching TV and eating pizza. I refused to cry. I cry once in a year, and that's my parents wedding anniversary,which happened to be the date they lost their lives. Jasmine entered. "I came to park my things" she said "Okay." I answered and continued to sip my wine. She was back in three minutes with her belongings. "Wow, I see you've packed already. You obviously can't wait to live with your man huh? You finally got a man to propose to you, Jasmine. You're happy now. Good for you."she started to leave but I stopped her. " Why jeff? Why my boyfriend?"I asked " You always had everything. Always the star, you had the looks, you were everyone's sweetheart, I always feel like I'm at the backstage and you....you just stole the show" she shouted "My boyfriends liked you. I saw the way they looked at you. I lost them to you without you even knowing it. I cried in silence. But I got Jeff now. The ugly duckling got the Prince charming." she continued with a wicked smile. "Betty don't try to steal Jeff away from me. Leave us alone." "Get out. " I said quietly and she left. I went to bed and slept.
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I was in the dark room again. Somehow, I managed to open the door. I think he left the door open on purpose. I didn't care. I would escape or die trying. I was ready to face what was outside the room. I stepped out and saw him pinning her to the wall. He was angry, I didn't see his face, but I felt his anger. She was gasping for breath and sweating profusely, tears running down her sweet, chubby face, blood dripping from her forehead. She opened her mouth to say something, but he didn't listen. Slowly, I walk out of the house.
