Show No Mercy

by Bethany Walkers

  Chloe began to cry.

  “She saved my life from the hijackers. After she sent me to the orphanage, I didn’t know where she ended up. I wanted to thank her for helping me, but she was nowhere to be found.”

  “Thanks for telling us,” Gina smiled, patting Chloe on the back for being so brave. “We’re going to have to leave now.”

  “OK.”

  “I think we’d better visit the library, see if we can find anything there,” Amber suggested later.

  “Sure thing,” Jazz agreed.

  So they set off.

  Chapter Fourty Seven

  Looking for a newspaper in aid of research

  Jazz, Amber and Gina decided to look for books on Sophie as she was quite famous because of the ‘dating Adam Attenborough’ scandal. She did TV adverts, anyway, even though they weren’t shown anymore.

  They searched and searched but they couldn’t find any.

  “Don’t give up, girls. I’m sure we’ll find something,” Jazz said confidently.

  They asked the librarian for some old newspapers, so she suggested they looked at the articles section of the library.

  Gina went there and took a heap of newspapers, piling them on to the table.

  They searched and searched for something to do with Sophie, and finally they found a photograph of her staring at a flash camera. They began to read the article.

  Part Five – Flashback

  I thought that I'd seen beauty

  I thought I'd witnessed grace,

  I thought that I'd known love

  'Til I gazed upon your face.

  I thought I'd felt my heart beat

  I thought my knees were weak,

  I thought I'd heard a songbird

  Until I heard you speak.

  I thought the rose was fragrant

  I thought the sky was blue,

  I thought nature wonderful

  'Til I first laid eyes on you.

  I thought the sun was shining

  I thought I'd seen it all,

  I thought that I was standing

  Until you made me fall.

  I thought my eyes were open

  Yet now I'm not so sure,

  I think that I may be in love

  Like I've never loved before.

  I'll hold on to these feelings

  And keep them safe within,

  Until the time they're needed

  And true love can begin...

  Chapter Fourty Eight

  Down with the press

  The news had spread on how Sophie saved the little girl’s life. She was on TV unintentionally, just by visiting the shopping centre with Bessie. Journalists pushed their microphones right under her nose.

  “WHY DID YOU RISK YOUR OWN LIFE FOR SOMEBODY ELSE’S?”

  “WERE YOU SCARED?”

  “HOW WERE YOU FEELING?”

  “ANYTHING YOU’VE GOT TO SAY FOR CHLOE?”

  “WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT CHLOE?”

  “WHAT SENTENCE DO YOU THINK THE PLOTTERS DESERVE?”

  “WHY ARE YOU SO BEAUTIFUL?”

  “ARE YOU STILL ADAM ATTENBOROUGH’S BOYFRIEND?”

  “WHAT DOES ADAM SAY ABOUT YOUR ACHIEVEMENT?”

  “ARE YOU AND ADAM GOING TO GET MARRIED ALREADY?”

  “SPEAK TO THE CAMERA!”

  “ARE YOU PROUD OF YOUR ACHIEVEMENT?”

  “SMILE ALREADY!”

  “YOU’RE SO GORGEOUS!”

  “CAN YOU GIVE THE PRESS SOME WEIGHT LOSS TIPS?”

  “HOW DO YOU GET YOUR HAIR SO ENVIABLY NICE?”

  “IF YOU COULD GET ANOTHER HANDSOME, GOOD LOOKING BOYFRIEND WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE?”

  “DO YOU WANT TO SEE CHLOE AFTER ALL THIS?”

  “OK, OK, I get the story,” Sophie snapped at the shouting photographers. “I saved Chloe’s life because she was only a child and she was being held under the hijackers’ demands. They could have killed her. That’s all I’m saying. No more comment.”

  The journalists sighed imperiously.

  One of them leaned forward and tried to kiss her. Sophie didn’t let him. She jumped back and gave him a double kidney punch in the stomach.

  “I’ve already got a boyfriend, thanks very much. Now go away!”

  “You’ve got the looks but you certainly aren’t kind,” he shot back. He was ugly from his head to his toes, looking a bit like Rhys Downend, Adam’s taxi driver. “I would fight for you, but there’s no point. You don’t know how much I’d like you to be my girlfriend.”

  “Yeah, right,” Sophie said sarcastically, and gave him another shove. “Leave me alone.”

  “I only said something and you hit the roof,” he said. He touched her arm, and then regretfully ran off with the other journalists.

  “Serves him right,” Sophie muttered to herself, and walked off.

  Chapter Fourty Nine

  Kiss Me Under The Mistletoe

  Many, many weeks later, it was Christmas. Adam had come back long ago. They decorated the Christmas tree, and invited a bunch of kids over to help. A star hung on top, and the Christmas tree was racked with decorations; different coloured tinsel: blue, red, green, yellow, purple, pink, electric blue; sparkly baubles; chocolate coins …

  Then Sophie began to sing the We Wish You A Merry Christmas song, opening presents and and Christmas crackers. She invited her dad over as well.

  Sophie’s mum had died, plus her mum’s mum and dad, and her Dad’s mum and dad. Adam couldn’t invite his family over. They didn’t have enough money to take the plane to London. As Adam was so successful, he could have sent the money over, but his earnings had not yet been deposited to his bank account, and he didn’t want to give away to Sophie that he was rich. He had to cover a lie with yet more lies.

  Anyways, Adam bought the little girls each red dresses specially made, and the boys some mini suits. (He told Sophie that he decided to stretch his budget.) Sophie’s Dad just had his turkey whilst sitting down. He couldn’t be bothered to stand up and walk around – he’d put on so much weight recently and he asked for an inhaler after he’d reached the kitchen door from the living room door.

  They enjoyed their Christmas celebrations as much as possible, and then Adam asked to see Sophie in private.

  “I, err, well, I wanted to talk to you. You do like me, don’t you?” Adam said awkwardly. He wasn’t very good at handling a romantic situation.

  “Well, obviously. We’re getting married soon, remember?” Sophie smiled at him, as if she knew what was coming.

  Adam just wanted to say everything he’d ever wanted to say to her now. “The moment my lips touch yours, it will be your first kiss. Because if you've never felt anything when someone's kissed you, then no one's ever really kissed you. Not the way I plan on kissing you.”

  She deserves to be kissed by someone who loves her. Someone who spends every waking moment trying to do everything right by her. Someone who would rather die than see her hurt. She doesn't deserve to be kissed by anyone other than me. Adam thought.

  Adam smiled at her, and then they both stared at the mistletoe that was hanging above them. He always wanted to find the right moment to do this, and the time right now seemed perfect. Adam leaned over and his lips brushed against hers. His hand tangled in her hair and Sophie’s arms slid around his neck. She closed her eyes and as soon as their tongues made contact she felt every cell in her body feel like it was on fire. Adam deepened the kiss, continuing to explore her mouth. He had never had this feeling before. “I love you Sophie,” Adam said against her lips, his voice desperate. “I love you so much.” He ran his hands down her back, sending shivers down her spine. Sophie tightened her grip around him, fighting to get closer still. Her hands ran down his chest, feeling his muscular body as they continued to kiss. The stubble on his chin scratched hers. “Mmm,” Adam murmured against her mouth.

  “Please don’t stop,” Sophie breathed into him, gasping. “I want you. I want you so much.”

  Adam ran his fingers on he
r cheek, and then his lips slowly moved to her neck. He kissed her neck all the way down to her collarbone, before his mouth pressed against hers once more, more firm, and even more desperate. He continued to groan, and Sophie felt sensational. His lips moved to her ear frantically, as his hand moved to her hip and their hands continued to explore each others bodies.

  When they finally broke apart, they were both smiling. They talked for while, but then they couldn’t help but kiss each other again.

  She moved closer to him, looking up at his kind face that was now bathed in the glow of the evening sun. She felt a powerful outburst of affection overcoming her. She compulsively reached out and placed her hands on his smooth cheeks. He didn't resist. Her heart beating heavily, she slowly elevated herself by standing on her toes and stared into his eyes, almost pleadingly, trying to communicate her desire to be consumed by him. He stared back, and apparently understanding her feelings, drew closer to her. She closed her eyes, her lips parted slightly, awaiting that which she had been longing for. A few seconds passed before she finally felt his warm lips brush against hers. At that very moment, she felt her passion for him course through her body, causing her to shake uncontrollably. She raised her hands above her head, allowing him to wrap his arms around her waist and hold her tightly as he began to kiss her lips. She moaned softly, kissing back to the best of her ability. Moments later, she felt his wet tongue slide between her lips. She greeted it with her own tongue, feeling his moist breath in her mouth. As they rubbed their tongues against each other, she felt his hands slide down her back and to her bottom. She squirmed playfully as he squeezed her bottom lightly and wrapped her arms around his neck. They kissed passionately, holding each other in their warm embrace, expressing their unspoken love. After what felt like eons to her, their mouths finally parted, and their eyes finally met. They continued to hold each other, silently staring into each others eyes. After giving him a watery smile, she placed her head against his chest. The beating of his heart was audible, an indication that he felt the same way she did. He stroked her hair gently, planting a loving kiss on her head and then nuzzling his nose against it.

  It had turned out to be a great Christmas after all.

  Chapter Fifty

  Taking the children to no place like home

  Sophie decided to pay the orphanage another visit.

  On the way there, she saw twelve kids, lying on the street, clinging on to each other for dear life. They had barely any clothes on, just the rags of their old ones. Sophie walked over to them.

  “What’s the matter?”

  “We can’t find our mum and dad,” cried one of them. “There’s no-one to look after us. We have no family. And we have been living like this for weeks. Most of our possessions have been stolen.”

  “You poor things,” Sophie said, really meaning it. “I know someone who will look after you, though. Come with me, you can trust me.”

  “OK,” another nodded. They stood up in a line behind Sophie, as if they were soldiers marching.

  Then they arrived at the orphanage. Sophie escorted them to the hospital department of the orphanage.

  “I’m sorry, you can’t send them here. They may have been issued a place at the orphanage, but there isn’t enough space in the nursing wing. I’m sorry. You’ll have to go to the hospital downtown.”

  “OK, madam,” Sophie smiled, and she called a cab to take them to the hospital. It was a tight fit.

  Then they arrived. Sophie explained to the head receptionist at the hospital. He issued them a place in the children’s wing of the hospital. There were also some policemen on guard.

  After taking them there, Sophie left.

  After the children fell asleep, Petunia, the guardian and the head of the hospital, tiptoed down the stairs to curl up with a book and unwind until some more workers started to come into the hospital. The storm outside had intensified, and she secretly hoped the weather would bring them home earlier than anticipated. She first made herself comfortable on the couch of the staff room, but then a close flash of lightning, immediately followed by a loud clap of thunder, sent her scurrying for another seat across the room and away from the window. She wasn’t generally afraid of storms, but the big house with its shadowy corners and creaking floors had left her more than a little bit on edge. She switched on the TV to help drown out the thunder, although the windows still rattled—louder with each clash.

  She read a few pages, trying to assuage her growing anxiety. Another loud clap sounded, followed by a distant boom, and suddenly the house was shrouded in darkness. Ugh. The lightning must have hit a transformer. She headed to the kitchen to find a flashlight or some matches. As she entered the hall, she heard a thud in a nearby room. Must be one of the kids, she thought. I guess one of them snuck out of bed. Then she realized that couldn’t be the case. She’d been in the den in view of the staircase ever since she tucked them in. They couldn’t have possibly slipped by without her noticing. She decided she must have imagined the sound.

  She took another step towards the kitchen. There the sound was again! She froze, silent, to make sure she hadn’t mistaken it. The thud was replaced by a creak. Then another. Then, slowly, eerily, another. She couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe. Yet she had to find out what was in there. Her life, and the lives of the children, could possibly be at stake if a stranger had found their way into the house.

  With her heart pounding, she inched a little closer to the door. The creaking continued, rhythmically. Creak, creak, creeeeaaaaakk. Thunder crashed again outside. She took a few steps closer while the rumbling storm masked the sound of her movement. She was almost to the door where the sound was coming from, a room that she now remembered was the formal living room. She knew she had to bolt into the room and confront whatever it was. It was her only hope, to get to it…whatever was in there…before it could get her! She tiptoed a tiny step closer.

  She closed her eyes and said a silent prayer. Her heart pounded so loudly now that she was sure anyone inside that room could certainly hear it. Opening her eyes, she took a deep breath and moved up to the doorway. Peering into the darkness, she slowly, quietly leeeeaaaaaaannnned inside. Suddenly a FLASH of lightning illuminated the room, startling her…as well as the family cat perched on the arm of a rickety, wooden rocking chair. “Blasted cat!” she screamed, before sighing with relief.

  But was there really somebody there that night … ?

  Chapter Fifty One

  Shopping for a wedding dress

  Sophie went home to the apartment she’d won. Adam had left for yet another job trip, and he said he’d return within three days.

  Since she wasn’t with Adam, Sophie again decided to check up on the kids.

  All twelve of them were there, being taken care of.

  Sophie chatted to them, and then met the policewoman currently on guard. Her name was Petunia, and they became good friends.

  Sophie couldn’t stop thinking about Adam and how they’d kissed. It felt amazing, and she always wanted more. Damn, she thought, why didn’t we kiss each other earlier? If kissing’s that good I could do it all day. She smiled to herself, thinking about how Adam had felt about it too.

  Sophie Steele went down to the bus stop, alone. The street was deserted except from an old wrinkly man in a suit, smoking from a shisha pipe which was rammed with coal and pieces of wood. Sophie wrinkled her nose and then smiled as she saw that her bus had arrived; number thirty seven, as a matter of fact.

  She boarded on the bus and sat down on a seat next to the window. As the bus started to move, she closed her eyes thinking of Adam (or Mitchell, in her eyes.) and their wedding day.

  “Wow, you look so beautiful, honey! He won’t be able to keep his eyes off you!” Bessie smiled, as Sophie tried on her wedding dress, a white veil on her head. Every inch of the wedding dress was gorgeous. It had intricate design. There were flowers printed on the bodice, a silky ribbon at the waist, it exposed her amazing figure, and there were luscious pink roses
embroidered on the transparent sleeves.

  “You really think so?” Sophie grinned.

  “I know so!” Bessie exclaimed, and they hugged each other tight.

  It was time for Sophie to do her make-up. She went to a beauty parlour to get it done by a professional. The stylist was very pretty and chatted with Sophie as if they were best friends. She rolled Sophie’s hair around some rollers and then made them stay firm on her head with an extra measure of hairspray. Then she began with Sophie’s face. She plucked Sophie’s eyebrows until they were a perfect, thin slanted shape, and then gave her a facial threading. The next thing she did was brush Sophie’s face with creme-to-powder foundation. She then darkened Sophie’s eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil. Her lips were painted a dark, matte pink colour and then a coat of strawberry flavoured sheer glittery lipgloss was added for extra effect. False eyelashes were glued delicately to the rim of Sophie’s eyes, and then these were thickened with a party lashes mascara, giving her eyes even more volume and definition. Thick black eyeliner was applied to her eyelids. That was it, then. There were only a few more finishing touches and her make-up would be done. The stylist added blush to make Sophie’s cheeks glow rosy pink.