chapter 2 : THE ESCAPE
892 Words
Mirabel sat beneath the tree, replaying every word Evelyn had said. Her friend was right, but fear held her back. She was terrified of what Miranda and her stepsisters would do if she tried to escape.
After a long silence, she finally made up her mind. She would visit Evelyn later so they could plan her escape.
Just then, the sound of a car entering the compound interrupted her thoughts.
Miranda stepped out of the car with another man.
Mirabel: Good afternoon, sir.
Man: Good afternoon, dear.
(Turning to Miranda.)
Man: Is this the girl?
Miranda: Yes. This is my beautiful daughter.
Man: She's beautiful.
Miranda: As you can see.
Man: I'm Mr. Mazidwe.
Miranda smiled.
Mr. Mazidwe: I've already paid your mother. Let's go.
Tears filled Mirabel's eyes.
Mr. Mazidwe: Why are you crying?
Miranda: Oh, don't mind her. Those are tears of joy. She hasn't had a customer in weeks.
Before anyone could say another word, Mirabel turned and ran out of the compound.
Mr. Mazidwe: Where is she going?
Miranda: Mirabel! Come back here!
Mr. Mazidwe frowned.
Mr. Mazidwe: So this is what I paid for? Send my money back immediately, or you'll regret it.
He slammed his car door and drove away.
Miranda clenched her fists.
Miranda: Stupid girl! After everything I did to find that customer... when I get my hands on her, she'll regret ever running away.
Mirabel ran for what felt like hours, not knowing where she was going. Her legs ached, and her lungs burned with every breath. Finally, she collapsed beneath a large tree to catch her breath.
She closed her eyes for a moment.
Suddenly, she sensed movement nearby.
Her eyes flew open as she carefully scanned her surroundings, but there was nothing there.
A minute later, she heard footsteps approaching.
Her heart pounded. She was too afraid to turn around.
What if it was a wild animal?
The footsteps stopped just behind her.
Gathering all her courage, she spun around—
Only to find Evelyn laughing her head off.
Mirabel: Are you mad?
Evelyn: Completely.
Mirabel: What are you doing here?
Evelyn: I should be asking you that.
Mirabel: Don't tell me you followed me all the way here.
Evelyn: Of course I did! When I saw you running, I thought you'd finally lost your mind.
Mirabel: You're impossible.
Evelyn: Crazy... but only for my best friend.
Her smile slowly faded.
Evelyn: What happened?
Mirabel: My stepmother was chasing me.
Evelyn: Why?
Mirabel: The usual.
Evelyn sighed.
Evelyn: Do you remember what happened the last time you ran away from one of those men?
Mirabel lowered her head.
Mirabel: I can't do this anymore, Evelyn. I'm tired... I'm exhausted.
Evelyn smiled proudly.
Evelyn: Finally. My best friend is back.
She placed a hand on Mirabel's shoulder.
Evelyn: So... are you going back to that house?
Mirabel: Never. Over my dead body. The last time I went back after running away, she locked me in the storeroom for a whole week. I could barely breathe. That's how my asthma became worse.
Evelyn looked at her with tears in her eyes.
Evelyn: I'm proud of you.
Mirabel: You're not serious.
Evelyn: Oh, I am. Now... what's the plan?
Mirabel took a deep breath.
Mirabel: I think... I'll come with you.
Evelyn squealed with excitement and wrapped Mirabel in a tight hug.
Mirabel: I... can't... breathe!
Evelyn immediately let go.
Evelyn: Sorry! I'm just so happy!
She kissed Mirabel on the cheek.
Evelyn: Where's your phone?
Mirabel: Right here.
She pulled it from her pocket.
Evelyn: Great. What about your inhaler?
Mirabel's smile disappeared.
Mirabel: I left it at home.
Evelyn: Then we're buying another one. You're not going back there.
Mirabel: Okay. Let's go.
The two girls left together.
Later that afternoon, they stopped at a pharmacy, where Evelyn insisted on buying Mirabel a new inhaler. They also bought a few clothes and a pair of shoes before finally heading home.
When they arrived at Evelyn's house, they found Mr. Brown sitting in the living room, reading a newspaper.
Evelyn: Good afternoon, Dad.
Mirabel: Good afternoon, sir.
Mr. Brown: Good afternoon, girls.
Evelyn: Where's Mum?
Mr. Brown: She's in the kitchen.
Without wasting another second, Evelyn grabbed Mirabel's hand and hurried into the kitchen.
Evelyn: Mum!
Mirabel: Good afternoon, Ma.
Mrs. Brown turned around with a warm smile.
Mrs. Brown: Hello, my daughters. How are you both?
Mirabel: I'm fine, Ma.
Evelyn: Mum, guess what? Mirabel and I are going to varsity together!
Mrs. Brown's face lit up.
Mrs. Brown: That's wonderful news! I'm so happy for both of you.
Evelyn: Thanks, Mum.
Mirabel: Thank you, Ma.
Mrs. Brown: Oh, don't call me "Ma." Call me "Mum."
Mirabel smiled softly.
Mirabel: Alright... Mum.
Mrs. Brown nodded warmly before asking,
Mrs. Brown: Have you made all your preparations, Mirabel? And... have you told your stepmother about your decision?
Mirabel: No, Mum.
She lowered her head.
Mrs. Brown: (Sighing.) You should have told her.
Mirabel: She wouldn't let me go.
Tears welled up in her eyes.
Mrs. Brown: It's okay, my dear.
She gently rubbed Mirabel's back.
Mrs. Brown: I'm here for you.
Mirabel: Thank you, Mum.
Mrs. Brown: You're welcome, dear. Go and get some rest. We'll talk after dinner.
Mirabel nodded, and Evelyn gently took her hand before leading her to her room.
- Writer
