chapter 1 : BROKEN AT THIRTEEN
696 Words
Mirabel's Story
My name is Mirabel Augustine. I am 18 years old, and this is my story.
My life began to fall apart the day I lost both of my parents in a tragic car accident. After their death, I was left in the care of my stepmother, Miranda—a woman whose heart seemed colder than ice.
She treated me like I was worthless. To her, I was nothing more than a servant. Every day, I endured physical, emotional, and mental abuse. She had two daughters, Clara and Clement, who behaved just like her. As the saying goes, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Despite everything, I refused to give up on my education. I attended school, studied on my own, and passed my matric with seven distinctions. I had no one to support me, so I became my own source of strength.
Life at home, however, was a nightmare. Miranda often brought strange men into the house and forced me into situations no child should ever experience. Those painful memories have haunted me since I was thirteen.
Everything started on one unforgettable day...
FLASHBACK
Miranda: Mirabel! Mirabelllll!!
Mirabel: Yes, Ma?
Miranda: Are you deaf? Haven't you heard me calling you?
Mirabel: I'm sorry, Ma. I was washing the dishes.
Miranda: You're such a useless girl! Don't tell me you've been washing dishes since I left the house!
Mirabel: I'm sorry, Ma. It won't happen again.
Miranda: It had better not.
(Turning to the man sitting on the sofa.)
Miranda: Baby, what would you like to drink?
Man: I'm fine, darling.
(The man couldn't stop staring at Mirabel.)
Miranda: Mirabel, get out of here.
Mirabel: Yes, Ma.
(Mirabel quietly left the room.)
Man: Who is that girl?
Miranda: Just a maid. She's nobody.
Man: Oh...
Miranda: Unless you'd like a taste?
Man: She's too young.
Miranda: She's thirteen. She's not a little child anymore.
Man: She's beautiful.
Miranda: Beauty comes with a price.
Man: You really love money.
Miranda: You already know me. One thousand rand for an hour.
Man: That's expensive.
Miranda: Then forget about it.
Man: Fine. I'll pay.
PRESENT DAY
That was how everything began.
Years have passed, yet nothing has changed.
Miranda never gave me a single cent. Sometimes those men secretly gave me a little money because they knew she wouldn't. I also worked part-time at a restaurant just to survive.
That was my life...
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Mira's Encounter
Mirabel was sitting beneath a mango tree when her best friend, Evelyn, walked into the compound.
Evelyn: b***h!
Mirabel: Hey, buddy!
Evelyn: Thank God I met you at home today.
Mirabel: What's going on? You look excited.
Evelyn: Guess what!
Mirabel: I can't guess. Just tell me.
Evelyn: I'm leaving for varsity the day after tomorrow!
Mirabel: Really? Congratulations!
(Mirabel hugged her tightly.)
Evelyn: What's wrong?
Mirabel: And you're only telling me now?
Evelyn: I'm sorry. You've been so busy lately.
(She made a puppy face.)
Mirabel: It's okay. I'll escort you to the park before you leave.
Evelyn: Thank you. But what about your own plans?
Mirabel: I have dreams too, but dreams need money. Everything I earn from my part-time job goes toward food and basic needs. I also spent most of my savings paying for my matric. Right now, money is the only thing standing in my way.
Evelyn: If you got the chance to go to varsity, would your stepmother even let you?
Mirabel: Probably not. I'm the one making money for her.
Evelyn: Then run away.
Mirabel: Even if I did, who would pay my tuition? My rent? My groceries?
Evelyn: You can stay with me. We'll share everything I have—as long as you're willing to fight for your future.
Mirabel: I'd love to... but my stepmother would never agree.
Evelyn: How much have you saved?
Mirabel: Thirty thousand rand.
Evelyn: Thirty thousand? That's enough to give you a fresh start!
Mirabel: I know... but—
Evelyn: No more excuses, Mirabel. Do you really want to spend the rest of your life trapped here?
Mirabel: No...
Evelyn: Then if you've made up your mind, you know where to find me.
(Evelyn walked away.)
- Writer
