Lost (Beautiful Beast I)

Chapter-11

Leia

It's been five days. Five days and six nights since Nicholas helped me and I still haven't got a word from him whether they are still behind me or not. Last night after returning from the party, everyone hit the bed, too tired to even utter a word while I stayed awake.

I was drowned into my memory lane, 20 years of living my father alone. Once I step out of this house, I'm going straight to my father. I have a lot of questions that needs to be answered by him whether he likes it or not. And if he really, really has any kind of emotion to me other than hatred, he will not inform Stark, but if he confirms that there's no strings attached and tears down the remaining love and respect I have on him, I'm never seeing that man ever again.

I cried the night, thinking of the times with my father and soon it was morning. I took a shower, dressed up and went down to the kitchen. To my surprise, Irina was there, preparing toast.

There were no maids around. It's just me and Irina.

I was about to turn around without making any noise.

'Come in, Rose' came Irina's voice.

I turned around to see her back still facing me. How did she know?

I walked quietly inside and she turned around with toast in a plate.

'Here' She shoved the plate in my hand and turned around, preparing some more.

I chewed on my bottom lip nervously looking at the plate. The silence between us is becoming heavy and intensifying.

'I spoke to Stark last night' said Irina.

I quickly placed my plate on the dining table and made my way to her.

'And?' I asked.

'I asked him about you' she said.

I turned cold. I felt my heart beat increasing as I stared down at her. Noticing my silence, she placed the knife down and looked up. Her eyes are empty.

'You lied' She said.

My voice seem to be forgotten to help me out as I tried to talk. Her expression was hurt and I know I screwed it up.

'Leia, right? Or should I call you Rose?' She snorted 'My son saved you, I let you live in my house and this is how you repay us?'

I head hung low shamefully. I didn't mean for her to find out. I just wanted to go away from here.

'Tell me, Leia, what was the necessity to lie?' she asked softly.

'I didn't mean to, Irina. I was just worried and...and scared that you might send me back. Also, how can I tell you that my own father...' I couldn't say it. I just couldn't. My eyes filled with unshed tears making my sight blurry. Irina's eyes softened but her stare remained intact.

'Whatever it might be, you shouldn't have lied to me, to us. What will my son think if he comes to know what you've done?' she asked sternly.

'Irina...Nicholas knows everything' I said, making her eyes go wide 'And...not just Nicholas. A-Aron and even Nicholas's father knew about this right from the beginning'

Irina looked at me with a shock filled expression. She let out a angry sigh and ran her hand through her face.

'So, it was just Sophia and me who didn't know about this?'

'Yes' I said.

'Stark told me you were the highest bidding that night and you ran away. He searched you for two days and then finally let it go' she said.

I was speechless. Two days! While I stayed her for five days without knowing about this. Why didn't Nicholas tell me?

'It's very rare that women escape Stark's place, it's not very easy. You were the second girl who succeeded. He's not after you and you are totally out of danger' She said, folding her arms in front and giving me her stern look.

'Well, I must go then' I said.

'Very well. Boris will be here in any minute, be ready' she said and went back to her work.

I'm leaving. Literally and figuratively. I felt happiness swelling in me but also guilt.

'Irina I'm so sorry. I didn't mean any of this to happen. I'm sorry that I lied—

'No, Leia, I'm sorry that I let you live under my roof. Stark is our family and yet I let you to be here, and all the while you were lying!' she raised her voice, her hands trembling aside.

'But I have my reasons' I shot back.

'What reasons? That your filthy, inhumane father sold you to a prostitution?' She spit out.

I looked at her devastated. My tears started to fall down my cheek and I didn't dare to stop them. 

'How dare you?' my voice was a mere whisper.

'How dare you? You escape Stark's place, making him lose millions of dollars he would have got if you were given to the man who bought you and then you somehow managed to use my son to get away from there and live under my roof, eating my food for these many days and then go around manipulating my son and kiss him in front of everyone!' She screamed.

I looked aghast. Pulling myself up, I looked at her with so much rage.

'What Stark is doing for a living is illegal. You should be glad that I didn't go to the cops. And about your son, I don't see why I need to manipulate him. I'm not interested in any such thing' I said as calmly as possible.

We both stared at each other with intense anger. If looks could kill, I'd be dead by now.

'What's happening here?' Sophia's voice made us both look away from each other.

Her hair is in a messy bun and she's in her night wear.

'Nothing, Sophia. She's just leaving now' Irina said.

'Leaving where?' asked Sophia as she entered the kitchen, confusion settling in her eyes as she saw my tear strained face and Irina's trembling self.

'Stark is no longer after her. She's free now' Irina said.

Sophia passed me a knowing look and a soft smile.

'Can you please check whether Boris has arrived, darling?' Irina asked sweetly. Sophia nodded her head and left the kitchen.

'I didn't mean any of this to happen, Irina. I'm sorry for everything I've done, forgive me if you can' With that I walked out of the kitchen, not waiting for her response.

I was about to climb the stairs and go back the room I was provided but then again, what's the use? I have nothing to pack because I had nothing with me when I came here. I came in wearing a dress that exposed me so much and I'm not wearing it again.

I turned around and walked out of the home. I saw Sophia talking to Boris, the driver.

'Hey' I said when I reached them.

'You're leaving without saying goodbye to Nicholas and the others? That's rude' she accused harshly.

'Well, they are asleep. Tell them I said goodbye' I said, not having the courage to look her in the eye. She was about to speak, but Boris interrupted.

'I'll go start the car' Boris said and left us alone.

'Rose—

'Leia. My name is Leia' I said and walked passed her.

Once I got into the car, I saw Sophia still in the same spot looking at me with hurtful eyes and confusion. Just when Boris revived the engine, Irina walked out and stood near the door. We were out of the gate within no time, my eyes never leaving Irina until she left my sight.

Boris asked me where to go and I gave him my house address. I can't believe I'm finally out of that house. In the past five days, a lot of things has happened in that house and I got used to the new place. Now that I'm on my own, I think about my father and a list of dreadful thoughts consume my mind. He's the only family I got. I don't want to lose him too. I'm so angry at him for putting me in such a mess but what hurts me is his last words he spoke before handing me over to Stark.

The car came to a sudden stop before Boris killed the engine. I looked out of the window to see we've arrived at the right place. I felt my heart constrict as I saw the house I lived in with my father for so many years now. The morning fog hasn't cleared up and the air was quiet chilly when I got down from the car. The street is silent, and calm. I saw the house next to mine. The newspaper is still lying outside, guess Aunt May hasn't woken up yet. I saw her garden blooming with colorful flowers.

'Shall I leave, ma'am?' Boris voice made me look away from Aunt May's home and turn towards Boris.

I reconsidered his permission. I don't know how my father is going to react and I definitely don't want him to sell me again. Boris looks strong enough, and well capable to tackle my father. After what my father did, I don't think it's the best to trust him, at least not before knowing his intentions behind the action.

'Can you please wait here for a minute?' I asked. Boris nodded and walked towards my house.

The grass has not mowed and the plants are all gone. The couch and pots in the porch is also not there. The whole area looks barren. When I reached the door, I quickly saw Boris leaning of the car watching me with his arms folded in front.

'Boris is here and I can handle my father'

I took a deep breath and rang the bell. I waited for a second listening for any noise from inside, but none. I rang the bell again. Again. And again.

I didn't hear dad's voice, I heard nothing. I was greeted with absolute silence.

I ran towards Aunt May's house ignoring Boris curious look.

I rang the bell twice and I heard Aunt May's voice. The door opened and my I smiled widely at the woman in her night dress with sleepy eyes. Aunt May's eyes widened in shock and then she burst out in happiness.

'Oh, my. Leia!' she hugged me. God, I missed her so much.

'Aunt May, I missed you so much' I kissed her cheek.

'Me too, darling. Me too. Come on in'

'Aunt May, dad is not at home' I asked.

She looked at me nervously.

'He sold the house' she said softly.

The shock was evident on my face. He sold the house?

'I understand if your father hasn't told you about this' she said, her voice full of concern 'He didn't want you to know, you see. He did everything he can to save money but couldn't and that's why he had to sell the house. I don't know what he told you but I can't lie to you, Leia. Just don't be harsh on your father, he did this only to pay your fee. I'm so happy that your finally living your dreams' she said with a smile on her face.

I was about to reply but then she spotted Boris.

'Is that man your boyfriend?' she asked.

'No, no, Aunt May. He just came to drop me off' I said quickly, my mind still registering on what she told before about fee and dreams.

'That doesn't look like a taxi. Was it provided by the institute you're working in?' she asked.

I tried to act normal and understand the whole situation but I was failing miserably.

'Yeah, it is, Aunt May' I replied.

'I'm so happy for you. I did some browsing on the musical institute your father told me about and I dare say I was not impressed. I'm so glad you didn't decline their offer'

Okay, that explains a little on what my father has fed her when I was not here.

'Aunt May I will just be back, okay? I need to send him off' I said.

Once she was out of sight, I jogged back to Boris.

'Is there any problem?' He asked.

'No, you can go. Thank you'

He gave a curt nod and left.

* * *

2 WEEKS LATER

'Lee can you take table four? I've already got three on my list' Said Bella as she took two trays in her hands.

'Sure, Bells' I replied and she left the kitchen after taking spoons in the trays.

Beetle Bee Cafe is situated at the heart Moscow, owned by Laura, a single mother of two boys, George and Jordan. George in his high school whereas Jordan in primary.

The Cafe becomes busy at the evenings and I decided to have my shift at the evenings while I worked in the Russian Community of Dance and Music at the day time.

When I visited Marie, she told me the same story as Aunt May. Apparently, Dad has told them that he sent a letter to one of the finest musical art institutes in Texas about my fine work with a CD of my work attached and they immediately selected me. Dad sold the house in order to pay the humongous fee.

I had to applaud for such a convincing lie, because I had to work hard in making them believe that it wasn't good in Texas and that father who already got the job there, didn't want leave yet. So, I decided to come back and live my life while he decided to work there.

Marie believed me because she has known me throughout my life. She has seen how I never crossed my father's words and lived the life I dreamed of. Now she's so happy that I'm finally doing it.

Convincing Aunt May was even more easier. All she wishes is for me to be happy.

I brought a small apartment which is close to both my work place with the help of Marie. I need to pay back her money even if she said it's fine.

Two weeks went by too fast in finding an apartment, and a Cafe. I checked at father's work place, Rings & Roses where he use to work as an event coordinator. The manager said he left his job a week ago, the day he sold me.

It looks like he has totally planned up. Sell me, sell the house and leave the job. It feels like something is definitely missing or something that I'm not able to understand or see.

What is he thinking or doing? And where is he now?

I had no time to weep since doubts and curiosity takes most of time while the rest of time I spend in making myself busy at work. But every night when I hit my bed, I can't push away the lonely feeling that starts creeping my way, eating the little peace I have.

'Lee?' Came Bella's voice, her head peering inside.

'Table four?'

'Right. I'm on it'

I quickly took the notepad and left the kitchen. The Cafe is totally filled with talks, laugher and noise. The Cafe has a vintage taste with dim lights, and wooden chairs. After taking the order, I quickly informed Sara to prepare casserole as she's the best in it and prepared the rest of the order.

It went like this for another hour and I was totally tired. When the closing hour arrived, Bella initiated to close up the Cafe while the rest of us left. My apartment is just few minutes walk, so when I entered my home, I hit the bed.