Haunted Passion

Chapter2

The laughs from the hall increase as I try to rub off the paint from my face and my hair. The kids in school had pulled a prank on me again and this time it was way worse than before.

"Hey look!"One of them said, "It's Sticky fingers fat face."

More laughter came, this time louder. I tried to run away and hide, but I slipped landing on my back and causing more laughter in the hall.

"So it was you who told Gina not to come see me after football practice huh?"The other kid said.

I lay down covered in paint and unable to speak.

"Answer me or I will make sure you stay this way for the rest of the school session"Alex swore.

Alex had always been very mean to me, finding out I was the one who told Gina not to see him because I thought he was a player and a douche was only going to cause me more harm. But staying in school with paints all over my body wasn't fun either.

"Yes, I did,"I accepted in shame.

"She admits it guys!!"Alex calls out "You know what we do to wannabes like you? We give them paint for food"

The hall cheers and praises as Alex and his team try forcing paint down my mouth with nothing but sheer happiness on their faces.

"No…"I struggled to be freed.

"No…No…Nooo….."

I woke up, staring at the open street before my eyes. How much did I sleep? How far did I run?

I stood up studying the corners of the street. They were not familiar.

Honk honk.."If it wouldn't be much of a problem, I like you to clear the road, Missy."An elderly man stops me in my tracks and drives past me in a flash.

As I turned to find my way around, I recalled the dream I had. A terrible incident of 5 years ago which was always fresh in my mind. I ended up quitting school because of the huge embarrassment and shock I constantly felt.

Mama felt no remorse whatsoever after I told her about the ruthless activities of the kids in school. She only bundled me to Aunt's place and told me I would be staying there for a few days. But Mama lied.

Mama kept me there knowing she wasn't going to come back for me. 'I am not taking you back'....Mama's words stung deep in my heart.

I touched my ankle at the spot where I sprayed it from the race of last night.

Where was I?

"Darwin's morning coffee, Number 8 Lititz"I read out loud looking at the signboard close to me.

It sure was far from home, maybe too far.

'Donald' The thought of him brought back pain and fear. I shook my head, it was over now, I just had to find a way to help myself. Looking at the signboard again, I walked inside.

"Good morning sir "I looked at the young man at the counter who stared at me like I had just come out of a s**t hole.

"Yes Miss, what would you like to order,"he said.

"Oh no,"I waved my hands. "I am not here to order sir"I moved closer to him "I want to ask for a favour"

This time, he eyed me sceptically, he probably thought I was a nutjob.

"Can I get a spot at the cafe where I could rest my head all night?"he stopped mixing the coffee and looked back at me.

"I won't be a bother I promise,"I rushed in. "I would be gone most of the morning, I just need a place to sleep."

"I am sorry, the owners wouldn't permit it,"He dismissed.

"Please sir, can you help speak with them, please?"He must have seen the tears In my eyes and the plea in my voice.

"Look Miss, I would have helped, but I can't bring such a matter to their notice,"He urged for me to leave with his head directing me to the door. "I am sorry Miss, but you have to go now."

I turned away, the feeling of futility and uncertainty taking hold of my hopping steps.

"What's the matter?"The elderly voice sent my head turning.

"Nothing sir, just a little misdirection,"The young man looked at me. "But it has been settled."

The elderly man stepped forward, studying me from head to foot. He looked like he had seen a lot of cases like this before, so there was no changing his mind on his stance of disapproval.

"On one condition,"He said, startling me.

"Sir?"I sounded confused.

"I would let you stay here on one condition."

Hope lit in my eyes as I waited for his terms. 'please let it not be what I am thinking.' I made a silent prayer, hoping I didn't have to give my body in exchange for a bed.

"You would work for me here at the cafe,"He smiled.

"Sir!!?"I heard the younger man's voice at the counter exclaim too. I let out a sigh of relief, at least it was something I could offer.

"Do we have a deal?"He stretched out his arm for a shake.

I hesitated for a little while, looked at his eyes and felt the warmth in them. "D-de-al,"I extended my arm.

"Okay!!"He sounded happy "Johnny here would teach you all you need to know regarding making coffee and the schedule…meanwhile,"He moved to the other entrance. "let me show you your space."

Johnny's face was far from welcoming as I moved in. How could he welcome me? Only God knows how I look.

"I am Mr Darwin by the way"He turned and smiled at me.

I looked at the mirror by my side as we got to the store room, staring at the woman who looked back at me, "You can call me Elizabeth."