Escape my ruthless past.

Chapter Nine

The next morning, I woke up to the sound of sizzling bacon and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. My stomach growled, reminding me that I hadn't eaten in who-knew-how-long. Rose and Deborah were chatting in hushed tones in the kitchen, their conversation interrupted by the occasional burst of laughter.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed, testing my strength. My head still spun, but I was determined to get some answers. As I made my way to the kitchen, Rose turned to me with a bright smile.

"Hey, you're looking better," she said, handing me a steaming cup of coffee. "How's the head?"

I took a sip, letting the caffeine kick in. "It's still spinning, but I'll survive."

Deborah slid a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon in front of me, and my stomach growled in appreciation.

As I took a look around at my surroundings, I noticed that everything seemed different from the night before. The furniture was in different places, and the walls that were once decorated with strange symbols were now bare. I started to wonder if I had imagined everything, or if I was going crazy.

"I have a couple of questions, please tell me if I'm overstepping," I asked, trying to make sense of what was happening. Both Rose and Deborah turned to look at me. "Last night, I heard someone mention a pack. This is not the first time I have heard this. Can you explain what this is?"

Rose went to speak, but Deborah cut her off. "You must have overheard us talking about packing. Everyone seems to go away for the holidays here, and I love to be well organized," she explained.

"Oh, um, yeah, that makes sense," I said, still feeling off. Although Deborah's explanation made sense, something about her house and the symbols I had seen the night before were still nagging at me.

"Last night, I could have sworn your house looked different, loaded with symbols and other strange stuff," I asked, trying to clarify. Deborah looked at me with concern.

"The doctor said you may have a few side effects from that hit to your head. Can you see the symbols now? I can call the doctor back if you like," Deborah said sweetly.

"No, no, that's fine, thank you," I replied, trying to reassure her. Maybe I was just seeing things, I thought to myself.

"Mauve, I have a few questions for you, if you don't mind, of course?" Deborah asked.

"No problem, ask away," I said, picking at my fingers.

"What happened to you? Who hurt you?" she asked. I knew I had to lie. I couldn't tell them the truth, not yet, at least.

"I honestly don't remember. One minute I'm at home, the next thing I'm in your house, looking the way I do," I replied.

"No problem, hopefully over time, you will start to remember, and we can help you get to the bottom of this. Is there anyone I can call for you?" she asked.

"No, um, no. They work nights. I don't want to bother them at work. I will be fine," I lied, knowing full well that I couldn't let anyone know where I really was.

Deborah, with a warm and friendly smile, informed me that she had sorted out some fresh clothes for me. Deborah also offered to drop me off at home before school, which i appreciated. i mentioned that my aunt and uncle would probably be asleep, as they worked night shifts and were likely to be tired. I also said that i would grab a lift with Rose to school, as i didn't want to disturb them.

Once again, i found myself relying on the kindness of others. Deborah had even given Rose some money for lunch, and Rose was determined to help me find the perfect outfit for school. I couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed by their generosity, trying my best to hold back my emotions.

Rose rummaged through her closet, throwing clothes left and right, as she searched for the perfect outfit for Mauve. Mauve couldn't help but chuckle at the sight, wondering what Rose was up to. "Trying to find you the perfect outfit for school," Rose explained, as if it should have been obvious.

Rose pulled out a long-sleeved emerald green bodycon dress and tossed it to me. "Here, put this on," Rose said. "This should cover those bruises of yours but still make you look hot." i was a bit taken back by the suggestion but decided to go along with it. i slipped on the dress, and Rose threw me a denim jacket and some ankle boots to complete the outfit.

When i questioned why she couldn't just wear her usual jeans, Rose chuckled and said, "No offense, but how is anyone supposed to know what your body is like if you hide it under those baggy clothes?" i couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious in the form-fitting dress, but i knew that Rose meant well.

"Sit, let me work my magic on this hair of yours," Rose said, determined to cover up any cuts or bruises on my face. i sighed, knowing that there was no use in objecting. Even if i didn't want the help, Rose was going to make sure i got it anyway.

"Hmm, I think that's it," Rose says, as she finishes her last touches on my face and hair. I stare at my reflection in the mirror, absolutely amazed. "Wow," I finally manage to say, as I take in the sight before me. Rose truly has the ability to work magic.

My makeup is flawless. She managed to cover up the bruises on my face so skillfully that I could barely see them, even when I knew they're there. My hair looks perfect, styled in a way that it artfully hides the swelling around my eye. If I didn't know any better, I would never guess that I had been in a fight just a few hours ago.

Rose looks at me and shrugs, as if what she's done is no big deal. "This is what I do," she says modestly. I can't help but chuckle at her humility. She may make it look easy, but I know that her talent and skill are anything but ordinary.

I stand up from the chair and give Rose a hug, grateful for her help. She may not think she's done anything special, but to me, she's a lifesaver. With her magic touch, I can face the world again, without fear or embarrassment. I don't know how she does it, but I'm sure glad she's on my side.