Chapter 11
1103 Words
Jade’s POV
A hand reached out to me, pulling me into one of the corners, away from the whole paparazzi on the street.
Quickly, I twisted their hands to the back, taking off whatever it was she was holding.
“Hold on! It's me!” Helen yelled, and quickly I let her go, my chest rising and falling abruptly.
“I’m sorry,” I panted, trying to catch my breath. I peeped only to see the police still searching for me.
It's going to be a long day. I was aware of that. But right now, I have to do everything to survive. To leave this country. I just have to try.
My hands trembled as I quickly adjusted her clothes, bowing my head at intervals. “I'm really sorry. I got scared.”
“It's okay,” she nodded her head, her eyes boring into mine. “You look tired,”
“I know,” I answered, feeling very nauseous and exhausted.
Her gaze fell on my stomach, and I twitched, taking a few steps back to be sure this wasn't some kind of setup. “Is the baby okay?” She questioned with her brow raised.
“Yes. The baby is fine, thank you.” I replied sharply, my gaze falling on the black backpack she was carrying.
“Here is everything you need,” she said, handing it over.
She didn't just bring the passport and the rest of my travelling files. She went as far as packing some food for me, a blanket, and some sets of clothes as well as shoes.
“Thanks Mrs Helen,” I almost burst into tears as I wiped them off quickly before they fell.
She moved closer to me, placing her hand on my belly, her eyes fixed on mine for a second. Bringing out a handkerchief, she wiped away my tears.
“I was once like you. Lonely, scared, and…broken,” she started, trying hard not to tear up by wiping away my tears continuously.
My eyes darted from her eyes to the noises behind. “I wish I had fought hard for us like you are doing now.”
“You were once like me?” I repeated after her to be sure I heard her correctly.
I watched her nod her head, patting my shoulder gently. “You need to get going okay. I prepared a place for you at my niece's place. I already explained everything. So be assured you are safe.”
“But–”
“No buts, Jade. I've watched you for years,” she started, shaking her head alongside as she folded the handkerchief into my hand.
“You are a good woman. Who has wanted nothing but good for her family and for those around her,” she continued, holding me up from speaking further. “I know you are scared, and you do not trust anyone.”
My eyes bored into hers, and I could not believe I had doubted this woman for long. So many times I wanted to speak to someone, but I was scared of getting hurt again.
And now… “Thanks Helen,”
“It's nothing.” She answered with a smile mixed with what seemed like tears on her face. “My niece is here,” she sniffed, pointing to the car behind her.
“Stay safe,” she waved, signaling me to leave while I watched her walk away.
“I'll be fine,” she shot back. “I promise,”
And like that, I found help in an unusual place. And for once in my life, I think I made the best decision without regrets.
*************
The next day came faster than I expected. I feel so weak and tired. It was no news that I was all over the internet.
So I wasted no time. Quickly, I took my bath, which was so warm, and put on the other clothes I had bought from the boutique yesterday.
“Leaving so soon?” Mrs Grace, Mrs Helen’s sister, shot back from behind.
Apparently, I had asked her to leave the door open last night, so it was easy for her to see me.
“Yes. I need to–”
“I understand. It's fine. Just be safe out there, okay?” She locked eyes with me for a while and I nodded. “And if you run into trouble out there, remember to call me. I'll show up.”
“No,” I replied with a faint voice, zipping my bag.
“You've done more than enough. I don't want to message you more,” I answered, careful not to sound a bit rude.
“Okay then,” she answered, passing me some doughnuts and a bottle of milk.
“I'm good,” I stepped back, refusing to take what she had to offer.
She motioned towards me. Handling the snack over to me as I cleared my fist, I didn't realize when a drop of tears left my eyes.
“You will need all the strength you can gather, Jade.” She paused, wiping off my tears like her sister did yesterday. “Not just for yourself but for the unborn child. You need to be strong,”
“Thanks Grace,” my lips trembled while I reached out for my backpack.
And like that, I went to the airport. It was around 6am, and everywhere looked calm. Not until I got to the airport and everything changed.
“Remove your face mask,” I heard one of the security guards tell the lady who was in the front row.
“No one enters without a thorough search,” I heard their boss announce and fear gripped my heart.
The rate at which I was panicking right now, I swear I can die from it. But I need better than to fidget, so as not to put myself and the baby at risk.
I have just two more people and I'll be the next in line.
“Take off your cap and your glasses,” the security officer ordered after the two people in front of me left.
“I cannot. I've got—”
“Then I'm sorry, I cannot allow you on the plane, ma’am. Step aside.” The security man refused.
My hand trembled, fear coursing through me so badly I felt a bit faint.
Just as I was about to act funny, a hand filled the space in between mine, masculine and firm.
“She’s with me,” his voice rang across the hallway, halting everyone for a moment.
- Writer
