Past Shadows

Sudden Quarrel

Hearing her call, Prisca wasted no time in going over. She understood she could do nothing if this fellow lass decided to harm her like the former boys. She couldn't even defend herself. Thus it was best to play by the ear for the time being. At least, till she was out of this mess.

Soon, Prisca stood before the crouching Alisa.

“ What do you want to do with them? “ Alisa asked her.

Hearing her words, a ruthless glint first flashed in Prisca’s gaze. But it was soon suppressed, replaced by a calm and composed one.

“ Tamper justice with mercy. “ She responded. Against all odds, her response was in favor of the boys. For her, values needed to be observed at all times.

She followed a few rules, just as her mom had always done. These rules had always guided them through storms and tsunamis that came their way. One of this rule entailed always letting the first offense pass. That’s to say, every first offender could be forgiven. But whether such person could be forgiven for a second time, that was based on the offended choice. It simply gave everyone a second chance. And if the second chance is misused, legal actions could be taken. Though her mother-daughter duo were frequently at logger heads, this was one notion they both agreed on.

“ Let them go. “ She spoke again.

Hearing her, Alisa raised an eyebrow in surprise. Such a brave and compassionate lass wasn’t easy to find. While refusing to bend to the will of bullies even when at a dead point, she found it so easy to forgive the bullies. She wasn’t sure this was something she could do.

“ Are you sure you really mean that. “ Alisa didn’t give in easily.

“ You know, we could get a sharp object from nearby and torture them to our satisfaction. That way, you could let off some steam. “ She added.

But Prisca didn’t buy her ideas. Such callousness was never her style, and she wasn’t about to begin it.

“ It’s better we let them go. They’ve probably learnt their lessons today. Besides, it wasn’t their fault to begin with. The fault lies with the ones who sent them. “ Prisca explained.

“ Yeah! I think I heard something about that. Who sent them by the way? “ Alisa asked.

“ My friends, or should I say former friends now. “ She spoke plainly with almost no emotions. But within her, the receded chaos re-emerged. The forgotten reality was unintentionally remembered.

Hearing her words and seeing her reactions, Alisa got a hint on what likely transpired. “ * Sigh * “ She let out a sigh.

“ No need to explain more. Since you want me to let them off the hook, I will. But beware, not everyone learns their lessons. At times, only fear keeps certain people in place. Mercy and abstainance could only lead to more troubles. “ With this final words of advice, she stood up and walked away.

Prisca shook her head in disagreement to her logic, but she said no word. Everyone had a story. Thus everyone had a reason for their behaviours. Even non-living things do. The best way to change a mindset isn't outright speech but first getting to know the person and what led to their perception of life. Then their mindset can be slowly forged. Not by you, but by they themselves.

Taking one last gaze at her assaulters who were now either unconscious or wobbling in pain on plain ground, she felt a sense of justice within. What they deserve, they got. But she also felt it was enough. She shouldn’t take things too far either, leaving them without a leeway.

Next, she tilted her head back to the figure of the departing Alisa. Then without ado, ran after her. She wasn’t about to let her new friend…, ummmm savior slip out of her hand without truly getting to know each other.

“ Hey! Wait up! “ Prisca shouted as she ran towards Alisa.

“ What does she want again? “ Alisa muttered. At first, she pretended to not hear Prisca’s yells, but when she understood Prisca wouldn’t stop with the noise if she didn’t answer, she was left with no options.

“ Ohhhhh! Are you calling me. “ Alisa paused and turned back.

A wry smile formed on Prisca lips after hearing her words. ‘ If only I could beat you, I did give you a light beating right now. ‘ She thought within. She of course knew Alisa was purposefully playing deaf earlier. But she didn’t get angry. Are you kidding, how could she possibly get angry at her savior. Still, she couldn’t help but be a bit annoyed. No one liked being snubbed.

“ Nothing too serious. Just thought we should get to know each other, and maybe exchange our contact details. At least to stay in touch. “ Prisca suggested.

After weighing the pros and cons, Alisa obliged. “ I am Alisa Ifechukwu. How about you. “

“ A nice name there. “ Prisca commented.

“ Thanks. But I am not into flattery. “ Alisa replied sternly.

“ Hey! That was by no means flattery. “ Prisca exclaimed sarcastically.

“ … “ She was snubbed.

“ Fine! I won’t do it again. Promise. “

“ Better. “

“ Yeah! Better… Ummm, where do you stay. “ Prisca asked.

With a wary glint, “ Isn’t it too early to ask such question. “ Alisa replied.

“ Of course not. Aren’t we friends already. “ Prisca hinted.

“ Friends! Says who. When did we meet. “ Alisa backed away in defense. Wasn’t this lass before her a bit to desperate.

“ Fine fine. But I do want us to become friends. “ Prisca pushed even more with a puppy dog eyes plastered on her gaze.

“ Fine. You have yet to introduce yourself. “ Alisa reminded.

“ Ohhh. I am Prisca lonez. I actually come from a prominent family. If you are in need of financial assistance, I could help you out… “ Prisca introduced her self, and immediately proceeded to state her relevance. Her thought were; ‘ At least you won’t see me as a useless friend who brings nothing to the table. ‘

Alas, Alisa’s response went completely contrary to her expectations.

“ Get out! “

“ What! “

“ I said you should leave. “

“ Is it because of my words. If that’s the case, I am really sor… “

“ I don’t care about your words. If you won’t leave, I will. “

Alisa walked away leaving a dumbstruck Prisca behind.