Mirror

5

My hand almost bled as I handed over a twenty-dollar bill to the cap driver and let out a 'keep the change'. I really need to buy a bicycle. I can't keep throwing away bills after bills on cabs. These costly cabs are killing my pockets. Earning the minimum wage comes along with endeavoring to make ends meet and, unfortunately, I'm an exception.

He murmurs a little 'Thank you'. I flashed him one of the forced smiles of mine as a response before climbing out of the backseat. Once I was standing on my two feet, I softly pushed the cream polished metal back, producing a faint click signaling the door was secured. The cab drove away and vanished from my eyes' sight just in a matter of seconds.

Turning around, I pushed open the gigantic metal gate before stepping to the other side and latched the gate behind me.

My spirit instantaneously brightened at the thought of Ashley and Loki. I have always loved spending time with those two. I have no clue why I relish their company, perhaps because I only have minimal human presence in my life.

Before I knew it, my steps halted in front of the enormous double wooden door. My hand flew up and my index finger pressed the circular doorbell switch. Replicating the action twice, I stood patiently by the door.

A minute went by and then two and then three and four, but nothing happened. Now impatient, my right feet began tapping on their own, waiting for the door to open.

Why is it taking so long to open the door?

Are they out?

No, if they were out, the gate wouldn't be left open. Ashley is very particular about these things. I decided it was best if I called her to notify her about my arrival. Pulling out the phone, I dialed her number but it was unavailable. Ashley's another unusual practice. Her phone is always on. Always.

Worry consumed me as I sensed something off, but I ignored it, contemplating that I was again being paranoid and irrelevant as I had been doing for the past few days.

Perhaps she is taking a bath or something?

'Indeed that must be it' I agreed as my brain tried to form a rational reason.

I let out a sigh of exasperation and decided to wait a few more minutes. If nobody also answers, then I'll have no other option than to return.

Pressing the doorbell again, I waited two more minutes but got the same result. Still no answer. By now I'm certain there is nobody inside. Ashley must have forgotten to lock the gate on their way out. Just as I was about to leave, my ears picked a set of footsteps nearing towards me.

I rolled my eyes. Looks like aging has affected Ashley's hearing. I've been standing here for forever and she is just coming to answer the doorbell...

I didn't have to wait long as the door finally pulled open, but instead of Ashley, I was greeted with the sight of an unfamiliar young girl standing on the other side of the door. She was wearing a very short dress and her dark hair was pulled into two French braids. She didn't look a day older than fifteen.

My eyes caught her curious and bewildered honey brown orbs trailing down the length of my body, inspecting me before moving up and settling on my face. Judging by the scoff plastered on her face, I could tell she doesn't like me already. Well, if I am being honest, neither do I like her either.

Something about her whole aura didn't seem to sit well with me. It was oozing negativity. She seemed like one of those spoiled daddy's princesses who gets everything with just a click of two fingers.

Sorry if I am being hypercritical, but one can keep their thoughts to themselves but can't self-restrain how they feel.

"Who are you?" She demanded, eyeing me disgustingly.

Wow, she is rude...

"Mrs. Wee-," I began, but was promptly interrupted by another voice coming from inside grabbing both our attention. "Who is it, princess?"

"I don't know some girl," She answered as her head turned towards the person.

I followed her gaze and soon a figure came into my line of vision. I immediately identified her as Ashley's daughter. The eldest of her two children. I had never met any of her children in real life but she has their pictures hung everywhere in the mansion.

Her eyes fell on me before her head tilted in confusion. She then turned her attention to the girl who had opened the door.

"Angela, go pack your bag. I have been telling you for the past two hours,"

"I said I'd do it. Can you stop," Angela snapped back.

They continued to verbally fight back and forth while I just stood there awkwardly staring at the duo the whole time. Honestly speaking, their sudden appearance had me baffled. Maybe they shot out their differences.

Judging by the few minutes of my interaction with the daughter-mother duo. They don't really seem the kind who considers others' feelings. Then why the sudden change of heart? Maybe they want money as usual.

I was very much aware they only contacted Ashley when they were low on money... No, Ashley didn't whine and no I didn't eardrop. She was talking on the phone. I just happened to pass by and heard it. Perhaps this time the amount must be large so they had to personally visit Ashley.

Don't apprehend my words. I'll be more than happy if Ashley gets her family back. It's just I don't see a good intention coming from these two. I just hope their greed doesn't break Ashley's heart. She doesn't deserve it.

Anyways, it's not my business. I'm here to do my job. Once I'm done, I'll be out of here. Talking about work , Ashley and there is no sign of Loki either.

"Watch how you talk to me girl, I am your mother," Ashley's daughter's loud tone broke me from my trance.

Angela rolled her eyes before sassing a 'whatever' to her mom before walking away, leaving me alone with her mother. Ashley's daughter mumbled something under her breath which I couldn't quite make out, but it was obvious she was upset with her daughter's behavior.

I watch as her chest rises and falls as she heaves a breath in a clear attempt to calm her anger down. Once her breathing, even out, she turned her attention back to me.

"How can I help you?" Inquired Ashley's daughter.

"I am here to meet Mrs. Weed," I mumbled with a soft smile.

A momentary silence fell upon us. On no account I could have ready myself for the next deceleration that came tumbling out of her lips. "She is no more,"

I blinked rapidly, unsure if my ears were playing tricks on me or did she just say Ashley is no more. I inwardly shook my head. No, that can't be true. I am sure I heard something wrong or maybe I misinterpreted her words. Yes, that must be it.

"W-what do you-ou mean by-by she is no-o more-ore?" I asked, afraid what I previously heard wasn't false.

The hope lost to disappointment as she confirmed my fear. "She was killed," she replied flatly, knocking my breath out of me. Killed?

All the blood drained from my face, my eyes doubled in size and my jaw wide open. I was dumbstruck, overwhelmed and staggered by the revelation. Who could kill such a nice woman as Ashley? As far as I knew, she had no enemies. Everybody loved her.

A lump stuck in my throat and my nose began to sting from the urge to cry. I repeatedly blink my eyes trying to avoid tearing up. My lips parted trying to say something. Nothing but my words were left hanging. I was speechless.

Unable to let out anything, I looked in her way for further explanation about the incident but she just gazed at me with irritation-filled eyes. Now that I notice, she doesn't seem a bit affected by her mother's tragic demise. There was not a tiny bit of sadness in her eyes or tone. At least I could see or find any.

"Ki-lled?" I shakily mutter, forcing myself to speak.

"Yes, her throat was torn apart," Torn apart? "-I told her not to keep that bastard Loki. Now see what happened?" Loki?

"I think there is some confusion. Loki can't do that," I blurt out. He can't, right?

"My mother's neck had a 2.5 inches long deep punctured mark of a canine and big chunks of meat were missing from multiple parts of her body and you are saying it wasn't that runts doing? So how do you think she died? Was it a tiger, a lion or any other wild animal? Do you think they entered the mansion? Not only did that wolf kill my mother, but he disappeared after that," she said bitterly.

Loki disappeared?

As much as I hate to admit her point was valid. If it was an animal attack, the more chances are Loki is the one who did it, but why would Loki attack Ashley now all of a sudden? Loki wasn't affectionate, but killing?

Her phone rang, cutting through the tense atmosphere. She gave a brief glance at the phone screen before returning to me.

"By the way, you didn't tell me who you are?" She asked, looking at me suspiciously.

I just couldn't speak. There are too many things going on in my head right now. She seemed impatient for my answer as her left brow rose quizzically.

"Nobody important," I said emotionally.

"I'm sure you must be in a hurry then," she said fatly.

I knew what she meant. I nodded my head.

She swipes her phone to the left before pressing it against her ear. I swirled around to leave. I had hardly taken two steps when my feet froze on my spot as I heard what spilled from her mouth.