CHAPTER FIVE
1035 Words
Ava was surprised. Lea had told her this was her land. Did she lie to her?
"Ma, where is her land? We want to see her," Lena asked.
The woman looked at them suspiciously.
"I can't tell until I'm sure your intentions are pure," the woman said.
Lena looked at Ava and made signs that they should leave and find abode somewhere else.
"I can assure you that our intentions are pure. We are only looking for an abode. Our land was destroyed and we are the only known survivors," Ava said.
Lena glared at Ava for explaining their predicament to the old woman.
"Ohh? Sorry about that," the woman said as if wars are like child's play.
Lena became furious.
'Does this woman have any compassion? Did she even imagine that lots of innocent lives lost? Did she know the traumatic pain she is hiding behind her calm face?' she thought.
"I can give shelter. You will work for me to make a living," the woman's statement gained Lena's attention.
"We will.....," Lena was saying but Ava cut in.
"We will be glad ma'am. We aren't lazy ladies," Ava said.
Lena glared at her and clenched her fist.
"I can see your sister isn't in support. I won't force you to stay," the woman said.
With that, the woman closed her door.
"I have a bad feeling about this woman. Her intentions don't seem pure. She looks like a dibia," Lena said.
"I've told you to stop judging people from their looks. She is the only one who can lead us to Lea," Ava said.
"Lea! Lea! You kept on saying her name as if she is the world's saviour. Ava, we can help ourselves. We just need to plan a way to," Lena said.
"I know but we have nothing left in this world. We have to start from somewhere," Ava said, "You told me to be strong," she added.
"I know but...," Ava interrupted Lena.
"But what? The woman gives you bad feelings? Well, she doesn't give me so I'm going back to that compound. Find me there if you need me," with that, Ava went back to the woman's house leaving Lena.
Lena watched as Ava walked in. She wanted to go after her and talk sense back into her but she let her go.
"I just hope she will be fine," Lena muttered and left the land looking back intervally until she could see the house no more.
The old woman was surprised to see Ava at her door again.
" I thought you left. Where is your sister?" she said.
"She left," Ava replied.
"Why did you come back?" the woman questioned.
"I wanted to meet Lea and I know if I want to get to her land, it could be through you only," Ava responded.
The woman just nodded and let Ava in.
The interior of the house was a vast contrast with the exterior of the house. The outside looked like a poor woman's home but the interior depicts a rich home.
"Feel at home. The maids will attend to you soon," the woman said and made to leave but Ava stopped her.
"What can I call you?" she inquired.
"My name is Sydney," the woman answered.
Ava nodded and watched Sydney walk through a hallway.
Soon, Lena was out of the land. She walked aimlessly till she got to the bottom of a hill where she sat.
She was alone in the valley when she felt the presence of a company.
"What could a lady like you be doing in the sun?" a female voice asked.
Without looking at who it was, Lena replied, "Maybe the same thing a lady like you is doing"
The female laughed lightly, "I see that you are a smart lady."
"Your voice also gives you out as a smart person," Lena said.
"Wouldn't you look at me?" the female questioned.
"Listening to you talk without knowing what you look like makes me feel like I'm talking to my inner self," Lena said.
"I'm not your inner self," the female said with amusement present in her voice.
"I know," Lena said simply.
Lena felt a shadow hover above her so she looked up to met a smiling face of a beautiful lady.
"I knew a smart lady like you will have a beautiful face to complement," the lady said.
Lena smiled. " I thought so for you too"
"My name is Yelena," the female said.
"Call me Lena," Lena said.
"Wow. Are you Yelena too?"
No. I am Magdalene. Lena is the short form."
"Where do you come from?"
"A land far away from here"
"Are you on a trip?"
"Yes. I'm on a trip of no destination"
"Are you a knowledge seeker?"
"I'd be glad if I were but no, I'm a refugee. Are you a knowledge seeker?"
"No. I am a traveller"
"Oh okay"
"We could travel together and finally go back to my land together"
"I will find my way. Thanks for your offer"
"I see you look hurt. Did someone leave you?"
"I'm not hurt. Staying under the sun can make one look like one is hurt."
Yelena smiled.
"I will be leaving again now. Anyways, my home is down the valley," she said.
Lena nodded and watched Yelena leave.
"Wait!" Lena suddenly called out to Yelena.
Few minutes after Sydney left, two young ladies came to Ava.
"Good evening," they greeted smiling.
"Ma, let's lead you to go take your bath," the taller one said.
"Call me Ava," Ava smiled at them.
"Okay," they bowed.
They led Ava to the bathroom. They laid the new clothes on the bed for her. Soon, Ava was done bathing. She was made to wear her clothes before being led out again.
As soon as they got to the door, another set of ladies were out waiting to lead her to the dining.
"Call me Ava," she told them too when they called her ma.
When she got to the dining room, Sydney was already sitten. She smiled at Ava and motioned to her to sit too.
"You look beautiful," Sydney complimented.
"Thanks ma," Ava smiled.
They began to eat.
- Writer
