sold to a stranger

chapter four

Four

As Ava walked down the quiet streets, she thought about the café that had offered her a position, but she knew Lucy might come looking for her there.

The thought of Lucy reminded Ava Lucy’s cruelty for the past sixteen years, ever since her father passed away when she was just two.

Ava’s heart felt heavy as she wandered the streets, her feet moving aimlessly, unsure of where to go. Her stomach growled, breaking through her thoughts, she hadn't eaten since yesterday , and hunger was becoming unbearable.

She spotted a small, rundown canteen across the street. Ava crossed the streets, and was about string inside the canteen, but her reflection in a nearby mirror, caught her attention for a moment. She looked rough, her clothes worn and dirty, strands of her hair fell messily across her face, framing her bright blue eye.

With a sigh, Ava pushed opened the door of the canteen , the money the man had given her the previous night was more than enough.

As she scanned inside the canteen,few plastic tables scattered around, but it was warm and smelled of food. She walked into the counter hesitated for a moment before ordering a simple breakfast.

“Eggs, toast, and coffee, please.” she saidqyietly,handing over a few of the crumpled bills she has left.

The man behind the counter gave her a kind smile and nodded, disappearing into the kitchen to prepare her meal. Ava found a seat by the window, resting her head against the cold glass.

As she stared blankly out the window, trying to figure out her next move, she felt a presence beside her. Ava looked u slowly, to see a girl about her age standing there.

“Mind of I sit here?” The girl asked, her voice light and friendly.

Ava glanced at the other empty tables wondering why the girl had chosen to sit with her, but she nodded anyway, “Sure.”

The girl slid into the seat, across Ava, leaning back casually, “I'm Kelly.” she said with a grin, extending her hand.

“Ava,” she replied, shaking Kelly’s hands hesitantly.

“You look like you’ve had a rough night,” Kelly said, her eyes scanning Ava’s tired face.

Ava let out a bitter laugh, “You could say that.”

“Trust me, I know the feeling. I have been there.” Kelly said. “So what's your story?” If you don't mind me asking?”

Ava hesitated, she wasn't used to people asking her about her personal life, “It’s comlicated.” She murmured, her fingers nervously playing with a loose thread on her jacket. “I don't really have anywhere to go right now.”

Kelly’s expression softened, “You could say that,been there myself, more than once.”

Ava’s eye flickered to meet hers in surprise, “Really?”

“Yeah, life is a b***h, isn't it?” Kelly chuckled, though there was a trace of bitterness. “But you don't have to be alone, I've got a place you can stay,if you don't mind.”

Ava felt a flicker of hope at Kelly’s offer, but the way part of her mind, held her back. “Why are you helping me?”

Kelly shrugged, her smile never flattering, “Because, I've been on your shoes. You just look like you could use a friend right now.”

Ava didn't know what to say, “I don't want to be a burden to you.” Ava said quietly, still hesitant to accept Kelly’s offer.

Just then the man from the counter brought Ava’s meal and Kelly’s order. They both ate in silence, Ava was unsure on what to say or what to think as she ate.

Kelly took a last bite from her toast, before speaking again, “You know, you won't be a burden to me right. Anyways this is my phone number, call me if you’ve made your decision.” Kelly said, placing a small piece of paper on the table in front of Ava.

Ava gave a small nod, feeling the weight of exhaustion pulling her down, “Thank you. I …..I’ll think about it.”

“Good,” Kelly said, then stood up to leave, “I’ll let you eat, see you around.”

With that Kelly gave her a wave, and walked out of the canteen.

Ava sat at the small table, picking at her toast, her mind still racing. Kelly seemed genuine, though, and there was something about her, that reminding Ava of herself.

Ava sighed wiping her mouth, as she finished the last bite of her toast, barely tasting it. Her hands felt cold as she gripped the cash left in her hands, she needed to figure out her next step.

Suddenly her phone buzzed in her pocket, she hesitated, no one ever called her. When she finally pulled it out, the number was blocked.

Ava stared at the phone for a moment before answering cautiously, “hello.”

“Keep running, but have it in mind that you can't run forever.” The voice on the other end, was cold and mocking.

Her heart sank, it was Lucy. Ava quickly ended the call, and switched off her phone, she grabbed her jacket and hurried out of the canteen in fear.

Ava stumbled outside, unsure of where to go, her feet moved aimlessly down the streets. She should find Kelly. Could she even trust her? Everything felt like a blur, people passing by, cars rushing down the streets, her own frantic heartbeat racing .

And then in the midst of her panic, she heard a voice calling her name.

“Ava!”

She turned, wide eyed, half expecting Lucy's cruel face to appear, but instead she saw Kelly walking towards her, a concerned look on her face.

“Are you okay?” Kelly asked

“Ava shook her head, trying to compose herself, “I …..I just need to get away from here,” she stammered. “Please take me with you.”

Kelly’s smile widened, as she hooked her arm through Ava’s, pulling her down the street. “You made the right choice, Ava. You can't keep wandering on the street, come with me.”

Ava followed Kelly through narrow twisting alleyways, her nerves buzzing with uncertainty. The further they walked, the more desolate the streets became.

Finally they reached a rundown apartment building, the windows were dirty, and the paint was peeling off the walls, but Kelly seemed unfazed as she led Ava inside.

“Home sweet home,” Kelly said with a laugh, pushing open the creaky door of a small dimly lit room. “It's not too much, but it's better on the streets, right?”

Ava glanced around the small space, the smell of cingetates lingered on the air. “You can crash on the couch if you want.” Kelly said, tossing her keys onto the kitchen cabinet.

Kelly disaoeted into the ba k room for a moment, leaving Ava alone with her thoughts, she couldn't shake the feeling that Lucy would find her somehow.

Suddenly Kelly appeared with a blanket, “Here you go.” she said tossing them on the couch next to Ava. “Make yourself comfortable.”

Ava managed a small smile, wrapping the blanket around herself, “thank you.” she said softly, “for everything.”

Before Kelly could respond, a loud knock e hoed through the apartment. Kelly jumped to her feet and walked to the door.

Ava’s heart skipped, as she watched Kelly stride towards the door, Kelly opened the door, her voice low, as she spoke to the other person, “What do you want?”

A gruff responded, too muffled for Ava to hear clearly. She couldn't see who was at the door, but she felt something wasn't right.

Suddenly two men bashed into the room, Kelly turned to Ava, “I'm sorry.” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ava rose to her feet in an instant , confused, “For what?”

Ava’s heart dropped into her stomach, as the men grabbed her by the arms. “Let me go!” She cried, struggling against their iron grip.

Ava’s world spun as she was dragged out of the apartment, she glanced back at Kelly, who stood frozen in the door way, her eyes filled with guilt.

“You set me up?” Ava whispered, her voice shaking with betrayal.

One of the man sneered down at her, “Sorry, sweetheart, but you’ve got a debt to pay.”