CHAPTER FIVE
1266 Words
ELENA POV
No, no I didn't kill Jim right? I shook my head as tears filled my eyes. To defend myself, I had smashed the guy's head with a flower vase.
The horror of knowing I have someone's blood on my hand.
I quickly stopped by the fountain in the compound and washed my hands, scratching it, hoping the stench of blood would go away.
"Where are you going?" Andrian's angry voice boomed behind me.
I snapped my head in his direction and he stood, his arms folded and his eyes were blazing with rage.
Instinctively, I stepped away from the fountain and hid my hands behind me. Balls of sweat running down my face. My eyes dilating.
He walked towards me and I moved back and unfortunately he caught me before I could make it out of the gate.
He threw me over his shoulders and headed back inside.
I kicked and hit him, "let me go Andrian, I don't belong here!" I screamed but he ignored me
But that didn't stop him. "Andrian! Please leave me alone," I pleaded as my voice cracked.
Several eyes focused on us but he didn't care. We passed by my room.
"Where are you taking me?"
He took me to his floor and soon stoped in front of his door. He twisted the knob. As soon as we were in, he threw me on the bed.
My phone started to ring. It could be my parents. Yes, this is the time to escape. Andrian wouldn't hold me hostage when my parents talk to him
What I didn't expect was for Andrian to pin my hands together and take the phone. It stopped ringing but started almost immediately again.
"Andrian please give me my phone, it might be urgent," I cried
He kept the phone on the desk and bound my hands with a rope. Whomever was calling me didn't stop.
"Andrian please let me answer this call," I continued to beg
"You don't leave until I say so!" He barked and switched off the phone. "Stay here and behave," he added and walked away. I heard him locking the door.
If I hadn't confessed my feelings, if I had kept it in and never breathed a word about it, would things have turned out differently?
But no, I can't stay here any longer. I struggled with the rope but it was tight, so I decided to use my teeth. Thank God, he didn't bind my hands to the back.
After ten minutes of trying, the ropes were finally off. I rushed to the window and looked down. If I jump, I might die.
I ran to his walk-in closet and took out some bed sheets and tied them at each edge. Andrian might come in any time soon, so I quickened my pace.
After checking the length and tying the rope to the bed, I came down through the window. Still in a hurry to leave, I jumped and twisted my ankle and a broken glass pierced my arm.
A loud cry tore from my lips as the pain spiraled courses through my body but it didn't draw attention because of the blaring music.
Still I dragged myself, clutching onto my hand and limped to the gate, bleeding, barefooted. I winced with every step I took, yet I dare not stop.
The street was quiet, the streetlight was the only source of illumination. The trail of blood revealing my intent.
For how long would I have to limp. I plan on leaving this town to my parent's house but it's tens of miles away.
I heard the sound of a car coming and limped faster. Has Andrian caught up with me? My heartbeat increased.
My eyes scanned the area and there was no place to hide. The car soon came close but it wasn't Andrian's car.
"Are you alright?" The driver who happened to be an old man asked with worried eyes
I just ignored him and continued walking
"You look distressed, I can help you get to where you're going," he said. "Get in, I mean no harm"
After much persuasion I got in and thanked him. I sighed in relief as the cool breeze grazed my skin.
Hours later, we arrived at the city gate. The sun had risen. My lips curved into a small smile as I inhaled a more refreshed air.
I directed the driver who introduced himself as William to my street.
We arrived and relief flooded me as I saw our old but cozy home. Nothing much changed.
William and I got out. "Thank you William for helping me. Words can't describe how grateful I am"
"It's nothing much. If we help people in need the world would be a better place," he beamed
"Okay then. Can I at least get you water to say thank you since you wouldn't accept my money."
He nodded.
The compound was usually quiet. Dad leaves home early and prepares to go to the farm around this time.
"Mom, dad?" I called but got no response.
Thousands of thoughts spiraled in my head. My heart pounded against my chest. Big lumps formed in my throat. That unsettling feeling returned but stronger this time.
"Mom? Dad?" I shouted and rushed inside, still limping
"Mom, where are you?!" I rushed back outside and saw our neighbor - Mrs Berth talking to William
"Mrs Berth, please do you know where my parents are?" I asked, sobbing
She glared at me, "Carter and Livy are so unfortunate to have an ungrateful child like you"
I furrowed my brows, what did I do?
"Why are you pretending to care? We called you, the hospital called you to know your decision to save your parents but you didn't answer,"
"You were probably having the best time of your life,"
"Stop it Mrs Berth!" I yelled. "Where are my parents!"
"They are dead and buried!" She yelled back
Time froze. My world came crashing down. Her words re-echoed a million times. I staggered, my vision blurry
"That's not true? Impossible" I mumbled as I shook my head.
William held me.
"What happened to them?" William asked
"Carter has been battling with cancer for a while and the symptoms worsened last night, so Livy rushed him to the hospital. Unfortunately, they had an accident and we're in a critical condition,"
"What happened next?" I asked in a groggy voice
Berth shrugged, "they were taken to the hospital and they needed blood transfusion but the doctor couldn't carry on as no relative was present. We tried calling you but you didn't pick up. Unable to hold on, they died." She explained
Wait, they're gone? Just like that?
I collapsed on the floor. "Ahhhhhh!!," I wailed, holding my chest. The pain was tearing me apart. My body was on fire.
I calmed down a bit and went to their bedroom. There was a wooden picture frame of us.
Just when I thought I'll be with my family again, I lost everything.
This won't do, I can't stay here. The house still reeked of their scents. Memories etched to every corner.
I buried my face in my palms and sobbed. I took out my duffel bag and took some clothes, money and the picture.
I toured the house one more time even though the memories taunted me. My dad's laughter, my mom's cooking... still filled the house.
Andrian!!! If only he had let me go, my parents wouldn't have died.
Andrian destroyed everything I loved. From today, he's my enemy. And to this country, I'll never return.
- Writer
