The Joker

Lie

After that day. I never met the guy again. For me, he's just a stranger. And I don't like to be attached to someone. All I want is to live peacefully but I know I can't hide forever. I need to face her. Because that's how life works.

For the past six months. I spend my days working at a small restaurant near my apartment. I graduated from high school with flying colours. But I stopped studying because I need to earn money. I need to find a lawyer to defend me of my rights. And get the house that my auntie sells. Those are the only memories that I had with my parents.

I timidly watched the people walking around the street with their family. How I wish my parents were here. I sighed heavily and decided to go home after a couple of minutes of staying on the balcony of the restaurant that I'm working at.

"Blythe, someone is looking for you," my co-worker said when she saw me. I stopped and looked a bit at the glass window. I don't remember that I need to meet someone today. But I also remember that I need to meet the person who will help me to hire a lawyer. I search for the man who is wearing his grey suit.

"Have a seat?" he said formally. I did not say anything instead I sat on the chair but I froze when he said my real name. "Czarina Monte Carlo" I know I did not mention my real name to anyone. I was shocked but I suddenly wore my poker face to cover how surprised I was.

"What?"

"Czarina Monte Carlo. The heiress of Monte Carlo Corp." he continues without breaking eye contact with me."The only daughter of Ricardo and Fiona Monte Carlo'' Did he just stalk me? I don't have a great feeling about this.

"What do you want for me?" I said straight. He smirked and sat properly. He took out all of his documents inside his bag.

"I know you need money. But this will be a big help" I frowned a bit at what he said. Because I don't have any idea what's going on here. I read all the documents carefully.

"So, do you agree with the terms and conditions?" He said when I raised my head.

"I think you don't have a final decision. Call me if you are willing to do this" he said when he notices that I'm just staring at the papers that I'm holding. He got the documents to me and fixed his things.

"What if I agree?" I said. He glances at me. And back to his seat. "Good decision" he mumbled and he let me sign the contract.

"Here's my number. Contact me if you are available tomorrow" what was that Czarina. What just happened. Why did you agree? Did that guy hypnotize you?

I stared blankly at the paper.

After talking to him. I went straight home. Holding the document that the guy gives to me. I'm still thinking if this is the right choice. I need to be careful. I try to search, the company card that he gives to me. If it's legit and existing.

When suddenly an unregistered number appeared on my screen. I dropped my phone on the table because of shock. Even though she doesn't have my number on my phone. I knew it was her.

Then, the next thing I knew. I was surrounded by our guards. And my auntie is standing in front of my apartment, glaring at me. I roamed around my apartment if there's a chance to have an escape exit. But I ended up dragged by the guards.

All of my neighbours are just staring at us. Like, if it were on a show. Murmuring to each other.

"Leave me alone!" I said when they held my wrist tightly and forced me to go with them. I tried to fight but I don't have the energy to do it.

A strong slap welcomes me when we reach the car. Auntie Cindy pulled my hair tight and forced me to go inside. She grabs my face and forces me to look at her. But I removed it. "What do you want from me?!" I yelled.

She again grabs my face. "Are you dumb?" she said sarcastically. Her nails marked on my face and a little blood came out.

I stay quiet for an hour when I'm tired of debating with her. But when we were stuck in the middle of the traffic. I suddenly opened the door and ran. This is my chance to escape. I ran as fast as I could. If I die at least I'm doing my best to fight, not just standing and obeying what she will tell me. I saw all the bodyguards chasing me. Calling my name.

I went inside the abandoned hospital straight to the rooftop. Gasping for some air, searching where should I hide. When I heard their footsteps again. I'm starting to panic again. Biting my lips.

My mind is empty and I don't know what I should do.

"Ms Czarina!" the guard said when they saw me that I'm going to jump on the rooftop. Everyone panicked, scared that I might jump on the hospital building.

"Don't!" I said when they're trying to approach me.

"Ms Czarina, just go down" the other guard calmly said. Convincing me not to do this. But I'm tired of playing with them.

"I said don't!" then, suddenly, I can't hear their voices. The whole place got in slow motion. All I can feel is the cold weather hugging me tightly. The noises of the ambulance get louder. My vision is slowly blurred. Maybe this is the sign that I should rest.

'I'm free. I'm free' I told myself. And everything went dark.

When I woke up I was in an unfamiliar room that was full of red roses on the table. All I can see is white. My head hurts when I'm trying to remember everything that happened last night. A soft knock came on the door and the nurse and doctor went inside. Behind them is the guy that I saw in the restaurant. The one that is wearing a blue suit. My eyes widened a bit when our eyes met.

Did he recognize me?

Did he remember?

He sat on the couch and just stared at me while the doctor was asking me some random question that I don't understand.

When the doctor and nurse are done checking me out. They excuse themselves.

The surroundings became awkward. No one is talking. All I can hear is our breathing.

A couple of minutes the unfamiliar faces showed in front of me. And I can see that they were sad. I felt the pain inside them. The familiar feeling when my parents died. The woman with her white simple dress suddenly hugged me and cried. While the man is just looking at us.

"Carleigh," the woman said. Her eyes are red. I'm not Carleigh. I told myself but I ended up telling the biggest lie that I said.

"I'm Carleigh," I said straight. I did not stutter. "I'm Carleigh Suarez," I said again. I secretly clutch my hand on the blanket. This is the first time that I lied to a stranger to cover my real identity to keep myself safe. I need to be Carleigh. I know this will be my biggest mistake but I need to do this.

I heavily breathed and hugged the woman that was crying in front of me.