A LIFE UNSEEN

Escape Plan

"I keep telling you there's no room for laziness around here Annabelle." Graie said as she poured water on Anabelle who fell asleep after completing the household chores. Annabelle was startled from sleep and she woke up immediately. " Why are you so cruel ? I have completed my chores even without food. " Annabelle said as she got out of her bed. Amira walked into the room in laughter. " I'm being kind to you but you don't see Annabelle." Graie said sarcastically. " Mother, you're indeed so kind, she's supposed to be in the brothel." Amira said. Graie held onto Amira's hands and asked her to join her for a meal. After they left the room Annabelle continued in tears, she recalled the love and kindness her father showered her and how she met his lifeless body beside Rufus. The memories echoed in her mind. She was filled with hatred for Rufus. Her stepmother was also making it worse for her. She wiped her tears and thought of running away.

"Anabelle, get down here!!" Graie yelled. Anabelle gave out a sigh of relief and decided she would run away at night to avoid being caught. She overheard Graie yelling her name again and rushed downstairs. Life became tough for her with Graie in charge. She did all the chores without rest. Her home wasn't the castle it was, but a place of slavery.

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The day had finally come to an end. Annabelle was determined to run away. She packed a few belongings and sneaked downstairs. Her heart pounded in her chest as she heard Graie's voice. "Where are you going??" Graie yelled. Annabelle turned around to see Graie running towards her and she threw away the few belongings she packed and ran out of the house. She ran without looking back and all she thought of was her freedom. Graie called on her guards ordering them to bring Anabelle to her dead or alive. " Mom, what's going on?" Amira asked as she rushed out of her room. Graie walked toward Amira and informed her of Annabelle's escape. "Mother, you don't have to be worried about her, I'm sure she won't survive out there." Amira said as she was overwhelmed and excited about Anabelles's departure. Graie looked into the open space recalling what the great witch had told her about Anabelle. "We shouldn't underestimate her, Amira." Graie said as she made her way back to her room. Amira was surprised to hear her mother's words and was silent. She stared into the open space, her heart filled with hatred and agony as she hoped Annabelle died with no return.

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Annabelle was still on her escape journey. She got tired of running and observed the guards were getting closer as she wouldn't be able to outrun them and hid in a corner. She thought of a place she could go where no one would follow her. The one place she could think of was the forbidden forest where no one in their right state of mind visited. She took a deep breath and ran out of her hiding corner. Immediately the guards noticed and continued chasing her. Anabelle ran as fast as she could towards the path which led to the forbidden forest without looking back. When the guards realised she was headed that path they paused. "We can't continue chasing her, we all know she won't even make it out anyways." One of the guards said. The guards agreed not to continue the chase but give Graie the information on Annabelle's doom in the forbidden forest. They got back and told Graie about Annabelle's journey into the forbidden forest which gave her a sense of relief. "I don't think she'll survive it there anyways." Graie said a bit disappointed. She instructed the guards to return to their duties as she was satisfied with their efforts. Graie stared into the open space and thought of seeking advice from the great witch. She got hold of her coat and left with her horse. She journeyed as fast as she could. Graie arrived at the cave of the great witch, everywhere seemed moist. The atmosphere was cold. A tiny voice was calling. "Graie, Graie " immediately Graie fell on her knees, she recalled the great witch had instructed her to return after Annabelle's father's death but she didn't. Suddenly the witch appears in front of her. Her face filled with anger. Her eyes sprouted like one who wanted to see clearly in a sarcastic manner. " You dare come here again, you didn't keep to my words the last time." The Witch said. "Forgive me great witch, I made a mistake, I am filled with guilt and disappointment. I should have done better. " Graie replied. The Witch took a few steps away from her and looked at the moon. " I knew you'd come back, Graie, but right now I can't help you. Annabelle is about to find her path and fulfil her destiny. No matter how you try, fate can't be hindered. You have what you wanted. Amira, your daughter has gotten what she wanted but you can't stop destiny." The Witch said. Graie pleaded she still needed help as she wanted Annabelle dead. "I can only be satisfied to know my daughter alone breathes the air." Graie said. The witch turned towards where Graie knelt and looked at her closely. She suddenly burst into laughter. It seemed like the whole forest joined in laughing as bats took off from the trees and sounds of rustling leaves were heard. " I cannot help you, Graie." The Witch said as she disappeared gradually. Graie got up from her kneels in disappointment and jumped on her horse to leave. She stared at the cave for a while and said " thank you mother for your help." She tapped the horse and it started its journey back to the town.

The forbidden forest looked scary, it seemed the trees were staring at Annabelle as she walked quietly in fear. The shadow of the forest was intimidating and she held onto each breath she took. The stories she has heard and the people that had never returned when barnished into the forest echoed in her mind. She wasn't sure if she would survive but she was determined to continue as she vowed never to return to Gassel. Graie's cruelty and Rufus betrayal had made her desperate and inconsiderate of her wellbeing. She continued deeper into the forest and the darkness seemed to swallow her as a whole. She misses a step as she wasn't conscious of what was before her and fell into a hole.