Anna.

CHAPTER 5

Venice knocked twice and swinged into the room without waiting for a response. He had taken his time bathing and handling some work before coming to her room he figured she needed the time now he hoped she was ready to open up because he couldn't bear any more of the curiosity and concern niggling away at him no he wasn't concerned just flat out curious and out of his normal tiddings of life. He saw her standing starring out from the window in his white shirt shattered his defense he didn't know he have been building against her even his soap smelt different on her. He walked into the middle of the room and stared unable to restrain himself.

Sorry I wore your clothe without asking I saw it in the closet and mine was dirty she said tugging at the hem of the shirt. it was large in size and filled her out but the length was short. Do you mind? she asked wondering why her heart was suddenly beating fast.

She was thin the shirt hung on her shoulder like a hanger but it was perfect on her Venice figured he couldn't damn wear the shirt again it looked better on her than it had on him. I don't care and it doesn't suit you he lied through his teeth. oh well fair enough her flustered heart would be calm now it had been thudding since he had stared at her. Now her heart knew he wasn't admiring her maybe he even thought she looked like a clown.

Sit down he ordered

oh here it comes Anna thought she would talk first to keep him off from asking questions. I would really love to thank again for everything and apologize for the problems I have caused you she peeked at him he looked downrightly bored and a scrowl formed at his mouth.

Anna tell me what happened to you he said not mincing words don't you want help to find your mom?

A familiar strained look came into her eyes at the mention of her mom impulsively he took her dainty hands in his and stroked them gently.

I can't I don't know you we met each other few hours ago.

you spent the night in my house you actually know me more than most people and that was the truth. Tell me what happened?

Anna couldn't pinpoint whether it was his eyes boring into hers or her warm hands cupped in his that had loosened her mouth. North Korea happened.

you said it as though it is the answer to all my questions.

it is she said unclapsing her hands from his before she got used to the warmth.

Really? doubt filled his tone.

okay tell me all you know about North Korea she asked.

is this a geography class or what? he asked his eyes turning the colour of hot honey. she simply stared at him in silence.

Hmm North Korea is a small east Asian country he said finally giving in and it was originally combined with the country now known as South Korea before leadership problems reered it's ugly head which led to the segregation of both countries.

you know a lot she had almost lost her self in the soft swell of his voice. I am from North Korea after the separation of each country things started to go downhills for the North Koreans. we were ruled by a ruthless dictator who imposed stringent rules on the whole people there was absence of human rights she said a faraway look on her face. we were made to worship him and only him because religion wasn't allowed in the country. citizens were not allowed to make international calls not watch foreign movies. we worked and toiled all day for the government and at the end of the day we always submit the money to the dictator he has the say of the quantity of a commodity a person consumes and if you eat more years will be killed in front of your family. There was a particular haircut for each member of the society and you can't have the same one with the dictator and if you are caught sleeping in a meeting you will be killed.

Once a family close to ours was killed because when their house was burning they saved themselves and their child but had allowed the portrait of the dictator to burn in the fire .it was a known law if your house is on fire you don't save yourself first but the portrait of the dictator.

We were always hungry and depressed but couldn't do a thing about it. we regularly submit our fences just to make sure we were not hiding anything and there is limited amount of toilet and bathroom in the country electricity is a myth to us. Then something happened a soldier tri tried to force himself on me.

The tightening of his hands and anger ozzing from him was oblivious to Anna who was caught up in her story.

My father my poor papa had dragged him off me and almost beat him to death but my papa was killed that day in front of mama and I for inflicting pain on a protector of our country. Mama couldn't take it and almost died because of grief but you see you are not allowed to take your own life because the consequences will be grave on your loved ones. people in North Korea are not living but simply existing. Mama and I made plans to escape you were not even permitted to leave the country and she couldn't bear it no more coupled with the fact the soldier was leering at me again. we bribed some soldiers who pited us but couldn't bribe all because they were countless what kept me moving on some hungry nights was seeing the light at China and thinking if I could get to that light maybe I would have a bowl of rice for mama and me. On the night of the departure mama and I were so scared we had to swim across a frozen river it was erriest night of my life. Getting to China we found out that we have to be sold I escaped in time but couldn't save my mama they took her away that's the reason why I was running when you met me on the road.

Seconds grew into minutes stretched into hours neither of them talking. Anna tired out by her story seemed to be catching her breath and Venice well he was astonished and speechless Christ he couldn't comprehend how she had gone through that s**t of a life and people were still going through it. Hell what do one say at this point he almost wished he didn't know. Sorry seemed a really stupid thing to say at the moment he tried to say something but stopped mid air. He wished he had the right thing to say and the compassion but he had never been good at words. Following his instincts he drew Anna gently into his arms. I don't know what to say and I still can't believe those stuff exists in the present world but I can tell you one thing nobody or nothing is ever gonna hurt you he promised holding her a little tighter than before.

Unprotected from the heavenly scent of his embrace and the comfort she felt in his arms she began to cry softly wetting his clothes.

sshh stop crying it will be fine the worst is over he cooed while rubbing her back up and down but the years continued to flow silently he was used to female hysteria but he have never known the silent painful ones though it teared his soul into piece he figured he should let her cry it out and would soon tire of it. Anna burlped loudly and reluctantly withdrew herself from the safety cocoon of his arms puffy eyed and shamefaced from crying am sorry.

you seem to make a habit of saying that to me .

sorry she winced realizing her mistake. he merely looked her over.

I apologize for ruining your shirt she said instead it looks expensive.

it is expensive and you destroyed it with your tears.

sorry I will replace it I promise she said holding his arms.

Really you don't even own a dress except the one you came with.

Anna bit her lips and withdrew her hands taking his heart with hers. Anna he waited for her eyes forget it okay?

He didn't wait for her reply before walking to the door oh and one more thing you will find your mom he turned to see the stunned look he expected.

Why ? she managed I thought you wanted me out of your hair.

you are right I don't like nuisance but I also like fixing up loose ends he said stalking out and leaving a puzzeled anna.