ESCAPE PLAN
1017 Words
"I keep telling you there's no room for laziness around here, Annabelle," Gracie said, as she poured water on Annabelle, who had fallen asleep after completing the household chores.
Annabelle was startled awake and immediately got out of bed.
"Why are you so cruel? I have completed my chores, even without food. Why do you hate me so much?" Annabelle asked, her voice trembling.
Amira entered the room, laughing.
"I'm being kind to you, but you don't see it, Annabelle," Gracie said sarcastically.
"Mother, you're indeed so kind; she's supposed to be in the brothel," Amira added, her voice dripping with malice.
Gracie took Amira by the hand and led her out of the room, insisting she join her for a meal.
After they left, Annabelle continued crying, her memories of the love and kindness her father showered her with coming alive.
She remembered how she met his lifeless body beside Rufus.
She looked miserable and unhealthy; her beautiful smile was no longer present.
Her heart was consumed with hatred and bitterness for Rufus.
Her stepmother only added to her suffering.
She wiped her tears and resolved to run away.
"Annabelle, get down here!" Gracie yelled.
Annabelle sighed in relief, deciding to escape at night to avoid being caught.
She overheard Gracie yelling her name again and rushed downstairs.
With Gracie in charge, her once beautiful life was now one of s*****y, as she felt like a prisoner. Her beautiful castle was now a prison.
The day had finally come to an end.
As night fell, Annabelle believed it was the best time to carry out her plan.
She packed a few belongings and sneaked downstairs.
Her heart pounded in her chest as she heard Gracie's voice.
"Where are you going?" Gracie yelled.
Annabelle turned around to see Gracie running towards her.
She panicked, dropped the few belongings she packed, and ran out of the house.
She ran without looking back, all she thought of was her freedom.
Gracie called the attention of the guards and ordered them to bring Annabelle to her, dead or alive.
"Mom, what's going on?" Amira asked, rushing out of her room.
Gracie turned to her and informed her of Annabelle's escape.
"Mother, you don't have to worry about her; I'm sure she won't survive out there," Amira said, overwhelmed and excited about Annabelle's departure.
"We shouldn't underestimate her, Amira," Gracie said, making her way back to her room.
Amira was taken aback by her mother's words and fell silent.
She stared into the open space, her heart filled with hatred and agony, hoping Annabelle died with no return.
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Annabelle continued 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, she hid in a corner, trying to catch her breath.
She thought of a place she could go where no one would dare follow her. The only place she thought of was the forbidden forest, a place 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 spotted her and continued their chase.
Anabelle ran as fast as she could towards the path which led to the forbidden forest, not daring to look back.
When the guards realised where she was headed, 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 report the information to Gracie, that Annabelle doomed herself by running in the forbidden forest.
They got back and told Gracie 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." Gracie said a bit disappointed. She dismissed the guards to return to their duties, as she was satisfied with their efforts.
Gracie stared into the open space, she thought of seeking advice from the great witch. Without hesitation, she got hold of her coat and set off with her horse, riding as fast as she could.
Gracie arrived at the Great hole, in which the witch's cave was located. Everywhere seemed moist and the atmosphere was cold.
A tiny voice was calling. "Gracie, Gracie " immediately Gracie fell to her knees.
She remembered the great witch had instructed her to return after Annabelle's father's death, but she failed to return.
Suddenly the witch appeared 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 sternly.
"Forgive me great witch, I made a mistake, I am filled with guilt and disappointment. I should have done better. " Gracie replied.
The Witch took a few steps away from her, and gazed at the moon.
" I knew you'd come back, Gracie, but I can't help you. Annabelle is about to find her path and fulfil her destiny. No matter how you try, you can never change one's destiny, besides you have what you want. Amira, your daughter has gotten what she wanted but you don't want to stop." The Witch declared.
Gracie became disappointed. She pleaded with the witch to help as she wanted Annabelle dead.
"I can only be satisfied to know my daughter alone breathes the air." Gracie said. The witch turned towards Gracie, and looked at her closely. Then, she suddenly burst into laughter. It seemed as though the whole forest joined in laughing, as bats flew from the trees and sounds of rustling leaves were heard.
" I cannot help you, Gracie." The Witch said as she disappeared gradually. Gracie got up from her knees in disappointment, she mounted her horse to take her leave. She glanced at the cave for a while.
" Thank you mother for your help." She murmured, and urged her horse to move, in which it started its journey back to the town.
- Writer
