Chapter Twenty: Past: Devils spawn

I haven't gone out in two months. Ever since I bolted from seeing a ghost, I didn't dare look back nor did it try to come after me. I received flowers, chocolates and bears for the first three weeks. Surprise visit knocks at the door everyday but I ignored them all. I couldn't forgive myself for what happened, for the choice I had made too blindly, all because of sorrow. I don't even think I would ever choose to see it as a joke. So I decided to give myself therapy and got myself four journals.

Lucy has since been surprised with my sudden change. I spoke a bit more to my peers but when I was invited to go out, I avoided it at all costs. Michael even pulled me aside and said he liked the improvement in my behaviour but little did they know. I buried my sickness and hatred within my pretty little journals. They were my healing and aid every time I felt the sickness come up. I buried what they referred to as sickness within a book that would be exposed if hunted enough. I prayed no one found it unless it was absolutely needed.

While setting up in the board room, I couldn't help but feel a ping of sorrow. A distaste in bitter sweet memories that I had once kept close like a teddy bear. The trees weren't as lively as before they seemed nauseated by my presence. The cool breeze felt like a swing that wouldn't stop rocking back and forth.

In and out of my depression.

Gone were the days where Jus was first to enter, helping me to set up with a smile and a happy heart. Gone were the days, when joy would spill from his annoying voice but mostly gone were the days where I had my chance but ruined it. At times I found myself questioning if it was my fault. He had never told me and always said I would be his friend forever. I guess I forgot that friendship plays a vital role in a relationship.

The sound of the door opening pulled me out of my daze and I quickly hurried with my on with tasks. I didn't want to seem incompetent again. Michael and the shareholders entered, commencing the start of the meeting. I answered when needed to and helped where I could. Ana had served the drinks and left when she wasn't needed. I zoned out when they began talking about things I wasn't concerned with, even though this wasn't the first time, they always drifted into other conversations.

Though Michael disliked interruptions during a meeting, being friendly was important in business. Especially since it was important to build a relationship with clients. If you earned their interest and respect, especially their trust, they would remain loyal. So I usually let my mind wonder a bit before I'd join them but nowadays I couldn't stomach the thought of being friendly for no reason. That was until I heard my name.

"Unico." Michael called.

"Yes?" I answered

"Is it fine if we task you in Pretoria?" He asked

"Where's that?"

"In South Africa, Gauteng to be precise. It's a plus minus 17 hour flight. You'll be working with one of our investors for 6 months. Than brought back here."

"Do I know the investor?" I asked, he was the one that usually dealt with partners from overseas or was it underseas?

"Yes." He stated.

The odd thing was he never said the investors name but still a plus minus 17 hour flight? That was far…Extremely far. Though I admit …it was a change needed. So I took it with no questions of who the investor was, what would happen if they offered a permanent position there…nothing (even though I knew I was loyal to Michael). All I knew is that I needed to go and I needed to hit a restart.

So, I accepted and here I was…in a company jet, half tipsy with a close completion of my third journal or should I say novel series. My headphones blurred with life and I couldn't help but feel myself come alive. The thought of getting away again made my body buzz with relief and excitement. I had only once travelled from my godparents and parents, trying to restart my life after a few incidents.

I had never travelled this far though and I knew my parents wouldn't approve of this. They would hunt me down and even go as far as involving the rest. A past I knew I didn't want any more but if it found me…I wouldn't have a choice to disappear anymore. Only Justin and Lucy knew about it… the rest? Michael?

They didn't need to know, no one needed to know of that side of my family or me. I just had to change my number again. Sighing, I glanced at my watch, I still had a long flight despite it being a jet. So, I laid myself on the couch told the female attendant to wake me up 30 minutes before, so I could freshen up.

Landing in South Africa was unlike any other, they were different, different from anything I've seen. Some were dressed in a variety of mixture of colours, dresses, skirts, shirts and even shoes. They spoke varieties of languages I didn't understand, and they were so many translations I could not even attempt to pronounce. I was out of my feelings and in awe.

A person could restart their life here and never once regret it. this…this was paradise and I didn't need to be convinced twice. I would beg Michael to let me take a break here after I was done. I wanted to explore this place, this country. Maybe I could stay here…it was just…

"Beautiful isn't it? South Africa expresses its pain through many out lets but mainly through art, songs and dance. If anything they've managed to pull themselves out of oppression, many of them say through prayer, others say it was time that their voices be heard." A familiar male voice said from behind.

I slowly turned, ready with multiple questions about this place, until my eyes locked with the same devil I had been running from. Maybe not.

Definetely

Not…

"You…" I whispered

"Yes, I, I know you most probably going to feel tricked, but I needed you on this project. Once your done and you still don't like my offer you can leave. Please" Owens said hurriedly

"I. Don't. Care! If anything, I'd reject whatever manipulative shit this is. What part of I want nothing to do with you don't you get. HUH!!" I yelled out.

People began to stare as I locked contact with him, great I'm new and now I'm making new memories. I was frustrated beyond measure with him. I wanted to be far away from him because with every progress I've taken his made me take 15 steps back. I couldn't stand this… I shook my head at this uncomfortable position I've placed myself in, but I promised Michael, I'd do it. I groaned loudly as a headache announced its way in.

"Listen I do apologise that you lost someone dear to you, but I will not apologise for pursuing you, if anything, work is the only thing keeping you here right now. Your only here for work and your own enjoyment. So, I will respect your place and everything that you do. Deal?" he asked, holding his hand out.

"Deal but with rules." I said quietly ignoring his hand and walked around him to the car. I heard him sigh.

"Unico." He called.

I ignored.

"Unico."

As soon as I got to the car this ungrateful little twart had thee audacity to lock the car with the driver in it.

"Open the door, frog." I groaned.

"Oh so now you acknowledge me." he said.

"That because I'm tired and I need a shower, not to be reminded that I'm stuck with a slimy loud disgusting frog that needs to be cut open. Maybe after that we'll figure out what's wrong with you or even why you can't let me breathe. Tell me, please what will it take for you to just forget me."

We stared at each other and I felt my tears threaten to fall no matter how much I tried to hold them back. Owen didn't get it, no matter how much someone told him. he was used to taking and not being considerate. No one made him fall to his knees and earn it. He never got a taste of losing something worth it. Or even someone.

"To God. I am so so sorry and no matter what I do it won't be able to change a thing. All I'm saying is please forgive me."

"Go to hell and burn in my pain every day, hour, minute, second." I spat.

"In the car we go than, we can do rules as we travel." He said as he grabbed some of my stuff. He thanked the attendant and opened the door for me.

Father help me…