Journey To The Unknown

"Thank you, come back again soon." I said, waving gratefully at the retreating buyers who had just patronized us.

It's been a long day and the sun wasn't helping at all as it beat down mercilessly on us and our rather small shack. I had been readjusting our goods occasionally so they wouldn't be a victim to our mishap 'cause if they had to endure what we were going through, they wouldn't survive it and fetch us no money.

The hustle and bustle of the market wasn't helping either as the buying and selling was in full swing and so much heat was generated from excessive bodies in one place, skimming and rubbing against each other with so much sweat and smells, prompting me to be severely disgusted.

However my disgust fused with that of mild envy as I eyed the shop a few meters away from us which, from where I stood, looked nigh overthrown and thronging with people looking to buy their goods.

Harrumphing, I thought, "What was so special about them?" Even though the answer was as clear as day in my head.

They had so much more to offer than we ever would. Yes, we both sold basically the same things but theirs was on a larger scale than ours—more stocked and many varieties not to mention they sold cheaper, this, I knew, was the main reason why they had an abundance of customers.

One thing I didn't have knowledge of was how they made their gain if they sold so much cheaper than the rest, maybe they had other side businesses that yielded them plenty and this was just for show, I always concluded.

Also, the attractiveness of our shop paled exponentially in comparison to theirs, while theirs looked like an award-worthy set-up with brightly painted walls and diagrams of fruits and other edibles intricately etched on it, ours was anything but presentable as it looked lackluster with its rusted roofing and faded paintings. We anticipated refurbishing it once more but cash was still being saved to do that.

I sighed, wiping at my sweaty forehead before spotting two unsavory characters who, needless to say were part of my terrorists; Delilah and her dunderhead brother, Faustus.

As expected, their gaze found mine too and involuntarily, a grimace etched itself across my visage. I knew it looked worse than it should be given my marred features but I didn't care 'cause they deserved it. Their faces took on a wistful expression and an evil smirk respectively.

I've tried to forget but every single time she came into my line of vision or my thoughts involuntarily or mysteriously wandered to her, memories of her betrayal and deceit, flashes of that inhumane, disdainful treatment boiled viciously to the surface...

<><>

"But I don't want to go, can we just drop the topic?" I persuaded Delilah for the umpteenth time that day.

She'd been begging me for days now so we could go play with the other kids but I didn't want to and have been kicking vehemently against the idea. I've had an encounter with them once before but that was with Nicholas. The way they made faces and sneered--taunting me, that moment I knew they didn't have good plans for me at all, if given a chance I knew I'd be left in a state much worse that even devastating would be too less of a word to describe it.

The mere thought itself left me reeling backwards and bumping into my brother who had turned to see what had happened. He didn't even have to make an utterance before they got lost but those sneers never left their faces...and here was Delilah trying to persuade me to leave my comfort zone so that like a cow to be taken to the abattoir I could be presented to doom. I say, "Not a chance."

"Please? They just want to be your friend and they promised to be good," she added.

I lowered my gaze to her standing form, her dark hair glistened in the vibrant sun, her hands clasped together, her thin bottom lip jutting out in a pout and her dark eyes gleaming with a hope that my answer would be favorable to her request. I was starting to doubt her allegiance, why was she so bent on this?

"Hmm let me think?" I said tapping a finger to my chin and heightening her anticipation, her eyes instantly lit up, she must be thinking that whatever I said next would be it.

"No."

<><>

"I have a surprise for you," she whispered in my ear as she hugged me tightly from behind her warm breath brushing against my skin, I giggled.

The weather was a bit cloudy and we were in our usual rendezvous spot under a huge oak tree.

"Oh really," I laughed, feeling giddy all of a sudden. I loved surprises, especially if it was from my favorite person in the world albeit, little did I know that that love would die a painful death before the end of that day.

"Yeah, you'll love it," she said. The tone of her voice sounded fake and her eyes betrayed some series of sad emotions. All of these were the things that a 12 year old not-so-very-observant me couldn't and didn't notice as she put a blindfold on my eyes and began to lead me to the said surprise.

Few minutes in, I began to feel uneasy about it all and something in my gut was warning me that something was eerily wrong somewhere, and a strange feeling of dread spread over my body like wildfire as the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. I started to fuss and yank on my blindfold.

"Cary! What are you doing? We're almost there--you'll ruin the surprise," she said, her voice breaking at the end of her utterance.

It was only then that I noticed she sounded exceedingly sad. Where were we going to and why was she so sad all of a sudden?

Her grip on my wrist loosened a bit as I continued to try to yank off the blasted blindfold and just then it was dragged off my face with such a force that I almost lost my footing and my vision was blurry for sometime.

"Well lookie here, if it isn't miss hideous herself; Carina," chortled Geraldine, a dark skinned girl to her gang of trouble makers who all burst into laughter.

"Carina, more like Scarina," voiced another, Faustus, which earned me another round of humiliating laughter.

The distraught look on my face helped lengthen their cackles. They were the ones who taunted me from before and some new faces were there too.

Scared out of my mind, I scurried backwards looking frantically around me, Delilah and I were in their territory and in deep trouble. I turned to where I thought she was standing behind me but didn't see her. In fact, she was nowhere to be found--not even in the small crowd that was waiting to pounce on me like a food-depraved animal on its prey.

A tear escaped my eye as I came to an epiphany; I wanted a surprise right? This was her surprise and I thought she was my friend. That was why she was always bugging me to meet them, all this...all this was her purpose, to deliver me up to this wicked lot.

I was the cow wasn't I? And she played the part too perfectly and now she's led me to peril. I should never have let her in, I remember the first time we met, she looked so innocent like she could do no harm but she did this, she betrayed me...

Without thinking, I decided to make a run for it. It was a long shot but if I was fast enough I could outrun them. Regardless, before my legs could make it two steps forward, it was swept from under me, initiating an unceremonious descent. I hit the ground face first and hard, attributing to their sadistic amusement yet again.

"Nice try, Scarface but the party's only started—your big ol' brother ain't here so what's the rush?" Cackled Faustus.

Blood gushed from my nose and a gash on the side of my head, courtesy of my fall as someone pulled me roughly by the hair which was formerly in a ponytail to my feet and launched me into the crowd.

I braced myself for the impact, however, my arms were caught and I was held straight to stand facing Geraldine. I towered over half the idiots there and Geraldine just happened to be among them as she had to raise her cranium to meet my gaze so as to do whatever she wanted to do next.

"Well played, don't you think?" She started. "It was too easy—we knew that to catch a mouse we had to think like a mouse and to get an ugly introvert we had to think likewise."

I was right. The she-devil Delilah was with them all along. The excruciating pain I was feeling right then only fueled the boiling rage I had for her.

"And guess what dear?" She said, running a finger down my flawed cheek. "She volunteered to do it herself."

Her words hit me like a brick, I turned my head away—my eyes clamping shut to release a hot stream of tears. My head ached badly and if not for the hands holding me up I'd be on the ground.

I tried to make a run for it again, struggling violently with them and in the duration of that struggle and by sheer accident, I headbutted Geraldine since she was standing so close to me thereby decreasing my chances of surviving this only slightly ruffled.

Instantaneously, I stopped squirming, ignoring the multiplied throbbing sensation in my head. I didn't need a little birdie to tell me that with what happened right then, combined with the personal vendetta she already had against me, things were about to get messy.

She cried out in pain, gingerly rubbing her forehead where the strike was made.

"You'll pay for this," she said through gritted teeth.

Without warning she tore me away from the group and flung me to the earth. With me being drained, I could only skid across the ground seemingly weightless. In a blink of an eye she was on top of me, her hands packed with something that looked like...oh no! Dirt! My eyes widened exponentially before she blew some sand into them distorting my vision and then she commenced shoving it down my throat.

"Eat it, b*t*h!"

I tried to struggle but my hands were rendered unmoving as the others pinned it down. Fingers were pressing on my cheek keeping it coaxed open for the assault. Tears cascaded down my face as my throat forcefully gave way for the dirt. It flooded in, choking me whilst the others who seemed to be enjoying this too much hailed her.

"Abort! Abort!" Screamed a masculine voice.

They all took off in haphazard directions and soon enough familiar warm hands wrapped themselves around me. Nicholas was there. I continued crying, wheezing, coughing and regurgitating as much dirt as I could...but at least I was safe.

<><>

What hurt most about that experience wasn't the manhandling they gave me, it was the searing force of betrayal I had witnessed from the one person I thought I could trust after Jared, of course, I was like an open book to her, telling her so many things about myself even about how I got my scars yet she knew all this and still did what she did.

She was a fine performer anyways, I'll give her that and after knowing what her relationship to Faustus was, I couldn't have loathed her more, yet after all she was the one who called my brother to my rescue. When Nicholas had told me that I had dismissed it as her guilt eating her up so she had to right her wrong in anyway she could.

Sometimes I thought if a part of her was actually genuine and maybe that was why she gave me all those sad looks like she was trying to communicate things that her words couldn't.

As for Geraldine, Nicholas called it karma but she was involved in an accident and now she's crippled. I felt sad for her but strangely satisfied that she got a taste of her own medicine.

At the end of that day I was resolute to never let anyone get too close to me, not that anybody would anyways...

I tipped my hat lower on my face as they passed by, the weird looks from adults and kids alike were starting to irritate me, you would think that after sometime they'll get used to my grotesque self but they don't.

Every day was the same, irregardless, I was grateful for the fact that I wouldn't have to face my terrorists anymore 'cause I would be somewhere so far away from their reach before that time tomorrow. Sighing contentedly, I leaned against a shelf.

"Still daydreaming about your trip tomorrow, darling?" I heard Mom say.

Straightening myself and shaking my head in denial, I said, "Of course not...Well, maybe."

* * *

* *

I stood, staring at my appearance in a full-length mirror. On me was a green turtleneck dress with a nice lace flounce at the hem, the neckline showed that she was being very considerate about me and I appreciated it. It also highlighted my eyes and it looked perfect...something that I wasn't.

I sighed, shuffling worriedly on my feet as the thoughts occurred over and over again to me;

"What if I'm denied this job because I'm like this?"

And the fact that I knew not what to expect when I got there—call it a certain fear of the foreboding—ruffled me the more. Never in my moments of city-induced euphoria did that come to mind.

I ran a finger down my fire-kissed skin, it stretched across my neck and even some parts of my arms. When it first happened, I couldn't even behold my reflection in the mirror without breaking down and sobbing uncontrollably. I wished I had died 'cause I thought that a life like that wasn't worth living, the burns were so painful as they covered half my body.

Honestly, if mom and the rest weren't there I would have done something unforgivable. I wished of a life where I would look much more better, where I wouldn't dread leaving the house in fears of my terrorists...but that was just an improbable wish anyways.

My hand travelled downwards to feel the medallion that hung from my neck. The memories that tiny thing held, it made me happy so that was why I was bringing along for good luck—maybe throw in a chance of seeing him... Ok that one was a little far-fetched.

A head poked out from behind me in the mirror, startling me. I screamed and he burst into laughter. Again, if I wasn't always preoccupied with my thoughts, some stuff wouldn't happen.

"Ya shoulda seen your face lil' sis," he chortled out.

"It's not funny to sneak up on me like that, I was having a moment," I said, hitting him with a pillow and he fell onto the bed.

He continued laughing, "Of course, a moment where you realized that it's not worth it and you're not going anymore."

I almost forgot the fact that he was with Dad concerning my going to the city, and was trying to convince me for the better part of last week.

I folded my arms across my chest and adjusted my stance, trying to come off as serious as I said, "Haha! Nice try but I was positive that we established the fact that nothing you could do or say would change my mind."

I was tired of him trying to stop me and even though I had my doubts, my mind was positively made up. He sighed defeatedly, running a hand through his hair tousling it.

"Fine, fine it's your life to live but Dad's going to be so mad," he finally remarked.

"I know, speaking of which, where is he?" I asked.

"He's been out cold, pretty sure someone didn't want him interfering with this whole shenanigan," he said and I remembered that look on Mom's face, understanding what he meant. I had to say, Mom went all out on this one, I felt kinda guilty for this. Now the guilt and doubts weighed heavily on me. I knew not to mess that up.

"Hey, you okay?" He asked concernedly. I nodded, solemn.

"Come here," I heard him say before yanking my arm, catalyzing my descent on his lap.

"You look great though," he started, trying to lighten up the mood before squinting at something on my chest. "Nice trinket you've got there, I'm surprised you still have it."

A smile spread across my features as I clutched it, the metal cold against my warm hand.

"Thanks bro and how could I lose this, believe it or not, this means a lot to me."

The goofy grin that curved his lips hinted me he was going to say something equally stupid.

"You sure it's not the thing or the original owner of it that means a lot to you, huh?" he said, wriggling his brows at me.

I punched his arm.

"That hurt!" He said, rubbing it.

"That's what you get for spouting nonsense...Jared is my friend, don't exaggerate it!"

"Chill sis, you're so aggressive these days...anyways, speaking of jewelry I want you to have this," he said, whilst searching for something inside one of the pockets of his cargo pants.

I sprung from his lap to let him search well. He presented me with an infinity-shaped pendant.

"This is so beautiful...and expensive—oh my goodness!" I gushed.

"Nothing's too expensive when it comes to you," he replied.

"Awww...save that for your girlfriend, Romeo," I said and was still laughing at my joke when I suddenly came to an epiphany. Furrowing my brows I asked, "I hope this isn't another bribe to make me stay, Nicholas?"

"It isn't, okay? Maybe it was...before but not right now, plus you might not be around for your birthday so I figured I'd give this to you sooner." He responded.

"Ooh..." I cracked a small smile, throwing my arms around him for a hug. He froze momentarily before relaxing his muscles.

He didn't do hugs so hugging me back was not on that list but he did pat my shoulder. When I finally met his gaze again that fun and sweet demeanor of his was gone.

"Since you've got one much more important than mine, you can do whatever you want with it, I don't really care," he said before hesitating. "Do you really have to go?"

He was staring fixedly on the floor now, and his hand were shoved deep in his pockets. I didn't know what was going on in head right then, but I knew he didn't want me to leave, neither was it easy for me. I had already started missing them.

"Yes I do, but I'll be back on leaves and we'll talk on the phone too."

The door opened and in stepped the twins with Mom looking as wistful as ever.

"Fine," he nodded stiffly. "Godspeed."

With that we fist bumped, which was equivalent to hugging in his world and then he stepped out.

I sighed, turning to the latter, my eyes set on the twins. When I told them about this, they said I was kidding but now they were seeing that it was as true as true got. I almost fell when they both hugged me at once confessing their feelings on how they would miss me and all. I knew they loved me albeit it took a situation like this to get them to admit it. However, I guess I loved them too...

One hour later and we were on our way to Mrs.O'Neil's abode. Mom spurred me into action when she threatened that Dad would wake up soon so I packed faster.

She also pestered me, making sure I packed my Bible, then came an elaborate sermon on how important God was in my life; how he was never gonna leave me nor forsake me no matter what, especially now that I was leaving. She said she wasn't going to be with me there but He would... Mom concluded with prayers then we left and then we would get there earlier than planned.

I had seen Mrs. O'Neil few times before. Sometimes, whenever she came back I'd go with my Mom to visit her. Most of her kids were grown up and married, that was mostly why her house was lonely.

When we arrived, we saw her working in her garden, it was looking great I had to say and when I did say that, it was followed by regret 'cause that triggered a life-long sermon about her profound love for nature and whatnot.

The way she looked so friendly and open was deceiving but having experienced that type of people I knew better. She also looked like she was in her mid forties with an average frame.

The woman ushered us in so she could clean up and to my surprise, in less than an hour she was done, her only load being a patent leather black hand bag.

Mom pressed me tightly against her, bading me farewell and giving me a phone to keep in touch before escorting us to the cab that waited outside.

Tears pricked at my vision once the realization of the magnamity of the situation hit me hard as we got into the cab. It revved before moving moments later. Mrs. O'Neil must've noticed 'cause she patted my shoulder but I still turned back to stare at my Mom's waving silhouette as the car receded further and further away from her and further away from everything I'd ever known.