IMPENDING CHAOS

"Come in," he beckoned without budging from his spot. Judith entered, a rare splash of color amidst a sea of black attire. Judith appeared to be in her sixties, slightly plump and diminutive, clad in a white dress adorned with delicate floral embroidery.

"Ah, young man, I hope you're not causing any trouble for the miss," she chided, her tone carrying a hint of playful scolding. I could sense a teasing undertone as she spoke.

"Oh, come on, Mama Judith, what trouble could I possibly stir up for her?" he retorted with a smirk, his gaze fixed on me. My cheeks flushed under his intense stare, prompting me to avert my eyes and draw my knees closer to myself.

"Well, you better not cause any mischief, or you'll have to answer to me," Judith declared firmly, advancing towards me. Their playful banter indicated a close and affectionate relationship.

"Move aside and let me have a look at the young lady," Judith insisted, her demeanor exuding maternal warmth. I couldn't help but wonder about the nature of their bond. "Relax, Mama Judith. I know you've been eager to meet her, but she's not going to disappear you know," Eugene reassured, finally creating some space between us.

Witnessing their exchange, I couldn't believe what I was seeing, and I struggled to contain my amusement, it was so funny to me and yet still I managed to find their dynamic heartwarming.

"I brought you some clothes," Judith turned her attention to me, placing folded garments on the desk before joining us on the bed. She took hold of my hands, wearing a warm smile that tempted a reciprocal smile from me.

"You look beautiful, dear. I'm delighted to finally meet you," Judith expressed, leaving me puzzled. I couldn't understand what she meant by that. Did she expect me? Wait! Did she know me? Confusion gnawed at me, feeling trapped in a whirlwind of uncertainty.

Now I really think I'm going to go crazy. I felt like I was in the middle of a loophole where everyone knew exactly what was happening except me. I turned to Eugene with questioning eyes, as he now stood at the edge of the bed with hands in his pockets. "What is she talking about?" I silently pondered.

"You're just as I imagined you to be, even better. I'm sorry for what happened to you last night. You didn't deserve any of it. They were wrong to treat you that way," Judith's words struck a chord within me. How did she know? But I didn't ponder on it.

At this point, Judith couldn't look me in the eyes. She had her head down staring at my hands. Despite avoiding eye contact, her voice betrayed her concern and anguish. Eugene remained silent, but I could feel a subtly change in his demeanor.

"I'm fine, Mama Judith. Can I call you Mama Judith?" I interjected, hoping to lighten the somber mood. She raised her head, offering a reassuring smile.

"Of course, dear," she replied, cupping my face with one hand and gently stroking my cheeks.

"From now onwards you are not alone anymore. You have us now. Anyone who dares to harm you will have to answer to us." I felt so emotional and overwhelmed by her warmth.

For as far as I knew I never had a mother's love. I learnt my parents died when I was still a baby. I spent most of my childhood in the orphanage till I was grown enough to live on my own.

This motherly love that Judith showed me was just too good to be true. Tears welled up in my eyes.

"Are you okay? Did I say something wrong?" Judith's concern was palpable.

"No, it's just... I'm happy. You're making me feel loved, something I've never experienced before. I appreciate it," I managed to articulate amidst my emotions. Before I knew it, Judith enveloped me in a hug, catching me off guard.

"It's ok now child. It's ok" she said as she tapped my back to soothe me. Her embrace offered solace, and I found myself lost in the moment. My shocked face returned to normal as I gazed at Eugene who now wore a genuine smile.

"Mama Judith, I think that's enough," Eugene intervened, as Judith reluctantly released me, shooting him a disapproving look. Eugene felt uneasy and turned his face to the side.

His discomfort amused me, eliciting laughter from me, but they both turned to look at me since they weren't expecting my laugh I immediately stopped laughing and tried to compose myself but before I knew it, they both burst out laughing which made me laugh back as well.

It was just too funny, but it managed to create a moment of shared joy amidst the emotional turmoil.

----------------------------------------------

"Black Russel is here, captain," one of the guards reported frantically.

"This is not good. Where are those incompetent fools?" The captain's anxiety betrayed his agitation. This was the same guy who had relayed Lucia's orders to the men to ambush Rose. If Lucia was here, it meant trouble.

"They're in the torture room, just as you instructed," the guard replied.

"Alright, I'll go meet the miss. Ensure they're suffering as she desires," the captain ordered, his tone reflecting a mix of fear and obedience.

"Yes captain" the guard nodded and left.

Lucia entered, exuding an air of authority. Dressed in sleek black attire, a combination of a black shiny leather pant with a black crop top covered with a polished black blazer which was finished with an over knee boot accentuated by her trademark baseball bat one she always carried along.

Her baseball bat was held on her shoulders whilst her straight hair moved swiftly at her back. She commanded respect as she navigated through the corridor, her every move a portent of impending chaos.

All the guards made way for her with their head down. She looked calm walking through the corridor as she popped the gum in her mouth every now and then, yet they knew this was just the calm before the storm. The men who failed to fulfil her wishes were surely doomed. 

She opened the door to the room where the captain was fearfully pacing.

"Boss..." the captain began, but Lucia silenced him with a gesture. She placed a finger on her lips signaling him to shut it even before he could let out a word. Her expression brooking no dissent.

The captain fearfully closed his mouth and clamped his lips.

Taking a seat with calculated elegance, she surveyed her surroundings, her bat resting vertically against the floor beside her with her palm placed on top.

"Where are they?" she inquired calmly, a stark contrast to the fear she instilled in the captain.

"Th...they're in the torture room. I ordered their punishment for their failure," the captain stammered, his apprehension palpable.

"Take me to them," Lucia commanded, her demeanor hinting at the brutality to come. The captain could only hope his men would survive the ordeal.