I took the train and booked a flight on my own. As it was my flight, I couldn’t help but see a familiar figure.
My sister...Sofia...
I could feel my chest tightening, my capacity to breathe was halted and my mind going blank.
I wanted to turn away, but it was too late as her eyes were pinned on me, her face had this readable expression, her usual sinister stare as if I was the most disgusting thing she had ever seen.
I could feel a lump in my throat forming and my lips turning dry.
How could I move on with my life if all these kinds of people are running to me?
As I grew nearer, my feet felt like they were dragged to the ground. I desperately wanted to leave this place but she was quick to say, “I heard what you did. Father is in shock.”
I inhaled deeply, bracing myself for what was about to come.
She’s here to destroy me again. Of course.
With a brave act, I lifted my gaze to her, “Why are you here?”
Seems that she was not taking my response too lightly, “Of course, to see my poor little sister and bid her goodbye.”
“If you want to stop me, then go ahead. I am not scared.”
“Are you still unhappy that Harry chose me?”
Here she is again and her obsession to bring me down. Always the same sister.
“Can you just stop bringing that up? You’re no longer my family.”
“Oh my, how insensitive of me, I shouldn’t have brought that up.” She said, smirking, “I didn’t come here to stop you I am happy to see you leave. Finally. no one can get in my way.”
A sudden ick grew inside me. I am fuming but I didn’t let her see it and let her have the satisfaction.
“Move out of my way then. You didn’t have to bother seeing me leave.”
“Where did you go babe-” A sudden voice of a man asked as he was holding a water bottle. Our eyes met, and I shifted my gaze to the ground as he came to my sister’s side.
Harry…
She wants to make it clear that she stole him from me.
“Babe, I told you not to go to her and-“ Harry didn’t finish what he said as he cleared his throat.
“Don’t worry babe. Is it bad for me to see her one last time before she erases her existence in this world?” She then chuckle sarcastically as she showed me her ring, “And we’re going on a Europe trip for our honeymoon.”
I paused, a bit shocked.
She seemed happy to see me confused, “Yes, that’s right. We’re already married, and you were not invited..”
I rolled my eyes, wanting to walk away and don’t see. the sense of continuing this conversation anymore.
I boarded my plane and looked back one last time to the city I grew up in.
I know that once this plane gets off, I won’t be the same Saphira that I once was.
It was a thirteen-hour flight and once I arrived at my destination, I threw my phone by the river. I only have pictures of myself there anyway, and contacts with the nagging of my father...
I erased them in my life as if they did not exist.
I wandered around aimlessly. At first, I decided to say in the city but it wasn’t good for me anymore. I had a taste of freedom and the feeling is overwhelming. It is unmatched ad I could never trade I anywhere.
I decide o gain new experiences. My first time riding a train on my own. Crossing road. The first time someone not telling me what t do and I am happy.
At first, it was too scary but after a week, I finally got used to it. I would stay at hotels, but my stash of emergency funds I saved last time was slowly decreasing and I know it won't last me f I keep on staying at hotels.
I have t find a temporary cheap place.
since the state is too expensive, finding a condo or apartment on my own at this age will be too hassle. I decided to switch states and go to remote areas. Around West Virginia.
I went to a remote town and looked for a cheap apartment. I found a place much to my luck. It wasn't that big, around 4 square meters, but I was alone and it was enough for me. plus I would work and be out of the place most of the time anyway.
I dedicate myself to looking for a job but then realized I don’t have any degree. I didn't finish college last time so I don't have any useful skills to offer.
I decided to attend community college under a medicine course near my place while I work part-time at a restaurant a as waitress. The tuition fee was very expensive but I got help as a working student and scholarship.
Life was hard and busy for me. There was a time I would not be able to eat for a whole day, either I would intentionally forget it or I would take it so I won't have to spend money.
“Are you alright?” Asked my coworker, an old woman in her forties, looking at me with concern.
it has been such a long time since someone looked at me that way.
I brushed it off, “Yes, I am alright.”
She nodded, “Good. Just take it easy, child.”
I knew I was not alright but what choice do I have? I have to stay in survival mode.
I suddenly collapsed on my way to school one time and I could not continue that lifestyle. I was hospitalized for a few days and then went back to work like nothing happened. I worried about the hospital bills, but then the hospital said it was already paid.
Whoever paid for it, I am thankful. But I do not owe any debt to anyone so I have to find that person soon.
I knew I was pushing myself too much but I had to do it. I have to be preoccupied so I will forget anything.
As I was on my way to school, I could see a man in a wheelchair dropping his wallet. I was running late, but my conscience got the best of me, and took the wallet to him.
“Excuse me, sir, you dropped your wallet.”
The man turned to me and looked at my hand. He’s not that old, now that I can see him.
I blinked, now that I am closer, I felt a sudden feeling of familiarness.
As if I had seen him somewhere. But I couldn't pinpoint it. He looked handsome, sure.
“Excuse me…but have we met before?” I asked, looking at him carefully.
He looked at me, now wondering too, “I would have remembered such a beauty like you if we did…”
I blinked, remembering someone. A club.
The man I had hooked up with...
Wait, is he? But this man here is in a wheelchair... This is impossible.
I was about to ask more if he remembers something about that night in a club when a group of men in suits was running towards us, “Sir! We were looking for you!”
But his eyes were not looking at them. He was looking at me. His attention was fully focused on me.
“What’s your name?” He asked in a deep voice, curiousness lacing his voice.