2 Terror

I grab a tissue and clean my eyes. My eyes dart to the picture of my mom sitting on my nightstand and I pick it up and hug it to my chest.

My mom would never allow this if she were here. If my mom were in my shoes, what would she do?

Run?

I carefully weigh my options and I let out a breath. If I run, I wouldn't marry anybody, that would be better for me. Mr. Ray will be arrested, at least a worthy punishment for all his crimes but the house? Aunt Stacey and Kelly can find their way. I would leave to another state probably and start a new life there, just me and when I've worked there for a year, I can come back here and apply to college again.

I can't sit here and waste my time crying. Nobody can decide my future, nobody should tell me what to do. I'm almost eighteen, I can't be forced to marry someone I don't know, someone I don't love, at least I deserve a near happy ending right?

I take out a duffel bag from my closet and I start shoving some of my things inside. I take few clothes and shoes that would be enough for me. I stuff all my mom's pictures and my all my journals too. I bring out my emergency money stash and I calculate the amount inside, 450 dollars, the money I made from taking shifts at a cafe and at a library. At least 450 dollars would do me till I find a job.

I look at the beautiful gown I bought for my graduation and I smile. I grab the black gown and neatly fold it before placing it into the bag. As funny as this sounds, I cannot miss my graduation, I will hide away in some place till after my graduation. After my graduation, I'll go somewhere else, probably Seattle or any way close.

I pack all my painting tools into the bag. I love painting, it's my hobby and I hope I can do this after I settle down. I have to be quick, Aunt Stacey said Mr. Kriss will be here soon.

I open the door of my room and walk across to Kelly's room. I knock twice before flinging the door open.

"Not in the mood" Kelly announces.

"Of course, pregnant cat" I mutter under my breath.

"What did you say?" She asks angrily.

I'm so envious already, why am I the one to pay for his debts instead of his daughter, why is life not fair.

She glares at me clearly ready to start a silly fight but I don't have time for that.

"My charger please?" I ask calmly and this surprises her a bit as I'm not matching her energy.

"It's over there" she points at the socket but she's still glaring at me.

"Thanks" I hurriedly get it and leave her room.

I change into a black sweats and a black hoodie. It's already dark so blending in shouldn't be hard with my outfit.

I zip the duffel bag and carry it up to weigh it, it doesn't weigh much, at least I'd be able to jump the window with this. I open the window and look back at my room for the last time.

My heart is thumping so loudly and I close my eyes. I don't know how it's going to be from here but I hope for a better life. I would miss Aunt Stacey, I haven't even said my goodbyes but I don't care, I just want to be out of here to safety at least.

There's nothing more shattering than hearing that you're signed off as a collateral to marry in order to clear off your uncle's stupid debts. "So this is it" I pull the hoodie over my head and grab my duffel bag that is already stuffed with all my important stuff that I need for survival.

Carefully I jump down my window into the bushes below skillfully. I've done this a lot of times that I've mastered the art of jumping down my window. Today is different though, I'm not coming back here, never! I cannot accept marrying some rich ass junkie.

I dust the leaves off my clothe and with feathery steps, I make out of the driveway. A bright headlight of a car points at me making me freeze in my tracks, another car stops and the door of the car opens.

There's always only one option, Run!

And that's exactly what I do. I run as fast as my legs can carry me, if I can just make it to the bus stop which isn't really far from here, I'll be relieved.

I look back to see two heavily built men chasing me. I pick up my speed and just as I'm about to make a bend into the next street, I feel tough hands grip my arm and I nearly fall but the grip is strong enough to keep me steady. I struggle against the grip even if I know my efforts are useless.

The second man yanks me back and I gasp as I crash into his large chest. My duffel falls down but one of them picks it up and they both drag me back to my doom, back to Aunt Stacey's house.

They leave me once we're in the living room making me fall on my knees and my bag is thrown beside me.

"It's so pathetic that she tried to run" a cold emotionless voice fills the room and a shiver moves down my spine.

I look up to see Mr Kriss eyes on mine and fear immediately sweeps through me. This man is a terror with a capital T and I can't believe I'll be marrying this man.

"Do not ever try that, do you hear me?". He warns authoritatively and I look back at my Aunt who looks apologetically at me.

"Do you hear me" He barks the second time and my heart sinks in fear.

"Ye.. yes" I manage to croak out and I blink many times trying to process if this is the man I'm going to be spending my years with.

"Good. Now where were we?" His tone goes back soft but still emotionless.

"The documents" Mr. Ray drops a bundle of papers on the table for Mr Kriss.

"She's now mine, married into my family" he says and stands up. "Bring her along" he orders and immediately the same pair of arms grab me and my duffel bag.