CHAPTER 6

Andrea

I trudged behind Clover as she led us through the forest like it wasn’t her first time.

I was in awe but resisted from asking her any questions. I could imagine how she was feeling, having to take her best and only friend to a different pack and then being left alone all because of a cooked up lie by a man who is supposed to be your leader. 

 

The sun was out completely by the time we got to the end of the really long lake, birds sang sweetly and compared to the eeriness of the previous night, the day felt rather peaceful and the forest refreshing with no fears of being attacked.

 

After walking for what felt like an eternity, Clover finally stopped and quickly spun around to face me, her face red from the scorching heat. “We should rest.” She whispered, her voice breathless.

 

I folded my arms across my face, my lips poured in disappointment. “Ma’am I thought you said we ought to get there before the pack activities begin.” I teased and she scoffed.

 

“Look at both of us, we’re clearly out of breath. Do you think we are capable of continuing this journey without rest?” She asked, quickly lowering her weight on a tree stub.

 

A soft laugh escaped my lips as I did so too, my legs trembling with fatigue, “I guess we can’t.” I said softly. 

We both sat there in silence, each of us lost in our thoughts. 

My head leaned on her shoulder for support as she stroked my hair with her other hand. My throat burned as tears gathered in my eyes, but I didn’t want Clover to watch me break down… that’ll only make her cry even more. 

The sun hid behind a cloud and cool air grazed my skin. I heard a slight snore from above my head and my body jolted. 

“Clover…” She lifted her drowsy eyes and looked at me. “Don’t tell me you’re about to sleep?” 

“I’m not..” she yawned, rubbing her eyes with her fingers. “My eyes were just resting..” 

Laughter burst through my belly as I stood from the floor, dusting my clothes with my hands. 

“Get up now.. the heat is down. Let’s convene further before the sun comes out of its hiding place again..” I instructed, holding my hand out to her. 

She rolled her eyes and reluctantly placed her hand in mine, pulling herself up with me as her support system. 

“I don’t know where your energy is from, Andrea, but I really doubt if you ever get tired..” she whined as we combed through the lonely path. 

Trees towered above us on each side of the narrow path, birds hovered around us and nothing but the sound of nature kept us company. 

I hummed a soft tune as we walked and clover joined in, our soft voices blending into the bushes. The sun set slowly, casting crimson hues all over the sky. 

“We’re almost there..” she muttered and my chest tightened. The realization of my fate dawned on me again and panic gnawed at my intestines. 

As we approached the borders, Clover let go of my hand and walked up to the men at the entrance. They spoke in low voices, but I caught them stealing glances at me every once in a while. 

I waited, fiddling with my fingers while my best friend paved the way for me. 

“We’re in..” she announced, tucking my arm in hers as we walked through the village. Nobody noticed me and I was grateful for how well the people here minded their business. 

“What is this place?..” I whispered into thin air. My eyes danced around everything that I could see, every detail caught my attention and if it weren’t for Clover, I would have gone missing in the crowd. 

My best friend’s grip around my wrist tightened as she pushed through the busy markets, the bustling streets and then we came out in front of a big tavern. 

Loud music and hoarse laughter rippled through the cool air. Clover stood by the door, took a deep breath and led me in. 

“Are you sure this is where I’ll lay low?” I yelled into her ear, trying to be louder than the lark playing in the corner. 

“Of course Andrea!” She yelled back. “Nobody looks for anyone in a place like this. Besides, I know the owner..” 

I swallowed the doubt in my chest and nodded, scanning the place with my eyes. “And do you think he’d accept to take me in?” I asked, worried about being rejected and thrown out. Not like it’ll be a first time experience, but I don’t want to relive that feeling again. 

“Don’t worry. He owes me a huge favor for saving his daughter’s life..” Clover replied. 

Maybe I am still worth something valuable… for me to have been blessed by the universe, with such a sister and a friend as Clover..

We pushed through the drunk men and women and walked up to the counter. An old man approached from the back, his grey hair glistened under the faint lights above. 

“Clover!” He cheered, holding his hands wide as he stepped out of the counter and wrapped those open arms around my best friend. I watched their beautiful reunion in silence, but a warm smile sat on my face. 

“Good to see you again old man!” She laughed, patting his back. 

“It’s lovely seeing you here again. My daughter hasn’t stopped thanking you..” the old man responded. “I see you brought company this time..” he said, glancing in my direction. 

“Ahh.. yes. That’s the actual reason I’m here.” She said, pulling me to her side. “This is my sister, Andrea. She’ll be staying here with you for a while, if you’re okay with it..” 

The old man sized me up and his head tilted. I could read the doubt in his eyes. 

“Is there any problem? She looks too young and vibrant to be in a place like this. You could have found her anything else Clover, why here?” He asked again. He was way smarter than he looked. 

“That’s the thing, she can’t stay anywhere else. There’s a lot going on at home and I just want to make sure she’s safe, there’s no better place than here..” Clover insisted. 

My heart pounded in my ears as I expected the worst. Maybe he’d ask her to send me away… then I’d be left with no other choice but to live in the trees until something wilder eats me. 

“What are you both running from?” The old man asked. Clover and I exchanged glances, each reading the other’s mind.