Chapter 2 - Drawn to Destiny

Chapter Two

As much as I would love to get myself some buzz, I can’t do that with my state of unemployment. I hardly get drunk, it takes a lot of alcohol to get me to that state. Lucky me, nothing ever works my way.

Back when my mum was still alive, she used to tell me I am wasting my time trying to get buzzed. I will need a dozen bottles before it will work on me. Again, she never really tells me why my system is built differently, and back then I didn’t suspect anything. I just thought I can handle my bottles, that’s why.

But just as my mother was about to take her last breath, she told me to run, that I am not like others and they will come for me.

Who are the others, and what exactly is coming for me? Nope, Mama never explains. One would think that since we have been alive together for years, she would have had enough time to tell me why I am different or who my father is, but nope. No such information.

Color me surprised when, after my mum dies in my arms, I held her and scream. All the glasses in the house break.

That shuts me up quickly.

As if that wasn’t enough, some men came in and broke the door. I might not be the brightest color in the box, but I am not going to wait or welcome them with open arms and a bright smile on my face.

My mom’s warning is ringing in my ear. This is the “they” that she was talking about? Then I’m going to run like hell, especially when one of them tries to shoot me.

But is this how I am supposed to live my life? Running from place to place from men who obviously want to kill me. Why didn’t my mum give me the whole information, so I know who or what I am dealing with? This occupies my mind as I return from work. Officially unemployed.

Before I got to my rundown building, I stop by where I park my bike. I never park it where I live, because I know those trying to get me killed will first destroy it, so I keep it outside their reach. I know from the leaking roof that my room will be a mess by now. After checking that it is still there, I look around to make sure I am not being followed before heading in. I quickly carry my tools, change up, and go out again. It is past eleven, and everywhere is dark and quiet.

I start working on the bike. Yeah, when you have no money to pay a mechanic, you are forced to learn how to do it yourself.

I damage more than I repair the first time I try fixing it on my own. But now I can work on little issues. There is no time to start looking for a mechanic when you are running for your life.

I finally get it working around one a.m. I definitely need a new engine. I also need to change the plug, but these repairs need to just get me by for now.

Too tired to do anything else, I look for a corner in the room and sit down, keeping my gun in my hand just in case someone breaks in. My bed is already soaked. The room is tiny already, coupled with the leaking roof and the flooded floor… I sigh. It might sound uncomfortable, but after some time, I finally fall asleep. I keep waking up, but I am too tired to stay awake.

I wake up four hours later. And this time, I cannot shake off the feeling that I need to go hiking. It is as if I am being pushed to do it. The first time I arrive here, my mind was on that mountain. In fact, I could swear I subconsciously choose to come to this town because of this mountain. I need to explore it. It sounds dangerous, but since my mom died, I have barely done anything I truly want to do. I am always too cautious to be free.

I keep thinking, what if these men follow me into the mountains, with nowhere for me to escape? They will chop off my neck, and no one will ever find my body.

But today, I am going to do it. It is as if something in there is calling me. So I wake up today and pack my essentials. I might not return here anyway; there is nothing left for me. I carry my gun and my two throwing knives. They have saved my life countless times. I leave my door open and walk out without looking back. Funny how everything I own fits into one backpack. Keeping my eyes on my surroundings, I go to where I park my bike and start it, riding south, where the mountains are calling me. Just one more hike before I move on.

It is a one hour ride outside the city. When I leave the city behind, the road becomes deserted. I am constantly checking my side mirror to be sure I am not being followed. I never relax for once.

As I get to the mountain, I push my bike a little into the trees so it will be hidden before walking deep into the woods, and yes, I do not forget my compass.

After a few minutes of walking, I find myself on a pathless track. It is as if it has never been taken before, and I probably should turn back, but I push ahead. I need to forget about my world for a few hours.

After some time, I feel eyes on me. I am so sure I am alone. I turn to look around, but I see no one. Then I am hit, and the world goes black.