We all drove for an hour before going under a dark underground parking lot. My heart was on my tongue, my skin prickled. As we approached, lights suddenly flooded the parking lot with over twenty cars in there. Malik spun our car around and I was sure we were caught. I was sure this was it. He then sped away as all the cars did the same.What is happening? It was like a movie. I clung to the window staring until we surfaced out through an exit. Malik sped up so fast and as I stared I realized the parking lot had multiple exits and each car took it’s own, taking a different directions. Only one car followed us. It was two cars per direction but after ten minutes the identical car which was following us took a different turn and we were left alone driving away. My heart couldn't stop drumming. Was it all a decoy to get me out? Kein had really went out of his way to make sure we were not followed. Which car would they follow, there had been so many?“ We are in the clear. Relax, we

My body shot up. My hand quickly ran to my chest where my heart was beating rapidly. My head turned left and right, seeing darkness, sweat covering my forehead.My eyes took the area near me then I snapped my head to the sound coming from under my pillow. With shaking hands I searched and grabbed the burner phone. I flipped it open, seeing an unknown number. I quickly accepted the call and brought it to my ears. “ Serene.” “ Yes, Hi Malik.” He seemed out of breath. “ I need you to get out of there and run. You brought your bag, right?” “ Yes. I did, what is going on?” He seemed to be running. “I think they made me. Kein was shot. He is in a hospital guarded by security but Lurther will get him, Luther’s men are outside the hospital and will go in when they get an opportunity.” “ What? Why?..What…” I didn't even know what to say. “ Malik. We need to get him out. We need to help him.” I jumped out of the bed, running right and left, having forgotten what I wanted. “ We need to

“ Do you need help baby?!” “ No Mommy. I got this!” I nodded my head as if he could see me. I ran to the bathroom, throwing everything in a bag. Maybe I was exaggerating. Maybe we didn't have to run. My father would never give me up, would he? He wouldn't be that cruel. He would know what they would do to me. He wouldn't throw me to the wolves. I wanted so much to have faith in him but I couldn't risk it, not with my son. I ran out to the room and it was a mess. Clothes were everywhere. None of that mattered. I just packed a few then began pulling each drawer from my dresser. I stopped as my eyes lay on a photo album. Tears burned in my eyes. I took a deep breath and sat on the bed before flipping the cover. Pictures of my barely noticeable belly. Pictures of me in the hospital. Pictures of Rome as a baby. There was no way I was letting them take him. I pushed up and packed the album along with the box carrying his umbilical cord still with the clamp, the pregnancy test and ho

ROME’S P.O.V“ I am so sorry you are leaving. I will come say bye to your mother.”“ We will be leaving as soon as she gets home, Mrs. Majola.” I said, turning and waving. “ Okay. Bye bye sweet Rome.” I waved one last time before jumping on my skateboard. Six houses down and one to go. My eyes ran to our driveways and saw my mother’s car but it wasn’t the only one there. A frown made its way on my face. Who was that? The dark tinted windows made me feel uneasy. I stared at the number plate realizing it was from another province. My stomach twisted into knots. Back and forth I stared between our house and the Dlamini’s house. I did not care for Thembela. I didn't like children. But Angelica. All through my goodbye’s I made sure I put the Dlamini’s last because I wanted to spend more time there. I was the only one in my age group allowed to carry baby Angelica. Angelica loved folding her tiny fingers around my thumb then bringing it to her mouth to suck. I loved Angelica. Sometimes

At first they laughed then they stopped as I glared at them sternly. “I did hear something about Serene a few days ago.” One said, staring back at me. They stared at each other before deciding to call it in. Soon one was holding my bag while the other held my hand. I let it be because my body felt heavy. We scaled up to the gate and as it opened for us, I saw him. The man we had been running away from just a few days ago. The man that brought everything upon us. My grandfather was marching to us with determination. I found myself rooted where I was as I took the sight of him in. My hand was let go as my grandfather neared. His eyes were wide, seeming rattled. He lowered in front of me and soon I found myself buried in his chest. “I knew it was her.” He said before pulling back. He stared behind me then around. “Where is my daughter?” My hands fisted around his shirt tightly. He pulled me further away then stared into my eyes. “Where! Is! My! Daughter?” He spoke slowly, emph