Chapter 2

Skyla

(Past)

I still remember that day I run away from that foster home to here, in this town. I ran and ran and didn't stop for once. I wanted to get away from that person's watchful gaze. There had no way I could stay there for even a bit. My legs were getting weaker in every passing second, but no, I didn't stop. When I stopped, I felt like I was going to die in suffocation and hunger. I didn't get to eat anything after seeing that murder in front of me. If someone asked who did that? I have to idea who killed him. I don't want to know. Why would I? I was about to lose my dignity in his hand. 

When I stopped running, I was so exhausted that I couldn't keep myself conscious anymore. I fainted in front of a sweet shop. The next thing I remember, I was in a dark room and laid on a bed. That room was so dark that I couldn't see anything. I gulped in fear when a sudden cold breeze passed through me. I shivered in fear, and goosebump erupted in my arms. Where was I? I didn't know. I needed to get the hell out of that place. Then I heard a rustling sound. Then in a scratching sound, the door of that room opened. My lips trembled, my heart started beating erratically. Cold sweat formed over my forehead, thinking what if the person who has been following me, captured me seeing me unconscious? No! No, please, no.

Suddenly I heard a voice said, "You are awake." 

I didn't why, but my all fear fade away after hearing that voice. I immediately calmed down. Who was she? An angel that God sent only for me? Never in my life, I got to listen to that warm tone from anyone. Then the room lited up and revealed an older woman with blonde hair and ebony eyes. Her eyes were holding warmness. 

Smiling softly, she asked, "How are you feeling now, child?"

I wanted to say something. But my throat was burning for some reason. She rushed toward me and helped me to take a sip of water. I slowly said, "I am fine. How I-?" I didn't finish my sentence and looked from left to right of that room. There I saw a study table with a lamp on it, a wardrobe, an attached washroom, and a bed on which I was lying, only God and that elder woman knew for how long. 

Sensing my hesitation, she said, "Two days ago, you fainted in front of my shop. I and the neighbors tried to wake you up, but you didn't. So I brought to in my home. You got a fever, child."

Oh. "I am sorry for troubling you, granny. Uh- I am so sorry. I didn't catch your name. So, I-I called- " I didn't want to offend her. I apologized immediately after that word slipped from my mouth.

She said with a smile, "You can call me that, my child. What's your name?"

I told her, "My name is Skyla." I didn't have any surname. 

"Such a beautiful name, my child. Where are you coming from?" She asked. I didn't want to tell her. What if she thinks I murdered someone and then ran away from there?

I told her, "I have no one, granny. I left for finding a new place and start over. I am an orphan. My foster family used to beat me a-and t-tried to r-rape- I run away from that place. I-I couldn't take that anymore. I needed to l-leave." 

She pulled me in her embrace and said, "Oh, my child. I am so sorry." She wiped my tears. I didn't know I was crying. Putting my head on her lap, I curled myself in a ball and sobbing. "Don't worry dear. No one is going to hurt you anymore. You don't have to go anywhere now. You will stay with me."

Looking at her with a hopeful gaze, I asked, "I can?"

Patting my cheeks, she said, "You can, my child. Your granny is getting old and she has no one like you. Would you like to stay with your this granny?"

Sitting up, I said, "I am going to stay with you. But I need to look for a job first. I can't let you pay my expenses to you and I need to earn some money for my school. I want to continue my study, granny. I want to work in a reputed company in the future. We will stay together, right granny?" I was so happy thinking I can finally settle everything in my life. I don't have to think about anything other than my granny and me. 

Shaking her head in daniel, she said, "No, child. You don't have to work anywhere. You can help me in my bakery. I am going to pay every expense of your study-" 

I interrupted her, saying, "You can't do this, granny. I want to earn money. It's your money you earned after a lot of hard work. If needed, I will ask for your help. I also need to save a little by little for my collage. I will help you in your bakery, and I am going to look for any job I could go for anyway."

Huffing, she asked, "What kind of job you want to do?"

I thought for a few moments. I said, "I am going to look for a job at nearby bookshops, flower shops, and I can go for babysitting. Or I can go online. You know sometimes some companies want to ask for modeling- I mean I have to try their skincare product or their clothes and accessories. And I am going to help you with your bakery also."

"How come you handle every job of yours with your school, my dear?" She asked. I could see amusement glinting in her eyes. "You know, I can give you money for helping me in my bakery-"

"I respectfully disagree with you, granny. I can't take money for helping you with my work. You don't have to worry. I will manage it. If I get to do babysitting, then I don't have to think about anything. Let's see. Thank you for letting me stay with you, granny." I hugged her with a big smile on my face. I was looking for acceptance, and I finally got that from her. She hugged me back. I heard her saying, "Always, my dear. Thank you for coming to me." She kissed the top of my head. 

It was the happiest moment of my life. I had no idea of my happiness, going to be shortlived. The unfortunate incidents were waiting for me, and I couldn't stop anything from happening.