Misunderstanding

Chapter 8(Nathalie POV)

The familiar wallpaper peeling off of the walls, the damp smell of underground dirt that I had attempted to cover with perfume, a wooden four poster bed that was adorned with flat pillows and a stained mattress. A flower vase with dead lavender inside, a carpet under my feet. A scratched up wooden drawer, containing my clothing and belongings. This had been my bedroom. I crumpled to the floor, my bottom lip trembling. 

Growing up, I had always known that I was not the Lord's favored one. His cold indifference toward me was a constant reminder of my place in his world. But never in my wildest dreams had I imagined that he had taken me in merely as a tool to seduce Chase, before taking his life. 

Fueled by a surge of anger and defiance, I grabbed the flower vase and wrenched it across the room, tears blurring my vision. I won't allow myself to be used like this! I'm eighteen, I can get a job! I could rent an apartment! I could make a living!

"I know what you're thinking, Nathalie." A sudden voice from behind startled me. I didn't need to turn to know who it was. It was my fifteen year old self's crush, Sebastian. However, ever since he humiliated me in front of everyone, my love became Anthony's. 

I sniffled, sweeping my tears away with one wipe of my sleeve.

"I know that you're thinking of abandoning the mission and to live your own life - to forget about us," Sebastian's word cut through the air, his tone laced with coldness. I stiffened, my fingers curling up into a fist. 

"I know you, Nathalie."

I lifted myself to my feet, my back remaining facing him.

" I have to warn you; society is cruel. You've never gone to school, resulting in you won't be able to get a proper job. You just be a cashier, or someone working behind a counter at Mcdonalds or Burger King. You'll be living in a tent or on the streets." Sebastian stepped closer. I held my breath.

No! I said in sign language, flames blazing in my eyes.

 Sebastian stepped closer, his voice now a soft whisper. "You won't survive out there, Nathalie. If you leave, you'll never be able to see Anthony again. Complete the mission and you can continue to live here with Anthony, peacefully."

I spun around and shoved him away, my eyes reddening. 

I don't need you telling me what to do, I said.

"Acknowledging that you have chased after me, begging for my love like a shameless dog a few years ago, I'm helping you know that you'll die out there. The harsh reality is that you are worthless and you'll get kidnapped and sold away."

I raised my hand to slap him, but he side-stepped away. Enraged, I pointed towards the door. Leave!

He shrugged, his eyes flickering to my face one last time, before strolling out of my room. I slammed the door behind him, fastening the lock. As much as I hated it, he was correct. I would die out there.

I forced myself to blink away my tears.

***

I stood before the mirror, captivated by the stunning reflection that stared back at me. The girl before me was a vision of beauty, her honey brown hair flowing in cascades down her shoulders like a golden waterfall.  I had been gifted flat shoes that made it easier to walk. The Lord had demanded that I look my best to seduce Chase, but I think that Chase seeing me dressed like this would only anger him. He probably wanted me to be dressed in rags, my hair chopped off and my face smudged in dirt. He probably wanted me dead.

 "Nathalie, are you ready?" The voice of Anthony broke through my thoughts, pulling me back to reality. I quickly smoothed out my hair, ensuring every strand fell perfectly into place, and turned towards the door where Anthony stood. He took my hand and gave me a twenty dollar bill. "Get yourself some breakfast on the way and catch a ride on the bus or something."

Thanks, Anthony, I said.

The Lord has assured me that if you complete your mission, he will bless us with a wedding," he whispered softly, stepping closer and pressing a tender kiss upon my forehead. "I will be waiting for you after Chase's funeral."

Did I really have to kill Chase to get my happiness?