THE DAWNING

Chapter nine: Final

"At that point, there was only one place I could think of going and that was Pau in France. That town really gave me a sense of peace the last time I was there. A lot had changed when I got back, but the peace was still felt. When I arrived, the tension in the place was strong because everyone kept staring. It took a while for me to realize that it was because I was the second arm of the government. All they did was stare and go on with their lives. I could see in their actions and movements how they all lost hope and at that point, just didn't care. The last time I was there, I could see smiles around but then it was all frowns. I moved through the same roads I once did and found that spot where that man slept near me, there was a dust bin now and a new Agency. All I hoped was at least, I find the man that helped me back then. Thankfully, I found his shop still there."

She parked her car, put on a cap and shades to hide her face. She got into the shop. Nothing had really changed as much except the new freezers and snacks which he never used to sale.

Mariana: [looks at him] Bob?
Man: [looks at her] not many people call me that these days.
Mariana: what are you called now?
Man: Mr. Bozley.
Mariana: well, the last time I was here you told me you're Bob and you called me little one.
Bob: I've called many people little one, I'm sorry I can't remember you. Maybe if you take your cap and shades off.
Mariana: that will distort the image entirely. For the person I'm portraying behind these shades is not me.
Bob: well then, remind me.
Mariana: I walked in here begged you for a job just so I could get a ticket back home in Spain. You called me little one, I said many people call me that.........
Bob: but I prefer you call me little warrior. Mariana Volcano.
Mariana: yes [smiles]. I knew you'd remember.
Bob: how could I forget the one brave kid I ever met? Look at you, all grown up. You even almost look my age.
Mariana: [laughs]. Now I guess I can show you who I portray [she takes off her shades and cap]
Bob: [in shock] Her Excellency Ms. Marian Johnson......
Mariana: that's not who I am. I lost track of that. It was in this town that I gained my courage to face whatever was before me. I went back home, but I became weak while I hid behind someone else carrying a name that's not mine. I could have died, but you helped me. You're the only person who helped me then, please I need your help again.

Bob: what is it?
Mariana: I need someone to talk to. I've been through a lot lately. Remember I told you I lost my parents and was trying to get to my aunt and uncle?
Bob: [nods]
Mariana: well, I lost my uncle too and I'm only left with my aunt [sheds a tear].

He hugs her while she finally screams out and cries.

Bob: let it all out.

After sometime, they sat down and she explained her whole life from the time she left till the day she arrived.

Bob: that's really a lot to face Mariana. But why do you like to be called little warrior? Is it because your parents called you that a lot?

Mariana: yeah, but mainly because its my name; Mariana Guerrero Volcano. I read through my fathers journal when I was younger, my mother loved the sea which made sense because in most of her old pictures she was always near water. My father was a soldier it made him who he was hence my mother named me Mariana and my father Guerrero. When you say it fully as my father put it, a warrior and star of the sea.

Bob: why are you really here?
Mariana: I'd want to tell you, but it will put you in great danger. Knowing will get you killed. That's what killed everyone I cared about. I need a quiet and isolated place to stay where people won't be around me so much. I came to work away from people.
Bob: okay. I know a place, but .......
Mariana: please don't tell me to be careful. I can take care of myself.
Bob: okay, Guerrero.

He writes down an address for an apartment out of town that is on sale which she bought and moved into. It wasn't as big as her previous house, but it was comfortable.