Changed

Chapter 2 : The Crimson Rose

Four whole years had passed since my father almost killed my mother. It was March 26th, my seventeenth birthday and I was extremely happy. My father was gone on a business trip which meant me and mom were alone. Mom made me breakfast and even gave me a gift. 

"Here sweetheart, happy birthday", she said to me with a smile. 

She bought me a beautiful flowered suitcase and a set of three knives. The knives had intricate carvings on the side. At first they simply looked like scribbles but after studying them for a few moments I realized it said my name, Violet . The handles were wrapped in soft leather that was dyed a deep blue. 

"Thank you mama", I told her.

Soon after I opened the gifts mother began to rush around and give me things to put in the suitcase. It wasn't very large but it was big enough for my set of  knives, several outfits, a hat, a cake of soap wrapped in a washcloth, and several small trinkets. I began to fret because my mother didn't tell me what was happening. 

"Mama? What's going on? Why are you packing? " 

"Sweetheart just pack your bag. I'll tell you after we've left"

She quickly packed a small bag for herself. She fit one outfit, a set of knives that looked just like mine but had  dark red leather on the handle where mine were blue and were engraved with someone else's name, and her book of notes. When I saw her book I quickly ran to my room and grabbed my book of herbs and some of the seeds I had collected and stuffed them in the suitcase before I zipped it shut. 

"Vi get your coat, boots, and a hat on now, please", she said to me after I zipped my bag.

"Yes, mama", I replied. 

I laced my boots up over my cargo pants and began to put on my jacket. Mom was very anxious it seemed. I still didn't know what was going on. I zipped up my coat and put on my magenta beanie. It was faded from wear but it was still my favorite. My mother finished packing her bag and brought it to the door next to mine and laced up her boots. 

"Mom, please tell me what's going on", I said to her my a tad shaky. 

"We have to go. It's not safe here anymore", she replied simply. 

She ran to the kitchen and grabbed half a loaf of fresh bread, a pad of butter, and some dried meat my father had brought home as a treat and wrapped it in a piece of silk and tied it shut. 

"Here sweetheart, put this in your bag."

She put her coat on and shuffled me out the door. As we walked quickly through the square I began to realize what was happening. We were running away. I didn't know where to but I knew why. Not only has my father been abusive for as long as I can remember, but next year i would turn 18 and I would either be forced to marry off to a Magnate boy or I would volunteer for the mines. While an arranged marriage doesn't sound that bad it would be. When a woman would marry that man now basically owns her as though she is merely an object. Women are allowed jobs and to be in power, but if you're married all your rights are gone. 

As we walked I began to realize where we were headed. We were walking towards the side exit of the gates. Around the city there were huge walls. When I was younger I thought the walls were to keep us safe but now I realize it's to keep us trapped. Each exit is guarded and unless you have a written statement signed by the Commander. 

"Mom you know the gates are guarded. There's no way we can get through them." 

"I know sweetheart, but I have more friends than you know."

I had absolutely no idea what that meant. I held my suitcase close as she walked away to talk to the guards. She pulled one aside and whispered something to him. Her face had no trace of anxiety anymore and her hands were no longer shaking. She looked like a completely different person. 

A few moments later she motioned for me to come over to her. I quickly walked over. 

"Put your hood over your face," she whispered.

I quickly did as I was told. She hugged me then let go and moved back. She began to scream. 

"Abject! Abject! Guards get her out of here!,"she screamed. 

The guard who mother whispered to grabbed my arms and cuffed me. Two other guards grabbed my arms and dragged me away. I saw my mom crying as they pulled me away. Then I screamed so loud trying to warn her about him. Father was behind her. I wasn't sure what he was about to do. Then I saw the knife in his hand. I watched and he stabbed it through her back straight into her heart. She mouthed "Cam". I watched the light go out of her eyes and she slumped into his arms. He just scowled at me. The dark hit me in the back of the head and slowly all the light went out. I didn't understand, but I would soon enough.