The Traps of the Black Swan (Book 2)

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At eight in the morning,

Jennie was so exhausted she hadn't woken up even once the whole night. She woke up when she felt a strong nudge on her shoulder.  She opened her eyes to bright sunlight entering the bus. Due to the pain, she felt like her whole body was being pricked by the thorns.

She had no idea the bus had reached the destination three hours earlier. Since she was lying down, the cleaner and the driver had left thinking every passenger had alighted. The bus was again on the next trip, the passenger who had booked that seat was waking her up.

"Excuse me, this is my seat. Could you please show me your ticket?" A young, chubby, cute girl asked Jennie, thinking to help her with the seat. Anyway, she gasped when she saw the blue and green bruises on Jennie's pale soft skin.

Jennie thought the girl would run away from her or scream but she moved Jennie's unkempt hair to look at Jennie's face clearly. Anyhow, Jennie who remembered the lady cops touching her and choking her, shrunk away from the touch.

Her lips trembled as she stood up to leave quickly, "I-I am sorry." A hoarse voice sounded that hurt her throat.

Jennie ran out, but the college girl followed her close and caught Jennie when she groaned in pain and swayed back.

"Let me help you." The girl insisted and held around Jennie's shoulder tight.

Even though some of Jennie's energy had recovered, the bruises and wounds were hurting a lot. Jennie couldn't shrug off the girl who pulled her hood to avoid the eyes on Jennie and helped her to the bus stop. Jennie tried to leave but she kept her stronghold.

"Let me go." Jennie again hurt her dry throat but the girl was strong and adamant. She forcefully took her to the medical shop.

It was a small bus stop that could hold about ten buses. The small shops and a few people were walking here and there. The life of the people looked calm and relaxed but it wasn't enough to put Jennie at ease.

Sensing Jennie will run away, the girl didn't leave her. She held in a strong grip, yet gentle. Careful enough, not to hurt her.

Jennie was already garnering too much attention, she didn't want to be called a thief in her appearance. The girl handed her the oral rehydration drink and urged her, "Drink up fast."

"Let me go." Jennie wanted to leave but couldn't. Having no choice, she drank and paid the medicine bill by scanning the code through her mobile without taking favor from another one.

She was again dragged to the ladies' washroom. To send the girl away, Jennie became obedient. She washed her face and the girl helped her apply medication.

The girl looked at her with a mixture of emotions. "You are so beautiful." She had thought Jennie might be homeless until she had removed the jacket. Looking at her beautiful face filled with bruises, "Which bastard did this to you? Let me help you complain at the police station."

Jennie looked at her reflection in the mirror. She looked a lot fine after doing her hair and washing her face. But the dark bruises still looked ugly on her. She snickered hearing cops, "The cops."

"Huh?" The girl let out a confused hum before she gasped, "The cops did this to you." She exclaimed in utter shock.

Jennie sighed, "You will miss the bus. Go."

"But..." The girl was flustered.

"I am really thankful to you. I will manage from here." She sounded resolute.

The girl had already sensed Jennie wasn't liking her touch so she could understand Jennie didn't want anybody around her. She checked the time on her wristwatch, her bus would be leaving anytime soon so she hesitantly looked at Jennie before she ran out.