Runaway Bride

Chapter 1

"IREPHINA, you must marry this man." Deborah stated firmly, in a voice that permitted no argument.

"Grandmother! I can't marry a man I don't love!" A strong but feminine voice pleaded.

"Do not disobey me, young lady." Deborah's warning voice echoed in the large, heavily decorated room.

Irephina took a deep breath, "Grandmother," her green eye wavered, giving away how threatened she felt. "I cannot marry a man I do not love."

Deborah stepped closer to Irephina, and picked up a strand of her shiny black hair gently. "Irephina," her eyes flashed menacingly. "I don't think you want me to lock you up again. Do you?" Deborah's wrinkly hand grasped her hair tightly, her head tilting to one side.

Irephina felt a shiver down her spine in her black backless gown. Her hand grappled her silk gown tightly, "Grandmother," Irephina closed her eyes for a moment, "I will not marry a man I do not love."

An unpleasant smile planted itself on Deborah's lips, "Reprehensible child." Her long red fingernails dug into her flesh, forming dark, red marks.

Irephina could not meet her grandmother's gaze.

Deborah gave a small chuckle, and commenced pulling her into the cold, small, dark room that Irephina had come to every time she got into trouble. "Insolent child," she slammed the door in her granddaughter's pale face. "You will stay in there until I permit you to leave."

"Grandmother!" Pleaded Irephina, banging on the cold iron door. "Please!" She was near tears, "Don't leave me in here!" Deborah's footsteps died away. "Don't leave me here..." Her sad voice trailed off, she hugged her knees, "Please don't..." She whispered softly, and started sobbing silently.

Her beautifully styled hair was now a mess. A few strands from her sophisticated bun framed her almond shaped face. Tears stained her rosy cheeks. The cold room wasn't a great fit for her plunging V neck dress.

"Miss?" A small, trembling voice sounded outside the metal door.

"Claire?" Irephina's hopeful voice could be heard as a mere whisper from outside.

Claire tucked a strand of stray brown hair behind her ear, "Yes, miss, it's Claire," her small palm touched the cold iron door. "Are you alright, miss?" Claire's round face looked sincerely worried.

"Please get me out of here!" Irephina's voice was desperate, "I don't want to be in here! Get me out!" Her pale hand pressed against the opposite side of the door, with hope that it would open.

"Oh, miss!" Claire whispered sadly. A moment of silence. "I'll try," she paused for a moment, "Wait here. I'll come back soon, miss." She left.

Irephina hugged her knees and buried her face into them. Memories came back instantly. Memories she wished she could forget. Memories she didn't want to remember. Memories she wished never happened.

*Flashback*
"Claire! Catch me!" A bright and cheerful girl stood in a meadow, her green eyes were shining.
"Miss!" A pair of bright blue eyes came into view.
The green eyed girl ran, "Catch m-" she bumped into someone.
"Hey there," said a burly man, he grabbed her arm. " How old are you?"
"I'm 12."
"I have something I want to give you."
She gave a innocent smile, "Okay!"
He chuckled, "Come," he whispered, in a tone she did not understand.

Before the young girl knew it, she was in a cold, dark, iron room. She bounced in her snug pink dress, "What is it?"
The man showed his yellow teeth. His hands touched her waist, making her uncomfortable.
A moment later, she was screaming silently on the floor. Her mouth muffled by his large mangy hand.
*Flashback Ends*