Chapter 19
Demina and Avelyn rode on in silence, each of them lost in their own thoughts. The scenery flew by but neither noticed it. Finally, Avelyn spoke.
“Are you alright, Demi?”
Demina didn’t say anything, staring straight ahead. Avelyn sighed.
“Demi. Please say something.”
Demi sighed but didn’t say a word.
“Look, Demina. You don’t have to come. I...I will understand if you turn around and go back to the castle. I won’t fault you for it.”
Demina rode her horse in front of Avelyn’s and turned to face her.
“Ava, you are my best friend. I love you and I’m not leaving you,” she shrugged, “Whatever happens will happen. I just want to say, it’ll be worth it. I don't regret any of it. Besides, who’s going to keep you alive if I leave?”
Demina grinned and Avelyn smiled also, giving her a hug.
“Dame todo tu dinero!” (Give me all your money!)
The shouted command startled both horses and Demina flew off her, landing in the dirt. Avelyn managed to stay astride and she tried to calm down her horse. The bandit swung her sword to Avelyn.
“Bajarse de su caballo! Ahora!” (Get off your horse! Now!)
Avelyn stayed on her horse, not understanding and unsure of what to do. The bandit stepped closer, lifting the sword up at Avelyn and then pointing to the ground. She repeated the command, this time more slowly. Avelyn scurried down as Demi stood up and brushed the dirt off of her. The thief smirked and nodded to them.
“Dame tus bolsos!” (Give me your purses!)
The girls exchanged glances.
“We can’t understand you. Mwen pa gen lajan,” Demi replied. (Creole: Speak english!)
The thief narrowed her eyes.
“Hablar español! No entiendo!” (Speak English! I don’t understand!)
They stared at each other as an awkward silence descended. The Mexican had a wide smile on her face and her eyes sparkling with interest as she circled around Avelyn. Her eyes widened in recognition and she bowed.
“Mi señora.”
“Demina?”
“Yes?”
“What is going on?”
“I have no idea,” Demina replied, her eyes wide. The bandit spread out her hand, a sly grin on her face.
“Ven conmigo,” she said, ushering them along. Avelyn and Demina glanced at each other and quickly followed.
The thief turned to them.
“My name is Raquel. La bienvenida a las Afueras.” (Welcome to the outskirts.)
