I am in my room thinking about that night and the fact that this town looked like, a flame in the dark and how dark the world looked around us. Those raiders and the shadows of the flames on their faces you could see the evil in their eyes. I wonder if they even remember this small town and the damage they did to us? What they did to me... to my people... my family, do they even feel remorse for what they did that night?
They took so much from us they acted as monsters and demons in the night. They killed, torched, threatened, and hurt people that once knew peace, now all we know is fear and pain. We never seem to be able to relax and breathe anymore. My scars started to feel the ache as if it was only a short time ago. One day we will be whole again we will be strong, proud, happy, and peaceful people again... one day soon I hope, we deserve it after all.
Bella, hurry and get down here we don't have time for this! Oh uh sorry Sue, I'm coming! I run downstairs knowing it's going to be a long day but those are the days that keep me from thinking too hard so I guess it's a good thing. I always end up overthinking things and wondering about what life would be like if things had been different around my small town of Haven. Bella Ann Harper get your butt down here, this corn won't sell itself!! I run out the door and see Sue standing there in her usual angry stance one hip popped, hands on her hips, one eyebrow raised, and fire in her brown eyes. Go on get out of here I kissed her on the cheek, bye Sue, I'll see you tonight!
What a crazy life I have led over the past 11 years. during the day I milk cows, feed chickens, work in the field, and then sell the crops at the market. At night I go to my hidden training area and practice with my bow, sword, daggers, and do some hand-to-hand combat. One of these days I will finally have the life I dream about. A safe place to call home and my beautiful Haven will not have to be in fear anymore, maybe one day.
Morning Bella, what you got for us today? Morning Mrs. Hanson I have corn, potatoes, and beats today. Well, miss Bella, I'll take 5 corn, 4 potatoes, and 2 beats. Sounds great have a great day Mrs. Hanson! You to Bella. Well, well I see our town beauty is outselling food again any chance your willing to sell anything else *wink*? Hello George and not just the food you know that (will he ever leave me alone he is twice my age, drinks too much, and is convinced I am his next wife. Number 3 to be exact...)
He is not the only guy in the town who flirts with me they are all disgusting and gross men. I am one of the only girls in town that are not married, engaged, or the town hooker... Sue keeps telling me that there are still good guys out there, but honestly, I am not convinced and if there is then I dought they would find interest in a simple girl like myself. I can take care of myself and I don't think any of the men that I would meet would enjoy a girl who can fight and is "damaged goods". One day I'll get out of here and man can I not wait to go and get rid of the evil people in this world. Sue is one of the only people that I can say doesn't have a bad bone in her body, one day I hope that she will understand how amazing she is, and how grateful I am for the sacrifice of raising me (even though now she is an old woman and can't do much) she is so strong and has lived an amazing life.
(from Sue's perspective) oh, Bella, she is such a beautiful young woman, she doesn't see it and that breaks my heart, she is like a daughter to me and has such a beautiful and robust spirit about her. I know she hides it but she has had such a hard past. After they killed her parents, they found her and kept her for a few years they beat her, abused her, and starved the poor thing. She is so strong, she got away by outsmarting them and made her way here to town. I found her collapsed on the road outside of town. When I got her home her back was bloody, bruised, and scared I could even see her ribs. She was asleep for days, as I tried to nurse her back to health. She was so thin and sick and when she woke up, I tried to keep her in bed but she would sneak out and do chores or fix things around the farm. I have never been able to keep that girl away from working. She is too strong, and clever for her own good. Oh and that smart mouth, but she is such a loving and caring person.
She has such passion and fire in her it shows in her eyes, she has such love for this world, but I wouldn't suggest getting her angry. She can work as hard and if not better than any man and probably do it better and faster (chuckle). I just hope I have raised her the way her parents would have wanted, and that she doesn't end up alone. I mean if she does she still would be just fine, that girl is a powerhouse and a trouble maker.
(back to Bella's point of view) Dang, what a long day it has been oh well I need to get home in time to milk the cows and help with dinner before it gets too dark. On my way back I started thinking about how I have been so blessed to have Sue and be able to still call this small town home even after everything, this is still home.
When I got home I milked the cows, locked the animals in the barn and brought some milk in the house, and put it in the seller for now. I walk to the living room to find Sue sitting in her rocking chair and looking out the window like she always does at this time of night. Sue (softly) I'm home I'm gonna make dinner I'll be right back just stay here OK? she looked at me and smiled hello Bells, you look tired are you OK? Yes, Sue, I'm OK you stay here and stay warm I'll make dinner. She looked back at the window and sighed. Sue is getting old enough now that she can't do much, and around this time of night her memory gets foggy, but she is still the fiery Sue she has always been.
I made some stew and brought it over to her and helped her eat and then cleaned up and helped her to bed. After she was asleep I cleaned up and went and practiced fighting for a while then went home cleaned up, and went to bed ready to start another day. This time a few years ago I was sleeping on the ground and being beaten, and burned, I thought as I fell asleep.
NO, NO PLEASE DON'T... UGH, my skin burned and ached the punishment was harsh tonight I had let the stew get cold. Sir, may I have permission to put my shirt on again? Fine just don't let it slow you down. (I was about 11 at this time) As I put my shirt back on I feel the familiar sting and pain of my burned flesh being rubbed by my old clothing. I wince but try not to let anyone notice, I do not want another punishment. I limp to the fire to heat the stew again and then I will be serving them again. It should be quick and I hope I don't stumble or wince otherwise I will probably have to walk around in just my undergarments in the cold till told otherwise. As the food heats up I hear Jugo, he is so violent and I never know what he will do next... I feel a shiver go down my spine as I feel his breath on my neck. Jugo, Sir may I please serve food first? He sighs and walks away he doesn't like pissing off Master but he also doesn't like me telling him no, I hope tonight he will be gentle with me.
As I reserve everyone their dinner I try and keep my eyes down, everyone has dinner and then I get my food from Master, a little meat, some dried-out bread, and a little water. Thank you Master this is most gracious of you. I walk to the servant's tent and give the younger kids my food. After they eat I hear the tent being opened, it's Jugo, I lower my gaze as he gestures me to follow him. Just then I wake up in cold sweats... I breathe out a little shaky, I shake my head then get up to get some water. It has been 11 years since I escaped, 11 years of healing, working, and being a different girl. *sigh* Will the nightmares ever go away? I was beaten, burned, starved, and so much more for almost 4 years. After four years of enduring all that pain and hardship, I was almost 14 when I escaped and Sue found me. I am almost 25 now and the nightmares still come, the pain and aches still happen and there are days when the scares burn like it was only yesterday.
After I drink my water I go back upstairs and stare in the mirror, my dark black hair that almost reaches my knees are in a long braid, my eyes look tired, and my tan-skinned face looks back at me. Some say I am beautiful but they don't see the scars I look in the mirror and see the scars that no one but me can see. I lived I remind myself, I made it, I survived and escaped, I helped others escape. As I go lay back down I tell myself maybe one day the nightmares won't come, and the pain will be a memory. Someday I whisper as I close my eyes.
YOU ARE READING
Aligning my own Stars
Ficción GeneralI was a girl who went through a lot of pain at a very young age, my parents died, I was taken, abused, after feeling so loved, I was beaten, bruised, and a mess and this is the story of how I chose my own life, my own ending and the path that lead t...
