Looking back at the place I once called home made chills to ran down my spine and i squeezed my hands tightly . It was 3:50am and the world was quiet all I could make out was my heart racing not because I was running away but because I was panicking, I was nervous. I took one last glance at the house infront of me and sighed , some relief and safety filled my thoughts.
My name is Raven and I grew up in a household of torture from stepmom cruelty to abusive dad and that's not all from no friends to the most hated person everyone knew. I grew to sometimes hate myself that maybe whatever they said maybe I did do but sometimes I questioned my existence; what did I do? Who did I offend ? Why am I being punished? .
The thought of all this made me anxious again but as I turned my back I knew this was all past me . Where I was going was still a mystery even to myself but I was sure it was going to be far away from this town and from this misery. I buckled my backpack and started off into the streets , cars passed me from time to time but apart from that all I could hear where dogs barking and some distant music. I got on a train and chilled in the cargo hold.
I must've dosed off because when I came to I saw grassfields outside and we where entering another city. I wiped my eyes and breathed in the fresh air .
"Finally some freedom" I murmured to myself while taking a sip of water from my bottle.
I sat up and looked outside, embracing whatever was waiting for me out there . When the train stopped I quickly jumped out and begun to run since I had hitched a free ride , the workers didn't seem to notice or rather they ignored me thinking I was one of the free loaders. I had enough money to last me two or three months so all I had to do now was to find a place to stay and a job. The neighborhood seemed nice , it had large houses that of the same design . I took a deep breath and started going down the road , what crossed my mind was would I even afford an apartment here? As I reached where the shops where and what seemed like a market I decided to get into one of the shops and have some tea or noodles. I entered a shop named `Breakfast and Diner ' , it was in a corner and didn't seem to have many customers inside . As I walked in all the people inside stared at me , I knew from my ragged clothes that I would get this kind of attention but I ignored them anyway and proceeded to the counter . A middle aged woman was standing there wearing a skyblue dress with a white hat , she had her blonde hair in a ponytail and she was smiling as if she was waiting for me to be there .
I looked at the menu and said ," do you'll serve noodles or iced tea?".
" No sweety .... But you can have croissants , cinnamon buns and some bubble tea" the woman said as she smiled . She had a British accent and I noticed how much jewelry she had on . " Are you new in town?" She asked . " Visiting or you've come to stay?". She looked straight at me and I knew I haven't answered anything from what she'd said .
I hesitated " I'm new ma'am. Definitely staying".
She looked at me as if trying to see who brought in a new maid but then smiled and said " where are your parents?" .
" It's just me ma'am". I looked down and clenched my jersey.
" Here have some doughnuts and juice. On the house" she said as she winked and gave me a box of doughnuts.
I just smiled and hurried out of there while I stuffed doughnuts in my face . That awkward encounter made me realize I needed new clothes and a new personality if I wanted to fit in but also that awkward encounter made me realize that I could just ask that nice lady if she knew a place I could stay while I got myself together so I headed back inside after finishing my food and she looked happy enough to see that I came back. She gave me a table to sit and joined me during her lunch break. We got in her car and she drove to a nice restaurant.
" Order anything you want dear" she smiled. I nodded and held the menu, consisted of food I haven't eaten before . I felt embarrassed.
" My name is Emily and you are...?"
"Ray.... Raven " I was still hesitant , this was a stranger and a strange city.
" Nice name ". She smiles. " So we ran away from home ?" She looked straight in my eyes and I gasped .
" Yes ". Shame and guilt filled me . Maybe I could've just stayed home and endured more . At least they fed me .
" Why did you ran away Raven?"
" I don't know " pain filled my heart and I broke out in tears . Miss Emily scooted over and hugged me . And before I knew it I blurted out the whole story . For some reason that made me feel good, like I just lifted a heavy weight and the other reason I got people's attention.
" Well Raven you're in luck" she said as she wiped my tears. " I work with a certain British company that saves abused children and gives them a new life . I'm one of the cofounders and I think we can take you in".
At that age I didn't think anything was wrong about what she'd said considering I wasnt exposed to the world much while growing up . She ordered me some robster and after that she drove to her house.
The place was huge and fancy with four fountains , lovely gardens , small statues and horses . It'd a big pool on the side and what seemed like a bar shade on the other , it'd a garage so big filled with many cars and trucks. I saw two girls around my age both dressed in bum shorts and bikini tops , they looked similar to miss Emily and I assumed they where her children . We got out and I held my bag close to me .
" This is it . My home" she said as she spread her arms honoring her wealth.
" I thought you'd be taking me to an orphanage or something " I looked around as I said that but mostly focused on the two girls who where coming towards us.
Miss Emily turned at me and touched my shoulders and said , " you my dear are special you've just not unleashed your inner Raven . You need help and I'm willing to take on that personally".
" So I will stay here with you?" My eyes filled with tears of disbelief.
" For as long as you need Raven . Think of me as your mom"
I hugged her and thought to myself who knew that running away would actually lead me to the hands of a millionaire who works at a breakfast and dinner. The two girls approached us and they smiled and hugged Emily.
" This is Riele and Riley, my twin daughters. Girls meet Raven she'll be staying with us for as long as she needs , think of her as your younger sister" .
The girls smiled and we went inside , even more beautiful with large windows and vintage and modern staff combined , butlers , chefs and a few guards and my room was a house on its own it'd a bed on one side and a reading area with a large bookcase , a walk-in closet and a make-up drawer with lots of make-up and other beauty products, it also had a bathroom. I was left to settle in.
As I opened my eyes , I still couldn't believe my life had changed overnight everything just seemed strange and suspicious but I was excited that finally I get to have a life, Raven gets to have to be the rich girl for a change. I sat up and scanned the room . It was perfect, a sensation. I freshened up and dived into my new closet , it was all a fairytale from dinner dresses to sundresses and party dresses, whatever I wanted and didn't need was there . As I stood in the mirror looking at my reflection I couldn't help but cry.
" Oh dear wipe those tears" Emily said as she came close to hold me then continued " life is about changes that we need and don't need . You've suffered a lot and now god just gave you something better, something to look forward to" she smiled as she talked and that calmed me down. Trusting a stranger wasn't what I was expecting in my life but meeting Miss Emily had really helped me to just skip a few steps and life and take the easy way out.
" Sweety meet Ares your PA/bodyguard" . She pointed at the door where a boy abit older than me stood. He looked pale but with a gorgeous skin , he wore a blacksuit.
" What do I need a PA and bodyguard for ? Ive never gone to school before" I looked straight at Emily as if she was trying to mock me or something.
" The agency provides them for the special ones only , even Riele and Riley have ".
I looked at Ares then back at Emily and said " what for? ".
She signaled him to go out, "Raven you'll meet clients of higher standards that want quality things , Ares is just there to make sure nobody does anything to hurt you ".
With that being said I realized Emily was an escort and she ran the business. I felt a bit betrayed but I had the life I wanted . Thoughts engulfed my mind and memories just flooded back , my dad forcing himself on me and reminding me everytime that I am a powerless and useless person , all the hurtful words my stepmother would say just formed a dark cloud around me. I sat down and buried my head between my thighs and murmured , " not today, not now " , but I was late my mind was already running crazy and I needed air then I felt warm hands on mine , It was Ares . He gave me a hug then some water after I had calmed down and sat on the floor with me.
" Why did you become an escort?" He asked but kept his gaze focused on the other side of the room.
" I didn't know " I whispered. " But I cant back out now" I lowered my voice even more.
" Good . Let's get you into something more appropriate, you've a client ".
He took out a short lavender dress with dark heels and I put them on . I was told my first client was the mayor who likes girls with a shy attitude and wearing lavender clothes . Ares continued to tell me as he drove to the hotel where I would meet the mayor that Emily sent out my picture the moment she saw me and there was a high bidding but the mayor offered her more and she needed to keep her status.
As we arrived in the hotel room, Ares stood outside the door and gave a bracelet to just double tap the golden plate and he would know something was wrong. I breathed in and opened the door , there on the bed sat a man , looked too young to be mayor . He was the same height and body complexion as Ares only that they had different hair and attitude, this one smiled. He stood up.
"Close the door mama" he said in a deep voice and I panicked. He moved closer to me and pushed me and the door back and locked it. He went back to the bed and removed his jacket, poured some whiskey and begun drinking.
" So what's your name mama?". He put down his glass.
" Ra....Ray......Raven ". I started to stammer , " it's Raven sir".
" Such a wonderful name for a beautiful woman like you" . He licked his lips. " They call me the Mayor but I'm no mayor" . He laughed then stood up and came close to me again. " Are you okay babygirl?".
He pressed his hands on my face then grabbed my neck, I squealed. He the used his one hand and caressed my thighs then he slid two fingers inside of me . Everytime I felt them I let out a tear , it was like being abused all over again. I closed my eyes and hoped it would end soon.
[Hours Later]
" Hey! You passed out are you feeling okay?" ........
I opened my eyes faintly and saw Ares tapping and splashing me water inside the car .
" What happened?" I asked faintly.
" You passed out , he must've drugged you or something" Ares shrugged.
" I don't remember taking anything with him ". I sat up.
" That's what he does " he said angrily.
I want to ask more but then it got awkward and I just went silent.
I scrubbed my body angrily while soft tears rolled down my cheeks. I felt so dirty and filthy but I couldn't get it off my body , I was a prostitute and I had to live with that now. Anger , anxious, sadness and nervousness gripped me , I threw the sponge down and sat in the shower crying letting it go with the water that passed my face . I had left home hoping for something different but ended up in a business that would ruin my life forever. For some minutes I sat down there just thinking and when I came through the hot water had ran out and the cold water passed through my body.
" Maybe I am the ultimate disgrace" I muttered to myself as I picked a towel and wrapped it around me . My bedroom door flew open , infront of me stood Riele angry and holding up her phone .
" He left me for you" .she shouted . " Answer me you whore , he left me for you?".
" I don't know what you're talking about" I said trying to sound calm so the situation won't escalate.
" I'm talking about Mayor. He is my boyfriend" . With that being said she walked towards me and slapped me . I just stood there looking stupid and being a fool instead of defending myself, I was being useless as always.
" Then how about you go tell your boyfriend to stop chasing after escorts and focus on you huh" .... We both turned and saw Ares standing at the doorway. He had his usual formal attire , from behind him came a smiling Emily with an envelope.
" Yesterday was a success Raven and today the mayor wants you by his side for a full day. So get dressed and get leaving" Emily said throwing the envelope on my bed .
" Mom thats my boyfriend" Riele said in disbelief.
" Sweety you've got to face the fact that it was never meant to be " Emily tried touching Riele but she pushed her away.
" No! I will prove to you that mayor is mine and she is just another whore to him" . She stormed off .
" What's in the envelope?" I asked .
" Money . For your services yesterday " she said then added " make sure you're not late today , meet him at his house .
I arrived at his house, another mansion great design and decor that made the house look simple and yet flaunting. He stood on the balcony and signalled me to go up there. Ares gripped my hand and said " be careful up there". As he let me go I could sense that he was scared and cared for me , I've never had anyone for that so I gave him a nodd and proceeded. Mayor wore a sweatpant with no shirt which made him resemble Ares even more, the way he smiled at me and spoke was exactly how Ares had been the past few hours I'd met him. As we sat down , I removed the envelope from my bag and put it on the table.
" What is this?" He asked as he took a large sip of his whiskey.
" The money you sent me " I said adjusting my dress.
" I gave it to you, for your services".
" And I don't need it "
He scoffed. " An escort who doesn't want to be paid".
" I'm not like any of the other girls . I came to give you your money and tell you to leave me alone" I said while standing up.
He opened the envelope while smiling and started counting the money .
" It's incomplete" .he stood up. " And no you can't leave , I already paid for you".
I tried to leave but he held onto my hand and yanked me back , I fell down and he pinned me there while choking me , I was out of breath and wanted to gag but I remembered my bracelet and I tapped it . The door opened and Ares pounced on Mayor, they started fighting while I got myself together.
" Is that why you drugged her because you like dead bodies" Ares said out of anger.
" I regret letting you live Ares " .Mayor said while sitting down . " I blame mother for raising you up to be stupid and dependent ". Ares launched at him and the chair together with them fell , they continued fighting. After some time they both calmed down. Ares and I left and we ended up in a park . He still looked angry and needed to cool down so I gave him his space and walked home.
I woke up to the sound of soft rains and thunder. I was slowly getting used to this bitter life and all I thought to myself was at least this time I wasn't being abused , I was given a choice and I took it . I sat up and glanced at the watch , 10:15 am that's the latest I've slept in . I hadn't seen nor talked to Ares after the incident and I wasn't planning on facing on him. I did my usual routine and went downstairs for breakfast.
"Raven sweety I heard what happened yesterday. Are you ok?" I turned to see Emily with Mayor. She smiled as they both sat across of me then Riley and Riele joined us .
" What's going on ? Did I do something wrong?" I asked hesitantly.
" Not you darling" . Emily crossed her arms . " Now finish up and go with Mayor ".
" What!" I stood up.
She moved closer to me and whispered in my ears , " a deal is a deal Raven, you walked into this with your own decisions I didn't force you ". They'll went out leaving me with him . After I was done he led me to his car and he drove to a picnic area , he laid out the drinks and snacks and gestured me to feel comfortable. It was awfully quiet and that got into my memory a lot , will I ever see Ares again? Was I just another escort or prostitute? What was I even becoming? What was I doing with my life? .
" You're not very much different from Ares. He also likes to stay in his head." Mayor said while smirking.
I stared at him for awhile then said , " if you two are brothers then why do you hate each other so much?" .
He chuckled. " Ares and I are half brothers. We share a dad and my mom wanted to win him over so much that she pampered him , I always hated that". He sighed heavily.
" Both my parents never showed interest in me " .I said softly , " I was like a servant, a peasant in my father's house and being exposed to the world now just seems not normal".
" So the first chance you took was to become an escort". He stared deep in me.
I laughed . " I didn't even know . I was just a girl wandering around this small town ."
He kept staring at me as if trying to make out if I was stupid or just paranoid. I took a large sip of the champagne.
" Why did you bring me here ?" I asked.
" It reminds me of someone " he smirked.
" Riele!"
" You heard about that" he said while laughing then continued. " But no it's not her ".
As I showered I thought about Mayor and our little moment yesterday, something unexpected and yet it gave me butterflies just thinking about it. I wanted to dismiss his thoughts but it was like my heart was now settling in and I felt secured. I heard knocking on my window and I grabbed my towel and opened it to see Ares. It was around 5am and Miss Emily had said we'd a thing at 7 , I didn't know what it was but I was confident it was about Mayor. As I looked at Ares I noticed that he looked tired , frail and exhausted. He sat on my bed and covered himself with the blankets .
" Don't tell anyone I'm here" he said beneath the covers.
I wasn't going to ask anything more nor was I concerned about his presence. I got dressed then Emily took us to a conference center . My mind was now back to Ares , what if something bad had happened to him and he needed me ? But then I haven't known him for long would I even help? I found myself becoming unease and scared and as usual warm hands embraced me , this was a hug that assured me I was safe and nothing would harm me anymore , I looked up and saw Mayor smiling at me .
" You panick alot over stupid things " he let me and put his hands in his pockets.
" I'm a person with feelings I should worry" .
He laughed . " People can betray you because they know your weaknesses". He took my hand and led me upstairs to an empty office space.
" What are we doing here ?".
"For you to clear that beautiful mind " he smirked . Our eyes met and I felt butterflies in my stomach again , was he really testing me . He moved closer to me and kissed me , I froze then the door flew open it was Riele and Riley.
" You slut!" Riele launched at me and we both fell to the ground . Riley stood there hands crossed and bad mouthed me . I tried fighting back but with her being slightly taller and heavier than me I couldn't kick her off. She threw punches and scratched me and I fought back with the little strength I had then Mayor got her off me.
" What is this ?" He asked Riele.
" I should be the one asking, I am your fiancee Mayor" she said as tears appeares in her eyes.
" And so what ? Let me remind you one thing you're a prostitute and I've nothing to do with people like you"
" I will change for you, why can't you give me a chance"
" Chances are for people who deserve them". He grabbed my arm and dragged me outside. My face and thighs where now swollen and I felt every bit of pain over me. I pushed his hand aside and started to ran home . Tears of anger rolled down my cheeks and I felt a burning sensation, I just wanted to hurt Riele so bad that she'll never think of messing around anymore. I got home furious and found Ares sleeping in my bed.
He sat up and said , " I take it the conference was a disaster". I nodded. He moved closer to me and hugged me . The warmth he gave me made me to cry even more and when I cooled off I was coiled in his hands.
" You don't have to do any of this you know" Ares said while brushing my hair aside .
" I've nothing. I'm still adapting" I said .
" C'mon now you're not a victim anymore. You ran away from one trauma and it's time you built something for your self" he looked straight at me.
" It's very easy for you to say" I shrugged.
" You and I aren't very different, it's just our problems that appear so " he stood up and he led me to the mirror. We stood there just staring then he said , " you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen and I admire your courage " . With that being said we began kissing and the moment felt intense and I slept in his arms.
I woke up feeling peaceful and excited something I've never felt and it made my heart beat faster . Everything I did that morning was out of joy and I constantly prayed that these moments would last forever. Ares was still sleeping and not much was going on in the house , Riele and Riley had gone out and Emily was stuck in her office working. I decided to go take a walk while waiting for Ares to awaken . It started off as a simple walk just passing houses , abandoned building's, schools and shops it was the first time I actually noticed all this as I was always stuck inside or working. I stopped at a nearby coffee shop and sat down when mayor approached me .
" I'm sorry about last night" he sat down .
" It's clearly okay " I forced a smile.
He ordered a small brunch and I just sat there staring into space when my eyes stumbled upon a familiar face , it was my father with his wife and kids , my heart skipped a few beats as it begun to beat rapidly, I was too scared to talk , move or react to anything, I just foolishly sat there as tears rolled down my cheeks and they came closer to us.
" Raven . I can't believe this is you" Jessie my stepmother said as sheheld my face and examined me in disgust. I pushed her hand away. " Oh I see you've grown wings now " she laughed mockingly.
" And you are ?" Mayor asked as he put aside his plate .
Kennedy my father laughed and spat on my face . " You got yourself a sugar daddy to feed that inner whore in you right ".
" How can somebody who doesn't know how to cook , clean or do anything right attempt to have a life " Jessie said and they'll laughed. I clenched my fists and looked down something I always did when receiving insults .
" You'll always be that disappointment and a disgrace no matter how much you try , you'll always end up in the trash like filthy garbage and you'll never succeed " my own father said making it clear , very clear. Mayor jumped in and they started arguing.
I stood up, ignoring everything in my view and walked , just going where my legs led me. For years I took insult after insult , verbal abuse that led to broken emotions , for years I cried myself to sleep while praying to have a better life , I've worked as a slave and more and yet I was unappreciated, exploited and traumatized , there's no word of embarrassment that I've never been called before and yet I endured anything thrown at me , keeping everything to heart and as time passed by I couldn't feel the insults anymore , pain was there but I just couldn't bring myself to feel it .
I reached home and went straight to my room , Ares wasn't there , I took out some medicine and drunk and slowly I started to have conversions, white foam coming out of my mouth and I was gagging, I smiled and my heart calmed down .
" It's finally going to be over . You'll be happy" I muttered to myself.
The door flang open and people rushed inside but it was too late , I was drifting fastly now and when I couldn't openn my eyes anymore I sighed one last time and knew no one will get me where I am going. I WAS FREE.
