Run!
That was the only thing on my mind and the only idea my brain could come up with.
But I couldn't bring myself to do that. Not with the pounding coming from the other end of the door.
Where do I run to? To the door, into the arms of my father or out the window where I'll fall to my death?
I and dad were never like this. After the tragedy that befell our family of three, three months ago, he changed into a completely different person. The love I had witnessed between my parents, apart from those I had read about in my romance books, convinced me that true love existed. Dad and mom had loved each other so much and considering I was my mother's daughter, he was a perfect fatherly figure ever since they got married.
Mom was suddenly diagnosed with lymphatic cancer four months ago and because it was discovered lately, she had only two months to live with the help of frequent chemotherapy. Otherwise, she had just a month.
Dad had invested almost all his money into a contract a week before the news so funds at the time were limited. We had hoped things would be better and the money for the treatment would have come in one way or the other. But that was the hardest our life had been. Mom's health was deteriorating badly and we were running short on funds.
Dad couldn't even afford chemotherapy and mom couldn't bear seeing her husband suffer for her to live. So one day, at the hospital, she decided to not trust dad anymore and put us and herself out of her misery. Little did she know it was all for the worse.
Dad lost it when he heard of her passing. He became a shadow of himself. On days when he didn't come back home drunk, he would just mumble an answer to my greeting and head to his room upstairs. But on days like today, when he's drunk himself to stupor, he resorts to violence. Turning me into a punching bag as a way to deal with his grief.
Knowing that the outcome of today would result in pain if not death either way, I choose the window. The effects of jumping through the window would definitely be better than letting dad get passage into the room and seeing what he has in store for me today under his drunken haze.
I stared back at myself, crouched next to the bed stand, facing the mirror. Almost every part of my face, purpled. Some faded already, some still in the process. I can't help the lone tear falling down my cheek.
I am not the only one staring back at me through the mirror.
Eyes.
Not only are there eyes. There's someone's reflection in the mirror.
Slowly, I raise my head to the most chilling amber eyes I've ever come across. The owner standing next to me, his back to the wall, arms folded leisurely across his chest, staring back down at me.
I scramble to the other end of the room, away from him as he casually strolls towards me.
'S-Stop. Don't come any further' I say as I pinch myself. If this was a dream, I should be back in reality by now right?
Except, it wasn't.
He doesn't respond and instead, continues to stride towards me at the most relaxed pace. Although he appears dangerous, it doesn't seem like he's here to cause it.
'What do you want?'
No response.
'My father will be here soon and he'll do with you whatever he chooses' I say as I swing the stray shoe I find in his line of stride. Not like it'll cause much damage but it's better to have something than nothing.
'Your father? The same one who wouldn't hesitate to beat you to a pulp as a way of dealing with his grief?'
Not backing down, I respond 'That doesn't mean he'll let you go after finding you in my room'
Standing before me, he chuckles at my words just as he offers me his hand.
'I'm here on behalf of your mother. She made a wish to the Holy See at her dying bed. And that wish is what I'm here to fulfill'.
'Wait, m-my mother?' I say, amidst shaky breaths.
'Yes, your mother. I'll explain better at the realm. Let's get you out of here before he comes back' He tells me, gesturing towards the door. And that's when I notice that the banging from earlier had stopped.
'Why should I trust you?'
'It's either you trust me to come with me or doubt me and stay with him. I assure you, you aren't making it out alive if you stay with him.'
'There's still no guarantee I'll make it out alive if I come with you'
Silence.
He doesn't respond and my mind is warring between throwing caution to the winds at the mere mention of mom and the fact that this is a stranger I'm trusting my life with.
It's better to die trying than die not trying. And with that, my decision is made.
I accept his outstretched hand, letting him raise me up.
And in the blink of an eye, there's a change in surroundings. We're in the presence of no less than ten people who look to be in a cult of some sort considering they all have a similar staff in their hand, sitting at table. Although there's one wearing a cap above his head which I assume to be their master.
'Father, This is Theresa's daughter' The guy from before said to them, bowing.
Did he just call him Father? This must be the Holy-See he had talked about. I stand, folding and unfolding my palms beside me.
'Your job here is done, Leonard. You can take your leave.' The one I assumed to be their leader speaks.
'Well, dear girl, what is your name?' He says, addressing me.
'Darcy'
'Darcy, I know this must all seem like a shock to you since it's been just a few minutes since you found out about this.' He says to me and pauses. Looking at the faces of people sitting next to him and when they give nods of approval, he continues.
'Your mother only got to find out during her death that she comes from a family whose offsprings are allowed to make a wish that rights a wrong in the lives of their loved ones still living. And when it was her turn, she made a wish that whenever you were in danger, we must intervene and ensure you continued living.'
I swallow, taking in all the information.
'A very smart woman your mother was. Killed two birds with one stone. By living, she meant that you lived a life you chose for yourself. Not one dealt to you by the forces of nature. Your father has been cruel to you and he definitely will be punished. So now Darcy, we ask you. What is it you want?'
The question alone has my heart racing.
Is this a chance to freedom?
'A chance to re-live. I want a chance to be the hero in my own story and make the best out of life. It might not be a happy-ending but a fulfilling one' My mouth said of it's own accord.
'And it is so'. He says, just as everyone rises from their seats.
With that, a feeling of calm like I had ever known rushes through me.
I don't know what just happened but it is all going to be okay.
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