Chapter 5 Breaking free

"Stay back for a moment would you?"

"U Kno I can't, I have to get going or else there would be problem" I replied sadly

"Yeah that mad ma of yours"

"Ssshhhhh... Don't say that _she can hear u.."I said joking in a whisper.

I was out in our small town with the kids... It was always fun hanging out...I was known & loved in the streets both parents, adult & kids.. Mrs Smith had once said jokingly that I would marry her son...I mean I wouldn't mind_ anything that would get me from this mad house...

"Okay then bye... We are going to miss u, we hope to see u soon" came another kid.

"Definitely"I said carefully making my way down from the tree I was on top _no surprises there.

As I made my way home I was greeted by people, when you are looking for the kindest & sweetest & fun to be with person, it has to be me. Everyone knows that... Considering the fact that ma & pa always gave me a hard time.. I still showed up & try putting smiles on people's face.

As I made my way home pa was furiously pacing the living room..

"Where have you been all this while" pa had said.

"I-i-i"

"You what??"

"I went out to run some errands for Mrs Nelly" I thought of the old lady in the neighborhood....

"Oh now u have started doing charity work or is it elderly work..."

"She needed help so I..."

I was caught shot by a blow.. he had raised his fist for another one which I dodged & threw him by surprise... something In me snapped.. pa was going to kill me in this house.. this family don't care about me & hates my guts why do I even try?.

"What have I not done to please u pa" He was startled again.. I had never raised my voice nor being rebellious but today, I didn't care. I was going to say my mind & deal with the consequences later. "why do u hate me so much" I continued. "You hate my presence & u want me dead, you are just evil & am so glad I don't have u as my biological father.." I said teary eyed.. he was too stunned to talk, maybe thinking of the worse punishment. ma had come out, so had lisa..

"U have ruined my past & my presence but not my future, you are a disappointment to fatherhood & I won't let u hit me or threat me like a rag..

"Len!!!!, how dare u talk to ur pa like that, are you insane?"..that was ma, furious, with a hint of fear..

I just said my mind that's all. Within an instant dad rushed towards me, & grabbed me.. I wriggled free & pushed him in the process...

"Not this time old man".

"Len!!! What have u done, are you insane?" ma said walking towards me..

I dashed out & ran off leaving behind a group of family screaming my name... In their minds they would think I would come back later in the evening _ when everyone had cooled off.. not knowing this was my good-bye... I'm leaving behind the shadows that haunted me, and stepping into the light that will set me free. I will no longer let their words define me; I'll forge my own path. I'm taking back control, and finding my voice.

I was breaking free from the chains that bound me, and embracing the freedom to be me. Their cruelty won't define my future. I'm choosing life, love, and light. Goodbye, pain....hello, hope.

***********

"U look worse compared to the last time I met u..."

"That was sine..we finally met for a second time... I couldn't see his face again, he wore a hat & a nose mask with that was a dark shade of glasses...

"What with the outfit, I mean even if u show me your face, I don't know ur identity so I wouldn't use it for anything..

"Well... You will get to see my face soon..is that a problem?"

"No.. I just want to know who am working with"

"So" I continued, "tell me about her personality & what I have got to do..

"Okay.. Selena has a personal maid - betty which knows her very well.. only Betty knows about her condition & that we would be bringing you.

"Oh... How about Selena's parents"

"Dead - well her dad is; her mom ran away when she was young.."

"Okay" I nodded.

"Betty is very trustworthy person & knows a lot about Selena.. so she will fill u in.."

"While am there, what do I get to do"

"Live life..& also to find out who was behind the fire outbreak that almost caused her life."

"Mmm"

"Do not worry our team are here to protect u. To make things easy we announced that u have a temporary amnesia so u won't remember some things"

"She has a personal assistant in the office which will also fill u in on what she does.. which won't be hard because Selena hardly goes to the office & does practically nothing.."

"Okay"

"For now you will be suspended from going to the office so you can recover & don't worry, I will be there all the step of the way.. you will keep me updated & when you run into trouble I will be there to help u... Selena is a somewhat cold person, & serious minded so u have to imitate that.. if u have any other personal questions ask Betty".

"So when do I get to meet everyone.. when do I come in...

"After we give u a make over, u look more like Selena's throwback - far worse"

"Offensive"I scoffed.

*************

It's been a while since I ate a decent meal so when I saw the platter of food before me I was in awe... We had gone to a restaurant & I had eaten to my satisfaction... That was the first time I had eaten so much food.. next up we went to a guest house & I had a warm bath in a jacuzzi... The most luxurious bath I had ever had .... He bought me a dress & we set out again... "Where are we heading to".

"To a boutique, a clothing store - Selena's favorite"

"Why are we going there" I asked

"To get a dress, jewelry, shoes, hair accessories..then we will head to a salon for your hairstyling & makeover"

"All this for what exactly?"

"We r going for a party.."

"What party"

"The business organices a party to celebrate the achievements & progress of the company.. it's a yearly get together thing we do & you have to be there..the perfect time to resurface"

"Okay.. but what would be their reaction"

"Well rumour has it that, u recovered from coma & u will be attending the party, some are in doubt while a few believe..."

"How would I be able to recognize the person who tried to kill me".

"Everyone is an enemy & you will obviously not find the culprit at the party..we are here now.. suspend ur questions till later".

It was currently 7pm & the party was to hold by 9pm... I was at a styling chair facing a mirror with lights. The stylist & make up artist had outdone theirself cos what in God's name!!. I could hardly recognize myself when she was done with the hair_which was a bird nest_ & also my face, I was utterly speechless & for the first time acknowledged my beauty. The hair was beautifully styled with hair clips.. You could mistake me for someone who was a millionaire.. u would never believe I was from the slum & that I didn't know how to use a cutlery or act in the most ladylike manner . How money could change someone's look in a sec.. I had the most beautiful dress on.The dinner gown was a masterpiece of silk and lace, shimmering in shades of moonlit blue. Delicate floral patterns danced across the bodice, while the flowing skirt cascaded like a waterfall, catching the light with every step. A subtle sheen and intricate details made it truly breathtaking. I was done.

*******

Beautiful was an understatement the moment she came out from the salon.. was waiting patiently for her every second felt like forever...Time froze as I took a look at her from head to toe.

The dinner gown was a stunning azure blue, perfectly complementing her green eyes. The silk fabric hugged her curves, accentuating her waist and flowing elegantly down to the floor. Delicate silver embroidery adorned the bodice, catching the light and drawing attention to her striking features. With her auburn hair styled in loose waves, the blue gown created a breathtaking contrast, making her shine like a radiant gem.

"Sine!!!!"I called him for the third time..

"Yeah" he startled.

"U look like u have seen a ghost.. tell me how I look.

"Stunning but that does not really matter. Does it?"

Behind him was the most exotic limo I have ever seen.. sine was looking so gorgeous in his tux.

His physique was a master class in sculpted perfection, each muscle honed to precision beneath his skin. Broad shoulders tapered into a chiseled chest, his torso a canvas of defined ridges and planes that seemed almost impossible to achieve without hours of dedicated craftsmanship. His arms, strong and toned, hung relaxed by his sides, they threatened to burst out of the suit.

The scent of his cologne was a subtle yet intoxicating blend of spices and woods, a fragrance that was both earthy and sophisticated.

I looked up at him "would u be there at the party"

"Yes.. am going to be ur personal guard" he checked his wrist watch.. Betty is supposed to be here so we could all go together, she would feel u in on what to expect & what to do".

A call came in "I will be back" just give me a moment he said & went out, leaving me in the limo.

Moment went by & I was starting to feel anxious. All of a sudden someone opened the door on my side

" Miss Eleanor??".. That wasn't Sine..

Oh no, I thought, could someone have recognized me.