A Dance with the Devil

"Anna!"

"Coming!"

Anna walked in with a basket of Vegetables.

"It's not like I escaped, at least, that will never happen as long as you're still alive" She replied. Diana glared at her daughter, her gaze capturing her curves and beautiful face.

"You've got more pretty and thick, the men are treating you better, how's your night with Mr Will?"

Anna dropped the basket and moved over to the wet clothes in the bowl. She took one out and shook it, the little drops that shrunk out, wet her skin.

"Mr Will is just a brute" She replied as she dry out the clothes on the thin line in the backyard.

"I've told you to watch that mouth of yours, it will get you into trouble"

"Why are you yelling? Who do you think I learned it from, if not you"

"What?! Have you ever seen me going around cursing people?"

"I think that's what you thought me" Diana knew better than to argue with her daughter so she kept her mouth shut and left the backyard, leaving her to the chores.

" And there she goes again, leaving her unfortunate daughter to everything" Anna murmured as she continued to dry out the clothes. After she was done, she sat to sort out the fresh vegetables.

" Where in the word is she? Isn't she supposed to be here to help me out? I'm so going to kill her when I see her in the market place"

" Looking for me? " Anna flinched loudly at the sudden voice behind her.

Abigail, knowing she's successful in scaring her friend, laughed loudly as she emerged from the clothes on the line.

"You scared me, you thin girl!"

"And now someone is not pleased to actually see me, she's calling me a thin girl, I better leave for the market" Abigail muttered knowingly and pretended to leave.

Anna sighed and held her tiny wrist, forcing her to sit beside her. Abigail smiled and started out with the portion that was left out for her.

"What's your mom up to again?"

"Who knows what that crazy bitch has up her sleeves, I don't want to care"

"Is it true about your marriage?" Anna asked.

Abigail sighed and stopped working for a while as she stared at the blue sky. Noon was drawing near, faster.

"It's true but I managed to talk it out with the supposed groom arranged for me..."

"So...did he agree to stop?"

"No...he obviously has no other choice too"

"How old is he?"

"I heard...he's in his early twenties, lucky me....I thought I'll be getting married to a man with big pot belly" They laughed crazily.

"I'm happy for you" Anna smiled sweetly.

"I don't want to get married though"

"I know, but I think this is the best opportunity you have...what if you after rejecting him, they decide to set you up with a man with big pot belly?"

" I guess you're right, I can't believe we're getting married" Tears stung her eyes.

Anna smiled at first but when she had to process her words, she blinked at her in confusion.

" Wait what? We're getting married or you're getting married? "

Abigail wiped the stray tears at the corner of her eyes and sniffed as she stared at her clueless friend. Or was she really clueless?

" You didn't hear? "

" Hear what? " Anna kept her gaze fixed to her as if asking her to hurry up and tell her what she doesn't know.

" You're getting married this week on the day of the maize festival"

Everywhere got silent and Anna's hold tightened around Abigail's arm. Abigail flinched slightly.

" Okay...you have to keep calm, breathe in and out" She instructed while Anna followed her instructions silently.

'Oh thank goodness, she kept calm...' Abigail sighed, but it just didn't seem to work as she heard Anna's scream next.

" Ahhh!!! "

Even the birds that had landed over to find food flew away in a frenzy, their wings flapping hard as they flew high, only the feathers that fell from their wings was the only evidence to their presence, a while ago.

Abigail shut her eyes while her palms covered her ears, protectively and Anna was out of the backyard and exiting the kitchen, swiftly.

Abigail opened her eyes and what met was a silent and empty backyard. Is she going to ruin things again?

"No, no, no...Anna, wait!..." She rose to her feet and lifted her skirt before rushing out, in chase of Anna. She had an idea, things won't end well.

On her way home, she was marching on like a soldier heading on to war, her eyes were turning red and she didn't stop to answer Abigail who was screaming out her name from afar, nor the market people stopping to wish her on her scheduled marriage.

An older woman who had sight her coming from afar quickly got inside the shop to bring out the present she had prepare for her daily buyer. As Anna nearest her store, she stretched out the present, ready to give her already composed speech.

"Anna, I wish you..." The present flew and fell to the ground, it's contents spilling out as Anna walked by, without stopping to say a word. Abigail who saw what happened, moved closer to the old woman who finds it difficult to bend, and packed up the contents back into the wrapped container.

"Elder, I'm so sorry about that, she's currently angry right now, that was why she was like that...Elder, you know that's how she behaves too, don't you?"

"Yeah...I know, I can remember, I was just surprised..."

"Do not worry Elder, she'll come back to give an apology...let me hold onto this for her"

"Alright, my dear"

Abigail clutched the present tightly and stared ahead, there's no sight of Anna. She turned to give the Elder a smile and ran off.

Anna got home and didn't bother to knock, she barged in and what she saw, only made her more mad than she already was.

Three pair of eyes settled on her as she stood by the door, her skirt was tied to settle on her knee, she looked more like a mad woman, and her glares sent shiver down the groom's spine.

"Oh...I'm sorry, my daughter doesn't actually dress like this, I don't know what's wrong with her... " Diana chuckled nervously as she came to stand beside her fuming daughter.

Her fingers pinched Anna skin as she led her over to seat, her eyes was telling her to cooperate. It sure was threatening.

" Evan...this is my daughter, Anna...and Anna, this is your husband to be and his father, say hello"

Anna stared at her in-laws and her glare only deepened, her brows furrowed the more, but then, who was she? She's Anna Chadwick. She let out a deep and overly sweet smile.

"Hi Evan, I heard you're my husband to be, I'm Anna, your wife to be"

"Nice to meet you, lady Anna"

"Nice to meet you too, Husband" She saw Evan blushed and she wondered what was wrong with him? Why is he blushing so hard?

She's a beauty no doubt, and she realized it was right for someone like Evan to find her and her compliments attractive.

"We already decide on the date of the wedding, I hope you're prepared"

" Oh Elder...I mean, Father in law...has my mother told you the necessary? "

" What neccessary thing are you babbling again? " Diana gritted out in a whisper.

" Has my mother told you that I'm a whore?"

And there was pin drop silence, Diana sighed in exasperation. This daughter of hers had end up ruining her life. The men shared looks.

" Oh...she didn't, I just don't want you finding out later so that's why I decide to inform you now, I'm sorry...you won't want a wife like me, what if I go around sleeping with every men in your household?"

" So husband...think about this well" She rose to her feet.

" Sit...down" Diana gritted.

" Bye mother" And she exited the room, with a beautiful smile lingering on her face.

Abigail ran over, panting heavily and was sweating.

" Oh goodness! How could you be this small and ran like that? " She panted out.

" I just did something unexpected" She smiled.

" What did you do again, you sick girl?"

" Don't bother finding out, enjoy your wedding, I'll enjoy my own single time, until I find someone to love"

" Tsk tsk...don't tell me you're still mad trying to find this true love, what if he never comes by?"

" He will! I can feel him, so close" Anna breathed while Abigail shook her head at her.

" You moron, you just ruined a present meant for you by that pure woman you always buy cabbage from"

" Oh right...I have to apologize now that I'm feeling good"

" Let's go and enjoy the weather, Abby"

" Sure...sure, let's go" They turned to leave when Evan came calling out. He emerged from the house and ran to catch up with them.

" Lady Anna! Lady Anna! Give me a moment"

" Who is this? Is this the groom? " Abigail stared wide eyed.

" Abby, would you please?"

" Alright, I'll be waiting outside"

When she left, Anna finally turned to the man before her and she sighed as she bend to release the skirt she had tied and it flowed down to cover her toes.

"What you said...about being a whore...is...is it true?" He looked like he's trying hard not to believe, she pouted.

"It's true...you don't believe me? You want me to prove it?" She moved closer and he took a step back.

"No...you don't have to, I believe you...but I still like to marry you, My Lady"

"Eh?" She was shocked.

Wasn't she clear enough? She's someone who goes around sleeping with men because of her mother, what don't he get? Is he deaf?

"Are you perharps...deaf?"

"What?! No...I just...I like you a lot, My Lady" There was silence as they stared, eyeballs to eyeballs. He suddenly smiled and her heart leaped.

"You...you want to marry me? What if I end up sleeping with all the men...?"

"You won't do it"

"How would you know?"

"You're repeating the same word and stating it out, loud and clear...I know you won't do it, if truly you are...you won't say it"

" It doesn't make any sense"

" Come on Anna, I'm standing right here! " They heard Abigail's voice outside.

" Mr Evan...don't do this to yourself... "

" I'll marry you, whether you like it or not"

Anna's countenance changed and she frowned at him.

" You'll regret it if you do" Her voice was stern, giving a threat beneath. When he was still smiling as if amused, she turned and left to meet Abigail.

Evan watched their retreating backs and smiled yet again. He has finally found the one for him, his soulmate. It's been so long since he had seen her. The last time they met, they were very much young. He had really hope she'll remember him, did she forgot?.

The door opened and his father emerged with Diana trailing behind.

" I'm going to marry her" He stated.

Diana and the older man was shocked but she couldn't help rejoicing within.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes Father...I want her" He grinned.

"Okay, since you want her...I hope this is settled, Mrs Chadwick"

"Of course, we would be ready. Thank you for the price"

"We'll be leaving now and we'll arrive on the festival day"

"Sure" She released a charming smile and watched their retreating backs.

"I can't believe that stupid girl almost ruin things...I'm glad the young master agreed"

"Stop sulking, will you?"

"I can't believe him, how could he be so daft to marry me? Someone like me? Wretched!"

"What's so wrong with you? You're amazing and sexy and beautiful, thousands of men will pay to have you"

"I'm not so sure about that, they're only after my body"

They continued to walk down the silent flowery path. The flower trees stood tall and proud and hovered above them, creating a protective shade against the scorching sun. The soft breeze blow, tussling her hair around, slowly. It somehow made her feel relaxed.

"How about you stop giving your body out"

She stopped walking and so did Abigail. Anna raised her hand and allowed the flowers that shed to fall on her palm. Some came to land at their feets and hairs.

"I really don't know...maybe I should really stop and accept my fate"

"Getting married?"

"Yes, Abby"

There was another round of silence as she stood to admire nature. She dropped her hand slowly as her expression changed from being in awe to sadness.

"What if...I never get to have my own kids?"

Abigail also stopped looking around and her gaze came to settle on her face. She felt sad towards her friend.

"You will...I'm sure you'll be happy"

Anna suddenly hugged her and Abigail recovered from the shock and wrapped her arms around her.

"It's okay, big mouth"

Anna was forced to chuckle and they pulled apart. She wiped her tears.

"Who are you calling big mouth?"

"I don't know"

"Come on... let's continue and enjoy our single days"

"Oh my God! The vegetables!" Abigail exclaimed as she was scared the domestic animals had fed on them.

"I'm sure my mother has a lot of money now, she won't care about them if they got fed on"

"You're right there... so, I guess, we don't have to worry again"

"Let's get drunk too!"

The day went on and by the end of the day, Abigail was drunk and Anna had to get her home to her parent, who was already awaiting her outside, worried sick.

She bade them goodbye and she continued on her way home. As she strolled back home, she took the flowery path even though it was so dark. She was someone who doesn't get scared so easily.

As she continued to admire nature once more, she suddenly heard a carriage coming and the horses trotting towards her. The path was narrow and she didn't have the time to think of stepping aside. This was her first time seeing such a beautiful and fancy carriage.

"Move out the road! Move out" The coachman yelled with all his might as he picked up the pace.

When she finally came to, they were near and when she tried to step aside, she tripped on a small rock and fell onto the road, hurting her knee and arm in the process.

She winced and looked up to see the carriage very close, she flinched as she buried her head in between her arms and awaited the carriage to crush her.

Nothing came, only silence. Anna slowly raised her head to see the horses very near, the coachman was off the carriage and was talking to someone in the carriage.

Anna sighed and finally straightened as she tried to rise but she only ended up falling to the floor.

"Ah" A light wince escaped her lips as she stared at her bruised arm which was starting to bleed.

"Miss...are you okay?"The coachman was near her in seconds and she stared up at him.

She really wanted to tell him she's okay but realizing she was hurt, she needed to talk back at him for almost running her over.

" How do you expect me to be okay when you almost ran me over with your stupid carriage? Are you blind? Can't you see this is a narrow path?"

The coachman was at a loss for word, he was also shaking. Was she too harsh on the old man?Or...was he scared? Right! He should be!

" Please, Miss you have to leave...please leave"

Why does it look as if he's warning her to leave? Is there danger? Or was he just worried?

" I won't leave unless I'm paid! I'm badly hurt...don't you see?"

" Leave you little girl! Do you really want to die?" He whispered while scolding her.

" Mister, I won't leave unless I'm being paid for the damage"

" Seth" Both heads snapped to the direction the cold voice came from. She couldn't help but feel a shiver down her spine. Why would a mere voice made her this way?

"Yes my Lord" She watched the old man scurried off to the man inside the carriage.

The old man said something that she couldn't grab and then he came back to her.

"Please leave...you're going to regret this"

She was still sitting on the ground and wasn't planning to stand up soon.

"I said I want my medical fees! Don't you hear me? Tell your lord to pay me now!" She yelled out.

'What a strong headed lady' Seth sighed.

Just then the carriage door opened and they swiped their heads at the man that had alighted the carriage.

With every slow step he took, his boot made a loud thud as he approached them. Her eyes went to his boots, then traveled up to the hood he was putting on, her heart thumped wildly in her chest and against her rib cage.

The hood did a perfect job in covering his face, but she saw his chiseled jaw and pretty pink lips. Her eyes widened slightly when he stopped before her.

"Move away" Those words were enough to send shivers down her spine, and she found it hard to breathe.

"N...no...no" She stuttered.

Then she saw his knee bend and he was now crouching before her. His head came into view and when he lifted his head, she saw the mask that lies on his face, it was covering his eyes and stopped above his nose.

'So handsome'

She gushed at him and her jaw sagged slowly as she stared into his golden eyeballs. His gaze was cold, so was his face. Is he even human?

"You've seen my face, what should we do?"

Eh? This brought her out of her trance and she shook her head as if to get her mind together.

" Uh?"

" I don't like repeating words"

" Of course, I heard you loud and clear, I just didn't understand your words"

" I'm just fit to kill you"

Her heart almost jumped out her chest.

'Anastasia, what are you doing? Are you really scared of this handsome...no, this rude man?'

" You sure are rude? You must have no manners" After saying this, she heard Seth gasped beside her, but she cared less.

'This girl must really want to die' The old man thought.

" Is that word, directed to me?"

" Who else, if not you? I said you're rude...give me some coins to take care of my wounds" He was silent as he assessed her face.

" Hurry up!" She stretched her hand this time towards him and he held himself back from taking her tiny hand and detaching it from its position. His gaze hardened.

Who was she to rile him up like this? Who exactly is this brave girl before him? Even though he heard every of her heavy heartbeats, which informs him of her fears, she still acts brave? How amusing.

"I hope to never meet you again Lady...because the next time our path cross, I won't hesitate to end your life"

He then rose and headed back to the carriage. Once he was inside, she sighed out in relief.

"What about my coins?!"

"Seth" He called and the old man was quick to get back to his position. He held the reins and wiped the horses, they moved forward and she quickly crawled aside. They passed by her and was racing on the path.

"Hmph! So rude...I'm so hurt" Anna stood to her feet with a little difficulty and dusted her skirt and continued on her journey.

********

Today was Abigail's wedding Anastasia put on her best dress and packed her hair in a different style, letting it flow down her waist. She picked the little handmade bow she made and placed it on her hair to give her a more beautiful look.

She smiled as she stared at her reflection in the mirror, twirling and turning. The door opened and she could see her mother walked in, as she stared at the reflections in the mirror.

"Your friend is getting married, such a good child...honouring her parent just to make them happy, unlike you"

"I'm not like her"

"You're friends, you should learn from her..."

"I can learn from her? I remember you telling me not to be like her..."

"I didn't mean it that way, I don't want you to be completely like her, I want you to learn from her in terms of obedience"

"Well sorry Mother...I won't be like her, I won't be your puppet"

" You!..."She refrained from yelling out " Just do something good with your filthy life for once"

" Filthy" She chuckled and finally turned to her.

"Whose fault is my life this way? Isn't it your fault?!" Anna raised her voice, as she glared down at Diana.

"You're brazen...and I won't take the insults from you, you're my daughter!"

"Oh! Maybe I forgot, Sweet Mother!" She returned with audacity.

"You know...I actually regret being your daughter, I regret living like you! I regret not escaping your clutch, Mother!, If Father was still alive..." And she felt her hand land harshly on her cheek, leaving a bruise.