ENTANGLED IN YOUR WORLD

" you little shit." yelled a man as he pushed a little girl onto the hard ground. She winced barely knocking over a stool yet the impact her fragile body made with the hard surface was enough to circulate pain all across her body.

There was red marks on her arms and faint scars. Her entire body was aching as she sniffed .

"how many times did I tell you not to fucking cry , huh?" the man once again yelled at her prompting her to apologize "I'm sorry." yet she couldn't keep the years from falling.

Abigail looked at her father only to be slapped across the face . She held her cheek, feeling it sting and knew there was going to be another mark there.

Her father pointed at her "look at me with those eyes again and I'll make sure to pluck them out." he sneered which made her flinch on hearing the threat. He didn't care that she was scared, he didn't care about what he was doing to her.

"stop it , she's just a child." someone yelled, although her voice came out weak and movement didn't appear to be swift,she managed to embrace the little girl as it to shield her from the threat "you don't have any right to treat her this way."

Joseph laughed manically, he looked like a mad man and scary that even Abigail couldn't help but sink herself further into her mum's embrace.

He grabbed a handful of her hair "be grateful you get to eat from my money you whore. Both of you are worthless trash, cheap even and neither of you have a say on what goes on in this house." he spat on her face before slapping her hard. The sound resonated across the room that had Abigail whimper.

Apart from the way her mother shielded her entire body, Abigail also blocked both of her ears, her body trembling. She felt weak , unable to do anything when this man bits her mother. In her mind, she swore she was going to do something when she gets older.

"clean this place up before I get back otherwise I might have to throw you both out into the streets." he marched out of the house. None of them said anything until they heard the door closing.

Abigail's cries sudden became clear, her suppressed emotions poured out uncontrollably.

"Shhh it okay it's alright he's gone now." her mom consoled, caressing Abigail's hair.

Abigail cried "I'm sorry, you got hit because of me."

"it's not your fault." the woman mumbled, a tear slipping, she didn't want Abigail seeing her weak.

The little pulled away , drying her tears with the back of her hand. Her face was red from crying. She took in the older woman's condition. Bruises on her face and the corner of her mouth. Marks around her neck and one could tell it was from a beating.

There was silence for the first few seconds and it appeared Abigail wanted to say something but when she didn't...

"come ,let's get you ready for school." they stood up from the cold ground and the woman staggered as her leg was hurt. Abigail noticed this and asked "are you alright?" nodding Anna assured with a smile as if to put the child at ease.

As Abigail got ready for school, Anna combed her soft black hair her gaze fell on her bruised and injured hands as she wondered the kind of future that awaits her daughter.

"when I grow up mummy, I'm going to make a lot of money." Abigail suddenly declared with a smile. This was her new resolve. She didn't like the way her father treated both of them and she did want to shed any more tears so her only option was to go to school work hard and make a lot of money to take care of her mum.

"I'm sure you will." Anna smiled and for a while it was as if their full mood as been lifted. Anna could tell that her daughter had dreams despite the hardships she was facing and she didn't want anything taking that away from her but things are more difficult than normal and no one knew what to expect of the outcome.

That day , Abigail walled home from school. Her bead was casted downwards as she walked by the side of the road. She got used to not having anybody wait for her at the gate to pick her up but usually her mother never fails to pick her up or at least send someone to do so.

Abigail decided to walk home on her own, she knew her way around. Events of what happened at school flooded her mind, it was a daily occurrence, Abigail was victim of bullying, she didn't have friends and wasn't used to talking to people either, not the way she talked to her mum.

She was the good student, always trying avoid trouble yet repotting the teachers whenever the students caused trouble which made her an easy target for bullying

Abigail reached the front door of her house noticing the door was sightly opened. She stepped in and the door made a light creak noise.

Her eyes scanned the entire room noticing that it was in utter disarray , her eyes widened in horror and her heart raced uncontrollably.

On the floor was blood. blood that didn't belong her. She trembled on the spot tracing the source the source of the blood to the lifeless body of Anna on the ground.

Whimpering filled the room as Abigail tried to suppress her cries and shock. A look of despair marred her face.

Anna laid motionless on the cold, hard floor , eyes wide and lifeless, blood trailed from her neck and there seemed to be an open wound on the side of her stomach.

Standing beside her was her monster of her father who grinned and feigned surprise " oh , you are back already? sorry you had to see that but there's nothing for you be so shocked about." She scratched the back of his neck.

"you killed her." Abigail took note of the knife in his hand with blood dripping from it

"so what, she was being so nosy and unbearable. You of all people know I have no interest in either of you. You've been a burden. Getting rid of her was no big deal trust me, soon you'll forget about her." he said smugly, taking one step closer and Abigail immediately stepped back.

"come here you little brat." he growled and approached her with annoyance.

Her instincts told her to run as far away as she could, but her legs gave in and she fell instead. Abigail cried "stay away." Her eyes fell on the knife in his hand.

"I should consider getting rid of you too." he said as if in thought.

Her eyes widened in fear, he was getting closer. he was going to kill her, this was the end.

"don't you run ,you scum." as he got closer Abigail childish mind began to picture the outcome of what would happen if he killed her with the knife. Her eyes fell on her mother who was dead and it was as though the woman wanted to say something to her.

"Mummy!!?"

Abigail gasp loudly, in the dimly lit room where all the windows and curtains were closed. She sat up on her bed, touching her neck to feel the streaks of sweat that had formed thanks to her dream.

What happened during her childhood was something that sometimes haunted. She hoped the nightmares would completely stop.

She closed her eyes, the disturbing image flashing through her head before snapped her eyes open.

A few seconds passed and Abigail finally regained her composure. She looked towards the window side. It was difficult to tell if it was daybreak thanks the curtains drawn. Abigail dismounted from the bed, she walked towards window, opening it to let the bright light in.

The sharp rays coming from morning sun hit her face that she closed her eyes with a small frown.

Abigail stared out for a while, she took in the scenery before her. Her eyes absorbing the movements of the few people that passed back and forth. It was a bright sunny day, she caught the excited smiles on their faces but sadly she couldn't fathom what it was about neither could she say she felt the same way.

After taking her bath, Abigail walked out of her room before stepping into another that was not to far away.

"good morning grandfather." she said after closing the door behind her. Her eyes fell on the old man that laid on the bed, he sheets were covered up to his chest and he was already in a state where he shouldn't be moving.

Abigail approached the old man "did you have a good sleep?" what came as a response was a low hum that was barely audible "it was peaceful, and you?"

"I'm not sure." she sat beside him on the bed , looking somewhat lost in thought.

The old man stared at her, although his eyes looked tired, one could tell he has had a lot of experience and possibly gained from them. He commented "you are worried."

"of course I am." she said and for a while,there was silence "you are all I have grandpa even though it seemed you popped out of nowhere into my life. I was thinking about what I'd do...I mean I'll be left all alone. there are also the people we have to settle."

Since she lost her mother and her father ended up in prison, Abigail had miraculously encounter this man that took it upon himself to raise her.

"you'll be fine." the old man said with certainty. He closed his eyes briefly before opening them.

Abigail nodded and after a while she said "it's time for your medicine."

"I have some errands to run." she stood on her feet "I'll be back in an hour or two." Abigail turned to exit the room when the old man said " I know you probable have a lot of dreams you hope to achieve but our problem has been an hindrance to you but trust everything would be fine."

Abigail smiled " I know." with that she left the room.

Abigail stepped out of the house, she stared at the streets and it was quiet evident that it had rained during the night. She walked out of the house but not before locking the front door.

It wasn't her intention though, if her grandfather could walk then there would be no means for such precautionary measure. She was also worried that some hoodlums would enter her home and steal a few valuable things and the old man wouldn't be able to do anything. Not to mention with the Dept collectors. Abigail didn't plan on staying out long though, it was still morning.

She walked past her neighbors house which was the one next to hers the only difference being the state each houses were in.

The distance between the buildings was at least four meters away.

Abigail heaved a sigh of relief, she was glad she didn't get to see Amelia, her neighbor. The latter was more of a rich brat only that she lived a lone with a huge amount of fortune left by her supposedly rich parents. She was an orphan but it didn't mean she didn't have her uncle who lives out of the country.

Amelia was Abigail's nemesis, she bullied and humiliated her with every Chance she gets. Abigail on the other hand wasn't a fool but she didn't always retaliate and the times she did only led to worst situations for her so she finds herself avoiding trouble as much as she could.

Opening the door of a small store, Abigail walked in accompanied by the bell ding.

At first there was silence, she stared at the quiet store. it didn't look like anyone has come to make their purchases.

She walked towards the counter only to be interrupted by a voice " what do you want?" came the words from a gruff voice.

"um, it's me miss rowley." Abigail announced.

From behind the counter, a chubby woman emerged. The expression on her face screams displeasure and frustration before transforming into a small scowl " oh it's you."

" I was wondering if there are any deliveries to make today." Abigail went straight to the point knowing the old woman wasn't in tune for any formalities.

" you are here early." she remarked before disappearing behind the counter. Abigail could hear some clattering noise making it evident that the woman was working on something.

"do you need any help." she inquired.

Miss rowley, reappeared putting a box on the counter. She came out and said " come with me."

The walked past the racks where miss rowley picked up a basket and began to stick it with different kinds of fruits and vegetables " here , deliver this to the market you'll meet man named Fred at the market's entrance he'll give you money in exchange for this fruits."

Abigail took the basket, it was odd she has never delivered fruits for this woman before , it was obvious she was looking to sell these things and at an extravagant price compared to the amount sold at the store itself.

"what if I don't find him?"

"make sure you sell them , I don't care how you do it." miss rowley deadpanned before returning back to the counter. At the same time, the bell dinged and another customer walked in.

Abigail stared at the fruit basket, lost in her own thoughts that she didn't pay any attention to the interaction between miss rowley and the newly arrived customer.

He was a man with neatly combed hair and a tattooed viper on his neck. He was adorned in a former suit but despite his decent appearance, he looked shady.

With a toothpick held between his teeth whilst he spoke to miss rowley who looked extremely pleased to see him. It was as if all her bad mood has been thrown out the moment he walked out of the door.

"it's good to see you Johnson." miss rowley greeted with enthusiasm.

" likewise, you did a great job yesterday o would commend you for that." Johnson said with a grin.

"with the right price, nothing is impossible to carry out. The whether was a little rough and with the securities scouting the area, making the deliveries was kind of a hassle."

Johnson then dropped a stack of cash on the counter making the old woman's eyes lit up. She took hold of the money, staring at it as if she couldn't believe her eyes.

Simultaneously , Abigail caught sight of this little exchange. She found herself dumbfounded. Those two had merely talked and yet it looked like he gave miss rowley a huge some of money without buying anything.

"you haven't left yet." came the annoyed voice of miss rowley who suddenly became aware of Abigail's presence in the room. She hid the money somewhere no one would find it.

"s-sorry." Abigail stammered ready to make her way out of there.

"what's your name?" Johnson asked making her halt in her tracks. Abigail looked at him, not sure if she was to answer him , pretend she didn't hear him or give him a false name. She wasn't very particular with interacting with strangers she wasn't familiar with. She preferred to remain in the shadows.

" I said what's is your name?" Johnson repeated assuming she hadn't heard him the first time. His words came out deliberate.

Miss rowley then chimed in " it's Abigail but you do not want to bother yourself with her, she's not up to your level."

"but you can't deny that she's a real beauty." Johnson replied with a smirk that made Abigail uncomfortable, she excused herself and took her cue to leave the store as soon as possible. Hopefully, she wouldn't see the man when she returns.

Abigail worked different part-time jobs, working as a waiter in the restaurants, taking on any small jobs that could give decent pays. Apart from that she also worked at a famous night club. With all these events that add up, Abigail had time for herself or her studies.

Abigail couldn't stop thinking about what had transpired. She was sure that Miss rowley was involved in some type of business that didn't involve the store and what was with the strange man that decided the best way to approach a woman was to ask for her name.

Men of today have such tenacity that it makes one want to think twice before accepting any invitations from them.

Whatever was happening with miss rowley wasn't her concern as long as she doesn't get dragged into it. she some fruits to sell and has to return home as soon as possible.

As these thoughts passed through her mind, she did realize that someone has been stealthily following her.

As instructed, Abigail waited at the market's main entrance but the man only took half of what she was given and paid her for what he took complaining that moss rowley gave him more than he asked for.

Abigail sighed, knowing if she returned with the remaining vegetables, miss rowley would most likely be mad and not even pay her for her work. Still she couldn't go into the market and sell them, there were many people who sold similar items that people would be willing to buy from them.

She decided to return to the store and explain to miss rowley what had happened. Moreover, Abigail had a big feeling miss rowley purposely gave her more than what the customer had ordered.

As Abigail walked by the side of the road while internally hoping that some passerby would want to buy the fruits from her. Not to face from her was a jewelry store to which a set of women walked out whilst giggling.

She paused in her steps, staring at the three women who shamelessly flaunt their elegance and wealth as the moved in their tight fitting dresses. They may be a bunch of college students but they undeniably looked like they scored a night stand with a business man and are preparing themselves.

One the women looked at Abigail and a slow smile curled up on the corner of her lips. Abigail felt herself on guard.

"would you like to buy some fruits ladies?"

The other two women stopped laughing their brows furrowed as one of them asked " what fruits?"

They followed Amelia's line of sight, their gazes landing on Abigail who remained rooted on her spot.

"eww from her? no way, I'll catch some kind of disease." the second woman said as she scrunch her face in disgust.

"I agree."

Amelia giggled loudly, looking at Abigail mockingly. The latter wasn't sure if they were aware that she could hear them loud and clear , regardless she refused to have them get to her. Taking a deep breath, she walked forward while they make fun of her.

Abigail didn't pay much attention, truth be told, they were in her way.

Just when she walked behind Amelia the girl turned around and ' unintentionally' tripped her. Abigail tripped forward, although she didn't fall. the fruits fell out of the basket.

"I guess that's what you get for selling fruits by the road side." Amelia chuckled.

"you did that in purpose." Abigail murmured loud enough for Amelia to hear.

" by now you should be in college."

"no she's taken a leave from school."

"really is it because of the tuition fees, i do understand that since she's nothing compared to us."

Abigail glared at each of the women, she felt helpless but it didn't mean she shouldn't hide her anger.

"what? you are not going to pick a fight and prove that you are a delinquent are you?"Amelia tilted her head to the side.

" you are the one who's going to be late since you are wasting time shopping with chickens that would not stop cackling." came the remark from Abigail, she clenched her hand by her side.

It was evident that her words had irked the women as their smile quickly fell from their faces.

"you have quite the nerve saying that with a straight face."

"I'm just telling the truth, isn't it true that you could loose credits just for being late and from what I know, general class started fifteen minutes ago." Abigail could see the two women who stood behind Amelia check their phone or wrist watch.

Amelia took one step forward whilst stepping on the fallen fruits and vegetables. She scrutinized Abigail, she was wearing a dull attire that she might as well compare to a used clothe thrown into trash.

"you have big words fool. but you see this is how I live so who care when I arrive. I can always make the teachers bow to my feet."

"suit yourself." Abigail replied blankly "besides you've gathered a few audience."

Amelia turned, taking note of her surroundings and could see the passersby glancing in their direction.

Abigail watched them drove off in their expensive car which of course was owned by Amelia. She let out an exasperated sigh, her gaze fixated on the ground. Now she was sure her ears would bleed and knowing how selfish people could be, miss rowley would probably humiliate her.

Just when she thought the whole world was against her , someone suddenly brought forth money in front of her. She looked beside her only to see a handsome stranger someone whom she hadn't set eyes upon. His short brown hair, blue eyes and chiseled jaw had blink a few times.

composing herself and realising he's giving her money for the fruits she said " I...um I'm not actually selling them." she let out an awkward laugh.

"it's for the damage." the man said. His voice deep, he looked just about as young as her and strangely appeared loaded but there was something Abigail found strange "do you know them?" she then looked at him with suspicion.

"no" came the instant reply but his tone wasn't that of desperation rather it was composed and barely held any emotions " but I was watching."

"like I said , I wasn't selling them." Abigail politely refused,she couldn't take money from someone who seemed like he appeared out of nowhere and how had she not notice him before.

" I insist." he said. When Abigail still didn't take it, he dropped it into the basket.

"hey, I don't want this and who are you?"

" we'll cross paths again so there is no need for any introductions."

"well I can't receive help from someone I don't know." Abigail took out the money but when she looked up,the man was already gone. Surprised marred her face as well as confusion, where the heck did he go off to?

Abigail chuckled lowly, internally questioning the problem with men today. They simply didn't have any manner of approach.

She stared at the money, it was simply more than enough. why had the stranger decided to help her? was it out of pity? well she hated it when people extended their help out of pity.