Muddled

It was twilight. Beautiful colors were dispersed over the horizon and Texas was bathed in an orange glow.

Lucy Holland walked into her room. She picked up her phone from its charging station, it had just beeped.

She knew what it was, it was the mail she had been waiting for.

She breathed unevenly as she browsed her mailbox. The new mail propped open and she scanned through thoroughly.

A shallow grunt escaped her gritted teeth whilst her gaze remained glued to the content of the mail.

It was the result of the examination she did the previous day. She failed again.

"Mum would definitely kill me this time," she muttered and paced around her room angrily.

All she could think of was her brother. He was the only one who could pacify their mother; Lauren.

"I must see Brian right away," Lucy yelled angrily to herself.

She peeped through the key hole to ascertain that Lauren wasn't in sight. When the coast was clear, she stole out of the house.

She made her way through the litters of leaves that carpeted the street. She secured her muffler around her neck to brace herself from the sizzling cold as autumn had just ended.

Myriads of thoughts flooded her thoughts. She wished her mother would stop her delusion and realize she wasn't cut for the lab. She loved art. The acting stage was her stuff but her mother won't let her have what she wanted.

Despite her inclinations, she wanted to fulfill her mother's sentiments. It was the only way she could pay back her long years of labor. She had been their caregiver since their father's demise.

She shivered as remembered her poor results again. She knew that the conflict of interest wasn't enough reason to justify her woeful performance.

Brian sighted Lucy as she rounded up the corner that led to the store where he worked.

He knew she was out of it as her demeanor hid nothing.

He handed back the last customer's credit card and packaged the customer's items with a bow.

He made his way out of the store just as the customer left.

"Lucy!" Brian called out. Lucy jumped at her name, she had blanked out.

"Brian! How did you know I am round?" she questioned surprisingly.

"Tell me. What's up? You look disturbed and blank," Brian complained.

"My results are out," Lucy said and handed her phone to Brian with a sad smile.

Brian checked the result and shook his head slowly, "too bad," he whispered.

"I don't think I can do this anymore. This isn't my thing... I keep failing at each trial," Lucy lamented.

"That isn't an excuse. You should have worked harder...Go back home. I am almost done.

"I..."I won't leave until you are done... I can't face mum all alone... I am scared and I feel sorry too," Lucy said and shook her head vigorously as her tears streamed down

"Then, you'd have to wait," Brian said and walked back into the store.

******

Lauren had noticed Lucy's disappearance. She was just about to ring her up when she heard a soft knock at the door.

The door clicked open and Brian walked in. Right behind him was Lucy. "Oh Brian... Lucy? When did you leave? I have searched the whole house for you," Lauren said.

"Mum... It's.... I had to see Brian," Lucy stuttered.

Lauren's forehead burrowed in a frown as realization dawned on her. She wasn't unfamiliar with Lucy's ways.

"You needed to see Brian? What for!? Don't tell me you failed again this time. Where are your results? Are they out already? Lauren demanded and charged towards Lucy.

Lucy delved, she ducked like a duckling behind Brian and held him tightly.

"Mum! This isn't right! Hitting her won't change anything!" Brian yelled.

"There you go! Do I have to write the exams for her to make things right!?" Lauren yelled.

"Mum, I'm sorry... I will put in a better effort next time..." Lucy muttered and peeped from behind Brian.

"Never! You are going down to live with my brother in the suburbs. I have had enough of this!" Lauren blurted out.

"Mum, give her another chance. I will help her out this time," Brian pleaded.

"I might reconsider it if you will help her," Lauren said angrily. She marched into her room and flung the door against their faces.

"Thank you Brian," Lucy said. "Do not worry, I will speak with her... But be ready to work your ass out this time. I won't go easy on you," Brian said and retired into his room.

Lucy was just settling in her room when she heard a knock. "Brian? What's up? "

"I am going to visit Richard," Brian responded. The door flung open immediately. Lucy stuck her head out. "Don't ever think of going alone. You can't leave me behind. Once you are gone mum won't let me be," Lucy pleaded.

Brian had no choice. He knew Lucy was right, once he was gone, Lauren would pounce on her.

"Just a minute... Let me pick up my jacket.. it's freezing cold out there," Lucy giggled and shut the door.

"I did not agree to take you with me!" Brian protested and chuckled.

Lauren shook her head in disapproval as she watched the two leave the house.

"Lucy will be the death of me. I have never seen her feel bad about her failure," she muttered.

Chapter 2

Edmund Ranch was one of the biggest ranches in Texas. It was owned by Collins Edward; Richard's father.

Apart from breeding animals and a less extensive cropping, the ranch also served in its capacity for tourism. Horseback riding was one of the services it offered.

There were also ranch houses. Mini bars were scattered around the ranch house where partying and merriments do take place every night. Nights at the ranch were always fun filled.

The night was more rowdy than usual. Lucy stayed glued to Brian whilst Brian scanned through the crowd for Richard.

He checked the fire place where barbecues were made. It was Richard's favorite spot but he wasn't there.

Swoosh! Philip jumped out from behind. Lucy flinched and grabbed Brian's arms fearfully. "Scaredy cat!" Philip yelled and laughed hard.

"Common! Stop the prank!" Brian yelled and eyed Lucy who was still clinging to his sleeves.

"I'm sorry," Philip said jokingly with his eyes dancing all over Lucy.

"Where is your brother? I have searched around for him." Brian said.

"He is late tonight... I guess he must be tired. He was out of town this morning... He would be here soon," Philip responded and led Brian and Lucy to a less conspicuous seat.

Philip left and soon returned with two bottles of Richard's favorite wine and two servings of barbecued meats.

Lucy eyed the mouth watering refreshment but looked away. Her eyes were fastened on the stables.

She wasn't interested in feasting, she wanted to see the horses.

The stables stood aloof. They were far in the yonder and looked spooky as they were sparsely illuminated. These made Lucy more curious.

While Brian feasted and gossiped with a few friends alongside Philip, Lucy made her way stealthily into the nearby plantation. She began her journey towards the stables.

Philip saw Lucy leave. He had his eyes on her and had seen her eye the stables.

A sly smile spread over his face and he left the table.

He took a leap into the looming darkness and was right behind Lucy.

After a few minutes of walking, Lucy realized she was in for it.

The terrain was sloppy and uneven. Her legs began to ache and her steps gradually became heavy.

"It seemed like it was just a stone's throw," she muttered and cast a quick glance behind. She realized she had come too far to return.

"I must see the sleeping horses," She said to herself and forged ahead.

She was just a few steps away from the stables when a burning smell drifted into her nostrils.

It was obviously coming from the extreme end of the ranch, just behind the stables.

The smell was pleasant. Lucy was invigorated. There was a lot for her to explore.

The thought made her steps lighter. Suddenly, a voice that wobbled with restrained emotions blew through the wind.

At first, she thought it was the foreman who oversees the ranch.

"Is anyone there?" She questioned but there was no response.

She switched on her phone's flashlight but saw nothing. "I definitely heard a voice... it suddenly feels eerie," she said and hastened her steps.

She had just taken a few steps forward when she was suddenly grabbed from behind. She turned around swiftly but she was knocked out with a single punch.

*****

Richard had arrived at the ranch house. He took his seat beside Brian and merriments continued.

"Were you with someone? Did you get two servings? These seem untouched," Richard said and pointed at Lucy's wine and plate of barbeque.

"Lucy!" Brian yelled. "Oh! Was she with you?" Richard asked. "Yes, we came today... She needed to escape from mum," Brian responded and scanned the crowd but she was nowhere to be found.

He picked up his phone and dialed her number immediately.

Lucy's phone rang but no one picked up. Brian became alarmed after several trials.

He rose to his feet and Richard followed from behind.

"The stables! Lucy likes horses," Brian said to Richard. "The stables? I don't think she would go that far... It's obviously dark over there," Richard said as he tried to catch up with Brian who was already running ahead.

Lucy's eyes flung open. She was pressed into the dusty and hard floor beneath and right above her was Philip. He was thrusting in and out of her.

Lucy tried to scream but she couldn't. Her mouth felt sore and heavy. She was gagged.

Philip laughed at her misery and continued to ram mercilessly into her.

Lucy's tears flowed freely. Philip struck her hard on the face and took her lips into his. Lucy groaned painfully. She hit him tirelessly with her feeble fists and tried to push him away.

Suddenly, Lucy's favorite song drifted in the wind. She knew it was her phone. Her brother was obviously searching for her. Angrily, she buried her nails into Philip's fleshy arms. She dragged the nails through his arms and Philip screamed out in pain. He stopped the act and jerked his arms as blood dripped out of them. "What the fuck!? You whore!" He yelled angrily and hit her hard on the face.

Lo

"I think I heard something," Brian said and ran harder towards the stables. Richard knew it was Philip's voice.

He ran in and bumped into the portion of the stables where he had once caught him in the act.

He pulled the wooden door open and cursed out loud at the scene revealed before him.

"What a lunatic!" He groaned.

Brian heard Richard cursed. He bumped into the portion of the stable where Richard stood and staggered backwards.

His knuckles turned white and he looked like a tiger going for the kill. He pushed Richard out of the way and kicked Philip hard. He rushed after him and punched him repeatedly.

Lucy crawled around in the dirt awkwardly. She covered her breasts with one arm and searched the dirt with the other.

She was searching out for her blouse.

Richard was greatly moved. He pulled off his jacket and draped it over Lucy's shoulders.

Lucy shuddered. She lay sprawled on the floor and clutched at the jacket to conceal her breasts.

She fumbled with the buttons and tried to button up but her hands shook violently.

Richard couldn't not turn away. He squatted beside her but she flinched and drew away from him.

"Don't touch me," she whispered disgustingly as tear's flow freely down her cheeks and held tightly to the upper part of the jacket.

"I mean no harm... I just want to help with the buttons," Richard said softly. Lucy teared up. Richard tugged gently at her knuckles. She slowly let go of the jacket and Richard drew closer. He fixed the buttons one after the other and when he was down he carefully lifted her up.

He sighed at the blood stain revealed on Lucy's soiled skirt.

"I am sorry," he said in a whisper with his burning eye throwing daggers.

Brian turned around and saw Richard holding Lucy. "How dare you touch her!? You lunatics!" Brian yelled and rushed towards them.

He pushed Richard hard and held Lucy tightly. "You will pay for this!" He yelled and led Lucy out of the stable.

Richard watched them leave. He cursed out loud and kicked at his brother.

"You're a beast! You knew it was Lucy! Don't you!?" Richard yelled and continued to kick Philip hard.

He stopped Suddenly and bolted out of the stable. He ran down to the foreman's office and searched for some keys.

When he laid his hands on a bunch of keys he jumped into one of the shuttles used in the ranch.

Lucy was in pain. She was physically and emotionally battered.

She leaned on her brother and continued to walk slowly.

Each step was extremely painful as she cursed herself inwardly for leaving his brother's side at the party.

Brian's face remained expressionless in the darkness. He held tightly unto Lucy and continued to walk in her pace.

He stopped and turned around at the sound of an engine. It was Richard, he halted right behind them.

"It's an enormous distance.... Let her use this," Richard offered with uncertainty. He was without his jacket and he quaked badly as the freezing breeze sliced through him.

Brian was hesitant but with the situation at hand he had no choice, Lucy could barely walk.

He helped Lucy mount the shuttle disgruntledly and the engine roared back to life.

"Please don't tell mother," Lucy muttered and rested her head on Brian's shoulder. "What? You need to get treated!... We should bring the perpetrator to book," Brian responded.

"No! No, one must know about this," Lucy pleaded while Brian remained silent."

I have always wanted my first to be so sweet with lots of flowers scent left on bed while my charming prince pampers me thereafter but I guess that will never happen" Lucy thought to herself sharply realizing she was just raped out of the dark moon as hot tears saddled down her eye's.

Richard tightened his grips on the wheel and wheeled the shuttle carefully.

They made it out of the ranch and Richard drove them down home.

"We are good here!" Brian broke the silence. Lucy lifted up her head and glanced questioningly at Brian while she wiped her tears slowly with the back of her hands.

"You don't want mother to know... This thing makes a hell of noise," Brian answered Lucy's unasked question and helped her out of the shuttle.

Richard watched the two sadly as they disappeared into the dark night.

Brian made Lucy rest on the wall. He leaned on the gates and squinted through the narrow openings to survey the compound.

Light from the sitting room reflected through the window, it illuminated the compound fairly. It was all quiet and still.

Cautiously, he opened the gates and led Lucy in.

Lauren turned in her sleep at the rustling sound from outside. "Those naughty rats are finally back," she muttered and shut her eyes again. She fell into a peaceful sleep.

Brian ran a warm water bath for Lucy. He led her into the bathroom and stole into the cold night, he needed to get her some analgesics.

*******

"What!? Philip!?" Collins Edmund roared after he had listened to Richard's report. Richard couldn't cover up for Philip this time. Philip was beaten up so badly and their father demanded an explanation.

Philip grunted and limped painfully. His face was swollen and he was covered in cuts and bruises.

Collins could not believe his ears, he rushed at Philip and smote him hard on the face. He was obviously enraged. He raised his fist up in the air and aimed for another punch but his wife stopped him.

"Stop! Stop!" Patricia's voice roared from behind. "He is wounded already," she said tearfully and rushed towards her husband. She held Collins' arm from behind and pleaded.

Collins resigned. He jerked his arm out of Patricia's hold and stormed out of the living room.

Patricia was in tears, she sniffled loudly and she landed a hot slap on Philip's face without warning.

Richard kicked him hard on the legs and he fell on his knees. Philip groaned in pain.

"It seems you will never learn. I regret covering your tracks," Patricia said and gave both brothers a meaningful glare before storming out of the room.

******

It was a long night for Lucy. Her head throbbed and she groaned quietly in pain. She felt so sore down there and could barely walk perfectly. She cried all through the night.

Brian wasn't spared either. He turned from side to side in his sleep. His helplessness made him mad and consumed by rage.

He wanted to make Philip pay. Reporting to the police was the best idea that occurred to him but he had to respect Lucy's decision.