STRANGE ENCOUNTER

MUSIC RECOMMENDATIONS: "Wheels on Bus by Melanie Martinez 💗

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I arrived at a bus station after a few hours of streaking alone cussing and hating on myself all through the walk. I usually use this isolated station to save cost of tickets most times.

Getting this job was my last chance to make decisions for myself, to bring something to the table as father wanted.

He said If I failed today he would decide my future and as if he knew I had already failed he sent a text immediately.

"Get ready for dinner with the Bancrofts tonight. Dress properly." I almost smashed my phone against the floor but I held myself from doing so. If I did, I wasn't sure I would be able to get another phone anytime soon. 

We aren't as rich as we used to be anymore. It was usually mother who handled the businesses, but they all crumbled after she died years back. My father and stepmother stole all of my inheritance cause I wasn't of age and larvished it, now I'm left with nothing.

"Ha!" My laugh was loud, loud enough to draw attention but there was no one around. I sniffled the air forcing my tears back in. I was tired of crying and had vowed I would never cry because of anyone anymore.

I felt so disappointed in myself, maybe if I worked harder on myself, I would have been chosen for the job.

As if the day couldn't have taken a more drastic turn, the once clear sky suddenly transformed into a dark, ominous canvas. 

A gentle drizzle began, its delicate drops soon evolving into a torrential downpour. The rain mercilessly pelted down, accompanied by fierce winds that whipped through the air, drenching everything in their path.

I sought shelter under the inadequate cover of the bus stop, but it offered little protection against the relentless assault of water.

The chill of the rain seeped through my clothes, settling deep within my bones. My bag, clothes, and shoes were drenched. 

It seemed as though the universe had conspired against me, as if every element of nature aimed to amplify the disappointment that had plagued my day.

To make matters worse, there were no cars in sight, and the arrival of the bus seemed like an uncertain hope. 

I glanced at my surroundings, where I stood was miles away from the photoshop.

Judging by the time now, they could even be closed now and I couldn't walk over there under this downpour.

Regret washed over me, I had walked down here intending to save on transportation costs, only to find myself stranded in this unfortunate predicament.

The weight of the day's events pressed upon me, and I couldn't help but feel defeated. It was as if all the odds were stacked against me, testing the limits of my endurance and resilience. Doubt gnawed at my spirit, and frustration welled up within me like a tempestuous storm.

I stared at my phone to realize the time for the dinner was almost approaching. I had spent hours under this relentless rain that has refused to stop.

Being late or not attending would put me in big trouble with father. It would cost our family a lot and even ruin my reputation with the Bancrofts. I bit my lower lips thinking of what to do.

I couldn't possibly walk under this rain. Hell, I'll be sick by the time I get back home.

My skin turned paler than usual cause of the rain and I shivered from cold. The clothes I had on weren't enough to cover my body. It was a white long-sleeved net top and a black skirt. Right now I regretted why I hadn't worn something else.

I couldn't take it anymore, the tears I had hoarded in me began to pour out and I couldn't differentiate the rain from my tears anymore but I cried. I cried so much, cursing everything around me inwardly including the rain and the man up there.

Maybe my life would have been a bit different if mother didn't die. Maybe it would have been better if I was never born.

As if the universe finally changed their minds, I saw a light flicker on the road, the closer it got I realized it was a car. I had no idea who it was, but I didn't care as I dived into the street to stand at the center of the road amidst the heavy downpour.

I was standing in an unknown place that was far from any residence. Anything can happen to me and no one would know. There was no difference between entering this car and waiting here but I would take the one that felt safer at the moment.

I waved my hands jumping for the car to stop and it did surprisingly. It stopped right in front of me. 

By this time my entire body had been mercilessly beaten by the rain.

A man in a black suit stepped out of the car holding a black umbrella in his hands and I ran towards him. I had no idea who he was but I cared less, all I wanted was to get out of this place. I hoped there were still a few good people In the world and he was one of them.

"Please help me, good sir," I begged almost kneeling on the wet floor but he quickly held my shoulder from going lower.

"Come this way, ma'am, you don't have to kneel." He opened the car and I stepped in immediately. The man placed my bag on my legs and closed the door before getting into the driver's seat.

"Thank you, sir." I tried not to relax on the seat for fear of wetting the seat but the man didn't look like he cared. I smiled grateful he had been kind enough to help me.

"You're welcome." I flinched at the sound of the deep voice that came from my side. I turned to see a pair of silver eyes staring back at me.

I had no idea there was another man in the car until I had settled in. His piercing eyes bore into my soul, instantly sending a shiver down my spine. 

His presence commanded power, his aura exuding an air of authority. All I wanted to do was scream and run but I found myself stuck on the seat. It felt like I was being hypnotized.

"Don't be scared princess, I don't bite." His deep voice echoed, tinged with a hint of amusement. A smile graced his lips, which turned into a chuckle.

He was laughing.

What was funny?

My face?