chapter 2
Barbie's eyes widened in horror as she saw the gun aimed at her little brother's head. A chill ran down her spine, and her heart raced with fear. The gravity of the situation sank in, and she realized the dire consequences of defying her aunt.
"What's going on?Let go of my brother,why are you doing this?" Barbie's voice trembled as she confronted Aunty Ruth, torn between her love for her little brother and the coercion before her.
Aunty Ruth maintained a sinister smile, reveling in the power she held over Barbie. "Simple, my dear. Sign those papers, and your brother lives. Refuse, and…" Aunty Ruth paused, letting the unspoken threat linger in the air.
Barbie's hands shook as she reluctantly took the documents from Aunty Ruth. She scanned through the papers, realizing that her signature would seal their fate. The weight of the choice pressed heavily upon her, torn between her love for her brother and the fear of losing him.
"Barbie, don't do it," Michael's innocent voice pleaded, his eyes reflecting the fear he felt. Barbie felt a surge of protectiveness for her little brother, but the looming danger paralyzed her.
Aunty Ruth watched with a cruel satisfaction as Barbie hesitated. "Time is ticking, my dear. Make your choice," she taunted, her eyes fixed on Barbie's conflicted expression.
With a heavy heart and tear-filled eyes, Barbie reluctantly signed the papers. Aunty Ruth's smile widened triumphantly as she took back the documents. The gun was lowered, and Michael, still in shock, clung to Barbie.
"Congratulations, Barbie. You made the right choice," Aunty Ruth sneered before leaving them, the sense of betrayal lingering in the air.
Barbie rushed toward the man who held Micheal captive,dragging him into a tight embrace. "Are you okay, Michael?" she asked with worried eyes, inspecting his body for any signs of harm. "I'm fine, Barbie," he reassured her with a warm smile, reciprocating the hug.
"Enough of this sappy moment. You guys need to pack your load and leave. The new owner of the house will be here to check it soon," Aunty Ruth coldly declared, interrupting the tender moment.
"How can you be so cruel?" Barbie retorted, her frustration evident. "I don't have time for this. I'm kinda in a hurry. Now go in there and pack your remaining stuff, or I'll have you guys thrown out of here without anything!" Aunty Ruth threatened, her tone harsh and unyielding.
"Fine, we will leave," Barbie uttered, swallowing her pride as she exited the room. "Good," Aunty Ruth yelled from afar.
A few minutes later, Barbie descended the stairs with luggage in both hands, one for herself and another for Michael. Aunty Ruth smirked at the sight of her. "Be quick," she coldly instructed.
"Come on, Michael, let's go," Barbie said, holding his hand as they approached the door. She stopped abruptly when they reached where Aunty Ruth was standing.
"You will pay for this!" Barbie threatened before leaving. "How dare this small girl talk to me anyhow!" Aunty Ruth complained, her disdain evident.
Barbie exited the house, gripping Michael's hand, and a car pulled up in front of them. She glared at the vehicle before proceeding in the opposite direction with Michael. A tall man, around 6ft, emerged from the car, removing his sunglasses as he observed Barbie and her brother leaving. Aunty Ruth hurriedly approached the man.
"Welcome, Mr. Jordan," she greeted nervously. "Who are those people?" he inquired, referring to Barbie and Michael, who were no longer in sight.
"Oh, that's just the maid and her kid," Aunty Ruth replied with a forced casualness. "She looks too young to be a mother," he declared. "Well, you know, children of this generation," Aunty Ruth remarked. "Is the house ready?" he coldly asked. "Yes, sir, right this way," she replied, ushering him inside, and he put his sunglasses back on before entering the house with Aunty Ruth trailing behind.
As Mr. Jordan and Aunty Ruth disappeared into the house, Barbie led Michael away from the scene. The weight of uncertainty hung heavy on their shoulders as they walked in silence, leaving behind the place they once called home.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the street as they ventured into the unknown. Barbie's mind raced with thoughts of their future, grappling with the sudden upheaval in their lives.
They walked for a while until a sympathetic neighbor approached them. "Are you okay? I heard what happened," the neighbor said, concern etched on their face.
Barbie managed a weak smile, "We'll be fine, thank you." She continued walking, determined to shield Michael from the harsh realities they faced.
With nowhere to go, Barbie led them to a nearby park. She found a quiet bench, and they sat together, the silence speaking volumes. Michael, still processing the day's events, clung to Barbie's side for comfort.
"What are we going to do, Barbie?" Michael finally broke the silence, his voice filled with innocence and vulnerability.
Barbie took a deep breath, fighting back tears. "We'll figure it out, Michael. We have each other, and that's what matters."
The thought of her best friend Cassie being the only one she could turn to for help played in Barbie's mind like a lifeline. With determination, she took out her phone and called Cassie. After a brief yet heartfelt explanation, she held Michael's hand tightly.
"Let go," Barbie said, walking hand in hand with Michael towards the unknown, guided by the glimmer of hope that Cassie might offer.
Barbie and her little brother arrived at Cassie's house. Barbie pressed the doorbell, and after a few minutes, the door opened, revealing Cassie. "Everything will be alright," she assured, pulling Barbie into a comforting hug. Barbie, overwhelmed by emotions, cried on Cassie's shoulder, while Michael clung to their knees.
As Barbie continued to lean on Cassie for support, the three of them found refuge in the familiarity of a true friend's home. Cassie gently led them inside, creating a safe space where they could gather their thoughts and plan their next steps.