chapter 4

Repeatedly, I banged the door and pleaded that mother let me go as I sat on the cold floor but she didn't. She locked me up and took the keys. I cried for hours none stop and I looked like a wrenched young lady who has no future. But it's true. What future do I have with that fat ugly monkey? I'll probably die like some of his previous wives did.

Just as I was getting tired of begging, I thought about a brilliant idea. My window. I can run away and go to a far off city where no one knows me then, I'll evade the wrath of ugly Mr monkey.

I hurriedly walked to the window and opened the curtains. Wait, what's this? Mother added burglary to the window. Now how am I going to go?

Another round of crying began. I cried as I lay on the cold floor until I had no strength to cry anymore and I didn't even know when I slept off.

When I opened my eyes, the door was already opened and my bag was already packed. Not that I even had many clothes or belongings.

Mother sat on my bed and her evil face was all I could see and she took a cigarette and lighted it.

In my weak state, I crawled to her feet and begged her once more but my words couldn't even be heard by wax moths.

Just as I was begging, two men came in and held me by the arm. They held me up and I didn't have the strength to fight back.

"Hold her well." mother ordered then took a cup of water and placed it in my mouth. She made sure I took the whole thing down and truth is, I was also thirsty so I didn't decline.

"Take her away and make sure she gets there on time." the ruthlessness in mother's eyes scared me. I wish my mother had not died while birthing me. I wish father was still alive to see this day then I wouldn't need to endure so much disdain.

They held me and took me away. I couldn't even wiggle because I had no strength to. We got to the door and a car came. Apparently, the old monkey couldn't wait to take me and I'm sure he wanted to see my miserable state.

He alighted from the car and I was confused. My eyes were closing and my head was pounding but I'm sure I saw correctly.

The old monkey was wearing only a boxer and singlet. He had a furious look on his face as he walked up to Mare.

'Oh, the old fool can't wait!' I scoffed.

"Mare, what is the meaning of this?" He boomed. My eyes were blurry and there was a wildfire in my body but I still held on.

Mare was confused by Mr Parker's behaviour. "Mr Parker you said she should get to you by 9 pm and it's still 8:30."

Parker got even angrier and yelled. "And who's talking about that?" he then walked back to his car and pointed at the glass.

"Look at this. I was attacked by a horrendous creature and just look at what's written here. Right here."

Mr Parker pointed at the front glass and something was written in red colour.

AYLA IS MINE.

Mare was confused and didn't know how to react. I on the other hand couldn't see what was there because I was almost on the verge of fainting.

Before they could continue their statement, a group of people came with sticks and the expression on their faces was not a happy one.

Mare got scared and even Mr Parker was unaware of who these people were.

"The beast has written that it wants Ayla and if she is given to him as his bride, he would stop the killings." one of the village people spoke.

It's funny how people can change in a few seconds. Just a few days, they were cheering me to be a good girl with a heart as pure as that of an infant but now, they want to give me up to that monster.

Immediately I heard this, my eye opened wide. 'bride?' are they out of their minds? Why am I so unfortunate? First, it was this ugly Mr monkey and now, that horrendous creature? What have I done to deserve this? Why can't I just live a normal life?

Mr Parker immediately entered his car and asked the people to do as they please then drove off. Mare on the other hand also said nothing and when she was asked what she would do about it, she didn't hesitate to grant them permission to keep me in the woods where the creature would find me easily. She even offered to send people to take me there.

"It's settled then. Ayla, I'm sorry but we can't allow the continuous reign of terror in our village. If handing you over will save the lives of other people then I'm sorry this is our only hope." the person that led the parade explained. But who in their right senses would want to be the bride of a monstrous creature? Not even snow-white would want that.

Helplessly, I was dragged to the woods and left there. The sounds of the wolves and owls gave me chills. I have no idea what happened to my body but it was burning and the cold of the night was making my situation worse.

I laid on the floor and vibrated like a vibrating metal. I can't call out for help and I am sure that no one would be around the woods at this time of the night.

Staring at the sky, I realized there is no moon today. I guess the moon is as sad as I am. Rejected and helpless.

In my pitiful state, I smiled. The worst smile I've ever shown. Slowly, my eyes began to deem and I could barely see anything.

Just then, the silhouette of someone in black hovered over me and picked me up. I saw the trees in motion and finally, there it was; the moon. It was hiding all along.

My eyes closed and that was the last thing I remember in that wild night in the woods.

The sound of water could be heard pouring and my body was ignited by the flame of passion as I was immersed in this cold water.

I shrieked as my body was placed into the water but I didn't have the strength to jump out nor could I even open my eyes.

I felt a soft sponge rob on across my body and the sweet smell of lavender filled the air.

After a long bath, I was picked out of the shower and placed on a soft bed and the rest was unknown to me.

The sun was up early but my eyes were heavy and I found it hard to open them. My lashes fluttered and I slowly opened my eyes.

This window isn't similar to the one I know. In fact, the one I know is nothing compared to this. Where am I?

I looked up at the ceiling but nothing was coming to my brain then slowly, I stood up. My head was pounding and I was still half asleep. I studied the king-size room but I couldn't figure out where this was.

Soon, memories of yesterday came flowing into my brain. Mr Parker, Mare, the people, the woods, the moon, and... Oh no, the monster.