Chapter 99: Chapter 99

JUNE

Kristen never agreed to my plans, but it had already been decided. I'm not leaving the country. I'm staying here with him, fighting with him, fighting for him.

He was so angry that he didn't speak to me last night. Even when he left this morning, he didn't even give me a peck on the cheek. But he made breakfast for me.

A smile tugged at the side of my lips. Kristen might be angry with my decision, but he loves me so much to let me go hungry.

I hurried had my bathe, and got dressed in a simple blue gown. I didn't bother with make-up and accessories. You can say I was just too tired to wear earrings.

After I had my breakfast, I called Mark, who gave me the address of the first place he found for me. It's a Library not too far from Lakeridge Park. It was difficult for him to get a job for me at Rainier Beach Branch, but he did so with the help of his father.

The pay isn't much, but it's something. At least I can start from there before I find another one, which Mark promised won't be too difficult to do.

I sent a message to Mark, to tell him of my movements before I left the house. From Rainier Valley to Rainier Beach Branch is just a 4-minute drive.

Mark would have driven me there, but he was too busy to do that.

I took a cab to the library. As Mark had already done the necessary things, all I did was submit my CV, and like that, I got the job. But I'm to start tomorrow since I need to tell Kristen the good news.

I know he's not happy about my decision, but that's the only thing I know to do. He will come around soon. But for now, I've gotten a job!

At least getting a pay of $19 per hour will ease the burden on Kristen. He won't have to bother about me any more.

My phone rang the moment I stepped out of the library. I took the call when I saw the Caller ID.

“So....."

“I got the job!” I shrieked, not mindful of anyone, who might be looking at me.

“I know,” Mark chuckled. “Father worked his wonders. As a renowned professor, they are always willing to help out.”

“Thank you so much, Mark. You are a darling,” I grinned.

“Come on, aren't we friends? You know I will do anything for you, June. Anything.”

“I know,” I sighed, feeling the warm tingles on my fingers.

“So, where are you? Heading home?”

“Nope, I think I will go to the park. There's no one at home. It will be utterly boring to sit there all day, moping at the television.” I checked the time on my wristwatch.

It's still 11 AM. I will just take a walk in the park to clear my mind.

“Which park is that?”

“Uhm…. Let's see... Lakeridge Park."

As the park is just a four-minute drive from where I was, I'm thinking of walking there.

“Do you want me to come over?” he offered.

“Not at all. I just wish to spend some time alone. You don't have to worry about me, I'm a big girl.” I smiled even though he couldn't see me.

He laughed throatily at my words, “Okay, big girl. Take care of yourself, okay?”

“I will,” I replied before I disconnected, stuffing the phone into my small purse.

The road wasn't that busy, but I was still able to see a lot of cars. Comparing them to the numerous ones Mark has was enough to keep me occupied until I reached the park.

Out of all the parks in the city, I prefer this one, not only for the quietude it offers during school hours but the lack of people. It was what I needed at a time like this, a place where I could fully forget about everything currently happening.

Kristen hasn't called me yet, and I know he's still sulking about my decision. He will have to suck it up because I'm not leaving this country with him. He worked so hard to get established here. I can't let him sacrifice it all for me. If not, he might come to hate me in the future.

“Hey!”

At the call, I turned to see three men walking towards me. With furrowed brows, I looked around to check if they were calling someone behind me but saw no one.

“Me?” I pointed to my chest, giving the men a thorough look over. They looked like thugs with the black clothes they were putting on. The only things missing were tattoos and cigarettes, to complete their looks.

“Oh, my,” one of them laughed, showing his crooked, tobacco-stained teeth.

Before I could blink, they were in front of me, circling me like predators.

“What the hell are you guys doing?” I tried to act calm, but my racing heart wasn't ready to stop.

For the first time since I decided to come to this place, I wished I had gone over to the more crowded place.

“You will know what we are doing when we are through with you.” The first one that spoke, approached me.

I tried to take a step back, but the ones behind me instantly held my hands, locking me in place.

“Let go of me!” I cried out, my mind racing as different thoughts whizzed through my mind.

“Unfortunately, darling...” He leaned down until his face was inches from mine. “You should have left the country like you were supposed to, bitch!”

A slap accompanied his words.

I cried out in pain, thrashing to get the men holding my hands to let go, but they tightly held on.

“Let me go!” I yelled.

“Tell me, are you willing to leave the country if we let you go?” He sneered in my face.

“And why should I do that?” I snarled at him. “This is our country!”

I should have known that I was supposed to keep my mouth shut, but I was stubborn enough not to see that I was not helping matters with my words.

It seemed they were expecting my answer because all it took was my yell to get the man in front of me to snap, hitting and beating me until it felt like he was about to kill me.

“Why don't we have some fun with her?” One of them asked. “Killing her won't be fun at all. Since she doesn't mind her uncle fucking her, she wouldn't mind getting the same from three men.”

They all laughed at his words.

With all the strength I could muster, I slowly glanced up, “fuck you!” I growled at the man in front of me, already aware that nothing could save me from them.

Kristen is too busy with work, and Mark, who would have been here with me, is probably at school.

“You bitch!” He kicked me on the stomach, while the others still held tight to me.

My body was numb, and I knew it was only a matter of time until they finally killed me. I only have one regret, though. I didn't get to tell my Uncle just how much I was willing to stay by his side.

As the kicks intensified, tears rolled down my eyes.

I'm sorry, Kristen...

I should have listened to him. If only I agreed to leave the country with him…

"Hey!!!"

I heard from the distance. At the same time, I was pushed to the ground, instantly losing consciousness.