Leaving For Good

 Stella POV:

“How have you been, Stella?” Marigold asked, immediately, we both settled down on a settee in the living room.

“I'm okay” I replied sweetly, she nodded with a big smile on her lips.

“Let me get some refreshments before lunch would be served” I say to her while standing on my feet, she shook her head. “No Stella, those can wait, right now, we need to talk” She said, and I just shrugged before returning to my seat.

“What do we need to talk about, Marigold?” I asked her and she adjusted on her seat.

“What else Stella? It's about Flora and Ryder,” She said impatiently, my countenance change instantly. “Marigold, don't you think about what people would say? Two brothers got married with same lady? Let's think about it carefully,” I tutored, and she frowned.

She half yelled, “What are you saying, Stella?” 

“People should feel free to say whatever they want, I don't give a damn!” She rasped and I sighed. “Hold on, Stella, I hope your promise is still intact?”  She asked in more like a whisper, my eyes popped up.

“Don't you dare forget that, Stella, otherwise…” She snapped her fingers and stood on her feet. “Flora is getting married to Ryder, whether you like it or not,” She said through gritted teeth.

I just stared at her dumbly and after shooting me a final glare; She picked her blue purse and stormed off.

I breathed out heavily immediately, she slammed the door hard behind her.

Oh my goodness!

Did she still have that in mind?

“I'm sorry Flora, but you will have to get married to that criminal son of hers,” I mumbled and sighed loudly.

 Flora POV

 I trembled on my feet after eavesdropping to all they just discussed, but held on to the big round pillar I was hiding behind, preventing me from tripping on my feet.

I watched my mum's back as she muttered the last part to herself. Oh, no!

I carefully tiptoed over to the stairs, ascending the stairs slowly, pulling my black long gown a little.

I lay flat on my bed as I gaze at the ceiling.

Why does she have to agree to this? Why?!

I released a big sigh, I didn't realize I was holding, 'If you feel it would be better not to do this, then you should run away.' My subconscious mind whispered and I sat upright.

Of course, yes, I really want to run away from this madness-

 but how?

The gatekeeper would definitely be a problem.

Before I was forced to marry, he never allows me to step out unnecessarily.

Such an old fool.

I looked around my room and my eyes landed on my mirror drawer.

I sprang to my feet and strode to the drawer, i pulled it open.

Yes! I found it.

This would definitely help; it's sedation pills.

My mum gave it to me some months back when I had complained to her that I couldn't get enough sleep.

I placed my forefinger in between my lips while I stared at the pills in my hand.

How do I give this to him?

Uhm mm “Yes!” I yelled happily as an idea crept into my head.

In the evening

I silently opened mum's room door, I peered my head inside. Oh, She's sleeping already? Awesome.

“Do you need anything, ma'am?” A maid asked as I approached the kitchen.

“Get me two glasses of orange juice” I ordered, and she bow before turning away.

I walked into the dinning and sat on one of the chairs; I just hope this works.

The maid returned after a short while with the two glasses of orange juice.

She placed the tiny tray in front of me and stepped back a little.

“You can leave, thanks” I told her, she bow again before leaving.

Some moments later,

“Flora you should go in now, it's getting late” The gatekeeper urged me in his dozing state, I chuckled softly and shook my head.

I gave one glass of juice to him, the sedated one though, and kept one for myself.

He was surprised at first,, but I told him I just wanted to have a moment with him.

And without hesitating, he gulped the content at once, and I smiled triumphantly to myself.

Good job Flora.

You are leaving for good tonight.

“So tell me more about yourself Mr. Carson” I requested, he brushed his face with his right hand and sat properly.

One would know he's fighting the sleep.

“Mr. Carson?” I called as I glanced at black gate, but he only 'hummed' as he slowly dozed off. I jumped on my feet and smile broadly.

I adjusted my ponytail and tiptoed to the gate direction; without looking back.

I slowly pulled the gate open; and after giving the house and the useless gatekeeper a final glance, I stepped out of the compound.

Without glancing back, I ran as fast as my legs could carry me into the dark night; cursing the long gown loudly.

I really didn't know where I was heading, but I was glad I've left that house for good.

Shortly, I got to the main road, I stopped running to catch my breath.  Why does everywhere seem silent? I mentally spoke, 

Oh, no… Not even a single person?

A car should approach already, please.

I kept darting my eyes everywhere; feeling petrified already. This place is way to silent, every strands of my hair had stood on their own.

I stomped my left foot on the floor as I exhaled exasperatedly, while pacing back and forth.

Briefly, I heard the sound of a car and I swiftly turned to the direction. Thank goodness. This opportunity must not slide. I mentally told myself as I ran to stand at the middle of the road.

The car honks repeatedly, but I didn't budge, I'm never leaving this spot. I stood rooted at the middle of the road, and the car screeched to a halt. Eventually.