A Chance

Annabelle

“These are all the documents?” I ask before grabbing the large envelope from the forger. I watch his beady eyes scan me as I open it and examine each one to make sure he isn’t trying to deceive me, but the crook is telling the truth. I sigh in relief. Everything I need to become the Dragon King’s surrogate is here: A new birth certificate, a fake lineage line, and a fake certificate of noble blood to boot- the most important one I need.

“Yes, they are all there,” He smirks before leaning back in his chair. “Did you bring the money?” I nod, reaching beside me into my knapsack and pulling out the largest wad of cash I have ever held.

I’m not proud of how I got this, but I am out of options, and sometimes, you must beg, kill, or steal when you are on your last prayer…. and it’s not being answered.

I just hope this is all worth it….

I take a deep breath before handing him the money, reminding myself that this is the only way to save my sister’s life; I must do this.

 He snatches it from my hand quickly, shoving it into his jacket pocket, “It was nice doing business with you, but if you get caught, I have no idea who you are,” He whispers devilishly before he stands. I nod as I watch him walk away and finally release the breath I have been holding.

I look around quickly at the small café where we met. No one is watching me, and I tuck the envelope closely to my chest. Before I leave, the rest I toss the money down I have left for the coffee I have sipped on, “Thank you for coming in,” The waitress says, startling me. I smile faintly, stand quickly, and walk to the door. The bell dings as I open it, and the cold air wind whirls in my face, forcing me to take a deep breath.

I shudder as I hold the envelope tighter like a shield before I force my feet to move; there is no turning back now.

I quickly hurry down the cobblestone path, shivering as the cold sinks deep into my bones. My coat is one the local shelter gave me, and it’s not very thick or warm, but at least I have one. I look up at the sky, and my feet move faster as I see the sun setting. I need to get back before she does. If I don’t, I will surely be punished.

I turn left on the street and hurry up the steep hill, praying her car isn’t in the driveway yet. When I see her spot empty, I sigh in relief and quickly walk inside. Warmth engulfs me as I hurry to our quarters. I open the door quickly, and a soft voice greets me, “Did you get them?” Rae asks me.

I smile as I rush toward her, pulling the envelope from my thin coat, “Yes, they are all here.” I say as I hand the envelope to her. I watch as she sits up and then opens the envelope quickly, looking over every document.

“These are good, Belle,” she says weakly before one of her coughing fits begins. I quickly pull her forward and pat her back, hoping it will pass soon this time. They have gotten so bad lately that she has even coughed up blood. It’s terrifying, but she is why I am risking everything- she is my only family and best friend… This has to work.

  Her coughing stops, and she sighs as I help her lie back down. “Belle,” She begins, but the front door slams downstairs, making me jump to my feet.

“ANNABELLE!” Mrs. Lynch’s high-pitched voice rings out, and I gasp, trying not to panic.

“Go, Belle, HURRY,” Rae softly whispers. “I will hide them.”

I nod as I quickly take off my coat and pull my apron back on, tying it tightly, “I’ll be back as soon as I can,” I whisper. Rae nods, and I open the door and run down the stairs as fast as I can, but since I wasn’t in sight when she arrived, I already know I will be punished. I reach the bottom of the steps and quickly turn toward the kitchen, but the floor creaks behind me… and I know she’s there…

“Where have you been?” Her voice asks with an annoyed tone.

My entire body stiffens before I turn around, “I was just checking on Rae, Madam.” I say with as much respect as I can muster.

“Is that so?” she asks before circling me. “And why isn’t dinner done?”

“I was just about to make it,” I say, glancing at the clock. I still have forty-five minutes until dinner is expected on the table, but it doesn’t matter- I have made her mad… I always make her mad.

“Were you now?” she smirks, stopping in front of me. I quickly nod, but she chuckles evilly. “This is the thanks I get,” She mutters, placing her hands on her hips.  “I took you and Rae in off the streets and gave you jobs,” She scoffs. “And now, your sister is sick, and I still let her stay here, but we have an agreement,” she says snidely as she looks at me.

“That I do all the chores,” I say softly, and she nods.

“Exactly, and dinner isn’t done!” She barks. “Do I need to throw you two out?” she asks, and my eyes widen as I quickly shake my head.

Mrs. Lynch is a monster, but at least we have a roof over our heads here…the streets aren’t kind to homeless orphans.

“No, Madam!” I stutter. “I will get dinner done right away!” I say as I walk toward the kitchen, but red-hot pain rips through my scalp as she grabs my hair, pulling me back to face her.

I hold in my scream as her eyes meet mine, “I would surely hope not,” she says as her fingers tighten on my long brown locks. “Your sister would die out there; never forget that,” Her voice perks up. Tears fill my eyes, and she smiles before letting go of my hair. “Red wine tonight, not white,” she pauses. “And Mr. Lynch is working late, so just bring my plate to the study.”

I nod and she turns, her high heels clacking against the marble. I wait until I can no longer hear them and quickly wipe the tears that fallen from my eyes before taking a deep breath and heading to the kitchen.

This has to work…. King Madden has to choose me.