Chapter 4 - Peculiar

Despite the fact that dusk had not yet fallen over the Kingdom, a smattering of lanterns strewn about the grounds were now aglow, lending a pleasant warmth to the evening atmosphere. Laura's megalopolis' asphalt jungle is nothing like our sidewalks, and the boulevards' streetlights were bright and fine, glowing in their bright white hues healthily. There were also lamps hanging from the flower poles, providing a beautiful view; it was completely brilliant, in contrast to our sidewalks, which lack any shining bulb lights and rely solely on the moon for illumination. The aromas of sweet pastries and fresh flowers lingered in the air for a long time, and soft music blended in as people of lesser social rank engaged in endless chats and laughs. The stalls were already closing up shop, and the shops and malls were winding down for the day.

Will the paupers experience this kind of life as well? We're not actually that bad, there's just no opportunity for us that's why we're driven to take advantage and forced to do unpleasant jobs to feed ourselves. But if we're given a chance, we'll be sure to grab it and change for the better. I consciously captured the beautiful view of the city as I take my Grandma to Laura's house because I'm sure we'll take a long time before we can return. Laura and I met at the old rock where we promised to see each other, but we just went straight back to their house so that I could somehow ensure the safety of my grandmother. I cannot leave my grandma alone in the sidewalks especially during the night, I have to make sure she's in proper care.

"Be careful," reminded Mrs. Lolita, Laura's mother. "Come back here alive. Especially you, Laura my daughter, be careful." She added before letting us go.

I bowed, "Please take care of my grandmother temporarily until we get back." I was totally in shame, but I needed to do such for my grandma's safety.

"Don't worry hija, I'll take care of her. I hope you do a good job there." Mrs. Lolita smiled, "It's because Laura won't tell me where she's going, so I wouldn't let her go. But since you're joining her, I trust you two will be fine. Keep safe, all right? I hope your boss treats you well, and if anything happens, contact me immediately."

I turned to Laura, who averted her gaze from me, as I was taken aback. I stared at her, unsure of what was going on and with a slew of thoughts racing through my head. She deceived her mother. Am I considered a bad friend now, a bad influence for having had a negative impact on her? She shouldn't be doing this, but she's doing it anyhow because of me. My lifestyle is affecting her. After this evening, I'm going to try to avoid Laura. I don't want my antics to affect her any longer. I don't care if I end up being alone, I just don't want to drag her into my mess anymore. She's also learnt to tell lies, which is something I don't want her to do.

"M—Mom," Laura called to her mom who immediately complied, "We'll be fine."

They had a brief talk first, while I stayed quietly and observed my peaceful grandmother sitting inside the house. Laura's family had placed a great deal of faith in me, and I didn't want to let them down. What if they become aware of our activities? Life is a terrible mistress. It never offered me a chance to be better. Is this something I deserved? What did I do wrong in my previous life to deserve such misery now?

Before we finally departed, Laura's mother and I had a discussion. She bestowed upon me her daughter's safety, and I promised her myself to bring Laura back without any scratch. I'm occasionally envious of the families I see, because that is something I haven't had the opportunity to do and feel. My grandparents raised me when I was a child. Grandma never told me anything about my biological parents; I was simply fortunate already to have them take care of me. My late Grandpa and Grandma took care and raised me despite the fact that they were not connected to me. I'm savoring every moment of my existence even though I suffer more than feel leisure. I'm not sure if I'll ever stand up or if things will only become worse.

"What are you thinking so deeply about? The night is cold, and so are you," Laura said as we walked to a location I don't recognize.

I suddenly groaned in disbelief. Laura spoke up out of nowhere in the middle of the night. "Nothing," I sighed, "I'm just wondering what our position would be in the Second District, because people like me aren't allowed there." My tone was melancholy. Another point I'd like to bring up with the palace is how the residents in the Second District treat us. Poor people like me are not allowed to enter the district because this is the first gate to the palace. Our lives are so miserable that they think of us as criminals.

"That's why I brought someone to assist us; he has a car, so we can simply access the entry," Laura explained, beaming.

I was startled when I heard a loud motor engine and saw an old car emerge from the darkness.

"Marcus?"

"Right! Marcus, he's got a car, and I'm sure he'll be allowed in since they're not too poor— I don't mean—" Laura suddenly stopped.

"Right, you're right. Let's go," I said, knowing I was the reason she came to a halt. But I assured her that I was alright. I can tell the difference between the three of us, they have a place to stay while I am homeless. I've accepted that fact long ago.

"Verulia!" Marcus greeted me and I waved back before climbing into the back of his car. Laura trailed behind, frowning. But I can still sense her remorse for what she said a while ago. She's certainly envious as well, but she can't admit it. Marcus greeted me and totally ignored her presence. I would be upset as well if I was in her shoes. 

"Hold on tight; even if it's rocky, I'll run fast." Marcus warned as he got to the driver's seat.

Laura retorted angrily, "I don't care! Just drive!"

I understand how she feels. She was not greeted with a pleasant evening and perhaps I would feel the same if I were in her position. When Marcus started his loud automobile, we screamed. He was not joking when he said he drives fast, because despite the ugly road, he continued driving as if he was the only one in the automobile totally forgetting our situation at the back. We were on the verge of collapsing because he was driving way too fast. Nevertheless, Laura and I stayed quiet. None of us spoke while in the middle of the trip.

"What's the job there?" I couldn’t help but ask in the middle of silence. I don't usually ask questions about jobs, but I'm particularly curious about what we'll be working on in the second District.

"I heard the owner of the jewelry store is on vacation and there is no guard there, Marcus even came from that neighborhood and confirmed it."

I let out a gasp. We'll take another perilous job. I didn't want Laura to be involved in such things, but there was nothing I could do. After all, I'm poorer, and my ambition won't save us. We're going to steal something. It's no secret that I'm a thief. And because of what I do, I feel sad for dragging my friends into my chaotic life and unpleasant livelihood. This will be the last time. I'm not going to involve Laura next time. Laura's parents as well as my Grandma were unaware of the situation. They have no idea what we're up to because we're both adept at lying, especially me. That thing has become my life, and I grew up doing such scheme to survive. Despite the fact that I was able to study and complete High School, I was unable to obtain and be accepted into a nice and clean work in Eufrata. That's why I'm baffled as to why Laura refuses to hunt for a good career when they have money.

"Hide, we're on the first gate." Marcus said, creeping Laura and I. After Marcus stated it, we instantly hid in the back of the car. We were able to get in immediately away at the gate, but before we could even continue, a sentry screamed to halt us.

"Stop!" My heart pounded loud as the presence of the sentry drew nearer. Chills literally went down my spine.

Laura muttered, "W -what's the matter?" I was plainly worried, and she was nervous. But I have faith in Marcus, and I am confident that he will succeed and we'll get past the gate.

I heard Marcus yell, "Why sir? It's late, I'm seeking to secure my delivery; my employer is having a rough day, he might not be happy if the pigs in the back don't arrive on time. It'll be a shame to you as well if they start to stink now."

"Fu—"

"Shh." I stopped Laura immediately. I was irritated by Marcus's sentiment as well, but I understood him and instead laughed quietly.

"No problem there Marcus, I'm just warning you that the palace officials will arrive early tomorrow, and you might get wounded since people will be gathering in the center and there will be a lot of guards, so it might be difficult for you to escape out of here," the guard said. 

"Don't worry, boss, it's me! I'll handle it!" Marcus exclaimed as he restarted the automobile.

Laura and I both sighed in unison. I don't know what horrible things will happen to us tomorrow, the night was algid and unpleasant, the moonlight is the only thing that makes the night beautiful. The journey continued till we arrived in the Second District's center. There are no more people at the boulevards anymore since it late night already, no one comes to the center to take a walk in the middle of the night except for persons with special needs. All we have to do is to conceal ourselves because we don't look anything like them. They might identify that we're not from the very district.

"Here." Laura and I followed Marcus into a dimly lit, deserted area. Marcus parked his car near the Jewelry store so that we could get away quickly. I'll be the first to enter. Outside, Laura will act as a guard, while Marcus will drive the automobile to make things easier. I looked at Laura, I didn't want her to go through these things, but we couldn't help ourselves. We are in desperate need of assistance, and the palace is doing nothing to assist us.

I suggested that we begin by destroying all of the cameras. I hid my face behind my hands and thick cloth wrap around my face and took a few steps back. I kept a close eye on things since I had the sensation that someone was following me again. I always feel like someone is watching me no matter what I do or where I go. But I dismissed the strange sensation at the time, concentrating instead as I put my plan into action. 

Another reason I'm competent at a lot of things is because I'm a multi-talented individual. I have the ability to perceive things that others cannot.

Yes, I am peculiar.