Straight from Heaven (Fallen Kingdoms I.)

Chapter 5 - Used to be a nice town

Abigail

The drift hit me against several rocks underneath the river but I managed to protect my head from smashing against them. It was only when my lungs were burning unbearably from the lack of air that I dared to come to the surface. The river carried me on, but the fear was gone. I sucked in as much air as I could, and a smile spread across my face. I got rid of them! I don't know how far I could meander before, I managed to grab hold of the thick roots of a tree, that extended into the river. Somehow I pulled myself to the shore where I immediately lost consciousness. Seems like a few days without proper food can awaken me to this extent. I promised myself to become stronger if I survive this "adventure". When I opened my eyes the next time, I was surrounded by fireflies and my clothes were getting dry already. I stood up and looked around to find anything edible, I couldn't keep passing out. Unfortunately the only thing I saw were a few tiny fishes in the river and it was too dark to catch them. The river passes by our town, so all I have to do is follow it and I might be able to get home! There was no other chance than this. I grabbed a huge stick, just in case I'd need to defend myself, not like it had any use against a gun. This memory made my stomach clench... Poor Bart. Even if he was a thief and one of my kidnappers, in his way, he took care of me. I kneeled down and murmured a prayer for his soul before I headed, hopefully, home. It took me a little more than a day to get back to our town. Honestly, I cannot remember how I managed to get back. My last memory is that I stumbled to the church and pushed the door open, after that everything went black.

- Abby... Abby... - someone called my name and I groaned in pain. I felt a light pull on my sleeve and slowly opened my eyes. My glance met with Eunice's who was staring at me and trying to wake me up. I heard our mother's scolding while she pulled my little sister away.

- Eunice! Abby must rest! Don't disturb her!

- But mommy... I want to play with Abby! - she cried and I called for mom.

- Mom... - my voice was harsh and it sounded like a whisper, but mom immediately turned to me.

- Abby! Go back to sleep, don't wake up. - she said with tears in her eyes and a huge smile on her face. She hugged me and I heard a loud sigh. My family must've been really worried about me. I hugged mom back and Eunice squeaked.

-Abby! - she climbed on my bed and scooted next to me. She caressed my face and smiled.

- Finally you woke up! Can we play now Abby? - I caressed her head.

- Maybe a little later, I'm still tired. - I turned to mom who has been cleaning up her tears of joy.

- Could you read a story for us? - Mom giggled and left to search for our favorite book while Eunice cozied up next to me.

- How long have I been sleeping? - I asked and she looked pensive.

-Hm... We had five breakfast while you were sleeping and a lot without you. Where have you been Abby? - I didn't want to scare her but the memories gave me a shiver that even my little sister noticed.

- Did they hurt you? The bad man who came into our house? - Eunice asked and I shook my head.

- No. - mom was looking at us from the door in silence. She walked in and pulled a chair next to my bed, she gave us a peck on our heads and started reading. By the time the prince on a white horse arrived to the castle where his beloved princess had her everlasting sleep, we both fall asleep.

Next morning I woke up by the well known sounds of our town and finally felt a lot better. Even my stomach grumbled. Eunice slowly opened her eyes and yawned like a kitten.

- Morning Abby! - she said still half asleep.

- Good morning Sis! - I climbed out of the bed and walked to the kitchen slowly. On my way there I stopped at our parent's bedroom and checked out my reflection in mother's huge, white painted, mirror. It had tiny angels and laurels crafted all around the board of the mirror. My nightgown seemed to be at least two times bigger than I, my hair looked like a bird nest and I had those big black circles around my eyes that Aunt Doris always complained about. I heard footsteps approaching and I hid behind the door until I recognized them. I peaked out only to see my father. His brown eyes shined at me and he slowly kneeled down opening his huge arms.

- Good morning Abby, my little angel! - he said with a big smile and I rushed into his arms. He smelled like coal, fire and cold steel but these scents mixed with the freshly washed clothes and apple pie that mother always had, meant home for me. I cried in my father's arms and I felt his tears making my nightgown soaked. I whispered in his ears, being careful so Eunice wouldn't accidentally hear us.

- Daddy... I was so afraid. - he hugged me even stronger and my back cracked a little.

- I can only imagine, baby. But you don't have to be afraid anymore. We are here and nothing like that will ever happen to you again, I promise. I buried my face into his shoulder and felt like a huge weight just fall off of my chest... Only if I knew at that moment how wrong my dear father was.

Two years passed since the incident and for the sake of my little sister and my parents I managed to gather myself together. It wasn't easy at first since all strange sound kept me on the edge and I became a lot more alert than before. But we kept living our humble lives until the mass of Sunday when my worst nightmare came true. Before we left the church, Priest Alexander called everyone's attention.

- Dear brothers and sisters, before we leave home, please let me introduce you all, Mr. Mangozi. He just moved to our town and he is a devoted believer of our God! Let's welcome him with open hearts! - when I saw him, my heart accelerated and I grabbed Eunice pulling her behind me. Two years passed but as long as I'm alive I'll recognize his face... It was Fabian. The man who wanted to keep me for his own. I rushed to Priest Alexander and he smiled at me.

- Oh Abigail, nice to see you today! How are you child? - I motioned him to lean down so I could whisper into his ears.

- Father, that man is one of those people who kidnapped me two years ago! - Priest Alexander shook his head and pat mine.

- Dear child, don't talk nonsenses! Mr. Mangozi is a well know businessman and devoted supporter of our church. Thanks to his generous donations, we will be able to renovate the bell.

- But Priest Alexander! Listen to me! He... - I started to say when I felt a familiar presence behind me. I turned around and our eyes met. Fabian grinned at me and turned to Priest Alexander.

- Excuse me for the interruption Priest, I didn't know you had company. - Priest almost pushed me aside and smiled sweetly at the man who I just warmed him about.

- Oh Don't worry Mr. Mangozi, Abigail was on her way home already, Am I right Abby? - he asked and I nodded.

- Excuse me Father, Mr... - our eyes met one more time before I literally ran out of the church and all the way home. Only Eunice was at home at that moment. I shut all the doors closed and asked my sister.

- Where is mom and dad? - she lifted her head up and put her dolls away.

- Mom is at the townhouse and dad had to ran to work for a few hours. He promised to be back by dinner. - I looked around and somehow new that I was running out of time. This can't be a coincidence and I prayed to God that Fabian didn't notice Eunice back in the church. I held her by her shoulders and said.

-Let's surprise mom and dad with a nice dinner! - Eunice nodded with a bright smile. I grabbed the basket and handed it to her.

- Go to Aunt Doris and ask for a few eggs from her, also, write down her meat pie recipe, you know the one dad loves so much!

- But I still have trouble writing... - Eunice looked at me shyly and I smiled at her.

- Doris will help you, but don't let her do the work! She can help, but I want to see your handwriting! - Eunice nodded with determination and left the house. This will keep her away from home. I was about to follow her after I checked all the windows and doors being properly closed. When I opened the door I bumped into Fabian. He pushed me in covering my mouth and shut the door behind him.

- Finally, I found you... Abigail