Entwined Fates

Chapter 3

DIANA'S POV.

“Help me. Please help me. I cried out in the midst of the smoke and flames.

I refused to accept the fate of the room I was trapped in. I tried to release myself from the chains tied around my hands. Biting my bottom lips, I attempted harder. I couldn't die like this. My baby's murderers have to pay.

My mind was filled with memories of Lucas and Kimberly and their betrayal. I never loved you. Lucas' voice replayed throughout the room. I wouldn't pray for this kind of death even upon my worst enemies.

As I gazed at my already torn wedding dress, I couldn't help but feel annoyed. It was supposed to be a thing of joy but it brought nothing but unhappiness to my life. I wondered what my parents were going through that moment.

They didn't like my relationship with Lucas, but I tried really hard to convince them otherwise. I didn't know that I was in love with a monster. How could he have worked with Kimberly to take away our child and end my life?

I wished I had followed my parents' advice for the first time. As the smoke got thicker, a sharp pain went through my chest. Darkness came over me slowly. I was swallowed whole.

******

The morning after.

The moment my eyes drifted open, I felt a sharp pain in my head. I scanned the unfamiliar room before the words popped out of my lips. “Who is there? Anyone here,” I murmured, my voice hard to hear.

I quickly sat up and looked around the room once again. Later, the people in front of me became clearer. I gazed at two elderly figures, an old man and his wife.

“Finally! You are back to life," The old man mentioned as I rubbed my eyes, still trying to know what was happening.

Am I really alive? Is this even real? A whirlwind of thoughts raced through my mind. How did I manage to escape the fire Confusion washed over me as I looked at the old couple. "Who are you?" I asked, my voice filled with curiosity.

"I'm Roberto, and this is my wife, Gracia," the old man introduced, his wife waving at me.

"Why am I here?" I inquired, still struggling to comprehend the situation.

Roberto mentioned, "My wife and I were walking by when we heard your pleading for help, and we called for help. It happened a few weeks ago,"

Weeks? Did they just say weeks? Have I been here for that long? “How long? How many weeks?" I couldn't contain my surprise.

"Three weeks," said his wife. All of a sudden, I felt a sharp pain in my head and saw pictures of the fire, Lucas, and Kimberly in my mind.

“Thank you very much, I said while holding my hands together gratefully.

“Would you like us to take you to the police station or to the hospital? Gracia asked, her face filled with concern.

I shrugged my head. “I'm okay, thank you. What I've gone through is more than just a minor prison sentence,”

“What are you going to do?”Roberto wondered.

“I think the best thing for me is to leave this place. I cannot stay here. I need to leave at once. Far, if possible,” I replied. I wish I could go home and tell my parents that I'm fine and that they don't have to worry about me, but I can't. I don't have the guts to face them, especially after disobeying their warnings.

"Can you please lend me your phone?" I asked the couple.

"Sure. Have it," Roberto stated as he brought out the phone from the corner of his pocket before stretching it to me.

“Thank you for everything. I sincerely appreciate it,” I commented as I collected the phone from Roberto.

Roberto smiled at me, stood up and left the room. Gracia, on the other hand, offered to make me something to eat before leaving the room.

After calling twice, Auntie Adela finally answered the phone, asking who was calling.

"It's me, Diana," I replied, and I could sense her surprise through the phone.

"Diana! My goodness! Is that really you?" she exclaimed. "Yes, it is. I'm alive," I assured her.

"This is a miracle. Your parents have been searching for you. Where the heck are you, Diana?" she asked.

"I'll text my location to you very soon but please don't tell anyone," I mentioned m

"Sure. I won't," she replied shortly.

I immediately stopped the call and headed towards the kitchen where Gracia was busy making food.

"Darling, what is the matter?" she asked, probably sensing my troubled outward appearance the moment I strode into the kitchen.

"What's the location of this place?" I inquired.

"It's the Seaside of Houston," Gracia informed me.

"Alright, thank you," I said before leaving her presence. I immediately texted the location to Auntie Adela's number and returned the phone to Roberto.

*****

(The next day.)

"Diana!" A familiar voice called out, jolting me from my sleep. Auntie Adela stood before me, her warm hands enveloping me as I sat up in bed.

"Auntie," I murmured, grateful for her presence.

"My girl, my girl is alive," Auntie Adela said, planting a kiss on my forehead. "I thought...you were missing. Thank goodness you're safe," her voice filled with relief.

I could only imagine how my parents would react if they saw me.

"Let me take you home. Your parents have been worried sick about you, honey," Auntie Adela uttered.

"No. I'm not going anywhere," I replied firmly.

"What do you mean you're not going anywhere? Isn't that why you called?" Auntie Adela raised an eyebrow.

"I can't leave right now, auntie. I'll explain everything soon. For now, let's head to your place in California," I suggested.

"Hmm, oh dear, you're safe and that's all that matters," Auntie Adela pulled me into another hug.

I cherished Auntie Adela's understanding nature. After getting ready in the clothes Auntie Adela had bought for me, we thanked Roberto and Gracia before leaving Houston.

As we reached the airport, I breathed a sigh of relief and silently prayed for a smooth journey to California.