Owning Her Heart

Chapter 1

Christina

I stared at the clear starry night sky, my hand reaching out, wanting to touch those luminescent lights. My mother used to tell me that every person has a star which is always watching over him. Hearing this made me so fascinated that stargazing became one of my favorite hobbies. I wanted to find out which star belonged to me. But I never thought this dark sky I admired so much would someday become my roof. The stars accompanied me every night, bearing witness to my harshest struggles. And the wonder I had for them was now lost. I fisted my hand. There was no such thing as someone or something watching over me… In the end we all needed to rely on our own hands.

I felt Lucia stirring beside me and I turned to check on her. She mumbled incoherently in her sleep but her eyes remained closed. I swear this girl could even doze off through an apocalypse. Nothing could ever deter her. I wish I could as carefreely give my consciousness over to some much needed sleep. But my instincts remained on high alert every night, knowing that danger lurked in every corner. We were currently lying on a bench in some secluded spot in the park. Normally we were forbidden from sleeping here but I decided to risk it. It was much better than those dirty alleys where rats and rodents became our sleeping companion. Or those constantly packed homeless shelters where men always sent leery gazes our way.

I suddenly heard voices from a distance and my body tensed. But then I relaxed when I realized they were just a bunch of teenagers who were probably on their way home from partying. Nostalgia filled my chest as I thought about my own ruined teenage life. If it weren’t for that fateful night, I would have already graduated and Lucia and I would have been off to someplace safe, living a quiet life.

Five months have already passed since we ran away from home. Five harsh months where we braved daily dangers as well as hunger and the cold. The first couple of months were the hardest as winter was still coming to an end when we left. My eighteenth birthday came and went, with Lucia and I remaining huddled under a bridge while sharing the meager food we were able to afford after a whole day of begging. This was our daily life now and as much as it was difficult, we held on fiercely. Because the alternative which meant Lucia and I getting separated was out of question.

As I wallowed over these thoughts, over time, the tiredness finally took over me and I blinked my eyes shut. However, not even a minute went by before a booming voice echoed around us.

"Who's there! This place is off limits!"

I darted a bewildered glance to the police officer rushing towards us, then reached out to shake Lucia awake.

"Let's run! Quick!" I urged her, pulling her up even though she still appeared drowsy.

Hastily grabbing our stuff, we darted out of the park. Seemed like the damp alleys were our only choice for the night.

"Damn this guy." Lucia grumbled. "We were only sleeping. It's not like we were using up the park."

"Language, Lucia." I gently chided. I always made sure she didn't pick up the bad habits she was inadvertently exposed to.

We reached one of the alleys we usually slept in but it seemed like a group of gangsters had chosen that place to hang out. My heart went to my throat, my body freezing as I eyed the half a dozen guys in front of me. Most of my previous encounters with those people ended with me running for my life as they threatened to attack me. Many of the men I encountered in these streets were much worse than my uncle. It was a miracle I managed to survive until now with my innocence intact. Though there were many close calls.

"Who goes there?" One of them suddenly shouted. There went my hope to discreetly sneak away.

I tightened my grip on Lucia's hand, retreating several steps.

Another one scoffed. "Seems like just a pair of stinking rodents." His nose lifted in disgust as he stared down at us. "Begone!" He shouted.

We needed no further encouragement, taking our heads to our heels and rushing off as fast as our legs could carry us. I glanced down at my muddy clothes, feeling thankful for them. I managed to ward off many dangers by deliberately making myself appear sloppy.

We found shelter in another alley but the sleep now eluded us. So we merely huddled in a corner, waiting for the night to be over. From where we sat, we were given a direct view of a fancy restaurant lying across the street. I exhaled wistfully as I thought about all the copious meals from there which were probably being thrown away. While here we sat, our bellies growling with hunger.

Just then a black vehicle stopped in front of the restaurant and I gawked at its resplendence. I didn't know well about car makes but I knew this one had to be among the priciest. I had an inexplicable urge to get a closer look at the vehicle and its owners so I slipped over to the alley's opening.

"Where are you going?" Lucia croaked.

"Just stay there." I murmured. "I'll be right back."

Several seconds later, my heart somersaulted in my chest when the most handsome man I had ever seen emerged from the car. He exuded a combination of elegance, strength and confidence, especially with his towering build. Even his slightly messy hair served to further compliment his features. Too bad I couldn't see the color of his eyes from this distance. Then I caught myself and shook my head. What was I doing, drooling all over a man who was way out of my league? That thought was further confirmed when he reached inside the vehicle and a charming lady emerged from it. Everything from her golden gown to her wavy auburn hair portrayed elegance and refinement. My heart dropped as I stared at them both standing on the sidewalk, looking like they stepped out of a magazine cover. They suited each other so well. I sighed wistfully. Way out of my league. The woman was staring up at the man dreamily appearing in a trance. He gave her a charming grin, then holding her arm, guided her into the restaurant. However, just before he entered, his head suddenly turned in my direction. My eyes bugged out and I hastily retreated back into the shadows.

"Wow… the rich really have it nice, huh?" Lucia murmured from beside me.

My head spun to her. I never even noticed when she approached.

"I wish I could wear such beautiful clothes too." She pouted.

"Someday we will." I told her, guiding her back deeper into the alley. "Okay, maybe we won't be able to afford those designer clothes but at least something prettier and more feminine."

"Hell yeah!" She vehemently exclaimed. "No more stained oversized shirts!"

"Language, Lucia." I warned, pulling her body to me so we could get some sleep.

However, I remained wide awake the whole time. I spied the beautiful couple leaving the restaurant some one and a half hour later. Strangely, the man's gaze drifted to my alley just before he entered his vehicle but it was probably just him being cautious. Still my mind kept conjuring up the image of his handsome face for most of the night until dawn peaked and I mentally prepared myself for another day of begging relentlessly so we could feed ourselves.