Reborn as a RUFFIAN (Complete)

MEETING ISABELLE

Since after the attack, I left his house on the police’s siren. Someone informed the police about the murder and the team arrives for investigation. By pedal, I crossed a good distance from that house, but I have nowhere to go. A dealer sold my mother’s house on governments order.

She left the debt of loan she received from the bank, and it wasn’t paid on time. After her death, they sold all the properties to compensate the loss. I don’t have a degree to apply for a nice job in the city, but I need alternatives to get settle here. I start to look for a job, even a part-time can help. Exhausted at the end of the day and nothing in my hand, I take shelter in an abandoned cabin is not in good condition but I can manage to stay for a night.

I have some money with me, but I will use it in an emergency. My stomach growls, but I have seen hard times like this before, so I know how to control my hunger. I was tired and drifted to sleep when my head hits the mattress. I was difficult to sleep in an abandoned cabin. Any suspicious noise alerts me and I get ready to defend. The whole night pass and comes the morning with a new day and a new hope.

I wake up by the noises of vehicles and people shouting here and there. I get up and look out from the window; the crowd is less and I have to leave now. I don’t want to get in any trouble or gain attention from the locals.

I walk up to a bookstore which I remember from my memories. I used to visit here often, to read a book and to meet Sasha, the owner of this place. She was an old but sweet lady. The excitement rushes into my veins and I get inside in hope to see a familiar face after a long time. As soon as I enter the bookstore, my gaze meets with a man, maybe in his late 40s.

I approach him and ask for the owner. “hi! Do you mind me telling about Sasha, the owner of this place?”

The man looks at me with a strange look, “yes, she was my mother, but how do you know her?” he asks.

“I used to visit here when I was young.” I reply.

“oh! That’s great, but my mother passed away a year ago. She was battling with the cancer.” The man lamented.

“I am sorry for your loss!” I console him, but I am the one who is sadder. With a heavy heart, I left the store and once again, I look for a job nearby. I notice a familiar car parked in front of a café. The feelings burned inside of me and I rush to the café without thinking twice.

My eyes look for that one person who is responsible for my great stay in hospital. I notice her sitting alone in a corner and decide to join her.

“hi! Mind if I share a table with you?” I ask politely.

Isabelle looks up at me and smiles, “yes, sure.” She did not recognize me, and I wonder why? Then I realize that she saw me almost a year ago and I was covered in dirt, matted hair, old clothes and now I am sitting in front of her with a nice pair of clothes, clean and have long hair than earlier.

“Are you waiting for someone?” I ask.

Isabelle shook her head and observes me too. I want her to identify me because I will make this meeting memorable. She talks less and tries to avoid me and asks me finally, “are you new here?”

“Yes! I am looking for a job and a place to live.” I reply.

“Maybe I can help; I knew a job posting nearby a filling station. The place is not far away from here. I can drop you there.” She suggests, and I gladly nod my head. We left the café and drive away to the place she is taking me.

She asks me, “What are your qualifications?”

“I am not a graduate. My study ceased when I got arrested and convicted for 5 years in jail.” I explain.

Isabelle hears my word and stays calm for a while until she slams the break and turns her face to look at me. Her expression is enough to tell her story. She can’t believe on her eyes and gulps a mouthful of saliva down to her throat.

“Illona? Is that you?” she stammers and her words escaped from her lips were barely audible.

“Finally!  You recognized me!” I raise my voice.

“You can’t be Illona! She is dead! My man told me that they killed you.” she babbles.

“They killed me almost, but I survived b***h!” I taunt and, “someone is getting pale, may I know why?” I ask her.

Isabelle gasp for air as she is suffocated by her own crimes, “what do you want?” she asks straightly.

“answers! And I promise that I will never disturb you!”

“fine! What do you want to know?” she asks.

“Who are you exactly and why the f**k did, you kicked me out from your car when you never wanted me in the first place. You could have denied being my guardian.” I hiss.

“Like I said, I am your mother’s cousin. She took a huge load of money from me but never returned a single penny. Because of her, I was kicked out from my rented house. I wanted my revenge but till the time I learned that she is dead. I decide to take my revenge up to you.” Isabelle states.

“Revenge blinded you! I did nothing wrong to you and I did not understand anything you just revealed. Why me?” I ask aggressively.

She laughs like a maniac, “why not you? Oh dear, you are unaware of your mother’s dark secret. You don’t know who your father is because your mother never wanted you to learn anything about him. She kept hidden her identity from you. You are a bastard child from out of wedlock!”

I look completely shocked from the revelation, but it doesn’t prove anything, “I don’t believe you! You are a liar.” I retaliate.

“Claiming me as a liar won’t change the truth.”

“Then prove it! I want to know! Each and everything.” I shout almost.

“I don’t waste my breath or time on you. Get out of my car or I will take some serious major steps to finish you.” she threatens me.

“I am not scared of your empty threats, Isabelle. I have survived the death and I will not waste this chance.” I press my lips hard and punch her on the nose. I kick her hard and she falls out from the car.

I jump on the driver’s seat and close the door, but Isabelle grabs it and kicks me. I grunt in pain but she digs her nails deep in my cutaneous tissues. I pull her hair hard and kneed in her face. She cries when I deroot some of the strands from the scalp.

Isabelle slaps me across the face and it showed me stars in the glorious daylight. I hear some sound but can’t figure out. I gain my focus and vision and look at Isabelle. She loads a pistol in her hands and aim at me.

“I don’t make empty threats, sweetheart!” bang.. the bullet shot!!