Chapter 12: Demon in Disguise
1282 Words
After hearing what Pearl said, Tanya finally remembered the scene she saw earlier in a glimpse. Her maidservant was right. It was indeed Samantha. She now remembers catching her friend's face from the television screen, too.
But what's with her?
“Riley’s episodes will only occur upon triggers. May it be a place, people or things. Once she was reminded of that traumatic even that occurred to her, she will definitely break down.” Tanya suddenly remembered what Dr. Sweiss told her before.
A trigger?
Tanya fell under deep thoughts. Monty said that they were doing nothing else aside from watching TV. So, if that was the case. Then, could it be…?
No. No way! Tanya shook her head.
This is just pure coincidence. Yes. That’s right. Just coincidence!
Tanya convinced herself against the conclusion she ended up with.
Riley woke up the next day. When she climbed downstairs, everyone acted like nothing happened. They didn’t plan it. It was just a silent consensus that they decided individually.
“Good morning Riley!” Sapphire came and greeted the girl. Since the pool accident, the two became closer than before.
Riley smiled at the older sister. “Good morning to you too, Sister Sapphy.” She greeted back. After seeing Riley’s normal response, everyone heaved a breath of relief silently. Their worries was finally eased, thus, returned to their chores with a light heart.
But Riley spoke again, halting them for a second. “Uhmm, can I have your minute to spare?" She asked hesitantly. "I just need someone to listen. I’m now ready.” She announced bravely.
Gilbert and the others exchanged surprised looks. It's still been two weeks since Riley started her psychiatry treatment. They expected that it would maybe take her a few more months or even years, before she could become ready, but she is now? Just after two weeks? How brave can this girl be?
“Sure.” Everyone heard Tanya’s voice from the stairs. “We will all listen, Riley.” She smilingly said, while the rest nodded in agreement.
Riley was an orphan with no family member known to her.
At first, she grew up inside an organization that forces kids to steal, and working them to death like a slave. However, this life changed when one day, while she is out for another "work", they’re hideout was raided and is already flocked with police mobiles when she returned.
She immediately hid from a distance. And when she saw her bosses being dragged away inside the police mobiles, Riley can’t help but cry in happiness. Finally. At twelve, she will now be able to live without fear. No more forcing to steal. No more punishments. And no more sleepless nights in isolated room full of rats and cockroaches.
She is now definitely free!
Her life after may not be the best, but it was the better. The streets became her home. Her paradise. And she needs money to feed herself, she did some side jobs such as barker, parking guide, car washing and even collecting junks. She did all of them and survived alone for a year.
But one night, while she was sleeping under a bridge, a group of people came and knocked her out. And the next thing she knew, she was already inside a huge and dark building. She looked around and realized that she was not locked inside a room like the other kids she saw behind her. She is just seated in a chair in the middle with both hands and feet, tied.
'What’s going on? Where am I?' Riley asked inside her head.
Moments later, she heard footsteps in front. After the door creaked open, she noticed voices of several people.
“W-who are you? Why are you doing this to me?” Riley asked but received no reply. “I-is that you B-boss J?” Riley asked the question she fears the most since she woke up.
She had this hunch in mind, that maybe some of those bosses from that organization before has bailed out and looked for her. And the kids imprisoned behind are the new recruits who will end up just like her. They are another group of slaves.
“Guess she was the kid who sold Jason’s business out.”
Riley finally heard a reply in front. But since the only light was shined on her, she can't see who it was.
“What? No! It was not me. I don’t have anything to do with that! Please… you got the wrong person. I did not do that to boss J.”
But a laugh suddenly echoed as a response to her plea. “Stop scaring the kid Alex.” The voice said after. And from the dark in front, a man in suit showed up. “We know it was not you, kid. Because it was I, who sold them out.” The man smirked. “For fun.” He continued.
“Ahhh. You spoiled the fun, boss. I still wanna see the fear from that kid’s face.” The man which was called Alex earlier, also showed up.
Then two pairs of eyes eyed Riley.
“W-who are you?” Riley stuttered. These two are strangers to her. And they are more…fearsome.
Her eyes started to well up. Why is she always mixed up with this kind of people? Does she really not deserved to be free?
“Enough with your useless chats.”
Another voice echoed. A female?
The two people in front of Riley moved aside together. After some silent footsteps, a woman in long hair showed up from the dark and stopped in front of her. The woman also eyed Riley from head to toe.
“She’s pretty mature for a kid. A perfect package for Mr. Lee’s preference. She’ll be perfect.” The mysterious woman said after scanning her. Then she turned to the guy named Alex. “Make the arrangements already. You know I want smooth and fast transactions. Also, be sure on not toying her up so much. Mr. Lee is now into quality packages these days.” The woman said.
Hearing this. Riley turned pale. She may be just a kid but she understands that she's in danger.
“I’ll be off now.” The woman said but Riley called and stopped her.
“M-ma’am please… let me go. Please.” Riley pleaded while crying.
The woman who already was looking away, turned to Riley. She scooched down to level Riley's eyes. “Don’t call me ma’am kid. It's Samantha. Samantha De Dios. Make sure to remember that name perfectly, okay? Because I would really be touched if I were the last person you'll think of, during your moments with my client. You see, that old man is scary, kid. He’s not very careful with his packages that they always die. Always. So be sure to remember me when you die, okay?” The woman smirked evilly after whispering that last sentence to her.
Riley’s tears flowed down endlessly. She can’t believe how evil this woman is in front of her. She's not human anymore, isn't she? She's a monster. No. A demon. She’s a demon in disguise.
“Aahhh, I freaking hate such expression.” Samantha told her in disgust and left.
After that, Riley was almost molested by one of Alex's men.
- Writer
