FLASHBACKS**
As I fled, I kept looking back, hoping to catch a glimpse of my masked savior. I struggled to accept my new reality - homeless and orphaned. The memory of my mom's death haunted me, and I clutched the necklace she had given me that night, the only valuable thing I could salvage from our home, once a safe haven. Exhausted from hours of walking and running, I collapsed to the ground, surrounded by darkness. The stars were few, and the moon was still rising. I pondered how my life had changed in mere minutes. My parents were kind and peaceful; they never quarreled or scandalized. Why would anyone want them dead? The mystery of Chevrolet groups and gold bars lingered, as they were connected to my parents' work. Williams? Is he behind this?
Suddenly, a car appeared, disrupting my thoughts. I stood up swiftly as it pulled over, and a middle-aged couple emerged. The woman, filled with compassion, hurried toward me, while her husband cautioned her to wait.
"Why delay? She's helpless as we had assumed'. She said, her tone slightly annoyed, hinting at a prior argument.
Probably they had been in the heat of helping me or not and I guess the husband is against the idea.
'I understand, sweetheart, but before we assist a stranger, we should first observe. This is not the world that was depicted in the media'. The man informed his spouse, he was reluctant to help me as I've guessed. Of course, I understood his fears. I just had an experience on how the world operates even though I was just a teen but my brain is matured enough to grasp.
I looked at the little drama between them and I just wished for a miracle.
After a few minutes, he walked gently up to me. I dropped to my knees in a moment.
"Please provide a hand. I pose no threat. I just managed to flee a horrible murder. They might be after me" I begged as maturely as I could. I got back up and hurried over to the woman, who was filled with sympathy for me. She engulfed me in a warm embrace and I was grateful for that.
After exchanging glances, they both took my hands and led me to the car, driving off.
They told me they were returning home to Mexico that evening. They had gone to commemorate the anniversary of their union. They decide to celebrate this time around on an island, in the Vegacity suburbs which is not too far from my home.
They took me to their home, introduced me to Lexie and Sandra, their two kids. Lexie came to despise me completely and shunned me like the plague. Our relationship had never been harmonious. The reason why he dislikes and taunts me at every opportunity is still unknown. At first, I made efforts to win his approval, but it never works out because he finds fault with everything I do. I eventually gave up on attempting to win his approval, and we were just housemates.
Everyone had given it their best shot, but it had been in vain to get Lexie to see me as family. In front of his pals, he makes fun of me, taunting me whenever he gets the chance.
However, Sandra was over the moon when we met - we instantly clicked and became thick as thieves! It was like we were long-lost sisters or something.
***
Sandra examined my first drawing, raising an eyebrow in confusion. "You drew Lexie? Why?"
I corrected her, frustrated, "I didn't draw Lexie, Sandie! I was trying to draw the man from my dreams."
She kept muted, dazed at my sudden outburst.
I finished my second drawing, took a deep breath, and turned it over. Sandra looked at me quizzically, sensing my unusual intensity. We both gazed at the drawing, exchanging perplexed glances. "What's going on, Katie? You said you saw your dream man, but this is Lexie again!" Sandra asked, following me as I paced around, trying to make sense of it all.
"I know, Sandie, I'm confused too! I saw his face clearly and I drew what I saw, but somehow, it turned out to be Lexie... again!" I explained, almost in tears.
Sandra sympathized, "This is weird, Katie. It's like your imagination played a trick on you!"
I sighed deeply, trying to make sense out of everything.
Sandra approached me, offering a comforting pat on the back. "Hey, Katie, don't worry about this. You're probably just stressed out from dealing with Lexie's drama, and it influenced your drawing. Let's take a break, get some fresh air, and clear your head. Then, come back and try drawing again." I nodded, still unsure if I agreed with her explanation. In my mind,
I was certain - I drew the man from my dream!!