Chapter Four

                            

                            Living father Anthony

The next day, I was really looking glum. I got up by 7pm, and brushed my teeth using charcoal and water from the tap at the side of my house. I was really looking forward to getting out of here, and moving to the place I was set for. Though I didn’t know where I was going, but it felt so good to have a hope for the better life.

    I stepped into the house from the back, and entered the room I’d been allocated, only to jump out of my skin on seeing Father Antione’s back turned to me. He had never come in here all through my stay. So, what was he doing here?

    “Good day, sir,” I greeted as I stepped further into the room.

     He turned around to face me, his face strangely bereft of malice. I was so used to him looking at me with cold eyes, that seeing him without one was mildly unnerving.

    “I wanted to talk to you,” he said easily.

    I blinked twice at the formality of it all. It wasn’t in his books to be formal, at least, not after my dream narration. But, I was still hopeful that it wasn’t a trap, and maybe the man has truly changed and wasn’t so mean to me anymore.

    “You can say what you will,” I said as politely as I could.

    He took a deep breath. “I admit I’ve been quite harsh to you, and I’m not going to apologise for that. Scourging you of that demon was indeed necessary. And, though you’re not completely free from the demon, you’re getting there. Bt, it’s very important for you to know that whatever happens between us, has to stay within us. The world wouldn’t understand and you would only make yourself a prey for bullying,” he explained calmly.

    I nodded. “I… I won’t tell anyone,” I said stiffly.

    He nodded too. “I believe you’re wondering where you’re going.” He said simply.

    I looked away from him. “Yes,” I whispered.

    He grunted in response. “I do not have the whole day. You’re going to Howl High school. Your kinds are over there, and that is great for the planet,” he snapped with scorn.

    I frown slightly. “My kind?” I couldn’t help asking.

    He ignored me, and then walked towards me. I stepped away from him. What I needed was for him to tell me how I was the same with those people.

    He stopped, and turned to me, his eyes hard. I had to step back further from him.

    “That’s not important. All you need to know is that you’re leaving.”

    I swallowed hard. “Ok, I want to talk to my family.” I whispered.

    “There is no need for that. They are already aware you’re going there, so that’s all that matters,” he said tersely.

    In just one way, he had succeeded in shutting me up. I didn’t know what to do, and I really wanted to talk to my family. I guess that would have to wait. It hurt so much that it would have to wait.

    The door closed and I was left alone once more. I sank down on the dirt ground, and tried not to cry. But, I couldn’t stop the tears that poured from my eyes in torrents. This was so unfair.

    I missed my mom and her stern ways. I wanted to meet her. I needed to. I released a shaky breath, and cleaned my eyes. I should be grateful that I would finally leave here. When I've proven not to be evil, I can always go back home to my family. It was where I belonged.

    I pulled myself up, and walked towards my briefcase. It was lying dejectedly on the floor. I picked it up, dusting the debris off. I haven’t packed yet, and I really needed to. I can’t afford to stay here anymore.

    I spent the whole time putting things in order, making sure my socks and skirts were in order. Then, I had a cold shower, discarded my clothes to a flowery dress that brought out thee colours of my eyes. I was feeling very pretty and lightheaded.

    With everything in order, I dragged my bag downstairs. I couldn’t see the Father anywhere. A quick look at the time showed that it was 8 am. I’d wasted an hour getting ready. But, he hadn’t made it a point to call me once.

    I was about to sit on the chair when the father came in with another woman. On a closer look, I noted it was the lady from my recurrent nightmares. She was dressed in black, and looked more beautiful in reality than in the dream.

    They were both talking animatedly, barely even taking note of my presence. Could it be too late to make a run for it? I didn’t want to incite unnecessary attention to myself. I just wanted peace.

    “And…” the father was saying, when his gaze slid to mine.

    I could see the rage fostering like a scar in his eyes. I should have been faster to escape him. I can’t believe I just stood there like an idiot.

    “And…?” The beauty queried.

    At his quietness, she followed his gaze to mine, taking note of me for the first time.

    “What are you doing here?” The Father queried coldly.

    I looked down on my feet to avert their piercing gaze. I…”

    “Leave! Get into your room now, when you’re needed I will send for you.” He snapped.

    I nodded, and without being told twice, I fled the room. I walked into the small prayer temple, sitting at the back. I was so lucky to have left without many curses thrown at me. It was such a wonder that Father Antione missed the chance to call me a witch.

    I didn’t like it, but maybe he was making a greater effort to mend his ways than I gave him credit for or maybe he was just putting on an act because of that dream. Oh, my God! Don’t think about it anymore.