Chapter 2 Confusion

Lilith’s POV

I rushed back home and headed straight for my room, breathless.

“You’re back?” I heard Ravenna call out.

“I need to get something real quick!” I bellowed, not stopping. Once in my room, I knelt and reached for the box under the bed.

Pulling it out, I opened it and sighed in relief. Inside were several pieces of jewelry my mom had owned before she passed. I’d always kept them close as a way to remember her.

My dad had abandoned us and eloped with a secret lover, leaving us to fend for ourselves. My mom tried to take care of us, working multiple shifts and barely taking a break. Ariel had always been sick and required constant care.

When Mom started showing symptoms of breast cancer, she was too busy providing for us to pay attention to herself. She fell ill many times but never stopped trying to make sure we were okay. By the time she became bedridden and was rushed to the hospital, they told us it was too late. We lost her a couple of weeks later, and since then, it had just been me and Ariel, with no news from my dad. Sometimes, I wonder if he even knows she is gone.

Tears prickled the corners of my eyes at the thought of what I was about to do. This was all we had left of my late mother, and as much as it hurt to sell it, I needed the cash for Ariel’s surgery. With a broken sigh, I grabbed the box and headed downstairs.

“How is Ariel?” Ravenna asked, noting my disheveled look.

“Not good. I need to head out; I’ll be back soon,” I replied.

“What do you have there?”

“I have to—”

Her eyes trailed to the box I was holding. Without warning, she snatched it from my hand. Before I could take it back, she opened it, and her jaw dropped at the sight of the assorted jewelry.

“What… don’t tell me you stole these.”

I rolled my eyes and snatched the box back. Why would she think that? “It’s my mother's.”

“Lilith,” Ravenna called, placing her hand on the lid. “Can I see? Can I have one?”

“No, I need money for Ariel’s surgery.”

“But this is too much. Just let me have one,” she insisted, her eyes shining with an expression I couldn’t quite read.

I sighed. “I can’t. I really need this, and you know it.”

Ravenna’s jaw dropped. “No… you can’t sell all of these.”

I picked up my keys and headed out of the apartment; she followed close behind.

“Yes, I will sell them, Ravenna,” I said, and with that, I left the house.

I could see the jewelry shop across the street. I glanced at my watch. it was almost time for my shift at work, and I needed to hurry. The area was pretty isolated, but that was normal. Our small apartment wasn’t in the best location, but it was cheap, and that was all that mattered.

I furrowed my brows as a shadow cast over me, blocking the flickering street light. I raised my head to see a tall, bulky man with crossed arms walking toward me. He was dressed like a goon. I felt movement behind me and turned to see two other tall figures not far away.

“Hey, pretty.”

I swallowed hard and spun, my grip tightening around the box as I observed the three men. What did they want? Robbing in this part of town wasn’t unheard of, but I’d never been a victim. Why now? I looked down at the old jewelry box in my hand, my eyes narrowing as realization set in.

I raised my gaze to see them circling me. There was nowhere to run. I had to fight these thugs off. I squared my shoulders and set the jewelry box down beside me as I cracked my knuckles.

They paused. “Why does she look like she could beat us? Oh, I’m scared!” They all burst out laughing.

I wasn’t the best fighter. I was just a karate coach for kids, but facing these hefty men, I had to try my best. I was scared but didn’t let it show. I swerved as all three charged at me.

“Wrong move,” I grunted, squatting and punching the one in the middle right in his groin. I heard a sickening sound as he doubled over.

“Uhh,” he groaned, falling to his knees right in front of me. I punched the one on the left square in the nose.

“Hey, bitch,” I heard the third man growl as he grabbed me by my ponytail. He caught my hand and twisted it back, pressing my back against him as he sniffed my neck. I tried to break out of his hold, but he wasn't budging.

“You think you’re strong, right?” The one with the bleeding nose grabbed my chin. I spat in his face. He wiped it off and slapped me hard across the cheek.

“Ahh!” I groaned in pain as the one holding me shoved me to the floor. The one who had been holding his groin picked up the jewelry box.

I struggled to my feet and punched his back. “Leave it… I beg you! I don’t want my sister to die, please!”

They shoved me to the ground again, and I fell to my knees.

“Please,” I begged as tears clouded my vision. Maybe trying to fight them was a bad idea. Maybe I should have just begged from the start.

“Not so feisty now, are you?” one of them grinned, seeing my broken state.

“Please…” I couldn’t hold back the tears anymore; I cried bitterly.

They raced off without looking back once. I slumped to the pavement, my shoulders trembling as I burst into fresh sobs. I looked around helplessly, but there was no one to help. That’s what comes with living in a place like this. No one cares.

I cried until I felt like passing out. The only hope I had was gone, and I didn't know what to do. When I finally found the strength to get on my feet, I tiredly headed back home, my mind racing with thoughts of Ariel. How was she going to survive?

When I reached the apartment, I stood by the door for a moment, trying to wipe away my tears and fix my appearance. I could hear Ravenna’s voice inside; it sounded like she was on a call.

Just as I was about to open the door, I heard it.

“I’m glad you made the decision right there at the altar. You deserve better.”

I froze, listening closely and praying I was hearing her wrong.

“She will be fine. You shouldn’t worry about her.”

My eyes widened as the realization dawned on me. Ravenna knew all along about Poppy being in love with his best friend, but she had left me in the dark? I had opened up my entire life to her. We were best friends, and this was how she repaid me?

I shivered, moving away from the door and the sound of her voice before I lost my mind. I fled into the night, tears rolling down my cheeks.

I cried and wandered the lonely streets for hours, wondering why things never worked out for me. By now, the tears had stopped, but I was drained physically and emotionally. I yearned to crawl into my bed, but I couldn't face Ravenna. Not after her betrayal.

It was getting late, and I needed to be off the streets for my own safety. I searched my pockets and sighed in relief when I found a few dollars. Trudging down the street, I arrived at the cheapest motel I knew I could afford. I paid for a night, and seeing I had a little left, I headed to the small bar. Perhaps alcohol would ease my aching heart.

I winced as I downed a glass of whiskey, humming as I felt it burn down my throat. By the third glass, I was penniless and drunk.

“You’re done, ma’am,” the bartender said, cleaning my table.

“Yeah…” I muttered, getting off the chair on clumsy legs. I began the slow journey to my room, hoping I’d make it inside before collapsing.

Just as I was rounding a corner, a voice stopped me.

“I’ve been waiting for you.”