The city was sound asleep already, with empty but very lit up streets, it looked beautiful. All these, including
the chilly breeze, meant nothing to the girl, who was fast on her heels. Her legs were aching, heart pounding
hard against her chest. Perspiration soaked her shirt, making it cling to her slim body frame. She fought the
nagging thought of just slumping there on the ground and resting a while, damning all consequence. It had
been three hours on the run, but she knew she still had to cover some distance, certainly her parents would
have security searching all over for her soon. So she forced her feet to keep running as fast as her strength
could afford, maneuvering through streets and corners.
A car honked by her side, startling her,
“Come on Mirabel, get in the car. Your parents are worried.”
“If they were so worried, why aren’t they here with you?” Mirabel stopped running for a moment. She shot a
glare at Miss Clark, her most trusted nanny since childhood. The lady looked ready to cry. If there was
someone who truly loved her, that will be Miss Clark.
She sighed, “Go away ma’am, just let me be.”
Mirabel took the turn to her left into a narrow passage and continued running, trying as much as possible to
make her legs run faster. She knew they’ll come running after her. Just as she thought, she heard footsteps
following behind.
“Think of the devil!” She whispered
Noticing a trashbin sitting by the walkway, she quickly slipped into it and remained silent. The stench that
enveloped her almost made her puke, but she had to hold it in. If she had to endure this to enable her get her
freedom from that ‘hole’ called a home, she gladly would. She could hear voices.
“Ramsey, where did she go to?”
“I can’t see her anywhere either.”
“Let’s check around, she couldn’t have gone far.”
“In fact, Jesse, I am exhausted. If that girl wants to run away then let her go. How can a sixteen year old girl
be stressing grown men like us.” Ramsey hissed in annoyance.
“Don’t let Chief and his wife hear you if not, just say goodbye to your job.” Jesse gave Ramsey a warning
glare.
“For the love of my job, or should I say my paycheck.” Ramsey motioned with his hands, zipping his lips. Jesse
laughed.
After searching for thirty minutes more and not finding her, they gave up and left. Who would have imagined
that the very pampered daughter of the richest man in the city would be hiding in a trash can.
Mirabel sighed in relief, finally she had the chance to leave and have a life of her own, no matter how bleak it
seemed. It was way better than living a miserable life blanketed with the guise of love and luxury.
