My phone was no longer allowed to be in my possession unless my aunt said otherwise to call my mom and dad. She had been merciless in her punishments, allowing me little to eat and keeping me on my knees cleaning or praying. Of course she looked for every opportunity to belittle me and call me names, causing me to sit and wonder what was actually keeping me here, making me put up with this. At night before I pass out in my bed from utter exhaustion I look out the window and imagine someone watching over me and just waiting for the right time to whisk me away.
"Hurry up and finish that bathroom floor Alexis, Sybil is coming over today and you still have to make us some tea and sandwiches!"
I sighed and got off the floor feeling my back and knees screaming at me in protest and shoot pain throughout the rest of my body. Quickly I put away the small brush and dumped the water out the back door and made my way into the kitchen. I grabbed my aunts tea kettle, filled it with water and sat it on the stovetop waiting for it to whistle. My aunt was extremely old fashion, the only things that were modern in her house was the electricity and running water, I'm honestly surprised she even had that.
"Alexis! Go upstairs and change into something appropriate so you look less disgusting when Sybil gets here!"
With my head hung low I climbed the stairs to my room and picked out a soft yellow dress that was light and comfortable. It allowed me to be cool while making me feel cute. I paired it with a pair of black flats and made my way back downstairs to finish the tea and put a plate of bite sized sandwiches together.
"Alexis! Sybil is here, stop dilly dallying around and let her inside you lazy girl!"
I sprinted to the door excited to see Sybil and threw it open with a little to much strength, causing the door to hit the wall.
"Goodness dear. You must be excited to see me."
Sybil's voice was soothing and just the sight of her made my shoulders sag in relief and made me want to just throw my arms around her. Instead I settled for a simple nod of my head with a small smile on my face as I stepped to the side to make room for her.
"Well, I hope you didn't go to crazy for my visit dear. You always go overboard when it comes to being a hostess," Sybil chuckled.
I blushed and looked at my feet knowing that even though my aunt was forcing me to make the tea and sandwiches this time, I would still make something for her visit anyway.
"Ah Sybil, so nice to see you again. How have you been hun?"
My aunt placed a fake smile onto her face as she greeted Sybil, making it seem like she was this sweet person when in reality she was the devil himself.
"Alexis, go get our tea and snack, we don't want Sybil to go hungry."
"Oh Elly stop it. I am perfectly capable of getting things myself, besides she isn't our servant," Sybil scolded.
"T-that's alright. I-I'll be j-just a m-moment."
I tried so hard to keep my voice steady, but the fear my aunt has instilled in me caused me to stutter. My stuttering problem had disappeared a long time ago, but now being here with my aunt has brought it back.
Once arriving with the serving tray and pouring everyone's drinks Sybil spoke to me.
"Dear, why don't you go exploring again today. I can take care of your aunt while you are gone, I'm sure you are need of a break."
She had no idea how right she was about me needing a break, but there was no way I was leaving this house unless my aunt gave me her permission. I refused to receive another slap across my face.
"I don't think so Sybil, she is being punished for sneaking out. She is rebellious and disobedient and does not deserve such a reward."
"That's ridiculous Elly. She is a good girl and I'm sure she meant no harm when she snuck out, besides she's young, let her go exploring while I am here."
I watched my aunt's face contort into anger before she turned to me with a piercing glare.
"Fine. You may go out for two hours and that is it. If you are late by even a minute there will be dire consequences. Do you understand?"
I was very quick to nod my head to answer her question.
"Take your phone, but when you return I want it right back."
I quickly took my phone and ran out the front door making my way into town. I decided I was going to the strange women in the fortune telling shop and maybe see if she could answer some of my questions.
Walking into town I made my way down the street until I saw the shop with the same poster advertising fortune readings. I was quick to step into the shop and slowly looked around searching for the old lady from my last visit.
"You have returned, I have been expecting your visit. Come and sit with me child."
I looked around until my eyes landed on her, she was wearing a forest green dress this time and a gold chain wrapped around her hips. The same gold hoops from last time hung from her ears and her long silver hair was hanging down her back. I slowly took a seat across from her wondering where to begin.
"Last time you were here I never got your name dear."
"A-Alexis."
"Well Alexis my name is Shelta and I believe I owe you a story about those rings I gave you. Do you still have them?"
I nodded my head and pulled them out from under the top of my dress so Shelta could see them.
"Since you are still in possession of them I suppose no one knows of them, correct?"
I nodded my head again.
"Good, your aunt cannot be trusted my dear, she is not a good woman and is caught up in things that are to corrupt for even the worst of people."
"So, i-is there n-no one I ca-can trust?"
Shelta smiled and said, "Sybil has always been someone who is trustworthy and she will be a great source of guidance for you."
I looked up at her with wide eyes not understanding how she knew about Sybil.
"Now child, would you like me to hear the story of those rings?"