The alarm was ringing as Athena sluggishly dragged herself out of bed to turn it off. The open curtains let in the bright sun rays and loud noises of the busy street.
Athena grabbed her towel and toothbrush and headed for the shared bathroom of her apartment unit. She walked down the corridor and sighed when she saw the short queue.
" Good morning *Senhora Helen "
( Senhora-Mrs)
" Oh...Athena how are you? "
" I'm fine thank you "
" You're going to be late for work at this rate. You can go ahead of me "
" Senhora it's fine. You also have deliveries to make "
Athena said and patted Helen's hand gently. Senhora Helen was one of the older women in the unit, who Athena had grown quite fond of. Suddenly, a large man appeared and disrupted the quiet queue.
" Athena move. I'm going to go before you. I have shoes to polish at the shop "
" But Senhor Pedro I'm going to be late for work and..and "
" And what? I'm asking you for a favour as a senior what's your problem child? ". Pedro said and walked closer to her.
" Pedro won't you stop picking on the poor girl? ". Helen said before stepping into the bathroom.
Athena felt defenseless once she was alone with Pedro. She moved out of the way to give him access without looking up at him.
....
Athena slicked her dark long hair into a low ponytail and picked up her handbag. She placed a slice of bread on the plate and spread jam around it before hurriedly devouring it and rushing out. She stepped out of the building and into the streets, making her way around the busy city of Feira de Santana.
She arrived at the local cafe where she worked and took a breath before stepping in. She grabbed her apron and tied it around her tiny waists. For a twenty four year old, Athena was quite small in stature. Her big green eyes,long dark curly hair and tall physique were traits that made her stand out.
" Athena you're late again today. Senhor Costa may not let it slide "
" Morning to you to Campos". Athena said sarcastically.
" Morning Athena. You should have listened to me and let me pick you up every morning. I don't have a problem with it". He said with a smile.
" Come on Campos you took your scooter for repair three times last week. If you have to go extra miles every day, your scooter might not make it ". She said and tapped his shoulder.
" Athena!!! "
Athena and Campos turned towards the voice of the man and sighed. The man walked over to them and grabbed her by the arm.
" I told you Maria was going to be out today and that we had to make preparations for José's party and you still came late. If you don't want to work then stay at home instead of ruining my business "
He said while tightening his grip around her arm. She tried to shake him off but she couldn't so she just stood there.
" Senhor the customers are staring "
Campos said and gently pried his arm off her. She looked over at him and gave a little smile.
.....
The preparations took a couple of hours and soon, they were ready to be delivered. Athena, Campos and Almeida set out for Senhor José's house. When they got there, his wife greeted them warmly and invited them in. They carried the pastries into the kitchen and laid it out. It was already dark out when they finished, so they were invited to stay for the party.
" I'm so sorry Senhor but I'm not feeling really well so I'll be going back now. Goodnight Senhor, Senhora "
" Goodnight Athena and be careful "
Athena squeezed through the crowd and stepped outside. She had gone a few feet when she heard someone running after her.
" Campos? "
" Hey. I heard you were sick,what is wrong with you?
" It's nothing just a little headache "
" Have you taken any medicine? "
" I'll take one when I get home "
" I'll take you home it's late "
" Campos...relax I'm not a kid. You should stay with Almeida since you guys are going later "
" I'm just worried. You know how dangerous these streets are "
" I'll be fine.....promise "
" Text me when you get home "
" Okay papa ". Athena said and chuckled.
Campos smiled and ruffled her hair before stepping back. He watched her walk down the street and disappear in the darkness before going back in.
Athena sighed heavily as she walked. She wasn't sick she just didn't like parties or hanging around people. She had very few people in her life. Growing up with no family, friend or home, had left scars on Athena....physically and mentally.
She had walked a little distance away from the party when she noticed some men around the corner. She tried to ignore them and hurry on out of there.
" Athena "
She turned around when she heard her name and spotted Senhor Pedro amongst the men. Her legs were shaky and cold sweat gathered under her arms as they walked towards her. She turned around and began running and her fear only increased once she noticed they were running after her. She ran as fast as she could but it didn't take long for the three men to catch up with her. Pedro grabbed her by her hair and placed his heavy hand over her mouth.
They dragged her into an alley and threw her against the wall. Athena groaned in pain as she moved away from them.
" Senhor.....what do you want "
" Alberto the butcher said he has had a taste of you. He kept bragging about how sweet you were, so we're here for proof "
" Senhor....please....please stop "
" Come on what's three more men "
Athena swallowed her tears and backed away from them. She had gone through this countless times and the fear worsened each time. One of the men walked over to her and tried to pull her up but she grabbed his hand and bit him till he bled. The man groaned in pain as he stared at his hand. He grabbed her by her hair and punched her in the face. Athena fell to the ground writhing in pain as she tasted the metallic taste of blood in her mouth.
The two men pulling her up, holding both her hands. She tried to scream but one of the men gagged her with a piece of cloth. Pedro walked over to her and slid his hand into her sweatshirt with a sly grin on his face. His rotten teeth under the street light made her skin crawl. She tried to squirm away but they held onto her. Pedro walked closer to her, took out the gag and pulled her in for a violent kiss. He pulled on her hair and with one hand inside her shirt, he pulled her breast out of her bra and squeezed it. Athena felt numb as she stood there listening to the other men laughing. He pulled out from the kiss and ordered the other men to take off her clothes.
The men took her turn by turn, over and over again and left when they were done with her. She lay unmoving and just stared out into space as memories of her first incident played in her head. She couldn't bear to look at her body or face that were covered in scars.
She looked down at her now exposed wrist and saw the scars that she had left on herself and then, the tears fell.