Lachlan protected me, “Don’t be afraid! Brynn! Come to my house!”
Derek shouted, “You’re not even married yet! How can that be? Brynn’s coming home with me!”
My mom reached out to grab me, “That’s right, Lachlan. You’re not married yet! This won’t do. Once your family sends the money, I’ll give Brynn to you right away!”
My heart sank. So my mom hadn’t received the two thousand dollars yet!
I couldn’t go with Lachlan!
Knowing my mom’s nature, she wouldn’t let me go without getting the money.
“Lachlan…” I looked at Lachlan longingly, really wanting another bite of that warm bread.
The mayor spoke up, “Lachlan, go home and tell your parents that getting married costs money. There needs to be a wedding feast! Only then can Brynn become your wife and go home with you, understand?”
“I understand! I’ll marry Brynn! I’ll go get money!”
I watched as Lachlan was convinced by their few words. I quickly grabbed him, “I have a couple of words I want to say to Lachlan in private!”
The mayor looked at my mom, my mom looked at me, and I anxiously waited.
“Brynn, speak! I’m listening.” Lachlan leaned his ear closer.
I glanced at my mom and my older brother, finally getting my mom’s permission.
I knew that even if I married Lachlan, they wouldn’t let me go.
So, I whispered something in Lachlan’s ear.
Lachlan nodded vigorously, looked at me once, and ran off.
Then I was dragged home by Derek, my toes barely touching the ground as he gripped the back of my collar.
Derek still beat me.
This time he only hit places that others couldn’t see, then threw me into the cellar.
This was a place I often stayed. Now, apart from a few dry sweet potatoes, there was nothing else, just darkness and dampness.
“Mom, how could you marry her off for just two thousand dollars? It costs me eight thousand eight hundred to get a wife!”
Derek’s voice came from above the cellar.
“Eight thousand eight hundred could get you two wives! Red from the front village, her mom told me it would only cost four thousand eight hundred. Once the money’s there, she’ll be yours right away!”
Ruby?
Ruby was two years younger than me, only sixteen this year! Derek was already twenty–five after the New Year! Besides, Ruby said she wanted to go work in the city, to see a broader world, not to get married and stay here for life!
When Ruby said this, there was a light In her eyes. I envied her fiercely, thinking how great it would be if I could go work in the city too, and escape my family!
“Ruby? Ruby’s great! Ruby’s figure is so slim! Mom, let’s get Ruby! Hurry and bring Ruby over!” Derek exclaimed excitedly.
“What’s the rush? Wait until Lachlan brings the betrothal gift, then I’ll bring Ruby back for you. These couple of days, don’t beat that dead girl too much, don’t cause any more trouble…
Their voices grew fainter, and I couldn’t hear anymore.
<
Their voices grew fainter, and I couldn’t hear
anymore.
In my past life, I didn’t marry Lachlan, my mom didn’t get the money, and Derek didn’t get a wife.
But now I could barely save myself, how could I save Ruby?
Did I have to die again?
