Layla POV

I woke up to the sound of my blaring alarm clock echoing through my room. I immediately stood up and banged on my alarm clock; trying to silence it.

I lied back down trying to collect as much sleep as possible.

I slowly let my eyelids droop but before I did, my eyes focused on my clock. To my surprise it was 8:00! I leaped out of my bed and turned on my lamp.

I already had my clothes set up by the little bit of luggage that I had. I thew on a black dress, a golden necklace, and some white sneakers I saved up for.

I went to the place we call a bathroom and brushed my teeth using sugar cane. I threw my long, kinky, brown hair into a bun, and laid my edges down with some clear aloe vera gel I made. I ran to my mothers room and to my surprise she was already up.

"Habari za asubuhi mama." I said

"Good morning baby." She said smiling at me.

"Eager aren't we?" I said sarcastically.

"Yes, I am," she said moving towards me. "I'm so excited. I know America is a country but what part of it are we going?" She quizzed.

"We are going to Sunny San Diego California." I cheered.

I chose this destination because I've heard so many good things about it. I really hope they live up to the hype.

"That's wonderful! How much is rent?" She asked.

"It is 810$ for a two bedroom." I said nonchalantly looking at my nails.

"Wow! How did you get such cheap housing? California is expensive Lay." She said astonished.

California does not run cheap.

"Well, I went searching in a newspaper first," I started ." Then I went through and found the place I wanted to live. I also saw list of apartments and I made phone calls to them. It's all set up." I said proud of myself.

"You really thought this through huh?" She breathed giggling.

"Sure did!"

I walked out her bedroom and started to bring my stuff downstairs. I sat on my ridged mattress that laid on the floor. I thought of all the good memories here, which was quite little. I realized that all the bad memories I had were way more abundant than the good ones.

I knew what I was doing was good. I wasn't making a mistake. I was torn from my muse by a loud honk outside of my little house.

How convenient.

"Mom, the taxi is here! Are you ready to start making changes?" I yelled.

"Yes babe, I'm coming downstairs right now!" She yelled back.

She walked down the stairs with her luggage and everything that was important to her. We walked out of this shamble together; not caring what we left behind.

I walked out slowly, wondering if I'm making the right decision. My mother and I looked at our dwelling.

The sticks and flowers scattered in the front, the holes letting in unwanted guests, the stench, we wouldn't miss it at all.

I looked at my mother and she nodded at me with affirmation that she wouldn't miss this dump. I think more or so we were going to miss Africa. The atmosphere, the bright blue skies and, the friendly people that always lit up your faces.

We let out one last sigh and walked to the taxi. We put our stuff in the backseat and sat inside. I'll say, I've never been in one. This taxi was really cold.

"Where to ma'am?" He asked.

"Kerubo Intercontinental Airport please." I stated.

I really looked this through. I didn't even know Kenya could afford airlines at first.

"Okay, I'll just take the interstate to get you there as quickly as possible okay?" He told me looking forward.

I sensed something off. He was going to take the long route to get more money I bet. Classic taxi driver. I rolled my eyes at the thought.

I brushed off those feelings and I looked out the window; taking time to think. As I watched the scenery, it was eerily quiet. My mom was sitting with her eyes closed smiling.

It's about time she was happy. She was always mad.

I looked out the window and we were passing by tall trees. There was trash pilling on the side of the roads. An accursed stench seeped through the windows and found its way to my nostrils.

I look around the taxi, and I tap my mother, pinching my nose.

"Hey mom, wake up! Something isn't right." I said panicking.

"Hey, calm down, what do you mean?" She asked while rubbing my arm.

Right before I was about to answer I hear the taxi driver talking on the phone, but I can't decode what it was. The taxi came to a stop by this large building engrossed in moss, trash, and dust. The smell was similar to a public restroom.

My nose shriveled, so did my mothers. We walked out grabbing our luggage.

"Here's your destination." The taxi driver said.

"Okay, well here." I said handing him money.

"No, you keep it. I'll walk you inside the airport."

Me and my Mom walked slowly towards the airport. We didn't want to say the taxi driver was wrong but, this was to empty to be an airport. I stopped in front of the cold glass doors and smiled at my mom

Just when I was about to speak up, I was grabbed and so was my mother. The anonymous man put him hand over my mouth to muffle my screams.

My mom was looking at me, tears stinging her eyes. The men took our luggage and through us in a dark closet.

The sound of water dripping on the cold concrete grounds became more tedious. Me and my mother were silent. We didn't know what we did wrong.

The men opened the door and smiled at us. I just scowled back.

"What the hell are you doing!" My mom screamed wailing her arms.

The henchman just continued to look at us. There intense stares pierced through my skin, causing me to look away.

I looked over to my mother, she was sobbing hysterically. She's been through so much.

I knew I shouldn't have trusted that man.

The sound of the door creaking open slowly was highly suspenseful. When the door fully opened I saw someone who I didn't want to see.

Damien.

Sorry if this chapter sucked. I was extremely tired when I wrote it. I hope you enjoy. 💚