Escaping to Freedom

By Jessica West

  Bernita, a teenager from a prominent South American family, knows little about the 'real world' until one decision changes everything.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Joyful Books Press
• Release date: May 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781734936315

Book preview

Chapter 1

Shh. Bernita clasped her sister’s mouth and rested her ear on the door. They can’t know we’re listening.

What are they fighting about? Eva jumped up and down.

Be quiet so I can hear. Bernita’s heart thumped like the ticking of a clock.

Inside the bedroom, the girls’ parents continued their argument. Elena, stop talking. Clancy Torres pounded his fist on the wall. I’m tired of hearing your voice.

You can’t do this. She’s too young. Elena swung her arms in front of her husband’s face.

I can do whatever I want. Clancy gripped his wife’s arm. We have no money.

And why is that? Because you spent it all on alcohol! You have only yourself to blame. Elena wiped tears from her eyes.

It’s my money. I’ll spend it however I want.  He jerked his wife’s hair, holding on.

Elena yelped, then hung her head in pain.

She’s only sixteen. She’s not ready to be a bride.

Well, I married you at sixteen. Didn’t I? Besides, she’s a lousy girl. She should have been a boy. Then we’d have money. Clancy tightened his grip on her hair.

Owww! Stop! You’re hurting me. Elena bit her bottom lip and whispered under her breath, I regret marrying you.

I own you both, and what I say goes. He swung his other hand in the air to strike her but stopped. I rescued you from poverty, and this—this—is how you repay me?

Elena struggled to free her hair from his grip. Stop! And I’ll do anything for you, just leave her alone!

He finally released her hair and threw her on the floor. Out of the question. You wouldn’t even make enough money to fill the fridge with alcohol.

She’s my daughter. Elena covered her face and sobbed. As long as I’m alive, I won’t let you do this.

I’ve already made the deal. She’s beautiful and worth a lot of money. Clancy seized a glass bottle off the table and flung it at his wife but missed. You can’t stop me. Don’t bother trying.

Eva scooted closer to the door. What are they talking about? She peered through the crack in the door and peeked at her parents. Bernita?

Bernita let out a puff of hot air. I-I can’t believe this.

Eva wrapped her arms around her sister’s waist and pushed her into their bedroom. Her demeanor seemed older than her young age of nine. Papa hasn’t been the same since he lost his job.

What am I supposed to do now? Bernita stroked her sister’s black hair. It’s bad enough he gets drunk every night, now he wants to…

Does this affect me? Eva looked into Bernita’s eyes. They were as dark as the earthen soil. I need to know.

Maybe. It’s a nightmare. Morning will come soon. Bernita stared at the family pictures on her wall. She didn’t recognize anyone in the pictures. Everyone had changed. Her father had always been a decent man as long as he kept his distance, but after he lost his job, his mind had flipped.

It’s already morning. Eva touched the top of Bernita’s arm. Her shoulders flared backwards. Why are you shaking?

I overheard a plan that is worse than my greatest nightmare. Bernita pulled her sister into her arms. She flattened a few stray pieces of hair.

I wish Grandma were here. Eva leaned on Bernita’s chest. I miss her cuddles.

It’s been a rough four years. I wonder how different life would be if she was still alive. Bernita yanked a picture off her nightstand.

With her death and Papa’s lost job, he went crazy. Grandpa is just as bad.

Nothing good comes from the Torres men. Bernita fell back onto the bed. Only trouble. Eva nodded her head as she fell next to Bernita.

 The Torres family was one of the wealthiest families in the country. Clancy Torres lived off his father’s good name and money, but his inheritance only stretched so far. He became a groundskeeper at the university because of his father’s recommendations. He received decent pay, and his reputation widened. The university faced hard times, and Clancy lost his job. His savings account didn’t go far. He fell into depression and squandered his money. The bills mounted, but he had no money to pay his debts.

Eva climbed out of bed and settled to her feet. I wish we knew where Mama’s family lived.

Who knows? Bernita wrapped her fingers around her pillow. It’s forbidden to talk about such poverty-stricken people. We aren’t like them. Papa drills that in us.

I wonder what they look like. Eva studied herself in the mirror. She had long, black, wavy hair, freckled cheeks, and hazel eyes.

We know nothing about them. It’s a secret no one will share. Bernita took her golden hair clips out of her dark hair. Long strands of curls bounced on her shoulders.

We live in the same country. Eva slipped her house shoes on her feet.

We live in Cuenca, South America, not by any villages.

We see the nicest buildings and cathedrals. Eva twirled around their room. At night, the views are breathtaking.

I’d give up everything to experience love. Bernita chewed on the end of her fingernail. I’m lost.

We’ve always had money. Eva walked to her window. The bustle of the city filled her eyes. Many people envy our lives, or so I’ve heard thousands of times.

If they knew the truth they wouldn’t. Bernita jerked her head at her sister. Just because you’ve heard Papa say it repetitively, doesn’t mean it’s right. Money doesn’t equal happiness.

Papa doesn’t know where my hazel eyes and freckles come from. She rubbed her cheeks, hoping to wipe the freckles off. No child of his looks like me.

He is a cruel man. He has no conscience. At least not anymore. Bernita reached for her sister’s hand. Mama is shackled in chains and can’t help us.

Eva stared at her sister. She looked like their mama. Papa hates us.

He’s scarred Mama’s beautiful face too many times. His beer bottles and cigars flawed her tan face. Bernita held her sister close to her chest. She could feel Eva’s heart pounding. I wish she’d take us away from here.

I just want our fairytale life back. Eva squeezed her sister.

Fairytales aren’t real. Bernita pushed her sister away and stood to her feet. This is our life now.

The girl’s bedroom door creaked open. Their mother glanced over her shoulder as she stepped inside the room and closed the door. She grabbed Eva into her arms and sat on the bed.

Mama! Eva kissed her soft face.  

Listen to me. She covered Eva’s mouth with her palm. Your papa is planning something bad. If you want your freedom, leave first thing in the morning.

How? Where? Bernita scratched her scalp.

It’s urgent, Bernita. Her mom reached for her arm. Leave and never come back.

Mama, we don’t want to leave you. Eva brushed the tears from her cheeks.

She handed Bernita an envelope. I put enough cash inside to get you to safety.

Where is that? Bernita took the envelope and stuffed it in her pocket.

My village. Elena rose from the bed. I wrote the name down on a piece of paper. It’s inside the envelope. You’ll know what to do.

I can’t do this, Mama. Bernita stared into her mama’s black eyes.

I’ve said too much. She embraced her daughters. I love you girls more than life itself. She opened the door and slid out.

Eva fell into Bernita’s lap. Tears covered her plaid shirt. What are we supposed to do?

We have to stay strong. Bernita caressed her sister’s back. We have two options.

Eva glanced up from her sister’s chest. What?

We can stay or leave, but we need to be in agreement. Bernita glanced at the clock on the wall. It’s almost seven o’clock. Papa will be out soon. I have to think of a plan.

I want to stay. Eva shuffled to her bed and buried her face in her pillow.

Eva, either way, I won’t be here tomorrow. Bernita grabbed her backpack from under her bed.

That makes little sense. Eva’s voice sounded muffled.

If I don’t leave at daybreak, Papa is taking me away to settle his debt. My life will be over. I will belong to someone else. Bernita slid the envelope in her bag. She had to pack the right items.

That only happens to poor people. Eva flipped over on her bed and stared at the ceiling.

You’re wrong. Child marriage and slavery happens way more than we hear about. Bernita stuffed some clothes in her bag. I have to fight for my freedom. No one else will.

If Papa catches you… Eva’s voice drifted off.

I’m worth a lot of money. Papa won’t hurt me. Bernita threw a flashlight in her backpack. He will be furious, and I’ll never be safe as long as he’s alive.

I don’t like our options. Either way, your life is in danger. Eva sat up and hugged her stuffed bear.

You might not be a target, but one day, that may change. Bernita threw a bag at her sister. You aren’t safe here either.

Eva looked inside the empty bag. The outdoors stinks and has bugs.

Stop being selfish. Pack your bag so we can leave in a few hours. She set a few more items in her bag. Pack light, we have a lengthy journey ahead.

Eva closed her eyes as tears streamed down her cheeks. I’ve lived here for nine years. My entire life is here, and you want me to leave everything behind?

Bernita clenched Eva’s hand. Think survival mode. If your bag is heavy, it’ll slow you down.

Fine. Eva glanced around the room. Goodbye memories and all of my favorite things.

Eva stop playing games. Bernita jerked at her skirt. Her sister was too dramatic. Focus on the task. The rest of this stuff doesn’t matter.

Eva stuffed a handful of items in her sack. Are you happy now?

Sister, I’m not the enemy. Bernita grabbed the bag and wrapped her arms around Eva’s shoulder. I’m trying to keep us free.

I’m sorry. Eva steadied her shaky legs on her mattress. I’ll listen to you.

Fear can’t get in our way. Bernita’s fingers trembled as she set her alarm.

You’re bringing your phone, right? Eva climbed in bed and pulled the covers over her legs.

It’s a tracking device. I have to leave it. Bernita set her phone on the nightstand. Even with location off, I don’t trust it.

We can’t call anyone. Eva pulled her hair out of her face.

Enough talking. We leave before sunrise. Bernita scooted into bed. She pulled the covers to her chin and closed her eyes. Unknown questions filled her mind like shackles holding her back.

I have to be brave, Bernita whispered as she drifted off to sleep. 

Chapter 2

Bernita jumped out of bed. She looked at the sunbeams shining through the window. Bernita walked over to Eva’s bed and covered her face. Eva, wake up. My alarm didn’t go off.

Eva rubbed her eyes and sat up in bed. I had the worst dream last night.

Eva, it wasn’t a dream. We should have left hours ago. She grabbed her bag and set it on her bed.

What are we going to do? Eva pulled a shirt over her tank top and slid her shoes on.

We’re still leaving, but it is tricky now. Bernita buttoned her shirt and tied her shoes. Act normal.

I am normal, no acting required. Eva inched to the door.

Follow me. Bernita gripped her bag and slung it on her shoulders.

Bernita glanced out of her bedroom door. Lights were shining in the other room. Silence engulfed the bottom story of her home. She tippy toed to the kitchen. Eva followed behind her.

No one’s here. Bernita set a basket of fruit inside her bag. She tossed two water bottles to Eva. I think we’re safe.

You eating the entire kitchen? Mr. Torres stood in the kitchen doorway. A smile spread across his tan face.

Bernita dropped her lunch bag and looked at her papa. I didn’t know you were home.

I don’t have a job. He stepped closer to Eva. You feel ok this morning?

Yes, Papa. Eva shoved an apple into her mouth.

I’m driving you to school this morning. He yanked his keys off the counter.

No. Bernita opened a carton of milk. The smell of sour milk drifted through the kitchen. Bernita stuck her tongue out and coughed.

Why? He crossed his arms over his chest and let out a grunt.

I need some fresh air, so I thought we’d walk. She placed some candy in her pocket.

Mr. Torres stared around the room. His eyes stopped at his wife’s purse. He snuck it behind his back and plopped onto the stool behind the counter. I’m picking you up after school.

Where’s Mama? Bernita took a gulp of her juice. Her mama made it a habit to be awake before they left for school. Every morning she would rest on the couch, sipping her coffee.

Good question. He squashed the bag behind his back. She wasn’t in bed when I woke up. I can’t find her anywhere.

That’s out of character. Her papa’s behavior seemed odd.

I’ll go look for Mama. Eva took a step backward.

No. You should leave before you’re late for school. Their father stood up, walked to the door, and escorted them out. Don’t forget. I’m picking you up after school.

Bernita and Eva stumbled outside. The morning breeze refreshed their spirits. They scooted to the privacy gate and unlatched it. Sounds of cars and horns filled their ears. People were commuting to work and school. Smells of breakfast pastries and baked goods permeated the air.

Bernita stopped and stared at her home. She had lived there for sixteen years. She spent her childhood running around the garden and rolling on the grass. The Torres family owned the biggest house on the street. The Mediterranean décor extended to both stories of the house. Rose bushes decorated the brick walkway. Rich orange and yellow colors enhanced the beauty of the home’s architecture.

Look at our home. Bernita snapped a picture with her eyes. We won’t ever see it again.

Eva wiped a tear from her face. Goodbye.

Bernita wrapped her arm around her sister’s waist. Let’s go. We don’t want Papa getting suspicious.

Eva followed Bernita down the street. The girls passed cathedrals, stores, and schools. Put these on. No one will recognize us. She handed Eva a hat and glasses.

Where do you think Mama is? Eva skipped on the sidewalk. She hummed her favorite song.

Bernita yanked Eva’s arm. Stop acting like it’s a normal day. We need to travel a suitable distance today. Papa will search for us in a few hours. We have to make every minute count.

I don’t know how to act. Eva stopped skipping and walked beside her sister.

Just be alert. Bernita shook her head. Why did her father lose his job? It ruined their lives. I believe Mama made it to her safe place.

She would never leave us. Eva stomped her feet and folded her arms.

Do you want me to say she’s hurt and never coming back? Bernita’s tone pierced through the morning breeze. Eva talks too much.

Eva wiped the teardrops from her eyes. Mama.

I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. She pulled Eva in an embrace. I just don’t want to talk.

I talk too much. Eva popped a piece of candy in her mouth.

Try to whisper. We don’t want to draw attention to ourselves. Bernita opened the envelope her mama gave her. Her eyes widened as she counted the money.

Mama had a stack of cash? Eva peeked inside the envelope.

Wonderful thing Papa never found it. He’d have wasted it on alcohol. Bernita divided the money into four piles. She handed Eva a stack. Put this money in your bag.

What are you doing? Eva stuffed the money in her backpack.

It’s not safe carrying this much cash. I’m hiding the money in unique spots. Bernita stared at the envelope and shoved it in her bag.

Is it strange we speak no Spanish? Eva looked at the passing building signs.

Papa thought English was more beneficial. Bernita glanced at her sister. But I can speak Spanish. Mama taught me years ago.

We go to the American school. We never speak Spanish. She peered at the cars driving by her.

We went to school. We don’t go to school anymore. Bernita rubbed her dry lips. I need my lip moisturizer.

Eva jumped up. Yes! I hate school.

Eva, you will go back to school once we find a haven. She looked at the traffic signs. Which way should we go?

Are we lost? Eva popped more candy into her mouth.

We have no destination. Lost is an understatement. Bernita stopped in front of a building. The Universidad de Cuenca, Papa’s old job.

It’s so big. Eva peered at the building. We met Papa here many times with food.

Mama loved coming here. She loved the energy and life of the students. Bernita grasped Eva’s hand. No time to dawdle. It’s important we keep walking.

I love looking at the buildings. Eva stared at the row of stores in front of her. Can we eat at my favorite place?

Bernita rubbed her sister’s shoulders. Let’s walk a little more before we stop and eat.

I’ll eat my candy. Eva stuffed more in her mouth.

Eva, not so many sweets. Bernita yanked the candy out of her hand. Mama’s village is north of here.

I’m bad at directions. Eva tried grabbing the candy from her sister. I need my sugar.

She slapped her sister’s hand. Stop.

You’re no fun. Eva moved her head back and forth. She belted out her favorite song.

You’re impossible. Bernita’s arm brushed against a woman’s back as they strode past her. Two policemen in bright jackets blocked the sidewalk. Bernita took Eva’s arm and pulled her down a side road.

What are you doing? Eva fumbled over the pavement.

People know who we are. Grandpa plastered our pictures all over the city. She adjusted the hat on her head. He used our faces for his political gain.

The pictures don’t even look like me. Eva adjusted the glasses on her face.

We need to leave fast. Let’s travel down the back roads. Bernita looked at the direction signs. Our destination is eight or nine hours by vehicle.

Bernita, I am not a car. It’ll take days to get there. Eva moved the backpack to her other shoulder.

Pretend we are on vacation. Bernita unzipped her lunchbox, grabbed a fruit, and handed it to Eva.

Some vacation. Eva took a bite of her banana. On foot.

Eva, it seems like a normal day, but it’s not. We are in danger. She paused and fixed her shoelaces. I should have worn tennis shoes.

Less talking more walking. Eva stuck more pieces of banana in her mouth.

It’s about time. Bernita slid past a row of bushes. The highway intersected the next street.

Chapter 3

The sun rose over the Ecuadorian land. Busyness and sounds of the city were hours