Charmaine
,Zahid didn't understand why did she run? The girl had seemed wary for sure of him, a stranger, but what young child wouldn't have been? Now whatever he had said had spooked her. He couldn't let her go like this. She would be dead within days if he didn't help her. Being a loner, and an outcast in the village thanks to his brother, he wasn't sure he should get involved. People might think he had ulterior motives toward this girl if he took her home. Well his father lived there, but still, people would talk and she was so young. They would question why such an outcast as himself would help someone for nothing? Blast his brother for destroying his life, and just because he balked against his brother's yoke. It was a yoke he refused to live under being onerous. He was not like his brother and never would be. Well he knew in spite of his situation he had to help her.
Zahid took off running after the girl. As weakened as she was without food she would soon tire and he would find her. Besides the heat would sap ones strength even if they were well fed and hydrated. He would follow her at a moderate pace, no sense in overdoing it and soon she would have to stop.
Zahid took off running after the girl. As weakened as she was without food she would soon tire and he would find her. Besides the heat would sap ones strength even if they were well fed and hydrated. He would follow her at a moderate pace, no sense in overdoing it and soon she would have to stop.
Charmaine terrified kept running, but she was quickly losing her strength. Having not eaten or drank anything in over a day was shutting her body down and her energy was gone. She didn't want to stop, and let that scary man overtake her. He was like all the rest of the men. He wanted to take her back to his house and make her his wife. She would be no man's wife! She wanted to be just who she was, Charmaine Valentine, a young girl. She knew too much, and could never quite be the young innocent child she had been, but she wanted to stay the way she was.
Charmaine in her desperation did accidentally what she had tried to do on purpose, and that was to find a cool stream of water. Normally she would have been thrilled, but any delay would mean the bad man would catch up to her. She had to keep going! Still she stopped and looked longingly at the stream. Maye she could just take a quick drink. Sighing she tried to keep running. No, her mouth felt like cotton balls and her tongue was stuck to the top of her mouth. She had to risk it and take a drink. Besides the sight of that beautiful blue water was driving her insane. She had to drink. Charmaine bent down and gulped huge amounts of water. Oh this felt so good. She was so hot so she splashed her face. After no more than a few minutes her stomach started to rebel and she hunched over. She threw up what she had just drank. She was alone, scared, miserable and her stomach was aching something terrible. She knew she was finished, but yet a part of her couldn't accept that. There was a part of her that wanted to keep fighting, keep going, but while her spirit was still strong, her body was just done. She had no food, the water she had drunk was on the ground, and she had nothing left to continue on.
Charmaine sat down and pulled out Riley. She really needed him now. If she could, she would cry, but her tears were all dried up. She was in a real bad state and was frightened. She didn't feel well at all.
Charmaine's voice was dry and hoarse: Riley, I don't know what to do. I don't want to go with that man, but I know if I stay here I will die. Even if I preferred to die, I cannot fight him if he wishes to take me to his home. I don't want to be his wife. I don't want to marry anyone except you. Unless we can find a way to make you more than my doll, that can never be. Oh Riley I love you so. I will always love you.
Riley his heart breaking for Charmaine: Curse that I cannot help you. I would die for you Charmaine.
He cursed his blasted existence. He loved her so much and wanted to protect her and help her, but he couldn't. How could he? He could only talk and move his arms and legs. He couldn't walk like Charmaine. He felt so useless and wished there was something he could do.
Suddenly he realized there was something. He had to convince her to go with the man. He had to make it ok for her.
Riley: Look Charmaine, you did good. You tried your best and I am proud of you. You are a fighter, but even the strongest man could not survive out here without food and water. Zahid seems to be a good sort. After all he wouldn't have stopped if he didn't want to help. I don't want you to be afraid. He will be a friend to you, just like I am. He will protect you like I can't. I want you to be the brave girl I know you are, and go with this man. This will be the bravest thing you could ever do.
Charmaine reluctant: I don't know Riley, what if he wants to marry me? She knew she had no choice, but yet she still was struggling with realizing it.
Riley knew he had to be tough for her sake: Charmaine! He spoke sharper than he had intended to. I want you to go with Zahid when he comes. I hear him now approaching.
Charmaine startled: No, Riley. I am afraid.
Riley had to say something that hurt him deeply, but she had to do this thing: Charmaine, if you don't go with Zahid, I will no longer talk to you. I will not help you or be your friend anymore.
Charmaine was shocked and hurt: Riley! You would abandon me? How could you say this to me? You are everything to me. You would throw me at this tiger? She was so hurt she couldn't even find the words.
Riley decided he might as well start now so he said nothing in spite of how much he wanted to comfort her. This was for her own good.
Charmaine sat there hugging Riley: Please Riley, please don't leave me! I need you. Her body was wracked with dry heaving sobs. Please don't go!
Riley sat there silent.
Zahid approached and saw the girl begging her doll to talk to her. . Why would she be begging her doll to talk? Did she really believe the doll talked to her? He could see something more than him was upsetting her.
Charmaine rocked back and forth afraid, but not wanting to lose Riley. How could Riley abandon her now?
Zahid looked down and pity engulfed him for this little distressed waif.
Charmaine wouldn't look up she just sat there hugging Riley.
Zahid looked at the little girl hugging her doll and all of a sudden she pushed him back as if to get a better look at him. It was obvious she was upset.
Zahid: Little one, you don't have to be afraid, I want to take you home to my father so we can help you. Please I have no reason or intention of hurting you.
Charmaine sat there looking at Riley trying to see if he would talk to her. She knew he wanted her to go with the man, but how did he know she could trust Zahid? Riley just stared at her blankly. No, she couldn't live without her dear friend. She would go with this man. After all she could not stay out here. Whatever the future held even if he forced her to marry him she would always have Riley. She now knew she could put up with anything as long as Riley was always by her side.
Zahid held out his hand: Please little one, trust me.
Charmaine looked up gravely and in a tremulous scared voice she took a leap of faith and gave the man her hand. Yes Zahid, I will go with you, and I thank you for your kind offer. By the way my name is Charmaine
Zahid grasped her hand warmly and smiled: Hello Charmaine nice to meet you.
Zahid: Little one, you don't have to be afraid, I want to take you home to my father so we can help you. Please I have no reason or intention of hurting you.
Charmaine sat there looking at Riley trying to see if he would talk to her. She knew he wanted her to go with the man, but how did he know she could trust Zahid? Riley just stared at her blankly. No, she couldn't live without her dear friend. She would go with this man. After all she could not stay out here. Whatever the future held even if he forced her to marry him she would always have Riley. She now knew she could put up with anything as long as Riley was always by her side.
Zahid held out his hand: Please little one, trust me.
Charmaine looked up gravely and in a tremulous scared voice she took a leap of faith and gave the man her hand. Yes Zahid, I will go with you, and I thank you for your kind offer. By the way my name is Charmaine
Zahid grasped her hand warmly and smiled: Hello Charmaine nice to meet you.