PLACES TO GO

Chapter 3: Will make your life hell

The morning of the next day seemed brighter than on other days, Frisk and Omeliah were ready to start the day, and it was clear that Frisk was the happiest. And both were organizing again to clarify how they would proceed that afternoon.

Both said goodbye and took their own paths in opposite directions, waiting anxious to meet again in the afternoon to celebrate, the infant was aware that the woman wasn't very happy about what had happened yesterday, but it seemed that she had sworn she would never forget that day, and indeed, the difficulties that could arise never prevented them from celebrating that day every year, it had never happened and had no reason to believe that this time it would be different.

Frisk sat in a seat in the front of the bus, could hear one or another child whispering about the sweetshop, who would also come, decided to join the conversation, despite their relationship with other children, they would be happy to see more familiar faces, finally promised themselves the greatest possible composure, having a day as uncomplicated as possible within the school, and it's well known that if they planned something they would fulfill it.

Omeliah too projected to continue with her day like any other, or well almost like any other. Despite the shortcomings, in one way or another that day had to be special, it was Frisk's day, it was also a very special day for her, it was a reminder of why she did what she was doing, why she didn't give up, even when she wanted ...

Once the woman returned from her first job, she began to clean the small apartment, try to leave it as good as possible, it was something that took time to do, despite being such a small place Omeliah had the bad habit of leaving the mess accumulate, usually left the house chores only for the days she had off, not always, but sometimes she was so tired, tired of everything, that those days she didn't want to do anything, nor cleaning, nor talking to nobody, not even Frisk ... but not today, on the contrary, she felt motivated, full of determination we could say. Once finished she took a small break, prepare something quick to eat both for her and Frisk, she fixed her face and hair a bit and finally went out to do the shopping for the house, knowing that, when returning, Frisk would be there, and both could leave.

2pm, time to leave school and Frisk decided to go home walking, had a relatively calm day, without getting into trouble "as Omeliah would've wanted" they thought, made them feel at peace with themselves and with her, knowing that if they had more days like that, she would be more at peace with them, although not with themselves, they did it more to apologize to her and make sure they go. Didn't really care about Omeliah's feelings, but they knew they owed it to her, still didn't feel regret, and that she exaggerated, since they didn't get hurt and didn't hurt anyone

Shaking those thoughts from their mind, enjoyed the way home, their feet hurt a little and fell on the couch, soon noticed the apartment clean and fixed in a couple of hours Omeliah would come back, from then on they just have to be patient, look in what spend the time until, eat something and finally could go to the candy store, see the opening show, and who knows maybe buy a sweet and then have a nice night until the following day. Which would be the last day of school before the summer break, they really couldn't wish for more.

He spent a while in the chair and then decided to get up and take their things to the room, the time progressed Frisk was trying to relax, reading a little, drawing, playing on the computer, anything that could arise inside the small box that was their apartment, and nothing else, however tempting it was to leave, they were determined to be patient and wait for Omeliah ... had already successfully killed 1 hour and a half exhausted all their first possibilities. It was only a matter of time, and every second less, but they couldn't stand it, was really excited, but I had to wait, just a little more...

Omeliah was in the supermarket where she worked, many times she said she would prefer to shop somewhere else, but employees were given a small discount, and well, the economy they had must be completely controlled, even on days like this, especially on days like this, for that had a little money saved, usually to pay for the more expensive things, like the inscriptions of the Frisk school and their supplies, as well as the cable service and internet, from there it would take some money to be able to take Frisk to that extravagant candy store that was already seen more and more advertisements around the city.

Everything was going fine, inside her head the woman kept praying so it stays that way, growing stronger as if she had the feeling that it wouldn't be like that. Once the pantry was finished and paid for it, to finally go home, she was stopped by Rick who had approached, offering help to carry her bags and smiling, seriously there was nothing that she hated more than his smile. Because that way of smiling meant only one thing ...

—I'm so glad to see you here. -Omeliah did not answer. —We need you to cover the hours that you lack—

The words froze the whole atmosphere, made it darker and he felt that something was crushing her chest, she could hardly move or speak, it was like hiting a wall, hard and very cold ...

—Excuse me ... — was the only thing she could say, her voice was muffled, just as she felt.

—What you heard, you have to understand, I cannot give you preferential treatment over other employees ... of course unless you want, you know, return the favor.

—No! —Omeliah practically roared and immediately realizing it she shrugged again and under the volume of her voice. — I mean, no, but ... understand, I cannot, today no, it's my child's birthday ...

Rick arches an eyebrow at seeing her that way and helps her with the shopping bags, again painting on his face his kind mask that he showed the rest of the world.

—And I suppose you had a plan? What would you do, take them somewhere special?

—To that new candy store that so much have been announcing ... — she answered timidly, altered still

—Oh yes, I heard of that place, it seems fun—his smile became wider. — What if we do the following, I personally take you there, we buy some candy for Frisk, a gift and we celebrate their birthday properly, and we spend the rest of the night together what do you think?

Omeliah twitched so much just to hear him, she clenched her fists so much that she marked her fingernails on her palms, it could be said that she also felt as if he was clenching her own soul. let out a bitterest sigh in history and went to the employee area. Once she put on her uniform and the purchases in her locker, she dried a couple of tears to get herself to attend to one of the registers...

She hated what she was doing so much, what she would end up doing to Frisk, but she hated the idea of having that guy nearby, hated herself so much, hated him so much ... she just wouldn't give him any chance, no matter how much she had to sacrifice, nobody would never approach her, even thru all this she expected Frisk to understand, "they're smart, they'll understand and I will compensate them" she thought compulsively and prayed that it would be like that.

Frisk continued looking for activities to kill time, only an hour left, began to feel hungry and remembered that Omeliah left prepared food for both, served themselves a little, took a seat in the "dining room" and turned on the television; they were passing a police program that she liked, and the infant would sit next to her to see it from time to time.

They could only think of Omeliah, was waiting for her to come, thought of the candy store, the wizard ... but above all, when something new and fun would happen, he thought of having fun, both having fun.

That idea made them smile to share something nice with Omeliah, few... were those memories, in which they were together, enjoying something, to accumulate another would be a treasure.

The waiting time finally seemed to be over, just when the episode ended, "a funny coincidence" ... a few minutes passed and Omeliah still didn't arrive, they snorted with a bit of despair, but still maintained hope, it was 5:15, it would not be long ... they remained optimistic, even though they been waiting a long time, there was still time, and there must be a good reason for the delay, and in their highest hopes there was nothing to it finish.

Another 15 minutes passed, and the kid began to walk around the apartment anxiously, had already combed and arranged the clothes for the second time, peeked into the corridors by the door, even went down a few floors, and dared to ask a neighbor, but nothing…

Frisk became more anxious, desperate, so much that they forgot to check the time, there had to be a good reason, but they couldn't help feeling downcast and betrayed, the time kept running cold and without care of Frisk's plans or wishes ... and when at last they look at a watch felt their heart break in two and then in many pieces ...

Could remember, all of those moments that they treasured next to Omeliah, all in days like these ... they were so scarce, so distant, so little consistent in the sense that they seemed to be made of nothing ... a slight essence of what It was supposed to be their relationship. Something bitter burned to the bottom of their soul, they wanted to cry, but held it back as much as they could. Couldn't afford to break, not at all, Frisk was not weak and would not give up easily, stay and expect to see the woman arrive with breath and sweat on her forehead, as well as a lot of excuses in her mouth, it would accept a defeat, a defeat at the possibility of discovering, of going where they wanted. It didn't matter at all, something inside told them they had to go, that they could not live their life locked up waiting; When I honestly wanted to do much more, to see and know.

Was it right? Was it wrong? Would it have shattering consequences? None of that mattered, it was time to put to the test that independence, which seemed to be inculcated by the force by this woman ... they won't tolerate it, felt as if it was a betrayal of everything they tried, it didn't have no use, wouldn't be the first time they disobeyed her and surely it would not be the last. Anyway, it didn't help, in the end now the whole thing was in their hands, they didn't want to miss the event ... and something was going to do. still wrapped in this feeling of bitterness, but he would not let it go. Actions was the only thing that came to mind, knew what they wanted to do and how.

It was too much, it still hurt. But it was not fair, the promises disappeared, both the ones she made and theirs, don't waste any more time, they entered the room and checked the closet and soon found a small can of coffee in which Omeliah keeps the money, money with which she paid certain things such as the rent and the school ... it would only be a small amount, it would be enough.

Their little hand was about to take out the bills when something stopped him. Were they really willing to take that money to go to a candy store? If something was missing, it would be obvious who it was, but they were determined. Is it bad? It was worse to break a promise, especially when it meant so much between them, and they'll find a way to return it, everything would be fine.

They just take it, everything that fit in their fist, and put it in their pocket… left the apartment in the direction of the bus stop, and it didn't take long for the right on to appear, they board it and their mind was again captive, very rarely they were out of the house alone so late. But ignore it, it didn't really scare then, in fact, to some extent found it exciting, to go on their own, they did, but not for long.

Soon the bus stopped, walked a couple of streets and finally found it, guided by the music, more sadly by the confetti on the floor and the people of the band putting their instruments back Frisk realized that they had missed the event, however, there were still enough people around, ran inside to look and they were captivated. The place was much bigger than expected, although it had never been in such a place, it was impressive, huge dispensers that reached the ceiling, brand candy in package for wholesale, and for individual sale on other shelves, large chocolate fountains and a huge table where artisanal sweets were available; both traditional and original, that Frisk had never seen. The place looked old as if it had been taken from a fairy tale, dark wood, stained glass in some windows, and violet pennants hung between golden streamers.

The place was beautiful and imposing, it seemed smaller on the outside, beautifully discordant with the city. Frisk walked from shelf to shelf, feeling intrigued by every sweet and candy that was new to them, they liked to see people happy around and didn't lose the opportunity to take free samples of everything they could, they were having a good time, couldn't deny it, the decorations, the smell of sugar impregnated the air. "It was worth it" they thought.

Soon the people dissipated and could approach the table of artisanal sweets. Wrapped by hand in cellophane paper or small cloth bags. With labels that seemed engraved. A small smile appeared on their face when he noticed the care and dedication they had, the shapes and colors they had looked curious to them. However, that smile was fading to notice the prices ... they were expensive ... quite expensive. Decided to move away and continue touring the place, looking at the people, the sweets, listening to the music they had put on the speakers, thinking about whether to buy something or not ...

They were about to leave when decided to take a last tour of the place and analyze the sweets on the table, again captivated and lost the colors and shapes ... when their gaze rose to the high roofs of the building on the railing; a man, not very tall a little overweight, and a little older. And despite that he had a poise imposing and a little mysterious, he was smiling at the employees and the customers ... then at Frisk. He was wearing a black tuxedo and a matching top hat, both of iridescent velvet, like the plumage of some birds ... he had an inquisitive look that settled on the child who was also staring at him, smiled and skillfully, quickly, as if he were dancing and in a few seconds was in front of Frisk.

—Good evening, young one. —The man said in a calm but cheerful tone —I am the Magical Ebert! A pleasure to have you in my shop ... — the man said triumphantly and then bowed taking off his hat ...

Frisk let out a tiny laugh hiding the smile behind their hand and then looked at the man with their neutral face.

—I see that you are interested in my magic candies ... —said the gentleman and the kid quickly leaves them again on the table. — they are original creation, and here among us the magic thing isn't exaggerate

The man winks and they feels a little intrigued by the man and by the sweets ... really didn't know if it was in a good or bad sense.

—Magic food is the only one capable of recovering HP, when your soul is hurt, magic is the only thing that can make it heal. —says the man in a sigh

Frisk was still looking inquisitive ... they didn't really know what it was all about, but didn't dare to ask either, yet they had the feeling that this guy knew what he was talking about, that he was talking about things that not everyone could understand.

—Well, I hope you have a nice night. Thanks for visiting, come back soon. —The man said goodbye with his sophisticated tone and turned his back ...

And they didn't know why, but their eyes turned again to the sweets at the table, and to the man who was walking away soon stopped to greet another client ... not understanding what it was all about, maybe he tried to hypnotize them or it was a trick of Marketing, maybe both, but it worked, I take the cheapest package of sweets from the table; they were three very soft gummies of very clear and translucent green color ... the label said that they were soft gummies filled with condensed milk, covered with sugar. They were shaped ... of small frogs, they were called sweet Froggits

When they went to pay, Ebert himself took care, they also explained that it was their birthday, and the magician made them an offer, to take another package with a discount ... it was more money than they planned to spend, but the offer was tempting, buying the two packages together left them considerably cheaper, so accepted. The guy smiled again, in that strange way, like if he knew more than anyone present in the place, the child began to withdraw from the place, but not without first taking a last look at that place that seemed taken from a book and like its owner, so enigmatic, who finally smiled to them with a friendlier and less mysterious smile, giving the feeling that in reality it could be just an attitude he took for being a character ... maybe the magical Ebert did not even It was real and that man was just a kind actor ...

Frisk noticed the sky and it had darkened, knew they had to go home soon or no bus would take then. Anyway, walked calmly contemplating the city and the people. Thinking about everything that just happened, leaving without permission, taking money that wasn't theirs, in the candy store, the "magic" man and the expensive sweets they bought, decided to open and try one while waiting for the appropriate bus to board ... they had a peculiar flavor don't know if they were lemon or apple, and they were much softer than the expected, by giving them another bite the condensed milk came out it tasted much sweeter even maybe a little cloying ... but in They were delicious, if anything, the least they liked was that the sugar was stuck on his hands and lips ... it felt more like a fine dust than sugar.

The bus that picked them up was a model older than the rest of the common, lit with old blue neons and a few lights between white and yellow ... it was almost empty, only about 4 more people. The infant takes a seat next to a window, neither front nor far in the back with their eyes on the window waiting for more passengers to go up. Decided to take out the other package of sweets just to see the shape of the curious sweets that had just bought, and then put them back away as soon as he saw someone else come up. Only a couple that had a somewhat somber face that sat right in the back seat.

They were talking in that kind of whispers that were still audible, and even though I avoid it Frisk ended up listening to everything ...

—Then ... went to Mount Ebott. — She said it sad and like if those were the worst words that someone could say to someone else.

The name of the city they lived in was Ebott, and Frisk knew that the name came from that Mount. And even read and heard many stories about that peak. Although not very substantial could be summarized in the following "legends say that those who go the mountain never return" little has been told why, and legends attribute it to a very, very old curse, and that is that there really was no record of an only person who went up and back ... it was like a tradition that few records had, but the real reason for those disappearances was unknown or those who knew never talk much ... it was almost taboo to talk about that place.

The girl was still talking ...

—I've heard stories of the mountain ... the craziest says that there are monsters there. —She gave a small laugh trying to lighten the issue, but realized that didn't worked ...

—Please, that's a story that everyone tells us when we are children, but come on, everyone really knows why people never come back from there ...— he spoke irritated and his voice broke more and more as he pronounced word...

There was a moment of prolonged silence, which was later interrupted by a slight sob ... Frisk felt a lump in their throat from the words they had heard, but at the same time was very intrigued. What was really there in that place?

Frisk soon came home, the apartment was completely dark and there were no traces of someone in the place, turned on the light, and only found a cupcake on the table, felt a bit of remorse, but the bulk in their pockets made them forget, but not quite, just leave the other package next to the dessert. Soon they notice something curious ... "The Froggits" were the only thing that remained in the pockets, nothing else; the change for the sweets was no longer there, they must have fallen when they took them out on the bus and the Mount Ebott affair had caught too much attention to notice, a feeling of despair enveloped them. But deep down, knew they couldn't do anything with a slightly bitter feeling of memory found the door to their room getting into bed, rolling on it, trying to forget the matter and concentrate on other things, with a mix of emotions hovering in their mind, some joy, guilt, and intrigue, was quite an adventure and felt satisfied.

7pm and Omeliah ran with the shopping bags and a very cupcake that bought at the end of her shift in the store, she felt very bad for having disappointed Frisk, but she would do anything to avoid getting close to that guy or anyone ... opened the department saying the words of apology that had rehearsed all the way

—Frisk! I'm very sorry to take so long. — she calls out loud —I brought you something, I'm really sorry, tomorrow we can go ...

Silence, but it was normal so she called again, but nobody came, she started looking, entered the kitchen, nobody, knocked on the bathroom door, then she turned the knob open, finally entered the room, which noticed a little scrambled, but Frisk was nowhere to be found, and all the fatality of the world entered her, they left, she gone to god knows where, and a huge displeasure was planted in her, "That damn brat, always have to be doing this to me" she thought, she would never call Frisk that way at least not in their presence. She entered the room and collapsed in her bed frustrated and grumbling curses, everything worsened by noticing the closet messier than normal.

She couldn't with the situation was too frustrating, she left slamming the door of the room and then the department was little for her turn at the bar and had to get going, her muscles were tight as those of her face, even so her eyes watching everything around her, no matter how much anger she felt she wanted to see Frisk and know they were okay, she wanted to see them not only to ensure that they weren't in danger but to vent, scold them and punish them, like if the fury went out just like that ... already in the middle a few streets took stop in a small shop to buy something; Every time the woman bought those had a feeling of pleasure, relief and guilt in her ... but she felt that a situation like that deserved it, in fact she only did it when the stress in her body and mind were too many, people told herself that was not good idea, even when she was not stressed, but she didn't really care ... paid the pack of cigarettes and lit one as she walked to work, breathing in the gray smoke trying to mitigate her feelings.

It was a relatively quiet shift, yet she felt it as the longest of her life, said goodbye to her workmates and again walked the way back to the apartment, anxiously climbs the stairs sometimes jumping steps, more anxious than ever, with a lump in her throat when she finally was in front of the door.

There was not a light on and the lights in the outer corridors barely crept under the door. Omeliah was so nervous but the huge weight on her chest faded when she turned on the light and noticed that there was something different with the place, a package of candy on the table next to the cupcake ... the weight that oppressed it evaporated so fast and felt the air in his lungs volatile about to explode, because the worry had become again a rage against Frisk, entered the room and noticed the child asleep in his bed and confirm that everything was fine, or well not everything.

If it wasn't that late and if she weren't so tired, she would have started reproach them immediately, her lips burning with the desire, and stressful thoughts flooding her mind; at the end she rather to lit another cigarette right there without caring that they were there.

The morning came and Frisk woke up, the sunlight came through the window noticed that the bed beside was empty but could easily hear the sounds of someone outside the room and they smelled a faint and peculiar, although familiar smell that didn't dare to name.

They left the room and saw Omeliah sitting in front of the television with a cup of coffee, and no one dared to turn to see or talk. Even so, could tell by her look, she wasn't happy at all. When the time came they left the house, Omeliah walked a little faster than Frisk taking them by the hand practically pulling them, muttering under her breath ... Frisk didn't tolerate that for much, they were also angry, yesterday even though it was not the worst day they had it was what they wished it to be, Omeliah forgot the only day she never forgot, the day they shared more, and felt closer...

Frisk took off from her and started running like yesterday, but this time she didn't seem interested in running to catch up with them, they didn't mind and kept running until slipped because of some sand on the sidewalk, scraping their knees and cheek. Omeliah only hasten the pace just as they were getting up. The child touched their face and noticed that a little blood began to come out and it was only when it started to hurt. When she finally reached them both sighed and the woman began to search inside her purse for a Band-Aid that began to open...

—How many times have I told you not to run like that? —scold them as she leans down and puts the band aid on them and continue walking. She didn't contain herself anymore — Well-earned you have it. Why did you leave the house? Did you think I was not going to notice?

—Why did not you come for me? - Frisk said dryly.

—Rick forced me to stay to cover the hours I left early yesterday because someone feels like not entering classes.

Frisk reneged a little, the explanation that Omeliah gave them didn't satisfy them, on the contrary it made them feel worse about her leaving them forgotten by someone she hated.

—Do you prefer to be good with him before being good me? — Frisk let out annoyed

—Do not talk to me like that, brat! I had no choice— she lied. — Also you shouldn't have left, something could have happened to you, plus you took the money that is for your school and the things of the house and you spent it all.

—I lost it, I didn't spend it.

— Worse Perhaps, you know that they will not pay me until next month, we will be without television or internet until the next month; I do not understand why you behave like this ... I'm always having problems with you and I don't have time to be attending them all the time.

They kept walking until they finally reached the school bus stop, there were other kids and parents ... Omeliah felt a bit embarrassed when the eyes went to them, but she wasn't done yet, she was upset and had something else to say, something necessary, I was not afraid to make "a scene" in front the others. It was important.

—More you'd better you enter classes today, I don't care if it's the last day—she spoke a little lower and quiet but still cold and angry. — And when you get from school you're going to be grounded all summer. Did you hear me? You will not leave the apartment.

—What?! It's not fair! - Frisk raises their voice.

—I don't care you're going to do what I tell you! - Said almost shouting, just when the truck arrived. The kid with a low head stands in line and looks back at the woman

—You forgot my birthday ...

Said quite sad as they got on the bus, Omeliah felt bad for the fact but she was still angry "Just Go" was the last thing she said when the bus finally left and Frisk sat watching the road, annoyed by the fact of being grounded, the whole thing with her, it was true that they had problems but they felt betrayed and honestly it was worth it and if she were going to punish them all summer at least they would have one last adventure, something to tell before being locked up for so long, they had a plan...

Entered every class, there really was not much to do on the last day, saw all the other children coming together and planning their vacations, everything seemed harmonious and normal for the rest of them, but for Frisk; their mind since that night had not been able to separate themselves from the infamous Mount Ebott. Anyway if they were grounded getting home later was not going to make things worse. They would go to Mount Ebott.

Frisk started to walk, nobody really said anything to them because they tended to do it, walk and walk all over the city, going through the center, shops and other places, resting if needed it was a long way, but if everything went well they'd be back in the apartment a little before dark. At each step the city gave signs of change, like any city, the banks showed less attention and opulence. Nobody seemed ask them where was going or their intentions, soon the traces of "civilization" dissipated almost completely, leaving around areas more rural or forest like. When the ground began to rise the kid knew was nearing their destination. Although the altitude was not so steep or at least it did not feel that way, the first sections of the climb were pleasant, Frisk saw the trees, the flowers and the sky, the birds were singing and their feet were crunching with the earth and vegetation dry at each step, the air breathed fresher and cleaner. They took a stick nearby and began to play with it along the way as if it were a sword or a magic wand and sometimes using it as a cane.

They couldn't understand what was wrong with that place every time they sat down to rest and looked back the view was more and more beautiful, if perhaps the only drawback was the air blowing harder and the temperature descending at each step of the climb, but it didn't look like a cursed place. Take a last rest and view the landscape before finally deciding to go down and return home with the conclusion that everything that was said of that place were just superstitions, and it would be a nice place to visit in some future; Not only that, but felt great pride, what if Frisk was the first person to explore Mount Ebott and come back, they imagined telling the other children how brave and admirable they felt, started jumping in the place, shouting and laughing had to take advantage of the last moments of freedom that were left to them. Breathe the air of the place, but it felt a little different, colder and with a peculiar smell, one that they had never experienced, one that simply cannot be explained, they try to ignore it and look at the city, the beautiful panorama that surely only the brave can witness.

They wanted that image to stay forever in their head the beautiful golden sunset caressing the roofs of houses, skyscrapers, forest trees and other mountains, took a few steps back to appreciate it better. Felt the cool summer wind blowing again spreading their arms and closing the eyes, like someone who would be imprisoned, and even if it was exaggerated, felt each sensation as if it were the last time that the stars of the star touched them, took another step backwards and a sinuous sensation crawled their back, thought about Omeliah and everything that happened. But try to leave it behind, everything behind, another step back and another step, from that moment there was no past, only the sunset and Mount Ebott, only the joy and future glory that would come down ... all the scolding Omeliah, all her anger and punishment, her forgetfulness and selfishness, were behind and there was only that moment, the wind, the trees and birds singing, the orange sky, the sunset hugging them and everything was behind, another step backwards and only thing all left were those feelings that would help them to going on, there was only determination, one step further back but this time, there was no land, there was no ground, there was no sunlight, no birds singing with the trees, there was no mount Ebott… There was blackness, blackness and flowers.