EPISODE 1

I didn't feel anything. I was suspended between waking and sleeping, the darkness surrounded me from all sides. I didn't know how long I've been in this state. Suddenly a hot wave struck me and light came from the abyss of darkness.
I gently lifted my eyelids, but quickly closed them again. The sharp rays of sunlight stunned me. I slowly began to regain consciousness. I felt something floating beneath my fingers. I tried to get used to the dazzling glare.
At first I only saw blurry outlines of blue and green. After a while they began to take shape of trees and cloudless sky. I was on the beach, near the rushing sea.
I sat on the hot sand and looked at my hands. Wrists were blown. They must have been tied up for a long time.
Then I recalled everything. I was given death sentence, they led me to the ship. But what happened next? How did I get here?
There was a bag near me. I pulled out a phone and a pocket diary. I frowned. Why did I take them with me when I was about to die? It didn't make sense.
I reached the main forest path. I wasn't sure what to expect but did I have another choice?
The sun was breaking through the crowns of trees as I walked lazily along the way. With each step I felt stronger. Suddenly dark clouds entered the sky. I clenched my fingers on the bag and started to run. The first drops of rain felt on the ground. I leaned against the trunk of an oak tree. I felt exhausted.
I was standing in front of the small town, deserted at this moment. The purple strands fell on my forehead, I took them carelessly. I saw the plate "Bienvenue a Fraisi Paradis". Oh, so they know French. How well.
I looked around with curiosity in my grey eyes, absorbing the brisk air. The city was surrounded by greenery, there were a lot of torrents and also a rough river.  Single family houses dominated. None of the passersby was interested in me. Anyway, I didn't want to pay any attention.
I sat on a bench near a small river, ignoring the damp wood. I was wondering what to do with myself. I had to live on, forget about the past. The rain flowed down my face, mixing with tears.
- Hey, is everything all right? - I heard the voice behind me. I winced.
Someone sat down near me. I didn't look up.
- Don't worry. I won't hurt you - a girl put her hand on my shoulder.
- Go away - I snapped - I want to be alone.
- You'll get cold - she insisted.
I sighed heavily. No one was interested in me, never, and I also didn't ask for anything. But now I had no choice. I reluctantly looked at the stranger. She looked ... Well, just like an ordinary girl. At the age of eighteen, exactly like me. Red hair and green eyes. A cloak on the shoulders, an umbrella in hand.
 - So I'm listening -  I said - What are you suggesting?
- My parents run a cafe, we'll talk there - she answered.
The rain slowly settled as she led me down the street. Behind the clouds looked sun, rainbow appeared.
- Sorry, I didn't introduce myself. I am Charlotte Arnaud - the redhead broke the silence.
- Violette Delacroix - I waved dismissively.
She stopped.
- Girl, all the news sites are about you! All France is looking for you.
- Well, so what? - I shrugged - They don't have to know I'm alive.
- I thought you care about coming home - she frowned.
I didn't tell her anything until we reached the Arnauds cafe.
 I must admit the interior was quite tastefully decorated. Walls painted in light green color, evenly arranged tables, calm background music. I felt almost like in Paris.
While Charlotte at the speed of a machine gun explained to her parents who I am, I was curious to see the pictures hanging on the walls. Most of them show Red with friends or family. I sighed. I didn't have anyone by my side.
- Violette - Mrs Madeleine came to me - We have a single room. You can stay with us until the situation in France calm down. Do you want to?
Did I want to? Let me think...
- I'm not sure if it's a good idea - I mumbled uncertainly - They'll be chasing me.
- But you'll be safe here, I promise. Charlotte offered to show you everything.
 I looked at the Red. She was smiling ingratiatingly. Definitely too much ingratiatingly.
- Thank you for the hospitality - I answered, staring at her.
We walked up the stairs to the second floor.
- How did you get to the town? - Charlotte asked - It's a long way from Paris. For me, it doesn't look like an escape.
- It's not your business, right? - I was more and more furious - I didn't ask for mercy.
- Ok, stay calm, girl - she said, raising her hands in a defensive gesture - I'm just asking.
What did she want to hear?  That I was accused of treason and sentenced to death? No way.
I stopped abruptly at the top of the stairs and grabbed the Squirrel by the shoulders.
- What's wrong with you? - she was shocked.
- Don't tell the police where I am, is that clear?! - I was determined.
- But... Why? - she splattered.
I softened.
- I tried to get away from the country but Margaret Grapes' servants got me.
We sat together at the stair.
- Black Widow... - she whispered - I heard about her. She terrorized Paris with her family. Supposedly she got crazy. But what do you have in common with her?
- I met her in karate lessons, we both attended the same high school. She's always been... different. She wanted glory, also considered herself a goddess. After school our relationship ended.
I lied. But it's not the time to tell everything. I don't trust her this much.
- So... If you didn't keep in touch, what did you do to her? - Charlotte frowned.
I had to be more circumspect. She seems to be more suspicious than I expected.
- I'm sorry but I'm not ready to talk about it.
- Suit yourself...
The room was spacious, decorated in the same colors as the cafe. His large part was occupied by a bed, a wardrobe and a library. There were paintings of famous artists. I also saw a TV and a desk near window. I looked out. There was a panoramic view of the town and, in the distance, hills of mountain peaks. Absolutely amazing.
- How do you like it? - Red asked.
- It's great - I said.
- The bathroom is here - she opened the side door - I'll leave you alone. Come to us later.
Thank you, I don't have to.
I rubbed my hands on the windowsill and closed my eyelids. Do not think about what happened, forget ...
But I still remember. I still remember the moment when my peaceful life turned into a nightmare.
I sobbed. I didn't have anything, I had to start from the beginning.
So it seems that I still have a few hours to spend with Red. Wonderful.
I went down.
- Nice to see you - Madeleine smiled warmly - I'm just serving dinner. Sit with us.
Oh, so it's time for the interrogation.
- What is happening now in Paris? - Darius asked - Charlotte said you know this girl.
I glared at the Squirrel.
- That's right - I pretended indifferently, stirring the soup - But, as I mentioned earlier, I haven't had contact with her since she finished high school.
- But something must happened because she is chasing you - Charlotte had her hands on her chest.
It's not your business, red monkey.
- I'm not ready to talk about it - I stared at her - Would you be so polite and show me the city? It happens that I only came here with a tiny bag.
- Naturally - she smiled sweetly, -I would like to know the secrets of Parisian style.
I rolled my eyes. No one will help you anymore. Even plastic surgeon.
The sun was very warm, there was not a cloud in the sky. I watched the area from behind the sunglasses. There was peace, everyone lived their own lives. Complete abstraction in comparison with Paris. Every now and then I saw my face in information services, newspapers, posters. Every now and then I heard about further abductions, burglaries, and stubborn voice in his head, saying that it was all my fault.
I drove away the black thoughts. "I'm starting a new life, I'm going out on a quest for happiness" I thought.