Karma came to an abrupt stop once they made it outside of the juvenile detention center. She didn't like or even know Stella that well to just easily follow behind her. That woman might be biologically related to her, but she was still no different from a stranger.
Stella is Karma's maternal grandmother. After Karma's mother got pregnant and eloped with her father, Stella cut all ties with them. She made it very clear that she wanted nothing to do with her daughter anymore. Which made Karma wonder what caused her to acknowledge her existence after all these years. She couldn't trust her if she wanted to. For Karma that's just how it worked.
"I don't mind you giving me a ride but once we make it back to the city, consider me dead again. I do appreciate you getting me out of there and all, but I have no desire to stay around you no more."
Stella paused, her last steps subtle and graceful. Without turning around, she spoke curtly, "You have no choice… since I have custody of you now," she turned to face Karma with a grin so cold it could stop global warming. She reached out to grip Karma's chin. Her movements were neat, and her grip was so tight it made Karma's jaw go numb from the sheer force.
Stella looked sharply at the young girl and with the same chilling grin on her face she said, "It's truly fascinating.... The effects of money I mean."
Karma snatched her head back and glared. The brief sensation of fear felt was replaced with anger. Stella continued on down the steps.
"Don't fucking touch me," she said as she followed the woman down the steps.
"Language Sweetheart," Stella said with a chuckle.
Everything that wasn't said between them was made understood with Stella's words.
Simply put, her mother sold Karma off to Stella. Wasn't really surprising to Karma, but it still hurt to some extent. What was understood didn't need to be said.
Once down the steps a driver greeted Stella and opened the door for them. He tipped his hat to Karma. He was a handsome young man around six feet, probably not much older than her. Although he had a poised appearance, he gave off a dangerous aura.
She gave him a flirtatious grin as he closed the door for them.
"Like mother like daughter," Stella huffed from the other side of the car.
Karma made no comment and tried to get comfortable on her seat.
Laying her hat down on the seat next to her, Stella, crossed her legs. Casually opening a cooler department she pulled out a whiskey glass and a bottle of scotch, pouring herself a glass. Her behavior completely dismissing her granddaughter's existence.
...…..
After what seemed like hours of silence, Karma decided to speak.
"Stel-"
Swirling her fifth glass or whiskey, Stella quickly cut her off, "Grandmother."
"Ste-," Karma tried again.
"Grandmother, I said."
Karma rolled her eyes, "Grandma," a sarcastic grin played on her lips as she said it.
Pleased, the woman responded, "Yes dear?"
"If I might be so bold as to ask, where we goin," the girl asked looking out the window.
The scenery outside the car was beautiful but unfamiliar to Karma. Almost to the point where it overwhelmed her. Lavish houses with boundless front yards. Each house separated from the ones around it, giving off the same energy as a castle. At least to the girl who only knew of abandoned houses, traps, and decaying apartment buildings. It was like seeing those fairytale dream houses like the ones on tv.
"Well you will be going to my house," Stella said after studying Karma for a moment.
"Which is where?"
"Wherever that destination is dear."
"Ok and where is that Stella," Karma said in a matter of fact tone of voice.
Why did this woman like playing mind games with her?
Instead of continuously going back and forth with the child, Stella pulled out a pack of cigarettes and lit one up. She looked up at Karma who was sending a mean glare her way.
Puffing out the smoke, Stella extended her hand out offering Karma a cigarette.
"Let's get along, ok?"
She smiled and added, "I will treat you like an adult if you can prove to me, you have that level of maturity. After all, you are stuck with me now."
Karma snatched the cigarette rudely from the woman's hand and pulled a box of matches from thin air, swiftly lighting her cancer stick. She rolled down the window and leaned on the car door. She took in the sweet feeling the tobacco gave her as it spread into her body with each puff while deep in thought.