2 A.M.

[9forgotten]

I shake my head slightly, bring her over to where the chairs and couch was. I let her hand go softly so I could go back and grab the medicine stuff as she answered my question. I turn around to find she was making her way to a chair and a smile spreads across my lips unknowingly. I hum a little as I pick all the supplies up, moving at into the sitting area. I wasn't sure what to call it really, I called it many different things actually. I blinked as I realized this was probably the longest I'd stayed in this apartment room when I wasn't sick or something. Hm well that's a new record. I laugh slightly to myself in amusement as I set the things down on the table.


"Traveling group huh?" I answer thoughtfully as I move in front of her. I unwind the bandages on her legs first, cleaning them again gently to look at them for a few moments. I decide to let them air out some while I tended to her other wounds, going through the same process quietly. "How old are you?" I randomly ask glancing up at her for a moment or two. "And what's it like working there? Do you enjoy it? How'd you find that place?" I ask suddenly, the questions just falling from my mouth in rapid fire. I smile sheepishly up at her for a moment before going back to her cuts "Sorry, you don't have to answer them all, I'm just curious with way to many questions in my head. You're kind of a mystery at the moment and I'm curious to know why kind of place would mistreat a person so bad" I say with a small shrug "At least it appears that way about this group of yours"


I knew I was partly speaking from flat out assumptions and that could easily come off rude but hey, if I got answers from my assumptions then I was fine by it. I wan't one to care if I was being rude, it's just who I was these days but at the same time it slightly bothered me to think this girl would think bad of me. It was weird but oh well. I start to rewrap her cuts and check her head, seeing that the bump was still there but not as bad asa before. I considered giving her ice to put on it but I wasn't sure, I guess it wouldn't hurt. So with that I rose swiftly and fetched an icepack wrapped in a hand towel and handed it to her "Just hold that to your head for a little bit. Other then that you're good." Well actually I can tell you lack like a lot of food nutrients in your body, you're pretty underweight and in general you aren't doing so good. But I didn't say that last part out loud, I was pretty sure this girl already knew that. I smiled a little and leaned back as I studied her a little for a moment or two before looking away. Gosh Alex could you get any more awkward?

 

[FaithWynters]

She was gone and is back again, like she had been before. She retrieved the same items she had left me for last time, walking around the seats and setting them on the table. I can tell that she wants to make sure that I am okay, and she is doing a very good job of it. I wasn’t sure I had seen any sort of medical assistance since I was little.


For a little while, I feel like she’s only trying to make small talk. She responds to my comment about the traveling group, but worries herself with the bandages that have been wrapped around my legs. I hadn’t realized how much I had been pushing myself until that moment when I saw all the cuts and scrapes and bruises. It was like I had been hit by the car, not just fallen in front of it. Then she asks my age and I smile. It’s a simple and safe question to ask. I am about to answer when she asks more questions. They are more personal; they are about the circus. I can feel myself take a sharp breath in. She talks so quickly; she is so curious about what has happened to me. I can’t tell her…She is a stranger that I do not know. She doesn’t need to know what has happened to me; no one needs to know. She continues to speak, looking back down to the cuts on my body. She was doing her best to keep her eyes occupied. I was still dirty; I was surprised that she even wanted to touch me.


“I…” My voice comes out soft. I was going to answer her first question, but the words will not flow. My eyes get wide and I feel they’re about to start watering up, but she doesn’t see. She is too busy inspecting my head to get a good look at me. There is a moment’s pause before she rises without another word and escapes out of the room. I watch her go, taking the time to push the water out of my eyes. I would make myself stop crying. She didn’t need to see what had happened to me. I had to keep reminding myself that. The few moments she is gone is all it takes and the tears have passed; I’ve gotten pretty good at that.


“Thank you” I smile to her as I take the cool ice and place it softly on the bump. The swelling would go down soon and I would look as normal as I had before. I watch her a moment. She was still trying to be nice. My cuts were fine; that was good. I did not need an infection right now. “I think I’m seventeen” I had been thinking over the words for a while, trying to figure out which ones would be the right ones. Those were not the words I had decided on, but they were the ones that chose to come out of my mouth. My head dropped a moment before I looked back up at her. “I love to dance” I would try again; hopefully she wouldn’t question it, but that wasn’t a normal thing that someone would say. Maybe if I changed the subject it would get dropped. I took in another breath, leaned back on the couch, and smiled at her again.

 

[9forgotten]

I raise an eyebrow at the lack of answers but decide not to push it or anything. For now. "You think?" I wonder a little puzzled for a moment. I smile a little as she mentions how she loved to dance, it made me remember about the things I used to love to do. "Dancing huh? That's cool, I can't dance at all" I muse with a laugh. I grab the medical stuff and take it back to counter, picking my phone up in exchange before moving back to the couch near Mira. "Well, I'm seventeen and I'm a 'international best selling prodigy' author" I say introducing myself while making a slight face.


I shake my head and smile some "Well, I wont press about anything till you're comfortable." I decide. I wondered if she ever would tell me anything. "Stay here as long as you want and there's no need to pay me back or anything" I say with a small smile. I glance down at my phone for a moment, scrolling through a bunch of texts, mostly from my mother and producer. I sigh irritably as I remember I needed to send Irene the manuscripts of the next several chapters and whatnot. I didn't really want to do anything currently other then stick around here and look after Mira.


I close my phone and set it next me, leaning back into the couch some. I kinda hoped she'd take my offer and stay, well at least until she was better. There was no way she could get out and about safely on her own at this state, or at least that's just what I presumed just looking at her. I still wanted to know about this place she worked out, it didn't sound safe or fun at all and the lack of explanation only backed up my suspicions. But like I had said, I wasn't going to press with anything. I wanted to help her. I found myself really caring about her, something I didn't normally ever feel.

 

[FaithWynters]

She does have a comment to my slip up, but I am relieved and grateful that she drops the topic without much of a fight. I can’t help the smile; this was going to be a good thing here. I didn’t want to stay for long, I knew that, but I needed to get my strength up before I left. I took in a deep breath—I did that quite often now—crossing one leg over the other to watch her a moment. I can’t help the laugh when she says that she can’t dance. I knew from experience that some people just weren’t meant to, but others… the only thing they lacked was the confidence to get out there and try. I wanted to roll my eyes at the thought; I was talking about confidence when I had none? Nope… most anyone could dance. If I could do it, then anyone could.


“I’m sure you’re not too bad—it gets easier with time and I’ve been dancing for….eleven years now?” I kept the smile up, remembering the occasion of six years of that dancing. She has risen, and my voice rises as she moves away so that she can hear me, quieting as she returns to the place on the couch. I smile at her, glancing across the room toward the blank television screen. It doesn’t surprise me when she says that she is an international author. Well…it does, but I could tell before she said anything that she was wealthy. I watch her a moment, giving a smile. We were the same age and she was so successful and I was… not. She wrote books too.


“That’s really cool, I love to read” Lie. Well, not much of a lie, but a pretty big fib. Not getting the chance and not being fluent, it was hard to learn to be better at something. I read like I was in fourth grade still; a fact that I was not proud of. I would never say that—not ever. I look back up as she offers her home to me for as long as I would like. I shake my head, pulling my free hand into my lap.


“I won’t be staying long, miss. I don’t want to cost you any more money and not be able to repay you. I don’t want to be a burden…I won’t be a burden.” There it was again... 'Miss' I wasn't sure I would be able to break the habit as easily as I had thought.I readjust the ice pack on my head, curiously feeling the bump. I wasn’t sure if it was just me, but it felt like the swelling was already beginning to lessen; that was good. My body was healing and I was happy about that. “I do want to thank you for helping me, Alex”, it was the first time that I had said her name,”and you may have saved my life last night and I will forever be in your debt for that.”

 

[9forgotten]

I smiled as she tells me she's been dancing for years and seemed to still enjoy it."Nah, I stink. You still love to dance?" I ask curiously. I was glad she was smiling a bit more, she seemed to be growing a little more comfortable around here and that made me happy. "What's so cool about writing books but no longer actually enjoying it?" I murmur with a sigh. I questioned why I didn't just stop writing, I guess a part of me really did enjoy writing still but I was always surrounded by annoying people and loneliness. Hm not a good combo, I guess that's why I've changed.


I wave it aside as she tells me she will forever be my debt or something and that she wont be a burden or anything. "What? Oh, it's no burden. I...I like having you here" I blurt out near the end. I smile awkwardly as I rub the back of my neck, a faint blush creeping its way across my face. "You don't have to worry about anything and you don't have to repay me at all" I add, moving on from my weird behavior. I wasn't very good at this stuff, interacting with people wasn't my strong point at all no matter how much I tried to not be awkward.


It made me happy that she used my name and not 'Miss' or "Ma'am", did where she work make her say that or was she just being supper polite again? I hummed to myself for a moment, unsure what to do today other then sit around and talk? Should we go outside, let her rest some more? I scratch my head, thinking about this some as I try to figure this out some more.

 

[FaithWynters]

She still l thought she was bad at dancing and, honestly, I couldn’t judge her. I had never seen her dance, but after performing two shows a day for five years, only getting rest days on days that you travelled, you got better at dancing…Just like she was good at writing; which she seemed bored of, even though apparently others liked her work.


“Dancing is my escape.” I paused a moment, looking over at her. She had no idea how much that statement rang true. I lean forward, naturally, watching her. Although she had just tried to brush the awkward situation under the rug, I made it more prevalent. I watched her a moment as she shifted around. Even though she said I didn’t have to repay her, I would repay her with what I could…What I thought I could. “Just like dancing is mine, writing is your escape. It’s a world that you have created that you can envelop yourself in peace and feel nothing. The pain others feel is gone and the pain you feel yourself melts away into something artistic and passionate…” I feel my cheeks flush; I hadn’t meant to say all of that. “And when you are yanked out of your world, you know that you can still go back any time and that changes you…it helps you” I could feel my smile from before was now gone as I pull my feet up beneath my body. There is a pause and I look away from her.


“I’m not sure why you like having me here, but if you want me to stay for a little while, I will” My voice is now soft as I look back up to her. Staying in this house and off of the streets is the way that I intended on keeping out of the hands of the ring master. She was helping me do that.

 

[9forgotten]

I listen to what she says about her dancing and how it was an escape for her like my writing was for me. I smiled some as she went on talking about, hearing the passion she had for dancing. I thought about that for a moment, seeing it from her perspective and I had to agree with what she'd said. When I sat down to write, I easily became immersed into that world, the one I'd created while forgetting all about the one here. The one I actually lived in and didn't love as much.


I just nodded slightly to let her know I'd heard her but didn't really respond to it, unsure how to anyway. I sit forward slightly, adjusting my position before sitting back again "I don't know either really. I hunk I like having you here, even though it's been less then a day, simply because you appearing is out of the normal boring routine I usually go through." I say with a small shrug "Who knows? But anyway, don't force yourself to stay here if you don't want to. I'm sure you have places to go or something" I say with a small sigh.


I smiled over at her and stood up, moving in front of her again as I inspect her head again briefly. "Seems a lot better, you can put it down if you want or keep it there, what ever you prefer" I say standing up again. "If you'll excuse me for a few moments, I have to send my manuscripts to my oh so wonderful producer." I say with a sarcastic roll of the eye tone near the end. Wonderful my ass. I think to myself as I grab my laptop and turn it on quickly. I find the files needed and send them off. I double check to make sure they actually sent before closing it again and setting it on a desk in my room.


I move to the bed to neaten the bedsheets out some, not all the way since that was to much of a pain and I figured she'd want to rest up some more soon enough or something. I send a quick text to Irene to let her know I'd sent the papers, glanced over the texts from my mother before closing my phone again and returning to where the other girl was waiting. I moved into the kitchen to get myself some more water. I looked over at Mira with an easy smile "Would you like something to drink? Or just anything at all in general, just ask, no worries"

 

[FaithWynters]

I was her bump out of her normal life. I don’t smile, but I feel like it. While it was nothing to be truly happy about, it was good to see that I could change things up for her. The way she spoke sometimes made it seems as if she were bitter to others although I never saw it. I wondered if this bitterness was because she was tired of living a normal life. I took in a small breath, watching her as she gets up to inspect my head.


“I will stay until I feel I can move on, if that is okay with you. I think I’m too weak to really go anywhere right now” It seemed like I was saying that I couldn’t leave the home, but it was the only way I could say it without arousing more suspicion. I needed more energy to run away. That’s what really mattered. I do smile, however, when she tells me I can drop the pack from my head. The swelling was going down and I knew that in a few more hours it would be all but gone. I dropped my hand, keeping myself silent. She needed to go work and that was something I did not want to keep her from. That was much more important than anything involving me.


She gets up to leave and I am left in the silence of the room again. I wasn’t afraid of being alone, and in many instances, I enjoyed the solitude that came with it. I felt myself relax as I turned my body to sit parallel with the couch. It was so comfortable and the cushions almost overflowed over my legs. I brought my knees up to my chest, resting my arms on the couch beside me. A few moments later and my eyes were closed and I rested once more. Only when I hear the movement around me do I awaken, my eyes open in only a few seconds. I’m sure that she didn’t notice me being asleep, but I didn’t mind being awake; I really liked talking to the girl, even if it was awkward and sometimes painful reliving memories.


“I don’t think I’ll need anything for a while, thank you.” I smile to her, turning and pulling my legs off the couch; she might not have been too happy with the position I had taken. “I probably need to wash my dress….so that I can get out of your clothes” I looked down at the T-shirt that I wore. I was very certain that it wasn’t mine and it hung on my body, coming down to my mid-thigh. “I don’t want to take your clothes, you probably need them.”

 

[9forgotten]

I nod slightly and move around the kitchen for a few moments before moving back to the TV area with my water. I nod slightly as she goes on about how she was weak some and would only stay for a bit. Well until she got better, my co-workers along with the publisher could wait. I needed a break and well, here it was. I probably sounded like I was using Mira and maybe I was in a sense but I honestly did enjoy her company. I huff to myself as I shake my head to myself, sitting down again.


I let out a short laugh soon after as she frets over clothing "Oh don't worry, you can barrow what ever you want from my closet. I have more then enough, if something doesn't fit that you want or need I'll just go buy it for you" I say with a slight smile. "And no you don't need to reply me for anything I get and give you" I add after a moment, remembering she kept mentioning that. I didn't want to be repaid at all, knowing she was happier and healthier was a good enough repayment for me. I didn't need money or something flashy and amazing, simple things pleased me more then anything.


My phone buzzed, letting me know someone had texted and I glanced down to see it was Irene. It read 'Awesome, since you're finally caught up, you can hurry up and send me this weeks as well as nests week manuscripts!'. I snort on impulse and unlock my phone to reply "Yeah right, no I'm taking a break you annoying old pest" I mutter typing back a quick reply with some very colorful language, forgetting I had a guest sitting right across form me. Hey, old habits of shamelessly cursing back at this woman never died down no matter who I was with. Actually, that should change if I wanted to attempt and like, befriend this girl or something. She seemed really nice and I wanted to get to know her some more.


No answer comes right away, instead the phone rings and I pick up, shooting Mira an apologetic look. "What?" I snap. "ALEXANDRIA YOUNG! You better watch your mouth young lady or-" I snicker "Or what? You'll fire me? End the book and disappoint my lovely fans? What Irene, or else what?" I growl, working in my annoyed sassy mood. "I could easily do that" she counters. "I know you wont, why? Because you can't. Now, leave me alone for awhile. I'm taking a break, gotta help a friend of mine" I say, at least I think Mira was a friend, I wasn't sure honestly. Irene scoffs "Since when do you have friends you care about? Much less care about you in return?". I grit my teeth, eye flashing angrily "Shut up, I'm not that rude and mean all the time" I spit back angrily. "Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that" she laughs back, knowing this particular subject could set me off. "Fine, you're not getting any manuscripts for the next month" I retort.


I just hang up after that, tossing my phone behind me across the room extremely pissed off at that woman. I finally to remember that there was another person in the room and manage to calm down some, gulping down some water. I knew Mira had probably heard the whole conversation since Irene talked loud enough to be herd over the phone with being on the speakerphone. I huff and run a hand through my hair "Sorry about that" I mumble

 

[FaithWynters]

She offers to buy me clothing and I shake my head. What a crazy idea! I take in a deep breath, looking across the room so I didn’t have to look her in the eye. There was no way I would let this woman go out and use her hard earned money to buy me new clothing. She reminded me that I didn’t need to repay her and I let my arms fold over one another. I knew right now I had nothing to pay her with, but some day, when things had changed and I had a little to my name, I would give her all. She would deny it, but I didn’t care. I owed her my life. Before I can say anything, however, her phone vibrates and she looks down to see who the person was texting her. There was a pause before quiet words escape from her lips. Her words seem mean, and full of hatred towards the one they are directed at. They are someone I do not know.


Her face contorts slightly as the phone begins to ring. I flinch slightly; another loud noise. I pull my knees back to my chest, trying to drown out all the mean things that shoot back and forth between the two. No wonder she didn’t like writing; this woman was evil. I don’t catch all of the conversation, but enough of it to know why Alex was getting so angry. It takes me a moment after their conversation concludes for me to look away from the place I had pinpointed. She apologizes and I realize that I should probably say something. I pull my lips away from my knees, looking the girl over again.


“It’s okay.” I wave my hand over my face for a moment—it wasn’t hot in here, but I needed some excuse. “It’s getting sort of stuff in here. Do you think we could go out somewhere?” I question with a smile, trying to act as if what had just happened hadn’t in fact happened.

 

[9forgotten]

I sigh softly and look over at her, knowing she was trying to act as if my little explosion episode hadn't just happened. "Not really...I really am sorry about that. She really gets on my nerves" I say, my mind flashing back to when she taunted me about having friends. Whose the mean one now? I think bitterly to myself. I sigh again and stand up, pushing a small smile onto my face "But yes, we can go out if you want. Let me get you an extra set of clothes, you can wash up to in the bathroom to if you like" I say standing up. I motion for her to follow me as I lead her back to my bedroom, opening my closet up for her "Take your pick, something should fit you in here. Everything's in the bathroom" I say as I point it out to her.


With that, I leave her to get ready, picking my phone up on the way back to the main area. I was surpassed it wasn't broken yet, I kept throwing it around. I guess I should really start not take thing like this for granted knowing there were people out there that didn't have it as great as I. I sigh and sat at the island, tapping my fingers against the counter top thoughtfully. I wasn't sure if Mira was now afraid around me or what. I had seen her reactions from the corner of my eye as I yelled back into the phone.


This is why I didn't have many friends I guess, my temper was horrid and no one could stand to be around me for very long. It was understandable really but it sort of sucked as well, I hated being alone and just wanted someone I could talk to with out screaming at them or scaring them away. Mira seemed to fit that, unless she got nervous around e or whatever due to my poor behavior. I sighed and ran a hand through my hair as I went to find my keys and wallet, ready to spend some money on this girl. I smiled some just thinking about her, it was interesting how this came all about. I still had questions to ask her and she had the answers but in time I'd know everything. I hoped anyway

 

[FaithWynters]

She apologizes again and I smile. She really didn’t want me thinking badly of her that was for sure. People could get annoying and be mean, and for that, I understood her agony—especially when you couldn’t stop them from being mean. She accepts my invitation to go out and even though I don’t know where we are going, I am sure that anywhere is better than cooped up in this house all day; she might drive herself crazy. It would be good to get her out of her home, especially since she seemed to spend all of her life in doors.


I couldn’t help the childish giggle that escaped my lips; I was so excited to be going and doing things, even if they were probably lame or normal for her. I pick myself up off of the couch, walking hurriedly behind her. She walks me back into the same room I had awoken before, but the sheets were a little straighter than I remembered them. She offers up the bathroom for me to clean myself and I’m not sure if she means shower or just wash my face. I turn around, but she’s already gone. I didn’t mind that; I was used to taking dips in the creek to wash off in less than five minutes; I knew I could shower in less than fifteen. I was sure that she wouldn’t mind, and if she did, I would apologize. I knew she wouldn’t hit me like master did.


So, without much thought, I grab the smallest pair of jeans I can find hanging up in her closet. They were black and would come to my ankles; I didn’t want anyone seeing any of the cuts and bruises on my legs. A long sleeve shirt would do fine too. She had many clothes; I was actually surprised. I pulled a shirt from the closet, escaping into the bathroom that connected to the bedroom. I am very fast as I feel now the need to rush. I flick on the light, closing the door behind me. I lock it silently, walking towards the shower. I couldn’t help the grin; I knew I would enjoy this.

. . .

​

Wet hair threatened to dampen the newly acquired shirt. A clean face threatened to once again make me dampen my cheeks with tears. I had missed it so much; the feeling of being clean… I clamped my eyes closed. I had already had this thought four times in the past five minutes I had spent standing in front of this mirror. Like I had assumed, it didn’t take me long in the shower, but now that I looked at myself; I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed. My eyes were a little red, but I could blame that on the soap. Besides the dark bruise that curved along my lower left jaw and the cut on my eyebrow, I looked pretty normal; more normal than I had looked in a long time.


I turned around, making my way out of the bathroom, cutting the light off as I exited. I had spent too much time already and I feared that I had rudely stepped on the toes of my host; I would have to apologize again, just to be sure. I felt the carpet beneath my bare feet and it was soothing, making my way back through the apartment until I found her, sitting on the countertop and waiting for me.


“Sorry I took so long; I got shampoo in my eyes and couldn’t get it out.” I gave her a smile, a large one as I stood there watching her. “I guess…I need to find some shoes and then I’ll be ready to go.” I turned around, looking back down the hall. “Maybe you should pick which pair though…” I didn’t want to ruin any pairs of shoes. There was a chance she wouldn’t wear anything I touched anymore. I felt something in my heart sink…because I was nasty. Even though I was clean, the thoughts still crossed my mind and I had to push them away. No… it was courtesy.

Spoiler

 

[9forgotten]

While waiting for Mira, I hadn't anything to do other then sit around myself. I do get up once again to grab a clean set of clothes for myself and hop into the guest room to take a quick shower myself. Changing in to a pair of black boys skinny jeans (which fit like regular jeans but I found them a million times more comfortable then girls) and a simple blue t-shirt, I head out of the bathroom and glance around thoughtfully. I hum to myself up as I change my mind and gather it up and move to a small room and toss the clothes inside, adding the soap and hitting the start button. Closing the door tight, you could hardly hear it running. I nod satisfied and head back to the main area.


I picked up a pair of reading glasses along with a red pen and slip them on as I grab a stack of papers and sit down at the counter to read over them. I was actually proof reading my work and going through to find the mistakes here and there so I could fix them later. It was a long and tedious process really, I typed everything, printed, checked for mistakes, corrected them, then sent them off to Irene. Technically an editor did the whole checking for mistakes and such but I preferred to do that myself. It was amazing what I missed while typing this all out.


I faintly hear the water cut off in the background of my thinking as I glance up and look over in the general direction for a moment before looking back at the papers in front of me. I didn't hear her padding down the hallway and stop near me until she spoke. I jump slightly and look up, looking over at her and breaking out into a grin. "Well hey there, someone's looking a bit happier" I remark pulling my glasses off my face as I turn to face her. I study her outfit for a moment before nodding slightly "Looking good there" I compliment with a grin. "And don't worry about how long stuff takes, just take your time and enjoy your stay here. No need to ask for something around here, just take or use whatever it is. If you need or want something, just ask. I'm not gunna bit or hit or whatever. So, with that said, go ahead and pick a pair out you like" I say getting up, leaving the papers where they sat with red marks all over them.


I smile and grab my wallet, sticking it in the back pocket of my loose fitting jeans. I find my keys as well and pad down the hall near the door and point to a closet "All in there, grab a jacket to if you want" I say smiling over at her. I grab my converse and pull those on quickly, humming to myself some. I felt rather excited, giddy to be doing something rather sit around doing the never ending work.

 

[FaithWynters]

She can’t help but notice the newest addition to my face; a large smile. I guess it was obvious that in the past twelve hours something had changed between us and I was much more comfortable. I was evolving into a happier me; something that I could enjoy. I hum quietly, giving her a nod as I push some of my still-damp hair behind my ear.


“It feels good to be clean” I turn slightly to look back towards the bedroom. She offered me her closet and seemed to push me towards picking out my own shoes and a jacket. I would be fine without a jacket, but I needed the shoes. I was sure she wouldn’t walk into her closet and pick something out for me like I hoped that she would, when she walked down the hall and pointed to a different closet, but she didn’t. She told me where they were, slipped a pair on her, and was ready to go; something that I wasn’t. I hurriedly look in the closet for something that I can pull on bare feet that won’t be missed. There is a pair of black slip-ons that my eyes gravitate towards and I pick them up, pulling them onto my feet. I wait a moment, getting a little more comfortable, before turning and starting back down the hallway.


“Alright. I think I’m ready!” I give a half giggle “I’m sure I won’t need a jacket

 

[9forgotten]

I look up from where I was standing and smile over at her. I was slightly surprised to hear a giggle escape from her mouth, glad she was happier "Well thats good! Let me grab a light jacket just incase and we can head out" I say as I walk back down the hall where she'd been a moment before. I swing the closet open again and just make a plain humming noise as I find a pretty worn flannel to pull around my shoulders. I close the door and double check to make sure I had everything I needed. I wasn't sure where we were going to but I didn't mind, made for an adventure of sorts.


I smile over at her "Ready? Lets go" I say cheerfully as I open the front door and let her through first before following after her. I make sure the door is locked before half leading the way to the elevators so we could get out of apartment complex and over to my car. Thankfully, the night before I had cleaned out the car some so that there wasn't any sign of blood ever existing in the car. It wasn't a big deal anyway if it had stained but I had a feeling she'd be consistently apologetic if there was any around so I worked hard to get rid of it all.


I unlock the car for us to get in, standing outside for a moment as I pull my hair up in a short ponytail to attempt to decrease the amount of hair that typically fell in my face. I hop in a moment later and start the car up, just sitting there for a few moments as I let the engine boot up "Anywhere you wanna go in particular?" I ask looking over at her as I pull my seat belt across my body.

 

[FaithWynters]

“You’re nothing more than a figurine on display you stupid girl!” He strikes, hard, as she’s chained to the wheel of a caravan. Blood’s falling from her nose. She’s been beaten before, but it’s never this bad. She’s just turned thirteen, it’s her birthday. She knows that. She’ll hold onto that until the day she can escape this horrible place.


There’s a kick to her stomach, and she falls. The fire roars beside her as one of the other performers prods it with a stick. He smiles to the performer, nodding; A simple gesture that says so much that the girl doesn’t know.


“Three years. Three years it has been since we took you in as our performer.” She wants to yell and to scream. He kidnapped her! “Three years and no one’s come to save you like you so proclaimed” She grunts, trying to rise off her knees. He kicks her again and she folds over.


“Do you remember what I said the day after we took you in?” The girl whimpers, remembering what was promised years ago. He laughs quietly, darkly.


“If no one comes for you in three years, you’re mine. I own you” The girl screams, trying to lunge at the man. He sighed, pressing a foot on the girl’s forehead, pushing her back down. She’s not strong enough to resist. He waves a hand toward the worker and he quickly takes his place beside the girl.


The man walks over to the fire, stoking it, prodding it with a special metal Brand. At the sound, the girl tries to fight away from the caravan.


“Hold her down will you? Do what you’re good for” His words hiss out between his lips and he turns, just as the girl’s face is forced down into the dirt. She tries to beg, but he hears nothing of it.


“Hold her down” He orders as he steps toward the girl. The hot brand is only centimeters from the girl’s skin.


I flinch at the memory, and I’m glad that the girl doesn’t notice me as she leads the way out of the building. I didn’t remember this trek at all and I was sure I was probably asleep the last time I had passed through here. We make our way out of the building and to the parking garage. The breeze outside caught me. I stopped a moment, looking around, just enjoying the wind. She starts to walk away someplace and I follow her, smiling as I get into the car. She keeps outside and I wait quietly for her to return, her hair now pulled back. She wants to know if I had someplace in particular I wanted to go, and I was positive that I didn’t.


“Why don’t you surprise me?” I smile at her as I pull the seatbelt over my body. It seemed clean in the car as I observed it; I was just glad that I hadn’t ruined the upholstery.

 

[9forgotten]

I smiled some and noticed her looking at the car causing me to shake my head, rather amused. "Alrighty then, I'll just drive around and see what I can find" I say backing the car out carefully and getting onto the main street. I drive around, heading the general direction of where my work place and where I'd found her. I doubted there'd be anything to interesting in this town but you never know. "Hm what would be somewhere interesting to go to?" I murmur to myself thoughtfully as I drive around.


I glance over at Mira, wondering what she might want to do. I thought about what I knew, just dance was all I really knew currently. I suddenly remember hearing, well reading, about this place on grapevine. It was a circus kind of thing and there were dancers in it, might as well head there and see if it was interesting. I smile and look over at Mira as I maneuver the car around to head in the right direction "Sorry I'm sort of driving in circle, I got where we're going now" I say looking back at the road. "You can turn the radio on if you want or look through whatever is in here" I offer with a slight shrug, not sure what she wanted to do.


I head down the streets, making my way around things until I found the circus place. There was a small line that lead to the parking area and it seemed pretty crowded so I assumed that was good. I managed to find a parking place near the exit so we could leave pretty fast and beat all these other people. "Well, here's the place" I say turning the car off

 

[FaithWynters]

Honestly, I didn’t care where we went; I just wanted to get out of the house. It was something that she would enjoy; she was always inside it seemed. I couldn’t resist the urge to glance over at her every once in a while. It seemed like this girl had her childhood stripped from her for her writing, so she needed time to chill and relax. I take in a deep breath, giving a soft smile every once in a while; she would catch me watching her and I would have to turn back to the road ahead of us. She suddenly turns the car around and I give her a curious look. She has found what we are going to do. I don’t answer; I just nod. I want our final destination a surprise, so I ignore the urge to ask where we are headed. Instead, I start looking through the CDs in the small compartment. I had no intentions of picking one; it was just something to worry idle hands on the nice car ride we were having.


We slow to a stop many times on the way, but I don’t really look up. I assume that we have met traffic or possibly a few lights on the way, so I just look over the backs of the plastic coverings, not really paying attention. It’s not until she announced that we have arrived and the car cuts off that I look up.


The sight before me was not one that I had expected to encounter any time in the near future. It hits me, like a brick, right in the stomach. I can feel my eyes begin to fill with tears and I slowly pull the safety belt from across my body. The bright tent ahead of me is the one thing in the world I never wanted to see again. I can feel my insides twist up and I wonder if anyone has seen me. If they have, the Ring Master is sure to come out to collect his wonderful prize. I wonder if she knows where she has taken me. Before I can really force the words from my lips I pull myself out of the chair, shoving myself into the floorboard. I curl up into a ball, pushing myself as far inside the foot space as I can. I might be safe, if no one had seen me yet; no damage could be done.


“We need to go” The words are soft and are almost swallowed up by my body shaking; if I am heard, it’s only a muffled cry for help that she can hear, I am sure of it.

 

[9forgotten]

Before I could even open the car door to get out, Mira was curled up in a ball in the leg space of her seat area. I look at her completely baffled as she tells me we had to go, barely catching the words she spoke. I just leaned over to look at her better "Go? Why, we just got here. Is something wrong?" I ask rather lost. I sat up and got out of the car, walking around it to open her door and try to get her out. People pass me, actors and viewers alike, some glancing over now and then but most payed no attention to me as I crouched down to try and coax the girl out of the car.


I lean over and touch her shoulder lightly like when I first found her in the middle of the street "It's okay, there's nothing bad here" I try, rubbing her back some as she shook under my hand. Of course I didn't know what was going on, was she having a panic attack or something? Did something trigger a memory? I was temped to go find someone to help me out but decided against it, just staying with her as I tried to calm her down.


I didn't notice an actor had stopped behind me and was peering at Mira for several long moments before running off. I did however notice someone shouting, causing me to look up and see what appeared to be the Ring Master, making his way over to my car. I grew quite confused on why he would be heading this way, maybe it was someone else he was looking for in this direction? I shrugged and turned my attention back to the girl who was still curled up in the small space.

 

[FaithWynters]

She questions my motives and I can tell that it’s going to be very hard to explain. I swallow my tears; I can’t cry now or I’ll be a big ball of unintelligible babble with no hope of ever telling her what needs to be said. I try to uncurl myself just a little bit, in hoped of possibly convincing her to go, but before I can say anything she has gotten out of the car. Moments later she has the car door open and is kneeling there, watching me, trying to comfort me. All I knew was that we needed to get out of here no matter how much she tried to tell me that there were no bad things here.


“That’s what you don’t understand, there are a lot of bad things here and a lot of bad people” I maneuver myself so that I am staring at her. I felt pitiful, but if I could help no one seeing me by curling up in a ball down here then that is what I was going to do. “I promise I will explain everything once we get home…” I trail off, having to clear my throat to be able to speak clearly. “I just need to get away from here before-“


“Welcome! Welcome to the show of Wonders and freaks! “The voice is loud and booms over mine. It wasn’t to be mistaken for anyone else’s; he knew—he was here and I was doomed. My eyes widen as I try to push the girl away so that I can close the door and lock it, but I’m not strong enough in the position.

 

[9forgotten]

I leaned forward to hear what Mira was saying, catching that it was a bad place. I had a feeling it had to do with the way she was now and I felt bad for bringing her here without knowing the connection. I was about to say something when a loud voice boomed over us. I jump straight up, smashing my head into the top part of the doorway, clearly startled by whoever it was. I groan and rub my head as I turn around some, feeling Mira try to push against me some but obviously I wasn't moving anywhere any time soon. I looked at the guy for a moment or two as the pain in my head dies down some, not by much really, before answering him.


"Hello, and you are?" I ask standing up in front of the car door. I pull the door shut some so it wasn't sticking out to much and blocking peoples path. The guy smiles charmingly "I'm the Ring Master here! I'm so glad you've decided to come see our show!" he says smiling while talking ridiculously loud. I just look at him for a moment "Hm well, I don't think we'll be seeing it today. My friend is unwell" I say with a slight shrug. I watch as his expression changes slightly "Aw, I'm sure she'll be fine. Why don't I see if I can cheer her up?" he asks smiling at me. I shake my head, not liking the look he had in his eye "No, that's okay. We'll be going now" I answer simply.


His expression completely changes now and since not many people were around, it seemingly didn't matter to him at all. "Listen here missy, your friend there is one of my dancers. She's mine. I'd like her back now. You choose, we can do this the nice and easy way or the hard way" he says, his tone low and threatening like. I move some more in from of the door, closing it shut actually while my mind raced with questions and plans. I knew I definitely needed to get out of here, I just needed his attention else where. "Oh really? I didn't know that..." I stall, thinking of something, having no time to question what was really going on. I give him a well perfected fake smile "Well, as you can see, she's terrified. I'm taking her with me like it or not." I snip now glaring at him. "You will give me my property now! I'm giving you one last chance girl!" he roars at me. I just smirk "Nope. By now"

 

[FaithWynters]

With his words I could feel the burning of the brand on my shoulder like it happened yesterday. I was his property like an animal or a slave; he owned me. The door was already closed, but I could still hear his booming voice. Tears now fell from my eyes and I felt the urge to reach up and lock the door, like it would do any good. This was all my fault; we wouldn’t be in the confrontation if I had just told her what had happened…if I had told her about my life. She wouldn’t have taken me here and I wouldn’t have gotten her in trouble.


She is fighting for me again, and for that, I realize that I owe her a lot more than I think I do. Going up against someone so powerful takes a lot of courage…or a lot of stupidity. I take in a deep breath, pulling myself out from the hole I was curled in.


“I would have paid you well for her. I would have given you lots of money for returning me my… precious property” His smile curls into something a little more sinister and I reach for the handle of the door. Alex stood about a foot in front, guarding the door so that no one could get at me. I can feel his rage through the glass. He will not let me go without a fight with this girl, but I’m not going to let it happen. He will not hit her. I push the door open enough to pull myself out of the car. I take a deep breath; I was so afraid; I knew what was coming.


“I am not your property anymore you evil man.” My words are strong as I walk around Alex, taking the step in front of her. He has taken off his gloves at this point; he likes to be able to feel what he is striking. It was probably the most defiant I had been to his face and he didn’t like it. I feel it, just as I had felt before, hitting me hard to the ground with a balled up fist. I grunt, back into the gravel I was, like the child he thought I still was.


“You will learn your place, girl” His words are dark and I can hear the sound of gravel beneath his boot. He wasn’t done with me; I knew that for sure.

 

[9forgotten]

I shrug as he tells me he would've paid for her "So? You could offer as much money in the world and I'd still refuse you" I retort with a glare. I glance over at Mira in surprise as she got out of the car and moved in front of me. What in the world was she thinking? I didn't do anything right away since I wasn't sure what was going to happen but I found out. I was proud of Mira for sticking up for herself and ten time more enraged as he hit her hard enough so she fell over into the ground.


I swiftly moved in front of her again as I saw his foot moving, probably to kick her. Instead I get kick and good lord did that hurt but I didn't let it show as I threw a solid left punch to his jaw, effectively getting him to drop back a step or two. "Watch it mister. If you don't leave, it'll be you learning your place" I growl, my hands balled up into fists at my sides. He glares back at me, his look far more menacing then mine when I got pissed off. Still I showed not fear as I stood there glaring hotly back at him. "You? A little girl sowing me 'my place'? I want it now and I'll get my property back now" he mocks moving back in front of me as he gets ready to hit again or something but hesitates. And of course me being me, I had to mock him "Why, the hesitation old man? Scared to get beat by a girl?" I ask smirking.


Obviously that didn't help anything as that seemingly pushes him over the top causing him to come after me for now. I easily doge his first punch but he plays dirty and sticks his foot out to trip me, easily landing a punch on me. While I recovered, he picked Mira up like a rag doll and proceeded to say and do something I couldn't quite see since his back was to me. I growl and run, jumping on his back in a full blown tackle. I hit him repeatedly any where basically until her let go of Mira. "Listen here pal, I'm taking my friend back! She isn't yours and never will be!" I screamed in his ear. With that, I jumped off of him, and before he could react, I swung my led and kicked him as hard as I could between the legs while smacking him in the head at the same time before scooping Mira up and racing back to my car.


I set her down carefully in the passenger seat, jump over to my side and throw the car into drive before driving the hell out of that place. Glancing in the mirrors, I was thankful to see he wasn't following but he was screaming curses and threats to find us again and blah blah blah, I just tuned him out as I turned my attention to Mira worriedly "I'm sorry this happened. Let's get back to my place and tend to those wounds you've got there. How're you feeling?"

 

[FaithWynters]

Every part of me had expected it but my mind. When I felt the rough ground beneath me I was sure that I would be left here; that she wouldn’t be up to fighting for me. Why would she? She had only met me yesterday and since then she had done nothing but protect me. I just assumed that this is where her charity ended. I felt my eyes closed as I tried to pull myself to my feet. I expect another blow-anything that made him think he had shown her that I was in my place. The hit never came and I was surprised at this.


She threatens him and I feel the urge to pull myself up to stop her. I don’t want his fury aimed at her. If I can stop it, I would rather him hit me instead. I watch them fight as I pick myself up. She gets hit and I try to push to her side, so he will only hit me. Instead, he picks me up, leveling me with his eyes.


“You will be mine. Do not think you are going to go unpunished for this” His eyes slither down my body and he reaches up, unbuttoning the uppermost button on my blouse. My skin crawls at the thought of what the small gesture means, but before I can try to fight away from him, he is tackled to the ground, and I am yanked with him. I land on the ground with a grunt as she fights him for me; no one had ever done anything like that before.


Before I know it, I’m in the car, she is beside me, and we are racing away from the circus. I don’t speak for a while. She apologizes and I just shake my head. I was shaken, and now probably more afraid than I had been before. He knew a face; she would face his vengeance if he ever caught us again…and I would probably be dead. A deep breath floods into my lungs; I swear it’s the first one I’ve taken.


“Don’t apologize. It’s my fault. I should have been paying attention to where you were headed.” One more deep breath. “Thank you so much Alex” My words are soft and tears quietly fall down my cheeks. I can’t keep my eyes off of her as I try to show my gratitude. We had gotten out of the house, but all I wanted to do now was go home. One more deep breath. “I think you need to be looked at more than me”

 

[9forgotten]

I smile softly and wave my hand slightly "Hey it's no problem" I answer looking over, confusion crossing my face slightly as I see her crying. "Are you okay? Does something hurt a lot?" I ask worriedly, not getting what she was trying to express. I looked back at the road, speeding off while making sure not to press speed limits or crash. I kept looking over at Mira worriedly, not at all worried about my own injuries.


"I'll be okay, I doubt it's anything major. You however were just recovering and all so I wanna check all your previous wounds as well" I say looking over at her again. I smile some as I pull into the lot "We're home, can you walk up to my apartment room?" I ask as I park and jump out. Moving around to her side, I help her out some as we head back up to my room. The guy at the desk looks at us strangely as he helps us onto the elevator but I ignore him, to busy worrying over Mira and all her cuts and bruises. I didn't start to feel anything until we got to the hallway leading down to my room. my leg just decided to explode with pain, causing me to yelp and nearly fall over. Rightening myself, I awkwardly limp the rest of the way alongside the other girl.


Once inside, I fetch the medical stuff and tell her to sit down "Let me fix all this up and then do you mind explaining a couple things to me?" I ask looking at her as I plop down in front of her. I let out a long breath of air, letting my sore muscle relax some for a few moments. The events that just happened settled into my mind as I come to the conclusion that, that place was 1) somewhere we needed to avoid and was the cause of Mira's previous injuries and 2) that Ring Master was most likely going to come after us now. now I just needed Mira to confirm this all and after that...well I wasn't sure but I'd think of something when the time arrived. For now, we needed to attended to our cuts.