Light Amongst the Shadows: A World Not Like Ours

Chapter Two

Maple kicked her feet up on the dash as Liam started the car. He didn't look happy as he clenched the steering wheel with gritted teeth.

     Maple sighed, "Do you have something you would like to say?"

     "Yes actually, I do," Liam snapped, "What were you thinking!" Maple let out a groan as she turned to gaze out the window. She really wasn't in the mood for another lecture.

     "Why are you here anyway?" she grumbled.

     "Your Dad called. Said you got arrested again. As I said earlier, he wanted to leave you there for the night, said he was too busy to come and get you. And so, like the knight in shining armour I am, I offered to pick you up myself."

     "My hero," Maple replied sarcastically.

     "Feet off the dash!" Liam snapped, swiping at her legs, "I cleaned it just yesterday." Maple rolled her eyes before reluctantly complying.

     Liam was one of Maple's best friends. Well, he was one of her only friends. He and Lucas. They met on their first year of high school, and while Maple was busy being either ignored or sent to detention, they had been the only ones to see the good in her. They used to get into all sorts of trouble together, and although Maple could be a pain, they hadn't left her yet. And for that she was grateful.

     "Lucas would have come to but he was on his way to visit his sister," Liam added. Maple hummed, watching the houses fly by. Her friend let out a sigh, and she could see his shoulders slump in the reflection. "You should get ice on that bruise when you get home."

     Gingerly Maple ran a hand across her face, she hadn't even realised it was bruised. "Will do," she replied.

     "You're not hurt too badly, are you? I'm not trying to be a pain I just worry for you. You know full well street fighting is dangerous."

     It was Maple's turn to sigh as she peeled her eyes away from the window. "I'm sorry I worried you," she mumbled. Apologies weren't exactly her strong suit. "But you know full well I can look after myself."

     "Maybe so, but you can't predict what's going to happen. Especially in those fights. What happens when someone brings a weapon into the arena huh? Just who exactly is going to stop things from going too far?"

     "I carry a pocket knife," Maple defended.

     "Don't the police still have that from last time you were arrested?"

     Maple's face fell slightly, "I forgot about that."

     "But it's not just the fighting," Liam continued, "I know you make deals with shady figures. What are those two thug's names? Prince and Spite?"

     "Vince and Spike," Maple corrected.

     "I don't really care. The point is, you're living a dangerous life. And sure, it's fine to live with a little bit of danger, but not the amount you have. I'd never forgive myself if anything happened to you."

     "It's not your job to protect me," Maple mumbled.

     "Maybe not," Liam whispered, "But as one of your best friends it feels like it. You know you're like a sister to me right?"

     "I know, and you're like a brother to me."

     "Then please, I'm begging you. Stop," Liam pleaded. Maple turned away, her gut churning with unexpressed guilt.

     "I can't," she replied, her voice quiet, "You wouldn't understand."

     "Then make me."