Light Amongst the Shadows: A World Not Like Ours

Chapter Three

Maple awoke with a gasp as she was yanked viciously from her bed. She fell to the floor with a thump, catching sight of her father's work boots.

"Rise n' shine gumdrop. Time for work," Daryl sneered. He held out a phone, "You're going to need this." Maple let out a grunt as he dropped the item on her stomach. He had taken her phone from her a few months ago when she'd accidentally smashed a plate, and she hadn't been bothered trying to convince him to give it back.

     She closed her eyes, listening to the sound of her father's footsteps retreating. After a moment she pushed herself off the ground, placing her phone beside her. She winced at the stinging in her back. The pain had calmed down slightly, but that didn't mean it was gone.

     She dug around the back of her shirt, pulling out the ice pack. It was warm and covered in sweat, and Maple couldn't help pulling a face as she chucked it to the side. She rose to her feet, wincing slightly as she hobbled towards her wardrobe.

     "Well, aren't I a beauty" she mumbled, catching sight of herself in the body length mirror. A large, purple bruise stretched across one side of her face. She lifted her shirt, turning her back to the mirror as she noticed the same colouring along her usually olive skin.

     She let out a quiet groan. At least no one could see her back, and she could always blame the bruising on her face on street fighting. Still, it hurt like hang.

     A moment later she was jogging down the stairs. Her mother was standing by the front door, a piece of toast in hand. "Figured you wouldn't have time for breakfast," she commented once Maple had approached. She handed her the piece of toast, kissing her on the head. "Please oh please Maple, don't get fired."

     "What makes you think I'd get fired?" Maple snorted. Her mother raised a brow. "Fine, I'll try."

     She opened the door just as her father's car pulled out the drive. Although she hated him, she was hoping she'd at least be able to get a ride. Clearly, that wasn't happening.

     Glancing up at the sky Maple noticed dark grey clouds gathering over Coal Haven, they were in for a storm, that was for sure. She began to pick up the pace as she began the trek to the Town Square. She turned a corner to see a little black cat sitting on the path.

     "Hey there Misty," Maple called. The cat lifted his head with a meow. From what Maple knew he was a stray, but he was the sweetest stray she had ever met. She broke off a piece of her toast and offered it to the cat. He took it from her hands and rubbed against her legs with a purr. "Make sure you get to shelter soon, aye boy? You wouldn't want to get caught out in the storm."

     Misty let out another meow before trotting off and disappearing around the corner. Maple smiled before continuing her walk. It wasn't long before she had reached the Town Square. The odd drop of rain landed on her head, and she pulled her hood up, stuffing her hands in her pockets and walking with her head down. The square was filled with bustling bodies and she had to struggle to get through them. A crack of thunder sounded in the distance, as she pushed open the door to the Vanilla Bean Café.

     It was warm, and the smell of coffee hung in the air. Quiet chatter filled the building along with the clink of cups.

     "Let me guess, you're the DeMilo kid right?" a voice spoke. Maple turned to see a girl about her age watching her with her arms folded. She had short blonde hair and her face was covered in piercings.

     "That's me," Maple replied, "So I guess that would make you a living tin can?"

     The girl narrowed her eyes, "Earrings aren't made out of tin you idiot, and you have like six so you can't say much."