Their Princess

Ch. 1- Mama's End

WARNING: MENTION OF SEXUAL ASSUALT AND DEATH. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

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I was sprawled out on my tiny bed listening to music with my earbuds. My curly, messy hair fanned out on my pillow as I basked in the warmth of the rays of sunlight that peered through my curtains. I hummed along to the music as I ran my fingers through a ray of light as if I were playing with it.

What the music had masked was the sirens, people yelling, and whatnot outside. Even though my neighbourhood wasn't the best place, the small apartment Mama and I lived in was our little world.

I took the earbuds out, cutting off the music as the screaming outside became more and more distinct. I rolled off my bed and stretched my arms before hopping over my clothes on the ground as if my room were an obstacle course. 

I'll clean it soon.

Maybe.

I made a beeline towards the fridge and scanned the options before settling on orange juice. I shut the fridge before pouring myself a cup and downing it. 

Our place was covered with photos of just me and Mama. Some people would think it's quite lonely, but I love it. My Mom is my best friend, and she's the only person I could depend on when I was struggling.

I placed my cup into the sink and returned the jug of juice to the fridge. But as soon as I closed it, I spotted a bright pink sticky note stuck on top of the black-and-white Chuck-E-Cheese photo we took years back.

Home late, pls get groceries, the list is on the dining table. Pay u back tmr

Love, ur 1 and only amazing dear mama xoxo!!!

I cringed at the note despite the little smile tugging at my lips. My mother is more like a teenager than I am myself. I'm 15 and she's 43 yet I'm the one who hates bad grammar. Ironic.

I found a white piece of paper, messily folded it up and shoved it into my pocket. I grabbed the house keys and some cash from my room before I put on a coat over my hoodie. 

I slid on a beat-up pair of sneakers and made my way to the brown, front door and towards the elevator.

"ELEVATOR IS OUT OF ORDER, PLEASE USE STAIRS." A white piece of paper stared back at me as yellow caution tape lazily hung at its sides.

"Seriously?" I groaned as I redirected myself to the stairwell. 

I never liked the stairwell ever since I got chased down by some rat. It was running from me too I guess, but I don't think we had both gotten the memo. 

Anyway, I despised those creatures with every itching fibre in my body. The way they glare at you with their beady little eyes. Just thinking about it sent a shudder throughout my body.

Finally reaching the bottom, I pushed the exit door before pulling up my hood and shoving my hands into my pockets. The bitter, cold wind had immediately hit my face forcing me to bow my head. 

I hate Canadian winters.

I usually mind my own business to avoid confrontations with people but my hood was hiding half my face. I looked around for the first time in a long time as I observed the people in my neighbourhood. 

Little kids played in the snow as men and boys around my age or even younger, smoked and chatted next door. Trash was still littered everywhere despite the snow covering almost everything. 

Everybody around here was coloured. I have only ever seen a few white people but they were usually in the North part.

Reaching the store, I immediately shoved myself into it taking in the warmth of it. I inhale the familiar smell of whatever substance the owner smokes and immediately grimace upon it.