Hidden Joy

Eight

The sound of fists on the door told her mommy's boss wasn't happy. Mommy had been worried about him coming. Mommy sent her into the closet to hide but the man came in and saw her. She tried to run but he caught her.
"Think you get to lie to me? You think I don't know that you have been talking to the police? Well your precious angel gets to pay for your crimes." he said as he shoved her to the ground.
He made mommy hold her down and he lifted her shirt. She heard the click of the lighter and burning came soon after. She cried our for mommy but mommy didn't stop him. Mommy watched as he burned her over and over. She tried to fight until she fell asleep.

Jolting awake, Phoenix almost forgot where she was. The dreams always did that to her. They were all too real. The memories she wished she could forget. She got out of bed. She needed to let of steam. She dressed in sweats and a black sports bra and headed down to the gym. She was alone and that's how she liked it. She started with a run on the treadmill like usual. When she finished with that she would move to the punching bag to beat away the dream. She missed her gym. Missed her apartment. She missed her life. Though it was shitty she missed it. She ran until her lungs screamed for a break. She them drank some water. Toweled off the sweat and moved to the punching bag.

He walked into the gym and saw her punching and kicking the bag. She had amazing form and seemed to be a natural. She was a born fighter. He watched her as he streached and moved to his normal weight bench to begin lifting. As he worked he watched her. He went through his whole workout routine and she still hadn't stopped.
He walked up to her. " If I were you I'd stop. You've been at this for more than an hour."
She spun around and clicked him in the jaw. His face hurt as he hit the floor.
"Oh my god. I am so sorry. You scared me. I was in the zone." She said as she helped him up.
"Thats a good right hook. You have stamina. Maybe you are your father's daughter after all."
"Please. Just don't."
"Don't what? Never mind. What had you worked up?" He asked, "They will need to replace this come morning."
"Nothing. I usually do this when I can't sleep. Seemed fitting. Though this isn't my gym of preference."
"I see. Well get some rest. Class begins at eight thirty."
"I wouldn't miss it."
The way she smiled as she bent to get her water bottle turned his blood to fire. He wanted her. Before he knew what was happening he found her in his arms and he was kissing her. Her lips were soft and yielding to his. She clung to him and he couldn't stop kissing her. The taste of her mouth drove him crazy. He heard the gym door open.
"For fucks sake!" He heard the voice of his uncle. "Get a room."
The words turned to a growl when he realized who it was. Zsadist had found them. Something he hoped to avoid for just a little longer. He pulled away from Phoenix and stood facing his uncle.
"Why can't you stay away from her?" Zsadist demanded angrily.
Phoenix stepped forward, " You want to know why. Its because I am drawn to him. I feel whole near him. He makes me feel safe for once in my life. He makes me feel... He just makes me feel. Why can't you accept that? Is it because I'm a horrible excuse for a daughter you don't want him burdened by me? It's alright I already know that. Just do me a favor. Stay away from me."
Darius was shocked as he watched her leave the gym. Zsadist was shocked. What stopped him from moving was the scars he saw all over her. He had watched her for over an hour and hadn't noticed them. What caused them? Why were they still there? He would find out. He was determined to find out. He knew just who to turn to. Vishous.

*****
How about a super early chapter? I had a bad night at work and writing was my release. I channeled all my stress, worry, anger, and depression into this chapter. It didn't go how I had planned but here it is. Something my stressed and worried mind came up with. Hope you like this one!!!

You know what to do...
XOXO