Zelda

Chapter one

Shit.

I'm late. I'm really fucking late. I quickly take off my apron and make my way out of the crowded bar, lightly shoving aside the drunken people to get out of my way. My boss yells for me, and I don't turn back. I might get fired for this but i'm not taking an extra beating so that he could use me for the rest of the night.

I refuse.

I push the door closed and flip my dark brown hair over my shoulder. I quickly walk down the quiet street. The only thing that was making noise seemed to be my shoes and my breathing. Being in the streets at this time of night was definitely scary.

Soon enough I made it to my beaten down townhouse, where no one lived next door. I slid the cold key in the front door and stepped in, letting the smell of cigarettes and alcohol whip me around similar to the way a sheep hurdler does.

"Where the hell have you been?" I heard a growl come from the darkness before me. I close the door behind me and put my key on the side table, hanging my navy blue jacket on the coat rack.

"Ross made me stay overtime. We had a lot of customers today-" I was cut off by the creak of the dark oak wood. "H- he said I'd get time and a half."

"Good, because I see you haven't paid the electric bill yet" I could feel his presence before me.

"M-Maverick, I had to pay the water and sewage. I thought they said we were good until next week. Please it wasn't my fault, I-" I stammered and I swear I could've seen Maverick shake his head.

"Zee, you know the rules. We can't have this." I feel a rough hand clench around my neck and pick me up, throwing me across the room. I hit what seems like the couch, it moving a nudge as my back slammed the leg of it.

"Oh Zee. I thought you learned by now." Heavy feet came toward me as I winced in pain. "Rule number four, pay the bills on time." His rough voice making me cringe. I felt a strong force hit my stomach, making me scream in pain.

"And Rule number nine, be home to make dinner." Another blow to my side, it felt as if someone stabbed me. I fought my tears, trying to come out. I can't give him satisfaction. Even if he can't see me. "No one can hear you sis, and even if they could, do you think they'd even help?"

I shook my head. He couldn't see me, so it meant nothing to him.

"Answer me bitch!" I felt his fist connect with my chest.

"No"

"No what?" He hissed.

"No sir." I croaked back.

"Now go put Kyle to bed. You probably woke him up, idiot." And that was it. I could hear his feet reach his bedroom and the door slammed.

Soon after I composed myself, I slowly climbed the stairs, trying to keep every move as quiet as possible. Rule number three, never wake Maverick. I opened Kyle's door and he had a flashlight on, trying to lull himself to sleep.

"Hey buddy" I whispered. I saw his curly black hair shine in the dim light.

"Zelda!" He almost whisper-shouted and ran over to me, hugging my legs.

"Shh, we don't want to wake Maverick. He's sleeping buddy" I whisper to Kyle. I walk him back over to his bed and pick up the flashlight, putting it in a way that it would shine on both of us.

"Did Maverick hurt you again?" He whispered, his expression concerned.

"Yeah but I'm fine. I'm just worried about you." I lightly pat his leg. "How was school today?"

"It was fun! I'm science we learned about bacteria." Kyle is only 10 years old and in the seventh grade.

"That's awesome!"I give him a light high five. "Keep up the good work. But I need you to go to sleep now so that you can pay attention in all your classes tomorrow."

"Okay. But can you stay until I fall asleep?" He asks.

"Sure" i nod, laying him down and tucking him in, kissing his forehead.

We listen to the sounds of nature. When I hear his light snores, I know he's sleeping.

I don't go to my room, I go to the woods.

Every night where I'm stressed out and upset, I go to the pond and cry. I walk through as quietly as I can and make sure no one can see me, even if it is pitch black.

I sit in my normal spot, the branch that fell during a hurricane was my seat. Rid with ants and nests of all sorts.

I start to think about my day.

School was hell as usual

Ross was more snappy than usual

A customer pissed on the bar

Customer slapped me

I was home late

Maverik beat me way less than normal

There's more to come

I ran my fingers over the bark of the tree, breaking off a few pieces and throwing them into the pond.

So many things have happened at this pond.

My birth

My parents death

Fights

Parties

Drownings

Competitions

Murders

Weddings

And you wonder why I still come here?

It's the only place I can find myself again. Find ME.

It's the only place that keeps me from suicide.

It's the only place where I don't get hurt.

The only place where I can see the wolf.

-------

I lift my head and feel the morning dew on my skin.

It's early morning.

The wolf was lying on my legs to keep me warm through the night. When I moved to try and get him off, he growled at me.

"Hey, hey it's just me" I pet his soft gray fur, making his icy blue eyes stare into my soul. "It's me"

He still looked at me tiredly, licking my hand.

"I have to go okay? I didn't mean to fall asleep." I kiss his snout and hug his large figure.

As I walk away, I hear him whimper, trotting his own way.

I get in the house to hear that it's still quiet from last night. Sunlight beamed through the windows and made me feel better. I make Maverick and Kyle a bowl of cereal, setting it on the table.

I immediately start getting dressed, keeping in mind that I have to walk Kyle to school.