Challenger

Colors

**Elle**

Chloe and I made it back on track, heading toward our apartments at 5am, it had taken us longer because I insisted on making a stop off at my favourite all-night eateries on the water way. The man always questioned why we were awake, Chloe always gives him the same reply 'we just came back from a street fight' and with a wry smile and an unassuming laugh from the stout man we know he thinks we were joking.

"We'll see you next weekend" Chloe waves. It wasn't until we walk out onto the cobblestone street to see the last of the night disappearing behind the horizon and the light of day streaming through the buildings, that I realise how early it is.

"So, you're okay to get home yeah?" Chloe looks across at me, concern in her eyes. I know what she's thinking, she's worried about that guy coming back, but honestly I've dealt with worse people than him.

"Yeah, go home, I'll see you next weekend" I wave her off. She sends me one last smile and breaks away, walking down a small alleyway, heading for her building.  Pulling my hood up over my face, I tuck my hands away, hiding the bruises in the lining of my pockets.

My camera swinging from my neck, I slowly pull the door to my building open, slapping down a small envelope of money on the desk, the stoutly manager comes out and takes it with a smile on her kind face before, no doubt, going back to bed.

I stop in front of the elevator and press the button, sighing slightly as the rickety thing makes its way down. The unreliable thing takes at least 5 minutes to get down from the top if it was there and I don't have time to wait, I have to keep my energy levels up, and I have to stay awake, at least until 5 o'clock tonight. That way I have a fresh start for Monday's adventure.

I start my way to the stairs, my mind wandering around all the possible outcomes of the fight, what would've happened if he hadn't stumbled? How will I explain the extra bruises to my parents? But I push the thoughts out of my head. I continue my ascent through the rays of light, as they shine through the window, casting a healthy glow on those who deserve it and miss those who choose to live in the shadows.

Stepping into my apartment I sigh with relief as I see I still have coffee left in my jug sitting on my bench. I put it back into the machine and turn it on, while I walk to my room to get changed.

Stopping in front of the mirror I look at the girl in front of me, dressed in black compression tights, black singlet, black jumper, black Nikes. All black except for my pale white skin and golden-brown hair. Not to mention the purple bruise forming on the back of my broken and dry hands, and just under my jaw line, in the soft skin.

Not exactly a good look for a young girl to have. Or subtle either.

I strip down and head over to my bathroom, letting the smell of coffee fill my apartment with good memories, going back to my childhood; before all of this.

Shakily washing my hair in the small shower, I scrub all the dirt off my arms quickly and jump out, the water has long turned cold because of the other tenants wanting to start their day. Pulling the towel around me I walk slowly towards my sparse room.

Shimmying on a pair of blue jeans, my docs and a light t-shirt, with a black leather jacket on top. I close the drawers that everything came from and take in my pale reflection. The only things that stand out are the purple and blue bruises inking my skin like small irregular tattoos.

I walk out into my beautifully smelling kitchen and pour a cup of coffee into a take-away cup, I pick up my camera and my large black bag, heading out the door. I realise what I'm going must do today, what I've been putting off for weeks now. This was usually my time to shop for furniture for my apartment, but I know it's time; I'm going back to my parents' house.