Forest of Fireflies

Chapter 54

(Daniella's POV)

How dare she call me evil in front of everyone in the hospital?!  Without paying attention to the sound of gasps that wafted through the corridor, I tried to get out of the building. Even though I didn't know the way, I needed to get to the sheriff's station. I needed to see mother. She probably still thinks that I'm dead! 

At the end of the corridor, I heard Henry shout my name. I whipped my head around to see David running towards me. Instinctively, I took off and ran out of the ward. At the bottom of the stairs opposite to the entrance however, I was stopped by a group of people. I tried to barrel through them but they pushed me back. "What are you-"

A middle aged man gruffly sneered, "You ain't going anywhere, your highness."

I stepped back as shouts of agreement sounded through the air. The crowd got closer so I ran up several steps and screamed, "Don't touch me! If you do, I'll make you regret it!"

There were laughs. Then, the man replied, "With what? The Blue Fairy has informed us that she will strip you of your dark magic."

I gripped the banister tightly as someone else in the crowd continued, "The Evil Queen's not here to protect you now!"  "Yeah, someone get her!"  "Kill the witch!"

The man chuckled. Then, he advanced up the stairs. Before he could reach me however, David's unmistakable voice shouted, "Step back! All of you, step back!"

The people halted under the Prince's command. Then, Snow came up to me and pushed me behind her back. She said to the crowd, "No one is to hurt Daniella. If you hurt her, you'll receive the same consequence as hurting any of my family."

Someone daring countered, "And why are you protecting her? She's tried to kill you." 

I rolled my eyes at the irony. The reason why I was close to death several times is because of Snow. However, I kept my mouth shut as she answered, "Because we aren't murders." With that, the crowd started to disperse, save for the man who had led the mob. He looked at me and stated, "Consider this your lucky day, princess. The next won't be-"

"Go!" shouted David. The man left after giving me another glare. When the crowd left, Snow turned around and bent down. "Are you alright, Daniella?"

Although my heart was ready to burst into flames of anger, I surpressed my feelings and nodded. 

"Great, why don't we go back to the apartment?

We were walking back when Snow suddenly announced, "Hey, you guys can head off first. Daniella and I will be there shortly...."

David started to protest but Snow insisted, "No, David. I'll be fine. I believe Daniella and I should have a chat regarding, well...regarding everything."

David sighed and replied, "Fine."

Then, Snow took my hand and led me away from the group. I shrugged it away instantly. "Follow me, Daniella."

I did. After several minutes of walking, we arrived at a small park. There were children on the playground when we got there. Upon seeing us, their mothers stepped towards them and whispered something. Then, they got up and followed their parents closely. Snow was ahead of me so when they passed her, I saw them give her a polite bow. Snow said something back before they departed. Although we were walking on the same path, the parents lead their children away through the grass; clearly avoiding me. I glared at them as they strutted away. One of the young girls dared to look back so I stared her down. She turned away almost immediately. "Daniella..."

I turned around to see Snow gesturing the spot on the bench beside her. Exhaling, I went over and took a seat. 

"Daniella, are you sure you're alright?"