Ballad of the Bruised [ j.v ]

00

>Dead as Daisies<

AGNES MCIVER RAN through the field of dead flowers, scarf flowing behind her from the bitter wind's gusts, and boots stomping on tall grass.

Her nose and freckled cheeks were rosy from the cold, and the young girl's hair was a mess underneath her winter hat, but she didn't care. There was something about the outdoors that thrilled the young redhead. Something so wondrous about how nature worked.

It amazed her.

Agnes walked over to a patch of wilted violets, and brushed her finger tips along the dry petals, giggling softly as a few fell to the ground. Despite the fact she had been sent out here because of her mother and her boyfriend fighting, she couldn't bring herself to feel worried or curious about what was going on back home.

Out here, she could be alone.

Out here, she could be anything.

She could be a noble knight, a daring princess, or even a troll attacking a great kingdom. She could swim with mermaids, ride with unicorns, and fly with the biggest birds.

Here, she was free. 

She danced around, giggling and weaving through the tall grass and clusters of flowers. Eventually, she found the familiar stream, and sat down on the edge, knees tucked under her, and gazed at her reflection.

A heart shaped face.

Long red locks of hair.

Crystal blue eyes.

Freckles galore.

She was the spitting image of her mother. Normally, to most little girls, that would seem like a compliment. But, not so much to Agnes.

It's not that Agnes's mother wasn't pretty, because lord knows she was. But, beauty on the outside doesn't always equal beauty on the inside.

Sure, the girl's mother was nice. But, usually, something gets in the way of that.

Or, more like someone.

Dahlia McIver has never been one to have a good taste in men. She got pregnant with Agnes at seventeen out of wedlock. Dahlia was disowned by her parents shortly after they found out about the pregnancy, and was left to fend for herself. She had to work odd jobs to afford a small house and baby supplies, be she'd managed.

Once she had Agnes, she couldn't have been happier.

Things went well for a while.