I entered my apartment. After the war ended, those of us who were left mainly hunted for shelter. The was no one to rent us so we lived in these areas with the relief of not paying. This apartment belonged to a neurosurgeon. There were two bedrooms, a kitchen, a study room, a lounge and a beautiful terrace. But this place was really dirty. At times, I'd see a little ball of black fur run across the lounge.
The paint was wearing off and dust was everywhere. Chunks of the walls and ceiling had fallen down. The master bedroom was completely destroyed. The bed was covered with peels of paint and cement A great big part of the cieling covered the entire bed.. The cabinets, fallen and broken apart. I slept in the other room, which was comparatively tidy. Still, I'd wake up during the night when the bed springs placed a scratch somewhere on my skin.
If I had the money, this place ccould've looked heavenly but that was quite impossible.
I tied my hair in a pony tail and walked in to the kitchen. The fridge was broken, so I had to keep items that didn't need cooling. Left overs would be given to Ghoul, the rat. After some inspecting the cup board for food, I stared hard in there. I had nothing and I was short on money
I needed to look for another job...
In times like this, I'd have to get expired stuff from a deserted market or stay hungry. And I needed food, since well, I stress eat at times.
After pulling on my jacket and picking up a grocery bag, I walked out. My apartment was on the eastern side. Cleo was about seven floors up. The building was huge so everyone's apartments were far from each other. While taking the stairs, I'd always have to jump the gap between them on the second floor. When I first came to this building, I broke my arm with the fall. And I was careful to watch my steps. Didn't want to experience that again. Particularly, when there's not a lot of medical equipment available. I ran down the staircase watching out for huge holes or pieces of cement in my path.
The sky was orange with the sunset. And the roads were deserted as ever. The little grocery shop was a few blocks away and it wasn't like it'd close so I took my time. The Philadelphia humans had to live in the ruined part of the town. But I was okay with that. Sure we had no electricity in this place but we made do with whatever we had. Winters would be spent with bonfires on the road and sleeping bags to keep you warm. When all of us gathered it was always a delight. Fun stories, memories and jokes.
I was happy with what I had and I wouldn't hope for more. The people I live with know me more than my parents ever had.
But at tmes, I hated being pitied. I was an orphan, not a retard. I was ten when the war broke out and seven years later, I'm fine. I saw my parents being killed but I vowed to stay strong, to leave the past behind and focus on the future. I was never dependant on anyone.
Yet, there'd be the occasional box of cookies or bagels or bottles of milk outside my door. Mr Clark even offered to provide me with money but I respectfully declined. The only adult who didn't give me the pitied looks were Paulina. She was a single mom so she pretty much understood.
The grocery shop came after a turn.
Inside, I looked for bread and a jar of peanut butter. After getting a bottle of orange juice, I headed back. I stopped after passing two blocks, and looke sideways where little elven club was present and next to it a leprechaun cafe. I hesitated. Creatures who came here were either reckless students or dirty gangsters. Yep, eleves weren't all good. Your species don't determine your heart.
If I got caught, things could turn out pretty bad for me. But i was fascinated by leprechauns..''
I quickly ran to the little mailbox and threw the bag in it. I would just walk by. It wasn't easy to tell the difference between a walking mermaid and a human. The elven club was closed but a few leprechauns walked in to the cafe. I walked by, looking in. It was a nice,cheerful atmosphere in there. Leprechauns high-fiving each other, drinking lattes or hot chocolate, girls gossiping. I leaned against a pillar and sighed dreamily. Even though things were good or me, I'd wish for freedom, the kind of freedom these guys had.
My eyes fell on a table where a guy and girl sat. After a little bit of talking, they kissed each other. They could kiss each other in front of everyone and humans weren't even given the liberty to laugh in public.
A light tap on the back of my head brought me to reality. My eyes widened as I stared at golden hands when I turned. I didn't dare look up.
I was in trouble. I was in BIG trouble.
"What are you?"
I stopped the storm of random thoughts in my mind and composed myself. Looking up at the leprechaun, I said,"Mermaid, I was out for a stroll"
I put on the sweetest smile I could muster. I saw a flicker of doubt in his honey eyes.
"Mermaid, eh? Well, then I'd like o see your bracelet."
Shit...
I answered with slight annoyance, "I'm not obliged too."
He looked amused.
"Well, well. Never seen a human with such courage to stand up to a leprechaun."
I thought it best not to answer. He seem pissed already. I weighed my options. Stay and suffer God knows what or run..
Run.
I ran to the opposite direction, I could take a turn and hide. I ran as fast as I could and I was well aware of the thundering steps behind me. I ran in one direction for a long time and then abruptly turned. I strained my ears to hear for steps but I couldn't hear any. Had he given up chasing me? There was a boutique near, and there was no one in. I ran in and hid behind the desk. I was panting and sweating profusely. And then I head it.
The footsteps of someone. I froze.
"Little girl! Where are you?"
He knew I was here...
I listened.
"It would be better if you come out now. Or else it's gonna hurt really bad."
I stayed there.
"Come out dear, and I'll forgive you for such impoliteness."
The guy was so creepy it was pathetic. I wasn't a kid but he spoke to me like I was one. I closed my eyes and waited for him to go. Instead I heard the clicking of shoes on the marble floor. My eyes snapped open. If he cornered me here, I wouldn't be able to escape without a good fight.
I stood up, facing him, knowing that I'd done a mistake. He grinned when he saw me. I glanced at the door and he followed my eyes.
"I wouldn't suggest that."
I hated the confidence in his voice and I wanted to prove him wrong. I dashed to the entrance but fell when something fell on me. I looked back at the leprechaun who pinned my legs on the floor with his hands And crawled up oh me. My struggle was proving to be completely futile.
"Get off of me!"
He was sitting on me. His arm pulled back with a fist while I tried to cover my face. His hit landed on my arm and then a shower of punches started. I knew my arms would be severely bruised if I got back.
My arms hurt terribly. I heard him pause and my arms fell to my side automatically. I shouldn't have. I felt as if someone had slapped me with a rock.
Whatever air I had in myself left me, making me feel like a deflated balloon and my face rolled to my right. The force of that simple punch shocked me. And I tasted blood in my mouth.
I was too tired. I felt relieved when he got off me and walked out after staring at me for a long time. I was left in there, and I was too tired to get up. I slept right there on the cold marble floor.
