The star and Cleaner.

6

Tom
It was just a usual day, or so I thought. I had done all the cleaning necessary and was asked to throw out the rubbish. It was pretty dark outside seeing as how it was winter. It turns dark early and it was fairly cold.

I could barely see in the ally the dustbins were held, if it wasn't for the street light at the end of ally, I wouldn't have been able to see.

I threw the bags into the bins and turned to go back inside when the the door to the ally slammed shut and three figures began walking towards me. I could make out Colin, of course, but the other two I couldn't. they were pretty big in size to be fair so i was pretty scared.

"I thought I told you to stay away from Tord he doesn't need you." Colin folded his arms over his chest as he came to a stop right in front of me. I took a slow step back. I didn't say anything just stood on guard. When a few moments passed and I still hadn't uttered a word Colin said "get him boys."

On instinct I looked to the end of the ally however there was no way I could make a run for it and escape. So with that I accepted my fate as the first punch to the face sent me stumbling a bit. I didn't have time to react as a fist collided with my stomach which made me double over. Another hit was sent to the side of my face and by that time I was on the ground.

My arms over my head to protect from any damage. The kicks came to my body rather than my head as my head had already been damaged enough.

"Let's go boys." Colin finally called and they stopped at once. I didn't dare move as they walked away. The cold air mixed with the many cuts and bruises made it hard to move. I was numb.

I heard the door open and closed again and footsteps running towards me. I flinched when I felt a hand touch me and looked up through teary eyes to see Tord looking down at me with tears running down his face.

I groaned in pain as he picked me up as gently as he could. He walked with what almost seemed like no effort back inside. All I can remember is being laid down on a somewhat soft bed, a prick in my arm before I was welcomed to darkness.

I didn't know how long I had been asleep for but when I woke up there was daylight shining through the window so it must be morning. I wasn't in as much pain as I was last night.

I pushed the quilt down a bit so I could see my bare stomach with a couple of cuts with stitches. So some kind of doctor must've patched me up.

I sat up slowly, being very careful, and looked around the unfamiliar room. My eyes settled upon a figure seemingly asleep. By the horned hair I recognised it to be Tord, which doesn't surprise me seeing as he was the one who helped me back.

My suspicions of him being asleep was wrong as he turned his head to look at me. His eyes held sorrow as they widened upon seeing me awake.

"You're awake." He smiled slightly and stood, walking towards me. He stopped and crouched down on the floor. His smile slowly disappeared and tears formed again. "Who did this?"

I looked down and hesitantly grabbed the hand that was resting on the bed. "I don't know" I said sadly which is mostly the truth, I didn't know the two that beat me up "though Colin was with them."

Tord perked up his face angry "Colin!? I knew he'd have something to do with this!"

Tord slumped down and I knew exactly why. It wasn't like we could do anything about it, we couldn't prove it. He was also the owners son which means that he can easily fire me or Tord.

He suddenly embraced me "it's all my fault. It's me he wants, he doesn't like me talking to other people. He wants me all to himself but I can like whoever I want."

Like?

"You like me?" Tord pulled back and looked at me realising what he had just said.

"Uhh-"

"It's okay I like you too." I smiled and he smiled as well but more in relief.

He quickly changed the subject though "it's almost lunch time so I'll get us something to eat. Are you in any pain?"

"Nope"

He nodded then stood up about to walk towards the door, but turned around and placed a quick peck on the lips. He then quickly left as I grabbed a pillow and squealed into it.