Today - Tomorrow - Together

2: This Is Why I Don't Socialize

Civilians continued about their day. No one paid any mind to the beepings of cars stuck in traffic. Mothers struggled to calm down the wails of their children. The homeless held no hope for the betterment of their future.

Not even as a lone girl took pride in the destruction of an office building a few blocks away from any signs of life.

A smile graced her features as she walked away from the burning architecture. She flipped the lid closed on her lighter. Her gaze tore away from the closed-off fire and drifted towards the ashes falling on the ground.

The police would be here any second which prompted Marigold to take her time in getting away. She couldn't lie to herself. More than causing death and destruction by her own hands, she loved a good chase. 

Being on the run forced adrenaline through her veins. The wind graced her heated body with cool air. Her heart pummeling along with the vibrations as her booted feet pounded into the ground tempted her. It took all self-restraint not to join the Olympics for the fun of it.

But that didn't stop her from letting herself get caught by the police and sent back to the psychiatric ward. It proved rewarding, getting to break out of that hell hole and break out a few others here and there.

'Anything to keep me happy,' she told herself.

A bar came into view and she waltzed inside. Rambunctious people with bad odors were yelling at the top of their lungs in cheers. Many wore biker jackets with outrageous designs painted onto the backs. Gangs no doubt.

Barmaids rushed behind the counters. Orders were called out by few while others joined horny men and women.

Taking it all in, Mari headed towards the back of the place and took a seat next to a big guy covered head to toe in tattoos. Being the only free seat in the entire place, Marigold didn't care for the look the man sent to her smaller figure.

"That spot's taken." He growled, leaning forward which allowed Mari to smell his rancid breath. Her face scrunched up and he leaned back before speaking.

"There's no name here. Thus, it's free for the taking."

Not liking the answer given, he stood up and faced the girl. She paid no attention and merely stuck her had into her bag. Pulling out a stuffed teddy bear with a brown ribbon wrapped around its neck, she spoke once again.

"Thanks for giving up your seat. Ottie needed a place to sit since he likes to complain about my bag so much." She held up the bear to eye-level and gave him a stern look. The bear was placed upon the chair after a sigh was released from Mari's lips.

The burly man grabbed the bear with a strong grip and made a motion as if he were about to send Ottie into the great beyond. Marigold's eyes widened at the brutality shown towards her trustful companion.

"I ain't gonna tell ya' again. Get the fu-"

Before the muscled man could finish, tears began to flood his eyes. The entire pub's attention turned towards the commotion. Many of the costumers started to wonder how such a tiny girl could make a big guy like him cry.

He wailed and fell on his behind while trying to get away from the monster. He, along with the confused gang members, ran out of the bar. The scared man whined and begged for mercy until Mari could no longer hear him.

The people who stayed behind were the tired-looking waitresses, the teddy bear, a lone man in a trench coat, and Marigold herself. She picked Ottie up by his ear in a hurry and proceeded to dust him off.

"I know. I'm sorry about letting him touch you."

Silence ensued between the girl and the plushie before she spoke again; her voice coming out much stronger than before.