DARKNESS IN THE LIGHT

Why?

Everyone in town knew Natasha Crawford. How could they not? The red-head was always on the streets. If you needed help with your groceries, she was there, flashing you that quiet, soft smile.

If a kid fell while playing, she was there to pick him up and take him home. 

No one even knew where she lived. She never seemed to go home. But no one questioned her. They knew they wouldn't get an answer, just a small, knowing smile.

She walked around in tattered jeans and a plain t-shirt under a simple grey hoodie,  her hair tucked into a soft grey beanie. Her shoes were always neatly brushed, even though they were fading and old.

She was the sort of person all the old ladies liked to talk about.

Oh, the dear helped me with my things today!

She is so kind, Mary, I don't know why she's always alone. No one her age seems to socialise with her.

Caroline invited her for some cake and tea, but she said she didn't want to impose. Impeccable manners, unlike some of the teenagers I know.

Natasha seemed harmless at the first glance. But there was something the young people were quick to notice. Behind the soft grey eyes lurked something dark. It almost seemed as if she held a caged monster. And they were not eager to be around when the beast was unleashed.

                                                                     ***********

Natasha took a deep breath and plastered a small smile on her face. One more day, she told herself. It's a brand new day.

She took off at a brisk pace, making for the bakery. She stuffed her hands into her pockets, shivering slightly in the cold early morning breeze. Pushing open the bakery door, she relaxed slightly as the warm scented air hit her. 

"Good morning, Natasha. You're early!" Burke exclaimed from behind the counter. The burly baker dusted off his hands before stepping out from behind the counter. 

"Good morning, Burke." Natasha pulled off her beanie. Her dark red curls unfurled down her back before she pulled it up into a messy bun, a few strands framing her face. "Can I get the usual?"

"Of course, darling." He glanced at her out of the side of his eyes as he looked for a baggie. "Nat, when are you gonna tell me where you live? Spare me the worry, darling."

She cocked an eyebrow. "I've told you, Burke, out of town. People are never home, so I make do in town."

He took a bun out of the warm oven and put it into the bag. "Where do your parents go?"

She shrugged and leaned over the counter to help him with her drink. "I don't know, and I don't think I should care."

The doorbell tinkled and the door opened, bringing with it a gust of cold air. Raucous laughter erupted.

"You been hiding a nice ass, honey!"

Natasha slowly straightened. Oh Lord, please give me strength to not punch him in the face.

"Come on, babe, give us some more of that!" 

"Marcus, stop going at her!" Burke said angrily.

But Natasha had already moved. Swiftly, she had turned around and slapped him right across the face. At the same moment, the door burst open with a strong gust of wind and bounced off the wall. Marcus stumbled to the side from the force of her slap, off-balance when the wind hit him. It seemed strong enough to knock him over. He crashed into the tables and collapsed, unconscious. His cronies stared in shock, more unnerved by her expression than the slap or the banging door. Her eyes had darkened, and a nearly feral expression covered her face. She did not look remotely normal anymore.

Natasha blinked in the cold air, then brought her hands up to her mouth in shock. Her eyes slowly turned soft grey again. Burke was frozen behind the counter. He wanted to laugh at the way she had defended herself, the tiny 5 footer facing off against the 6-foot bully.

"Marcus?" She slapped his cheek a couple of times before his eyes opened again. His hand came up to grab her wrist. "Let go of my hand unless you want another ass whooping," she said coldly. He released her, blinking a little blearily.

"Get him out of here," Burke said, nodding to Marcus' henchmen. They grabbed their boss under the armpit and hauled him out, throwing Natasha jittery glances when they passed her.

"Burke, I'm really sorry about the mess. I'll clean up before I go, shall I?" She asked softly. He shook his head.

"Leave it. I'll handle it."

"You're already short staffed. It won't be a minute." She flashed him a small smile before hauling the tables back into place.

"I'll see you at 5 for your baking shift?" He asked her, handing her the bag with her buns and coffee.

"Of course." She blew him a kiss. "Thanks, Burke."

She headed out into the cold air, blowing on her coffee. He won't see me. He will see the baked cakes and a note from me, but he won't see me again today.

Her preoccupation caused her to run into a man. She dropped her bag in shock. "I'm sorry," she said, looking up at him. She froze.

He pushed his glasses down his nose and looked at her, confused.

"You?" She whispered. Her face was paler than snow. "Why are you here?"

He seemed just as pale. "I think you know why better than me, darling."