The Difference Between Us

{7} A date with Scarlet

A Y O

It is that day of the year again. Sadly, I am alone again this year like any other year. Since that day, I know I changed, everyone knows I changed ...I don't want to remember it.

I'm cutting school like I do every Valentine and I am bored to death. Every one seems to be paired up, even butterflies are mocking me. Oh well, it's no time for girlfriends. I have to study, make it into a good university and become successful in the future.

Walking down a street alone on Valentine's day is a nightmare. Every single store is decorated with hearts and red, couples make out shamelessly on the street benches and every store or stall you pass by offers you their 'best Valentine's day deals.' It is nothing short of horrible.

Here I am sitting on a thankfully unoccupied street bench eating a Valentine's special ice cream when a scene catches my eye. A man was rattling a small child mercilessly and the kid looks like s/he would break into two.

"You little vermin, I'll teach you to steal from me!"

He raised his hand to hit the trembling and crying kid but I rushed in to stop him. The said child was so slim and frail. S/he was dirty and wore tattered clothing. I saved the child, now I figured out it was a girl, and paid for what she stole. Sheesh, she was only hungry. Heartless people.

I took her to the bench I sat earlier on, it was still thankfully unoccupied, sat her down beside me and pacified her cries.

"What is your name?" I asked but she shook her head in response. I guessed that she did not know her name so I tried another question.

"Where is your mummy or daddy?"

As an answer, I got more tears and wails from her. Man, something must've happened to them. Judging from her appearance, she seemed to be homeless. Guess I shouldn't have asked for her parents then.

I have no idea how to take care of a kid so I was just lost. I sat there confused with the girl who looked about four or five years old. How could that man want to hit an innocent girl like her? I took her hand and calmed her down, then I bought her some cookies which she hungrily devoured.

Right now, I am walking down the street with a kid in hand. I was thinking of taking her to the police when I heard a husky voice behind me.

"Is it yours?"

I turned around and to my shock and surprise, it was my red head academic rival, Scarlet. I think this is the first time she spoke to me. I think this is the first time she's spoken anything at all when she isn't yelling or arguing with her father in the school.

"I..."

I'm lost for words, seriously.

"Yes or no." She demanded.

"Well, no. I found her being beaten for stealing and..."

"You stole?" She glared at the poor child who cowered in fear. The child hid behind me to escape the Scarlet's infamous blood glare.

"Chill, she's just a child and she was hungry." I defended. Scarlet clicked her tongue and coldly commanded.

"Follow me."

I had to obey, I don't want to be pulverised like her other victims. For a girl, she sure is strong. I followed her to a fairly big house which was beautiful by the way and she led us in. In the living room, there were stashes of boxes. I wonder what for.

"I will warm up some food for the kid while you give her a bath."

"Why me?" I questioned but she just answered with an emotionless glare. Right.