The Soft Glow in the Dead of the Night (Part 1 - History Unedited)

Chapter 6 - Little Red

A week had passed since Rue first met Mars. The most wonderful week of Rue's life. She hadn't had to steal once, she spent the day in front of a fire, learning how to read. She had more coins in her jar at Mars' than she ever thought she would. Her father was still getting his share of the money, and he was none the wiser about where she got it from.

Everything was going well.

Rue walked through into the kitchen of her house and her father sat at the table.

"Rue, my girl. Come." Rue hesitated and her father called her over again.

She walked to him and stood in front of him.

"You've grown." He said quietly as he looked at her. He placed his hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes. "You're stronger."

Rue didn't understand what he meant but she nodded.

"You've done well my girl. You've bought home money everyday this week, some days you've come with more than I expected."

"Thanks, pa."

"Your clothes are getting a bit small for you."

Rue nodded. She had long outgrown her clothes, but her parents hadn't cared enough to notice.

"There are some clothes sitting on your bed. New clothes. Extra pockets sewn in and a pair of gloves so your hands don't get numb."

"Thank you, pa."

He pulled her into a hug.

In the past Rue would have done anything for a hug from either parent, or even the slightest hint that they cared for her, or even loved her. But it had been a long time since she had looked at her parents for love and safety. She would only get it when they wanted something and when she disappointed them, the love was snatched back and replaced with emptiness. She soon learnt that the only person she could count on was herself.

She wrapped her arms around him and felt him smile. But she felt nothing. She had no idea how long it would be before he would flip on her.

"Go upstairs and try them on."

He let her go and she darted upstairs and into her room. The clothes were in a pile on her bed. She quickly changed and she noticed instantly the difference. The clothes fit her. Nothing was too short anymore. No holes. She had more pockets and a pair of fingerless gloves. It would at least keep her hands warmer.

She walked downstairs and thanked her pa again before walking out of the door.

The air was thick with winter. Her breath was visible and Rue was thankful for the new gloves.

She listened to the sounds of the streets. The same people stood in the same places. She waved to the newspaper boy, who tipped his hat to her as she passed. She greeted those who walked by her. She no longer needed to blend in.

"G'morning Constable." She waved.

"Where are you off to? Staying out of trouble I hope."

"Got meself a job."

The constable waved to her and smiled.

Before she would have changed direction if she saw him in the street, but now, it didn't matter. She was Rue Red and luck was on her side.

She rounded the corner and knocked twice. She waited for Mars to open the door and greet her.

Rue wiped her feet on the doormat and moved towards the blazing fire.

"Breakfast is on the table." said Mars.

Rue walked to the table and sat down. A plate of eggs and bread sat waiting for her, along with a steaming cup of liquid that was Mars's specialty.