The Golden Girl

P r o l o g u e| t w a s • a • h a r d k n o c k • l i f e √

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"My body's shaking, My head is aching, it feels like my heart is breaking." -Olivia Obrien, Empty
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Unknown's POV

I've always loved walking home during Fall, I'd always stay late at the library and purposely miss the bus just so I could walk the three blocks home and enjoy the joys of Fall. The chill of the September breeze nipping at my exposed skin and the crunch of the fallen leaves beneath my boots were always some of my favourite things growing up. 

I couldn't wait to get home and show my mom what we did at school. No matter how bad her day was she would always try to stay sober until I went to bed. I know she thinks i don't know what she does after she tucks me in or after i leave for school but I do.

I was 7 the first time I saw her sticking a needle into her vein as she sniffled. I was heading downstairs to get a glass of water when I saw her. Being so young I didn't know at first what it meant. I thought maybe she was sick or maybe it was like when i got an injection from the doctor so I went back to bed. Another reason I brushed it off was because by the time i woke up for school she was already up and bustling around getting breakfast ready. She looked okay so I just ignored it.

But as the days turned into months and the months into a year I saw her eyes lose their twinkle. She looked tired and lifeless. She became less attentive. Although she still tried to be there for me it wasn't the same yet still I said nothing and accepted that this was who she was and no matter what i would love her.

It went on like this for years before my grandpa found us. Growing up I didn't know much about my grandpa other than the fact that he was russian. My mom always told me stories about the castle she grew up in with servants everywhere but whenever I would ask her about visiting she would just shut down and change the topic and I never understood why.

I was 11 years old when I first met my grandfather. I was in my room when I heard shouting and crying. Without thinking I ran down the stairs.

"Why didn't you tell me I had a granddaughter Anezhka? 11 years I could've had with her lost while you've had her struggling, living a life unworthy of a Krevonich." A voice barked.

"How is it my fault? You DISOWNED me because I fell in love. Why would I tell you people anything? You were supposed to be my parents. You were supposed to support me! But your BUSINESS always came first. I was just tarnishing your reputation right? That's what you said right? I was 16 and in love for god's sake" My mother spat venom evident in her voice followed by a few whimpers.

"Love?" The voice boomed with laughter, the sound dark lacking the comedic element. " Look where that LOVE got you."

"How did you even find us. I ensured I changed my name and discarded my old alias. So how?"

"Thanks to your extra curricular activities and how often you partake in them you made a mistake. If I hadn't had a few politseyskiy in my pocket who happened to recognize you  I wouldn't have known. Your lucky i got your charges dropped. Driving under the influence and Possession Anezhka? Did you even think about your daughter? No because you've always been a selfish girl."

"Mama, what's going on?" I asked the tremble and curiosity in my voice evident as I finally let my presence known.

"I'm fine Sweetie, go back upstairs." She smiled as she hurried to wipe the remnants of her tears away but the harsh redness left behind were a giveaway.