Uncharted Waters

Flashback

WARNING: This chapter contains neglect and some abuse. Please skip if you are at risk to get triggered from these topics. It is not crucial to the main story line but gives a back story to the main character. Read at your own risk!

SLAP! 

KICK! 

HIT!

"You USELESS creature! You know the drill! No money.... no bed! DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT CRYING OR YOU WILL GO WITHOUT FOOD TOO!"

The angry looking woman looked at the tear filled child with black hair and a fresh cut on her right eye. It was deep, with fresh crimson blood dripping down her cheek. She wore a ragged dress with no shoes on. "I'm sorry Ms Scarlet," the child wept. Some boys jumped me and held me down with a knife. I tried to fight but they took my Money and cut my face." The tears were dripping to the floor as the child continued to sob. 

The woman, who loomed over the child, stood at 5'10, she was skinny and looked to be in her late fifties. Her brown eyes looked black in the shadows and her grey hair was tied in a tight neat bun. She wore a grey ankle length dress with an apron tied around. Her face was furrowed in a frown with all lines going down in a V shape. 

"You are useless...." she growled as she looked up to see a white haired girl approaching with red eyes. Her ragged clothes were covered in a red liquid and her arms had fresh cuts and bruises. She stepped up and placed two coin bags in the womans hand. "I have both our coins for the night Ms Scarlet." her voice was monotone and showed no emotions. She looked at Saoirse and placed her hand out to help her out. 

The elderly woman took both coin purses and weighed them with a grin on her lips. "Yes... this shall do.... well... get in already. Don't want the neighbours to see." Her eyes scanned around for others. Stepping in, both girls went to the bathroom to clean themselves. 

All around, children were crammed into each of the spaces in the house, crying with hunger or in pain. "SILENCE YOU BRATS" Ms Scarlet growled until the only sounds were silent sobs coming from the infants. This place was run down and the children were starved, for an orphanage, it was hell. 

Willow took Saoirses hand as they climbed the stairs as they continued to see children hiding from the wrath of their carer. When they made it to the bathroom, they closed and locked the door. Silently undressing to wash their new injuries and put on clean rags. 

Once done, they went down to see stale bread on the table with a sliver of cheese. "She must be feeling generous today." Saoirse whispered before taking her plate and sitting in an empty space. Willow, who just nodded copied her friend and they ate in silence. Feeling the sorrow in the room, all was quiet until a hard bang was heard from the door. Ms Scarlet, who was taking a swig from her bottle of ale looked up and cursed silently as she went to open the door. 

A tall man stood outside with a frown on his face. All went quiet inside as each pair of eyes watched the stranger step in. "Can I help you?" asked Ms Scarlet, feigning her goody goody act. Rolling her eyes, Willow focused on her dinner not acknowledging who had knocked. 

"I saw a young girl earlier today and I was hoping to take her Ms." his voice was gruff but sounded slightly familiar. Looking up, Willows eyes widened as the man she had stolen from earlier came forward and pointed at her. She grabbed her friends hand and squeezed it in fear. "I'm sorry Sir, she is too old for adoption, can I interest you in an infant instead." Ms Scarlets voice sounded sickly sweet which made Willow want to vomit. "I'll give you twenty gold coins for her and her friend." he said, showing no emotion. Ms Scarlets eyes widened but nodded. "They're yours!" she said with a grin on her lips. "Come on girls, off you go."

With a apprehensive look on their faces, they nodded and walked to the door where their new carer stood. The man signalled for them to follow. They turned once more to look at the place they had called home since birth before walking out and never looking back at the beast who had tormented their lives since they had arrived.