A Dark Lesson pt. 2

“Amanda, wait up!”

Amanda turned to see Marie running towards her, her ample chest bouncing in time with each step.  Her long black hair was pulled back into a ponytail, a few strands escaping and sticking to her now sweating forehead. 

“Morning, Marie.”  Amanda smiled, giving the now flushed woman a gentle wave.  “What’s with the panic?” 

When Marie finally reached her she doubled over, trying to catch her breath.  Once she was calm enough to talk, she stood up straight.  “Just thought he would walk in together.  That’s all.”

She shook her head.  Marie was… interesting.  She was smart, a hard worker and had proven a valuable asset to the Youth Center.  She was also a bit on the eccentric side.  That was in sharp contrast to Amanda, who was as all American as they came, short of the blonde hair and blue eyes. 

“You okay?” Amanda motioned towards the tall brick stairs that led up to Lilac Park, and then the Youth Center just beyond that.  “Think you have enough energy left for the climb?”

Marie stuck out her tongue, and then started up the stairs quickly.  “Catch me if you can!” 

“Hey!  No fair!”  Amanda took off after her. 

Amanda and Marie were both red faced and panting when they finally made it to the large, glass double doors of the Youth Center. 

“A tie?” Marie panted the words. 

Amanda just nodded.  The run had felt good, but the fact that she was winded after such a short distance proved she was out of practice. 

As they approached the doors they noticed something off.  There was something… no, someone curled up next to the doors.  As they got closer they could see that she had a dirty, threadbare blanket wrapped around her, and nothing else. 

Amanda was the first one to rush over.  On closer inspection the girl was young, probably around sixteen.  Her face was scuffed with dirt, and small scratches speckled her cheeks and what Amanda could see of her arms. 

“Is she okay?” Marie was at Amanda’s side now. 

She leaned forward, gently touching the young woman’s shoulder.  She was warm, and her shoulders rose and fell with the gentle rhythm of breath. 

“She’s alive.” She gave her a gentle shake. 

The girl’s eyes opened slowly. 

“You okay?” Marie knelt down. 

The girl started screaming.