The Moon Goddess
Chapter 1
"Cindy? Cindy, wake up. He's gone. He went to bed. Cindy, wake up, please, wake up!" Ellie cried desperately. Cindy moaned, her head was spinning, everything seemed obscured or blurry. The linoleum floor felt cool to her cheek. Oh how Cindy wanted to surrender to unconsciousness, but she didn't want to scare her younger sister anymore, so she quickly got to her feet, ignoring the piercing pain in her side and head. As her eyes came back into focus, she slowly looked about the room. John was still in his hiding spot under the chair, but Ellie had gotten out and watched Cindy anxiously, wringing her hands with worry. 'She is much too young to have to worry like that,' noted Cindy sadly. The room itself was a mess, the table was upturned, a lamp knocked over, beer cans where everywhere. He had been really drunk tonight.
Cindy felt her side, checking her ribs, making sure they weren't broken. She could feel a few sore spots on her stomach but nothing major. Then her hand touched her head, and felt a huge lump forming over her left eye. Damn. John came out of his hiding spot and asked Cindy if she was ok. His eyes wide in fright. Her forehead must have looked really bad. Cindy lied and said she was all right. She didn't want them to worry. But they had some much to worry about. She wanted to assure them that everything was going to turn out just fine and tried to smile, but it came out more as a grimace. This only caused the two children to rush over and give her a hug. The older girl patted their backs and sighed as she thought, 'this is just what I need, he's drunk and it's only Tuesday. Why won't he just have a heart attack and leave us alone?' She then reprimanded herself for thinking such a thought. If it wasn't for him, they'd be homeless and penniless. 'But still... It'd be better for the kids... I can't stand to see them live like this, I don't want them to.'
She was then struck with an idea. It just might work. In a hushed voice, Cindy told the two children that they were going to go to their neighbor's house to spend the night. Ellie and John both gave a silent cheer, and quickly packed their things into a blue plastic bag. Cindy smiled but knew that this wasn't going to be just a little sleep over at William's house. They were getting out of this hell, forever. Making sure that the two had packed everything they would need, double checking to make sure they had a toothbrush and enough underwear, she gave them each 50 dollars from His wallet, telling them to keep that safe. She then quickly scribbled on a piece of paper, telling John to give it to William's mom. He nodded, not knowing what it said, for though he was older than Ellie, he was not old enough to read, but he knew that it was important, if Cindy had written it. She never wrote anything down unless it was really important. Like homework. She placed a kiss on each of their foreheads and watched them walk down the road. Then she attended to the matters at hand.
Cindy went up to her room, but not before checking on Him. 'Good ole dad,' she thought. 'Out cold. Great, now I can finally get what I've wanted for so long.' Once in her room, Cindy changed out of her usual baggy pants and XL hoodie and put on her favorite shirt and pants, she looked at herself in the cracked mirror hanging on her wall. "Except for the bruise on my forehead," she said to her image, "I almost look good." The skinny girl in the black tank top and stretch black jeans stared back at her, and gave her a ghost of a smile. 'Now I am truly Cynthia the Moon Goddess' she thought. Tonight was the night, and she wanted to look her best, for no reason in particular. She guessed that it was a thing criminals did when they were about to do something bad. Cindy shrugged that thought away. She wasn't a criminal, and this wasn't bad. It was revenge. It was justice. Quickly, she grabbed her cd player with her favorite CDs and put them in their rugged carry-case. Her hand waltzed over her copy of 'Lord of the Rings'. It was tattered from much use. It was her most favorite book in the entire world, and she decided to take it too, since it did not deserve such a fate to be left behind.
Without another thought, she got all of His beer bottles from the refrigerator and dumped them throughout the house, taking a few swigs during the process. Cindy shuddered as the light brown liquid flowed down her throat. She didn't know why she even drank it, because it tasted horrendous. But still she drank it, just like Him. Once outside, she lit a match and stared at it for a moment before throwing it through a window, and watched the house she had spent all fifteen years of her life in explode into a swelling mass of orange and yellow hate, with Him inside. The flames grew and licked the pitch-black sky letting out a mighty roar, with stars twinkling happily in the night. Laughing like a maniac she said "That was for Mom." Then she scooped up her most precious and only possessions, turned around and walked into the forest, never to return.
***
Mrs. Cox was quite surprised when she heard a knock on the door. But when she saw Ellie and John standing on the doorstep, she smiled and welcomed them in, knowing that William would be happy to have friends over and that Cindy could have some peace and quiet at the house. God knew she needed it. After their mother died, Cindy took over the job of being John and Ellie's mom. Why their father didn't help out was beyond anyone. It was Cindy who took the kids everywhere, who got the groceries, who helped the kids with their homework. It was only when John handed Mrs. Cox the letter did she think that something could be wrong. If Cindy ever needed anything, she would come over herself, and she knew that she was always welcome here anytime. Looking at it with suspicion, Mrs. Cox read the note and gasped.
***
Dear, Mrs. Cox,
I must thank you for all the help that you have given us. But there are some things you should know. First, please don't read this out loud or let Ellie or John knows about what this letter contains. For it contains the truth, and they cannot know it. They must retain their innocence.
I remember the day my mother died like it was yesterday. I had gone to pick up Ellie and John from the park. Then we went home, me first into the house, as always. But when I got there, I found her at the bottom of the stairs, terrified, I took the kids to your house, and you know the rest of what happened that horrible day. But what you don't know is the real cause of her death. It was not an accident. She did not slip like the police say she did. HE pushed her down those stairs. But no one would believe me, because He was not under the influence for once, and there were no signs of a struggle. But it was HIM. He did it, and now he is gone to the only place where judgement can be truly passed on him. But I must go too, for I cannot stay here, with the pain of this horrible truth. Please don't tell Ellie or John, for it would break their hearts. Tell them that I went away, and that I will always be with them. The night calls to me, and I must go. Thank you again for you kindness and may you take care of the kids for me and my mom.
~Cynthia
***
Cindy knew where she was going, even though it was foggy and black in the woods. She was going to her favorite place, the cliff that looked over the valley. It was the prettiest sight in the entire town, and it was also the most dangerous. One false step and *whoosh* down into to the river. But Cindy didn't mind. She almost liked the idea. Clutching her copy of LOTR to her chest, Cindy put on her head set and put in the CD Meteora, by Linkin Park. Trees swished by her as she jogged, listening to the song 'Easier to Run'. *It's easier to run, replacing this pain with something numb. It's easier to go than face all this pain here all alone*. Then suddenly, she heard a high pitched cry and felt the ground beneath her feet give way to nothing, and before she knew what was happening, she blacked out.
A/N ~ Ok, yea. I know. It stunk. BUT SHE BURNED THE HOUSE DOWN! That was my favorite part. Meteora is the BEST! You should listen to it while reading this, although it myte be to late for that. It's a cliffhanger - literally - so I will try to be fast in putting up the next chapter. And for those who think they have read this before - I have been having trouble with this and have had to take it down several times. But this time it will stay up for good! Hope you like it!
PS - THANK YOU MEGAN AND SARAH! I REALLY APPRECIATE ALL OF YOUR HELP!
PPS - Cynthia means "moon goddess". I checked it out at one of those baby names' websites. My mom gave me this horrible look when she saw me on it, as if she thought I was pregnant or something. BUT IM NOT! I am a virgin and plan to stay one until I'm married. Go Me!
Chapter 1
"Cindy? Cindy, wake up. He's gone. He went to bed. Cindy, wake up, please, wake up!" Ellie cried desperately. Cindy moaned, her head was spinning, everything seemed obscured or blurry. The linoleum floor felt cool to her cheek. Oh how Cindy wanted to surrender to unconsciousness, but she didn't want to scare her younger sister anymore, so she quickly got to her feet, ignoring the piercing pain in her side and head. As her eyes came back into focus, she slowly looked about the room. John was still in his hiding spot under the chair, but Ellie had gotten out and watched Cindy anxiously, wringing her hands with worry. 'She is much too young to have to worry like that,' noted Cindy sadly. The room itself was a mess, the table was upturned, a lamp knocked over, beer cans where everywhere. He had been really drunk tonight.
Cindy felt her side, checking her ribs, making sure they weren't broken. She could feel a few sore spots on her stomach but nothing major. Then her hand touched her head, and felt a huge lump forming over her left eye. Damn. John came out of his hiding spot and asked Cindy if she was ok. His eyes wide in fright. Her forehead must have looked really bad. Cindy lied and said she was all right. She didn't want them to worry. But they had some much to worry about. She wanted to assure them that everything was going to turn out just fine and tried to smile, but it came out more as a grimace. This only caused the two children to rush over and give her a hug. The older girl patted their backs and sighed as she thought, 'this is just what I need, he's drunk and it's only Tuesday. Why won't he just have a heart attack and leave us alone?' She then reprimanded herself for thinking such a thought. If it wasn't for him, they'd be homeless and penniless. 'But still... It'd be better for the kids... I can't stand to see them live like this, I don't want them to.'
She was then struck with an idea. It just might work. In a hushed voice, Cindy told the two children that they were going to go to their neighbor's house to spend the night. Ellie and John both gave a silent cheer, and quickly packed their things into a blue plastic bag. Cindy smiled but knew that this wasn't going to be just a little sleep over at William's house. They were getting out of this hell, forever. Making sure that the two had packed everything they would need, double checking to make sure they had a toothbrush and enough underwear, she gave them each 50 dollars from His wallet, telling them to keep that safe. She then quickly scribbled on a piece of paper, telling John to give it to William's mom. He nodded, not knowing what it said, for though he was older than Ellie, he was not old enough to read, but he knew that it was important, if Cindy had written it. She never wrote anything down unless it was really important. Like homework. She placed a kiss on each of their foreheads and watched them walk down the road. Then she attended to the matters at hand.
Cindy went up to her room, but not before checking on Him. 'Good ole dad,' she thought. 'Out cold. Great, now I can finally get what I've wanted for so long.' Once in her room, Cindy changed out of her usual baggy pants and XL hoodie and put on her favorite shirt and pants, she looked at herself in the cracked mirror hanging on her wall. "Except for the bruise on my forehead," she said to her image, "I almost look good." The skinny girl in the black tank top and stretch black jeans stared back at her, and gave her a ghost of a smile. 'Now I am truly Cynthia the Moon Goddess' she thought. Tonight was the night, and she wanted to look her best, for no reason in particular. She guessed that it was a thing criminals did when they were about to do something bad. Cindy shrugged that thought away. She wasn't a criminal, and this wasn't bad. It was revenge. It was justice. Quickly, she grabbed her cd player with her favorite CDs and put them in their rugged carry-case. Her hand waltzed over her copy of 'Lord of the Rings'. It was tattered from much use. It was her most favorite book in the entire world, and she decided to take it too, since it did not deserve such a fate to be left behind.
Without another thought, she got all of His beer bottles from the refrigerator and dumped them throughout the house, taking a few swigs during the process. Cindy shuddered as the light brown liquid flowed down her throat. She didn't know why she even drank it, because it tasted horrendous. But still she drank it, just like Him. Once outside, she lit a match and stared at it for a moment before throwing it through a window, and watched the house she had spent all fifteen years of her life in explode into a swelling mass of orange and yellow hate, with Him inside. The flames grew and licked the pitch-black sky letting out a mighty roar, with stars twinkling happily in the night. Laughing like a maniac she said "That was for Mom." Then she scooped up her most precious and only possessions, turned around and walked into the forest, never to return.
***
Mrs. Cox was quite surprised when she heard a knock on the door. But when she saw Ellie and John standing on the doorstep, she smiled and welcomed them in, knowing that William would be happy to have friends over and that Cindy could have some peace and quiet at the house. God knew she needed it. After their mother died, Cindy took over the job of being John and Ellie's mom. Why their father didn't help out was beyond anyone. It was Cindy who took the kids everywhere, who got the groceries, who helped the kids with their homework. It was only when John handed Mrs. Cox the letter did she think that something could be wrong. If Cindy ever needed anything, she would come over herself, and she knew that she was always welcome here anytime. Looking at it with suspicion, Mrs. Cox read the note and gasped.
***
Dear, Mrs. Cox,
I must thank you for all the help that you have given us. But there are some things you should know. First, please don't read this out loud or let Ellie or John knows about what this letter contains. For it contains the truth, and they cannot know it. They must retain their innocence.
I remember the day my mother died like it was yesterday. I had gone to pick up Ellie and John from the park. Then we went home, me first into the house, as always. But when I got there, I found her at the bottom of the stairs, terrified, I took the kids to your house, and you know the rest of what happened that horrible day. But what you don't know is the real cause of her death. It was not an accident. She did not slip like the police say she did. HE pushed her down those stairs. But no one would believe me, because He was not under the influence for once, and there were no signs of a struggle. But it was HIM. He did it, and now he is gone to the only place where judgement can be truly passed on him. But I must go too, for I cannot stay here, with the pain of this horrible truth. Please don't tell Ellie or John, for it would break their hearts. Tell them that I went away, and that I will always be with them. The night calls to me, and I must go. Thank you again for you kindness and may you take care of the kids for me and my mom.
~Cynthia
***
Cindy knew where she was going, even though it was foggy and black in the woods. She was going to her favorite place, the cliff that looked over the valley. It was the prettiest sight in the entire town, and it was also the most dangerous. One false step and *whoosh* down into to the river. But Cindy didn't mind. She almost liked the idea. Clutching her copy of LOTR to her chest, Cindy put on her head set and put in the CD Meteora, by Linkin Park. Trees swished by her as she jogged, listening to the song 'Easier to Run'. *It's easier to run, replacing this pain with something numb. It's easier to go than face all this pain here all alone*. Then suddenly, she heard a high pitched cry and felt the ground beneath her feet give way to nothing, and before she knew what was happening, she blacked out.
A/N ~ Ok, yea. I know. It stunk. BUT SHE BURNED THE HOUSE DOWN! That was my favorite part. Meteora is the BEST! You should listen to it while reading this, although it myte be to late for that. It's a cliffhanger - literally - so I will try to be fast in putting up the next chapter. And for those who think they have read this before - I have been having trouble with this and have had to take it down several times. But this time it will stay up for good! Hope you like it!
PS - THANK YOU MEGAN AND SARAH! I REALLY APPRECIATE ALL OF YOUR HELP!
PPS - Cynthia means "moon goddess". I checked it out at one of those baby names' websites. My mom gave me this horrible look when she saw me on it, as if she thought I was pregnant or something. BUT IM NOT! I am a virgin and plan to stay one until I'm married. Go Me!