I just realized that I haven't done the disclaimer! So I don't own Fruits Basket or any of its characters. I only own Sapphire Woods, and Nia, who will be introduced in this chapter. I left you guys with a cliffy last chapter. Sorry I didn't update for awhile. Also, if you find a spelling mistake, don't be afraid to tell me. Just try to do it nicely. Enjoy the chapter!
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Putting my left hand on the doorknob, as my right was occupied by the knife I had pulled out of my boot, I twisted the knob slowly. You can never be too careful. What I saw almost made my drop my knife. On the ground in front of my door, was a little girl. She was about seven years old.
After getting over my initial shock, I slipped the knife back into my right boot and picked the girl up. She let out a small whimper. I realized that the white dress was red with blood. This urged me to move faster, and I quickly lay her on my bed. Her straight hair was long, and fell down to her mid-back in slight waves. Its light brown, almost blond color was dark with blood. Making sure she was comfortable, I went to a box in the corner of the room, which held all of my first aid supplies.
Picking out band aids, gauze, disinfectant, and needles and thread, I ran back over to the bed, where the little girls breathing was slightly fast. Carefully undressing her, I took in the wounds. She had multiple small cuts all over her arms and legs. On her stomach, there were bruises in multiple stages and on deep gash on her cheek.
I winced at the damage. How did this even happen? I disinfected all of the open wounds, and then put band aids on the small cuts. Hoping she wouldn't wake up, I carefully stitched up her cheek, and put gauze on it. I wished I had ice to put on the bruises, but I didn't exactly live in luxury. She was breathing more evenly now, and I covered her with the sheet.
Realizing that she would need clothes, I sighed. I can't just leave her here. But she can't wear what she was wearing before. Maybe I could leave a note?... Finding a pen and paper through the mess was a challenge, but I did it.
Kid,
If you wake up before I'm back, don't get out of bed. I fixed you up as good as I could but you were pretty beat up. I'll be back.
It was hard to find things for her. I didn't know her size. In the end I bought her three dresses. It was getting late, and when I got home it was dark. Walking into my room, I was greeted by a pair of bright green eyes. She was awake.
"Where am I?" A cabin in the woods.
"You're in my…house. You ended up on my porch. You were beaten up pretty badly. Do you mind telling my why?" She looked at me cautiously for a second and then she whispered,
"Daddy hurts me. He hates me." I tensed.
"Where is your daddy? What's your name?" I talked in a soothing voice. I small whimper escaped her, and I winced.
"M-my daddy stayed at home. I ran away. Please don't make me go back! He didn't give me a name. He said I'm a mistake. Am I a mistake?" I blinked. Then realized she was in shock.
"Um, no. Of course not sweetie. You don't have to go back. Lets…let's play a game. We'll find you a name. You can call me-"
"Can I call you mommy? I've never had a mommy before." Her eyes were wide and hopeful. I never believed that you couldn't say no to the puppy dog eyes, but now I realized how wrong I was. It was like she was controlling me. I held back for as long as I could, but finally gave in. Sighing, I said fine.
Eventually we started shooting names back and forth. "How about…Nia?" She lit up like a Christmas tree, and nodded vigorously. I smiled. "Nia it is then. You must be hungry, and we need to change you into you're dress."She looked at me happily. I found it weird how trusting she was, especially if she came from an abusive home.
After getting her into a sky blue dress, I asked her how old she was. "I'm um…six…no seven! I turned seven today!" My eyes widened. Today was her birthday. I didn't have enough money for a cake though. Not after buying three dresses.
"Well, happy birthday." I smiled warmly at her. My usually cold demeanor melted away with her presence. I loved little kids. After eating, I realized that I needed to get to bed if I wanted to sleep at all before going to school. And for once since my dad died, I felt needed. And maybe, I would add some new pictures to my memory box. And this time, I won't be alone.
