Warning: Alcoholism and Abuse

Rainy Day Wilson

Age 18

District 4 Female

It was cold and pouring rain, and Rainy Day Wilson was drenched and shivering. She was regretting her rush to get out the door for school that morning. They were obviously too busy yelling at each other to notice her leave, otherwise her father would have insisted she take one.

Rainy Day walked as quickly as she could down Market Road. Her father was probably still at work, but she still hoped that her mother had made herself some hot tea and Rainy Day could sneak herself a mug to warm up. Her mother blew up at just about anything anymore, especially when she had that bottle in her hand, and Rainy Day had learned to be really sneaky as a result.

She passed by the bakery and the smell of cake wafted through the open door and into her nostrils. Her mouth watered and she couldn't help but peer into the window at the beautiful pastries displayed there. It smelled so good yet tasted so bitter in her mouth; it was another reminder that she would be turning twelve soon, and her father had gently told her that she wouldn't be getting a cake because her mother spent the money.

Rainy Day had innocently asked her mother why she did that, which caused another blow up accusing her of believing every little thing her father told her and how she was just a pawn to mess with her. Then her father blew up at her mother about how it wasn't Rainy Day's fault and how this could have been her last birthday and that her mother had spoiled it. Her mother had retorted that she hoped that it was. (That one hurt more than anything else.) That was this morning. It was why Rainy Day had left the house so fast and why she didn't have an umbrella.

It was why the rain and cold were the only reasons why she was in a rush to get home.

The baker came out of the back of the shop and Rainy Day took it as her cue to flee. She knew a lot of the shopkeepers didn't like it when she looked into their windows without buying anything. Being unwanted wasn't anything she wasn't used to, but she got yelled at enough by her mother. She didn't want a shopkeeper yelling at her either.

The rain came down harder, and Rainy Day decided on a whim to take a shortcut through an alley in hopes to get home sooner and maybe even have some hot tea. If she was in luck, her mother might have even been asleep and wouldn't notice her taking some. She knew it wasn't her mother's fault. She never wanted a child while her father wanted her badly. Her father got his way in the end, and while her mother carried her to term, it was clear to little Rainy Day that she was seen as a waste of space, so she tried to help out where she could. She was quiet in the house, listening for footsteps so that she could hide, and her mother wouldn't have to acknowledge her. She relayed messages between her parents when they didn't want to talk to each other, no matter how mean they were. She helped her father weave nets to take with him on the boats, and she cooked dinner and did the dishes every night. Maybe one day it would be enough.

The alley was dark and scary, and Rainy Day kept her head on a constant swivel, hoping nothing was lurking in the shadows. She walked as quickly as she could, hoping to get through the alley, but slowed her pace when she noticed that one of the windows was lit up.

Curiosity got the better of Rainy Day, and she tiptoed over to just in front of the window so she could see what was inside without being seen herself. The shop itself was empty, clearly having just been bought. Two people were inside talking, and when Rainy Day crept closer to get a better look, her heart and mind soared with excitement.

What on earth were Mags Flanagan and Zyran Douglas doing in a place like this?

She watched the two victors laugh and converse before vanishing into the back of the building. Her curiosity peaked, she slunk over to the door and let her hand hover over the handle for a moment.

Maybe she shouldn't do this... This place wasn't hers, and intruding or spying was very rude, even if they were famous...

But something about it all was super exciting, like when she snuck herself a mug of hot tea or a treat from her mother's stash. The thrill of not getting caught was the best part.

Why not? Rainy Day thought. Mags is nice. Worst she'll do is ask me to leave. Then I'll just say sorry and go home!

She slowly pressed down on the door handle and pulled it open slightly with bated breath. It thankfully didn't squeak, though it might have if she had opened it anymore. She slipped between the newly made crack and sighed with relief as the warmth of the heater hit her. Wow! They must be really rich if they could afford that! I guess that makes sense though. They are victors.

The door latched shut behind her and Rainy Day felt her blood go cold at the noise. "What was that?" she heard a voice ask. Rainy Day looked around quickly at the room around her, looking for a place to hide. There wasn't much in the room. There were some mats, some wooden signs with targets painted on them, and some crates stacked in the corner. She quickly rushed over and pushed one of the crates open and thanked her lucky stars when she saw that it was empty. She ducked inside and pulled it shut behind her, curling up in a tight ball as she did.

The wooden crate had a hole in it, allowing enough light and air in for Rainy Day to stay inside until it was safe to come back out, and allowing her to see outside.

She heard the footsteps come closer and Rainy Day held her breath.

"I swear I heard something," Zyran said.

Mags laughed. "Maybe you're starting to hear things, old man. Though I think there might be a leak in the roof somewhere. Look at that water on the floor."

Rainy Day swallowed hard, and her hand flew to one of her brown braids. It was still dripping with water.

"Hmm..." Zyran said. "You might be right. That or someone poked their head in and realized they had the wrong shop... I had better get going. The hubby's going to have a fit if I'm late."

"Yeah, that's fine," Mags replied. "Pup will be here any moment with some more paint and some wood for the floor. I'm glad you came, Zyran. I'm glad you and Grav agreed to help. This place is going to save a lot of lives."

"Agreed."

"Hey, before you go, can you help me take this empty crate out back?"

Rainy Day felt her blood freeze and her heart pound.

"Sure," Zyran said. She saw the older victor approach her crate and she prayed that there was another empty crate.

Her luck ran out as Zyran reached down and picked up her hiding spot. "...the hell?"

"What is it?" Mags replied.

"You said this crate was empty."

"It is? Maybe I forgot something..."

Rainy Day's heart sank. She was going to be in so much trouble... She should have just left, but no, she just had to hide in a box. What an embarrassing reason to get yelled at...

Zyran opened up the crate and Rainy Day squeaked in terror and covered her eyes, as if not being able to be seen would hide her. "Mags?" he asked. "Did you order a kid?"

"The hell are you talking about?" More approaching footsteps later, and she heard the younger victor stifle a curse. "Well then. I think you might have heard something after all."

Rainy Day parted her trembling fingers and glanced up. Zyran was kneeling over the crate and Mags was standing over it, both wearing amused looks on their faces.

Zyran reached into the crate and slid his hands under Rainy Day's armpits. He lifted her out of the crate like she weighed no more than a puppy and gently placed her on the ground. He narrowed his eyes at her, and it took all of Rainy Day's willpower not to flinch. "What in the world were you doing in there? You could have been hurt, poking around in here. We're still renovating. We didn't even know you were in here."

Rainy Day tried to speak, but no words came out.

Zyran's face softened and he looked up at Mags with a grin. "We didn't even know she was in here. Sneaky little thing, isn't she?"

Mags chuckled. "I'll say." She then knelt in front of Rainy Day and straightened her braids. "Where are your parents, sweetie?"

"D-Dad's on a boat," Rainy Day stammered. "Mom's at home. I don't think she wants me home just yet... I just wanted to get out of the rain, and I got curious. I'm sorry."

Mags and Zyran exchanged a look, then looked back at Rainy Day. "Let's get you warmed up, okay? Have you ever had hot chocolate?"

Rainy Day's mouth watered once again. She had never had it before, but she had heard about it, and she always dreamed of trying it.

Mags saw this and laughed. "Well, you're in for a treat. Come on." She then patted Rainy Day's head and gently took her by the shoulder.

Rainy Day marveled at how gentle the victor was. She was so kind even though she had no reason to be. "You're really nice," she blurted out.

Mags looked down at her and smiled sadly. "I bet it's rough at home, huh?"

"How did you know?"

"Believe me, I've been there. Don't worry kid, you'll be just fine. I'm Mags and that's Zyran." She motioned to the older victor, who gave a friendly wave. "What's your name?"

Rainy Day couldn't help but grin. "I'm Rainy Day! Rainy Day Wilson!"

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Rainy Day Wilson. What time does your father get home? Don't worry, you're not in trouble. There's just something I want to discuss with him."

And just over six years later, Rainy Day would become the first success story of the Gym, District 4's Career Program. Today's prompt was Why Not? That question would change her life forever.

Now, I have an admission to make. I made a serious continuity error on the last chapter. I will be correcting it right after I finish posting this chapter. It's not a huge change, but definitely worth checking out. That is my bad.

Next chapter might take a couple of days as we'll be checking in on Hilarious and getting ready for the First Quarter Quell. That chapter might also take a few days as it's a big one, but we'll keep the prompt month momentum going!