Vaporized Happiness (2)

<Maria's POV> <10 years ago>

I watched in awe as the dark ripples dance across the puddle before leaping into the air, then landed into the dark puddle, watching the water droplets be lanched into an air, in a beautiful pattern, I looked down at my before, perfectly, white and new stockings which now are uneven and drenched in a dark brown. I giggled about how easy they change before two large arms engulf me, my head spun around only to meet my father's dark, Chocolate brown hair and matching eyes, I squealed, "Daddy! You scared me!"

He gave a soft chuckle, he tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear, and gave the softest smile he could give, "Guess what I have?" He said while reaching into his pockets, revealing two wooden boxes, my eyes twinkled with Curiosity, I went to swipe one of the boxes, he yanked it back, "Nu-Uh, what do you say?"

"Please!"

He chuckled, "And?"

"Thank you!"

he handed me one of the boxes, I swiftly opened it, the box revealed a beautiful necklace that had our make-up family symbol, a silver owl with a snake clasped in its claws, I then flipped over the necklace, it had our last name, "Owen."

I whispered, he shook his head than corrected, "Owen"

I nodded than repeated, "Owen."

he gave a small smile than he gently picked up The necklace, tying it to my neck. He then handed the other wooden box but paused "This is for your brother, give it to him when you're old enough."

I nodded, then opened it, it was a beautiful pin that had the same owl with the snake, he closed it and whispered "Put it somewhere safe,"

I nodded going tp my bedroom, searching for a hiding spot, the perfect idea came to my head, I went to a loose board. on the floor, I lifted it up, than stuffed tge box there. I place down the board and smile at my accomplishment. I went to the living room and saw dad building my new brother, Lucas. I walked over, quietly, I held my brother's hand and whispered, "He's so cute.."

My father nodded in agreement. I glanced around, "Where did mom go?"

"She went to the market."

"Without me?"

He sighed, understanding we were going to the market as he puts Lucas in his cradle. We headed tp the market as I watched a dark green leaf drift to the path, only to be interrupted by an ear piercing scream that caused my father bolting into its direction, I followed into the dark alley, only to be welcomed by two large hands holding my mouth and body, but enough to see whats happening, I woman that had bright blonde hair was sprawled out on the floor, the source of the scream, and my father, brutally getting beaten by 3 strangers, I turned my head to look away, then the 4th stranger that was holding me grapes my hair and yanked me back to watch my father being beaten, I had tears streaming down my cheeks watching my dad turn black and blue, I tried to wiggle out of the man grip but he help me tighter, I had to watch my father be beaten, every punch is cutting at my sanity, until, one of the men pulled out a sharp object, a knife.

He jabbed it right into my father's neck, my father suddenly dropped to the floor, My vision went black.