The Young Life

A woman aged seventeen hid behind her horse's stall and breathed in sharply at the sound of boots hitting the wooden slabs of the stable floor. Her heart pumped in her chest, her horse snorting with anxiety at the strange activities of his rider and went to nudge her but was stilled by the bright blue eyed gaze the beautiful girl sent her. Sliding out of the stall, her heels clinked together in her hands causing her to still instantly and laughter filled the air as the older man picked up his daughter and spun her around despite her squealing. ''Daddy! What happened to work!?'' She exclaimed and another laugh could be heard. ''Nicolas! You're back!'' She said, an oompf resounded from the woman and Nicolas due to her tackling him to the ground. They spoke for a few moments about how army training was after standing up when more heels could be heard. 

''Arlene. What do you think you are wearing?'' A shrill and angry voice met Arlene's ears and she stared down at her trousers and shirt that she had taken from her brothers and altered to fit and look better on her slim but muscular figure. ''Clothes?'' She said firmly after meeting her mother's gaze for a few moments. ''Go change. Immediately. I'll meet you up there.'' Fear flashed across Arlene's expression and she refused to stare at her brother's confused expression; confused at his fearless sister's sudden change. She spun on her heel, not hearing her father question her mother and rushed to get changed. As Arlene was choosing between a scarlet red swing dress that had a black leather belt to emphasise her waist or a navy blue one that had white polka dots. 

Arlene didn't know why she expected her mother not to come in when she was getting changed. She threw open the door, grabbing Arlene by her head and threw her against the wall making Arlene scream out. ''YOU LITTLE BITCH! Your father almost found out! Would've left me! With no money either!'' She said, kicking Arlene when she was curled up on the floor, yelping out. ''Well stop shouting, mother and get this over with!'' Arlene spat out the title, it no longer holding any meaning. Her mother smiled, happy by her compliance and after half an hour of pure beating, Arlene was left on the floor with bruises along her ribs and scratch marks over her back. Her mother had made sure no one saw the marks.

Nicolas had found her, shock clear on his expression when he came into Arlene's line of sight and she yanked a blanket around her body, sorting out her hair to cover her slightly bruised cheek. ''Arlene...How long?'' He whispered and moved her hair out of her face making Arlene lean into it. The affection was welcomed. ''Since I was nine.'' She replied, voice normal due to not allowing herself to scream or cry throughout the event. It would only make their mother happier. Nicolas pulled his younger sister into a light embrace, not wishing to hurt her further and helped her get ready. It was strange for him to see his sister in such a state. So used to the fiery woman that was fearless, not an abused girl that quivered whenever he raised his hand. But after she was cleaned and dressed, the dark aura disappeared and she was smiling again. That was what the Proctor's admired of their little fire.

The rest of the evening was fine. Father had complimented Arlene on her scarlet red dress that flowed around her knees, saying that she was ready to go out dancing to which Arlene hugged and kissed his cheek. ''Oh daddy! Why thank you!'' She exclaimed happily, casting a short glance at her mother who was clenching her glass to tight it shattered in her grasp. ''Dorothy, are you quite alright?'' Stephen, Arlene's father, said with faint concern. His love for his wife was no longer there after Abraham, Arlene's brother who was a year older, had told him the going ons in his home. The reason he did not intervene was because he had believed the business had finished. ''Father. I'm going to dance now. Nicolas, drive me? I'll go in the bathtub?'' Arlene said, using the slang word for motorcycle side car and Nicolas instantly agreed, knowing his sisters love for his motorcycle. 

Nicolas didn't like dancing as much as Arlene and Abraham did just like their other three brothers who were off in the army so when they arrived, he drove off claiming to be back later on at around two am to pick her up. Arlene happily agreed. Her friends were already there dancing away and here she was, walking down the steps with one gracious hand on the railing as people's gazes turned towards her. Her dress was new in the style and the sounds of women's jealous whispers resounded as men nodded with approval at her slim figure and beautiful features. She was angelic and that's what all men loved. There was one man though that Arlene instantly enjoyed the look of but had no idea who he was and the best part was...he was staring right at her.