Mirror mirror on  the wall, who's the fairest of them all.

"Definitely not me," Daisy thought as she looked at the reflection staring at her; sunken eyes, protruded cheekbones and dark eye bags. When did she get that old?

The bruises were very visible and seemed to be begging at everyone to look at them. She did try to use make up to cover them, but even then, people noticed and it made her uncomfortable when they bluntly stared and gave her a pitiful look.

She was glad though, that they never asked. As she brushed her fingers softly against the bruises, the past night whirled though her mind and save for the excitement of doing something Fred would consider not so lady like, she was really terrified. Terrified of what Fred would do to her if he ever found out. The thought of it made her shudder.

Emily looked at her best friend and her heart went out to her. Dee,  did not deserve such a cold, ruthless man when all she had was love to give. The once cheeky and playful girl was no longer there but was instead replaced by a sad broken soul, her nose always so pink, probably from the many tears she shed.

" You look beautiful, you know. You always were."

Daisy was startled by the sound, she hadn't seen Em come in.

" You always knew how to make me smile, and you have to stop creeping up on me like that. You would think a person with big feet such as yours would walk with heavy steps"

Daisy's smile, though frail, was enough to warm Emily's heart. It was really refreshing to see her throw one of her snide comments. They hadn't talked about it, but she knew sooner, rather than later, they would have to broach the subject.

It wasn't safe for Dee to stay there for long. Though it was most unlikely that Fred was back from his drinking spree and his women, it wouldn't take him long to find out that she had ran away.

It would also take him a shorter time to realize that Em had helped her and it would rain fire and snow lava, but by then, they would be long gone.

"We need to leave now, we should have already left."

Daisy knew the only reason they were still there was because she was in a really terrible state. Not that she was in a better one right now, but yesterday was worse, and Em's treatment had made her way better. It took her a second too long to realize what Em had said.

" yeah, we have- wait what do you mean we?"

" In what universe did you ever think i would let you go alone? We both know he will eventually find out that i helped you escape, and am not going to stay here and find out what will happen after, besides, you know am a free spirit (she was. She was a self proclaimed healer. Dee never understood how she ever got clients) and the only reason I stayed in this miserable town was you."

Now it was Daisy's turn to get pissed.

" WHAT DO YOU MEAN AM THE ONLY REASON YOU NEVER LEFT!???.."

" Now you find your voice. I keep telling you am a born healer..."

Daisy flashed her a  look that was enough to make her stutter..

" Dee, cmon, i haven't gotten laid in like three years now, cut me some slack. Am suffering enough as it is"

Daisy blushed and her cheeks turned bright pink. It was long since they had such talks, actually they hadn't had time to fully talk since she got married, five years ago.

"Don't just stand there, you should be packing."

" oh am done, and if your ass wasn't so lazy, you should have been done too." Em said while walking over towards her friend.

" Em, did you hit your head?"

"Why?" she was puzzled by that question.

"uh, i don't have anything to pack, seeing as i never unpacked..."

"oh..."

" Yeah, oh. Now let's get moving, and if i heard correctly, its been three years right? You've been here for five. Spill."

Emily laughed out loud, blushed a little then said,"Jimmy the carpenter."

Daisy had not laughed so hard in a long time,"Jimmy? Thin,scrawny looking, big nosed Jimmy? This journey will be interesting..."

She hadn't even asked where they were going, and her heart sunk a bit. What if Em also had no idea where they were going?

" Er... Em?"

"Yes?"

"Where are we going?"

" Somewhere he will never find us, where we can have a fresh start. And i know just the place."

That was enough to assure her. A fresh start was all she needed.

She grabbed her bags and followed her best friend out the door. She took a deep breath and in her mind said to herself: Here's to freedom! It didn't matter that Em's car was a piece of scrappy scrap metal, she would take it any day.

"I need all the details about scrawny Jimmy. If leave out a single detail, i will tickle you till you pee, and not just drops, a huge gush."

The two ladies, though if you heard their squeals you would be compelled to call them girls, laughed till they shed tears. It had been long, and they really enjoyed each others company.

        *********************
You! Yes you!!
Am kind enough to let you grab some more snacks (am cool like that;-). )
I would totally enjoy your feedback!!!
And most importantly, thank you for sticking it out this far.
Salute!!!!