Beauty and the Beast

Kenna had one thing in mind, beauty. Her middle class side of town was only with those who worked all day, and slept all night. No one had time for beauty anymore. With a village of 2,000, although, it wasn’t hard to venture into the other parts to see the beauty in the things that those with power had. Gardens, flowers, fresh fruit dripping with sweet nectar. She once stole an apple from the Mayors own back yard, she never heard the end of it from her older brother, Mark. Kenna was small, and her brother knew it. Being the only man in the household he was forced to work two jobs and an apprenticeship. Kenna was happy for that, he was never home…

Today was a normal day, a two hour class with her best friends, and not friends, was better than usual. The two hour class usually consisted of the same things, 30 minutes of math, 30 minutes of history, 30 minutes of hard labor, and 30 minutes of career choice. Kenna always hated it. From the amount of work that you did in either subject you were given a job, and usually not the one you liked, but the one the Mayor wanted you to have.

“Come with me today? My father won’t be home until the moon is high.” Jordan said walking in between Kenna, and their other friend Bordan.

“Even I’m going,” Bordan’s rough voice chimed in. He glanced to Jordan then they both looked at Kenna.

Kenna gave a small giggle then looked in front of her. They were walking toward the cafeteria for midday portions. “I don’t know guys.” She mumbled letting Bordan open the glass door for his two female friends. Kenna grabbed an empty plate and got in line behind other men and women waiting for their food. “My brother lost his second job yesterday so he’ll be home tonight.”

“Kenna,” Jordan whined, letting her lose red curls fall in front of her shoulders as she leaned in to whisper. “Grant will be there.” She gave Kenna a wink.

“I think you forget who likes Grant here.” Kenna looked back to her after letting a woman from behind the glass covering the food drop, a spoon full of mashed potatoes onto her plate.

“Who cares about Grant? There will be flowers for free, and even some fruit seeds.” Bordan tapped Kenna with his finger.

Kenna’s eyes lit up and both of her friends knew they had her attention. “You’re helping me give my brother an excuse Bordan.” Kenna sighed receiving more bland food to put on her plate.

“Wouldn’t have wanted any more.” Bordan smiled sitting at their normal table when they had all gotten their portions.

They ate quickly, they had 30 minutes for the midday portions. They emptied their bowls and set them in a stack on their tables and dismissed the giant hall that could sit the whole population.

The three of them parted ways with plans from Kenna and Bordan to meet at sunset at her home, to let Mark agree to let Kenna have a night away.

“Where the fuck have you been?! Didn’t I fucking tell you I needed you here this afternoon?!” Mark yelled as Kenna entered her home.

She sighed and gave a face of desperation as she hung her winter coat on the hanger. A fire crackled in the fire place behind her angry brother heating up most of their home.

“I just got home from midday potions.” Kenna said immediately running into the hall to collect her dirty clothes from yesterday to wash.

Mark grabbed Kenna’s upper arm hard, and swung her to face him in the living area. “I was fucking talking to you, slut.”

“You’re hurting me…” Kenna said trying to sly away from her brother.

“How many times do I have to tell you, morning portions only! Those little sluts you call friends forced you into it didn’t they?! I have to pay for your food you know! Maybe I should put you on the streets?!” He brought her closer to his face, “huh?! Or would you rather sleep here, in a nice warm bed, getting a meal a day.”

“Let go of me, Mark, you’re hurting me.” Kenna could feel tears start to form in her eyes.

Mark released her violently, “I’m sorry, it’s just losing that job was the worst thing that could have happened this year.” Mark stormed to the couch and sat in it. “I never wanted to take care of you you know?” Mark leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. Kenna looked down at her feet and nodded. “Too much of a burden, I should have claimed you were adopted and thrown you in the orphanage, but that burned down.” Mark sighed and looked at the ground. He stood back up and walked over to Kenna. “But we are family, and I would do anything to keep you safe little sister.” He reached his arms out and hugged her tight. She lifted her arms slightly to show a response. “You just need to see that I work hard for what we have, and you disrespect it by going out thinking you deserve midday and nightly portions? I don’t think so.”

Mark had taken up drinking two years ago when their parent’s money had run out and he was forced into working. He told Kenna it made him feel better. But without his addiction, they would have enough money for all three portions. But Kenna would never dare admit that to him now.

“Can I clean my laundry now?” Kenna asked, being released from the hug.

“Do mine too. I have three days piled up in my room.” Mark turned and walked into the hallway and closed his bedroom door behind him after he had thrown his share of laundry into the hall.

Kenna sighed, “for one night, I just want happiness…”

Notes