A/N: Hi everyone! Thanks for checking out the second chapter of "Judith." I know I promised some of you that I would put it up last night, but my internet wasn't connecting… as usual. But anyways, here it is- the chapter you've been waiting for. It will reveal a lot more about Judith's past. I can't tell you how much I value reviews with criticism or tips… I need those. :)

Judith

Chapter Two: A Black Silhouette

Judith and Kevin began their rapid departure from Wisteria Park. They were running because they saw something- something that really troubled Judith. For when they were standing inan open area of the park, Judith could have sworn that she saw the black silhouette of a person atop one of the shorter commercial skyscrapers that surrounded Wisteria Park. Even though she could not make out who the vague form was, she sensed that it was gazing directly at her, because she felt an uncanny tingle go up and down her spine.

"I have to go. Kevin, you have to get outta here. Damn it, you have no idea of how much trouble I'll be in if they catch me. I don't want you to be in the way of any danger," Judith uttered hastily to Kevin. He could sense that she was on the verge of tears by the crack in her voice.

"No. I'm not just going to leave you like that. I'm not a complete idiot. I know there's something going on. And even if you don't tell me what it is, I'm still gonna be right here beside you."

"Fine," Judith agreed. She wanted to tell him how thankful she was, but this was not the time.

As the two exited the park, they reentered the corrupt world they had both known for their entire life as Mauve City. The sky, ifone wanted to call it that,varied only from light gray toa dark, inky black; there was no blue or pink on its limited roads were crooked, and the only vehicles that went along these jagged roads were dilapidated and worn Fords and pick-up trucks, along with lavish limousines carrying successful mobsters, police cars and ambulances with their blaring sirens, and an occasional hearse. There were no flowers or trees aside those from in the scarce number of city parks, but one could occasionally glimpse a patch of tangled forest green vines crawling up a fire escape or a fence. One can only imagine the types of people who loitered in the streets and allies. Mauve City was not all bad, though; there had been handfuls of kind reformers who wished to change the city for the better- but all of them had ultimately given up. There were charity centers, and there were hundreds of nice, charming people who lived there, but those hundreds were greatly surmounted by theincreasing corrupt, sadistic populace.

As they passed a basketball court guarded by a high, rusty chain-link fence, Kevin stopped Judith and placed his hands into hers. His heart still skipped a beat whenever he looked into the deep, lucid pools of her blue eyes, which radiated with beauty as well as sadness. He began calmly, "Judith, please tell me what's going on. Why did you run away from your home, first of all? I deserve to know, don't I?"

"You know, I've been through a lot. I've also learned that many people can't be trusted."

"You can trust me," Kevin said, thoroughly meaning it. He was hiding nothing, and she knew it.

Judith turned her gaze towards the ground. It appeared as though she longed for the weeds growing in the crevices between the large stones. She fought hard to hold back her tears. They were far from the mysterious silhouette on the skyscraper- now was the time to tell him, Judith mused. She looked back up at Kevin. Yes, she was ready.

"My parents," she hesitated, "my parents never really meant to have me. I was just some stupid, unwanted child to them, left alone in their house while they went out to drink and gamble. My father made a living from mugging people in the dark of night at a subway station or down a random, dingy alley. Then one night he came home, drunk as usual, and beat my mom. Then it started happening more and more, which created bruises, both physical and mental, for my mom. His 'career' was going down, with a tighter police force patrolling the city and all, and he began losing more and more bets with his friends, so he just took his anger out on my mother. My mom! Who never did anything harmful to him. I felt so sad and hopeless, I wasn't even doing anything to help her, but I also felt ashamed and angry that she wouldn't finally stand up for herself and end the nonsense. In the midst of all this pain, she started taking ecstasy tablets; the only time she was at peace was when she was high. And then," Judith took a deep breath. Silent, limpid tears were streaming down her cheeks, and falling to the ground.

But she continued, "she died. She died from a massive overdose on night. I remember there was a thunderstorm, and when I went into her room, there was a deafening crack of thunder not too far off. And, I just saw her, lying there- immobile. I couldn't even scream; I was so terrified, dejected. She was the only one who looked after me, and sang to me; her poignant voice was so beautiful. The police never even found out that my dad, James, abused her. They didn't really seem to care- they just took her body away. That was six years ago, when I was eleven, and I haven't forgiven my dad since."

Kevin affectionately embraced her, "Judith." He lingered on the name; there were no other words which could convey his feelings more clearly.

Judith wiped the briny tears from her eyes, and gazed at Kevin. She was so thankful for him; for he was her only source of comfort right now.

"Wait," she said, "the story isn't over."

The autumn wind whipped Kevin and Judith's barren faces, wrapping their bodies closer and closer with its strong wispy tendrils. Once in a while, it slowed down its speed out of what seemed like pity for Judith. But eventually it picked up again.