Chapter 8

Tobias and I finally made it home running. We stop right outside to catch our breath, to make it seem like we weren't running home. Tobias opens the door quietly, probably hoping Marcus had gone to bed. He stops with the door slightly and looks inside, but I wasn't able to see what was going on. He turns to look at me with a worried expression, and I know something isn't right. I move past him, and he says my name quietly, wanting to go first. I don't let him and I step inside, him following right behind me. When I look inside I see Marcus, sitting at the table looking right at me. In front of him lies a brown leather belt. Tobias comes in and puts a hand on my shoulder looking towards Marcus.

"Your late" Marcus says coldly.

"I'm sorry father I got caught up helping my teacher. Tobias ended up helping her too" I say

" The teachers wouldn't make you stay that long, it's 9:15 PM," He says looking at his watch.

"Dad, please don't be mad at her, she was just trying to help," Tobias says.

"Tobias it is in the rules to make sure not to influence your decision tomorrow," Marcus says while grabbing his belt, "So I must not teach you a lesson tonight".

Tobias glances at me and looks back up.

"But," Marcus continues " Rose here won't be leaving here for quite a while".

Tobias and I catch on to what Marcus is saying and Tobias immediately says, "Father please don't do this". Tobias puts an arm around my shoulder and tries to push me back, but it won't do anything.

"She didn't do anything wrong, take it out on me if you have to," Tobias says.

"Tobias" I whisper "It's fine, I won't let you get hurt anymore," I say.

"Take it out on her?" Marcus says "This is for her own good." Marcus has a smile curling on his face as he inches closer.

" Tobias go up to your room".

Tobias stands there hesitantly, an arm still around my shoulder. I nod at him, and he slowly moves away closing his eyes. He makes his way up the stairs and closes the door.

Marcus looks over at me and says " Maybe now you'll know to listen to what I say". He lifts his belt and throws it, hitting my side. He does it again and again, hitting my back repeatedly and both sides. I cry out in pain each time and tears form in my eyes. I eventually fall to the ground, and it hits my legs as well. I think I eventually pass out from the pain, but I don't know. Everything just goes black.