chapter two

"Elisa please go with me, please I really want to do this with you"

As I was busy with a sketch, Hazel called me and asked me to go on a girl's day out with her, she said she had it all planned out for a long time now but she only wanted me with her as her closest friend.

"Sure why not haze" I never could say no to anyone especially Hazel and I saw no point declining her offer when I would still end up doing it anyway.

She sounded so happy when I accepted to go and it made me a little suspicious but I really didn't care besides Hazel is a nice girl, she is the one person I can trust.

There was silence after she stopped talking, the silence was awkward I guess she expected me to say something but I had nothing and I was contemplating hanging up on her but It seemed rude so I just waited for her to make a move.

"You really should talk more, we are friends and you hardly say anything to me, I hope we could correct that," Hazel suddenly spoke up, taking me by surprise.

There was a mix of emotion in her words like she was really trying to get through to me. It warmed my heart that she cared and I couldn't stop the smile that appeared on my face.

After that statement, she said goodbye and hung up. There was something I haven't felt in a long time, and it made me happy to know she really considered me a friend.

I turned back to my sketch inspecting it, I knew something was missing I was not satisfied with the result no matter how many times I drew it.

"Mom, what do you think I am doing wrong?" I asked knowing I won't get an answer.

I closed my eyes and tried to imagine what my mom would tell me at this point.

"You just have to take a break and try again later" I smiled to myself as I spoke out her number one rule.

"Thanks, mom"

I dropped my pencil on the wooden floor and moved away from the canvas to the small window at the corner of my bedroom.

I leaned in and stuck my head out the window, feeling the cool night breeze brush my face, I took in the quiet and peaceful scenery that was dominated by trees.

One of the reasons I live here is because it feels like my home where I haven't been since I was five.

After a while I closed my eyes, I could remember the time my mom bought me my first sketchbook, it was pink, I would draw all the time and show her whatever I did.

Memories of her and dad in the garage teaching me to paint made me smile and a tear escaped my eyes and rolled down my cheeks.

I remember how much fun it was, my dad had no idea how to paint, he just messed it up and mom would make fun of him.

Happy moments I would hold close forever, it was all that kept me going. Drawing was a way I could feel close to them, it is my escape from my cruel reality.

My mom and dad were fighting again, I was in my room drawing when I heard loud noises coming from the other room. I was scared and I hugged my small frame begging them quietly to stop it even though I knew they couldn't hear me.

"Callen I can't keep doing this" I crawled close to my door to hear clearly "This is all your fault, I never wanted a child and now I'm stuck with you and that thing" I heard my mom yell.

My heart broke every time they fought because of me and I hated myself for it. I didn't mind they called me names, I probably deserve it for ruining their lives.

"Jade calm down, I will get rid of her but please don't leave me" my dad's voice came to me and it was like he was crying.

I hated everything I was doing to them, they deserve so much better.

My whole existence was a problem but I wanted them to be happy, I slept off crying at my door.

When I woke up the next morning I found myself in an unfamiliar place.

"Mommy, daddy where are you" I was scared and I didn't like where I was.

"Mommy I'm scared, mommy, mom…"

I woke up, lifting my head so suddenly that it hurt. I must have slept off while staring outside my window.

My breathing was uneven and sweat trailed down my face. I was scared all over again recalling everything that happened and how I suddenly ended up in an orphanage.

The place where my life was made a living hell, horrible memories I tried to forget but couldn't.

I couldn't stand up, I just wrapped my arms around myself trying to calm down.

"Mom, I'm scared"

Somehow saying those words made me feel a little relief and I began to breathe normally again.