I was terrified all the time.

I couldn't go on like this. I was even afraid of my own shadow.

I heard a noise downstairs and I knew Allan was home. He was probably searching the cabinets for his stash of alcohol. He was more violent when he was drunk.

I heard my stomach grumbled again. I was really hungry, but I couldn't go downstairs, because he would see me and find a reason to hit me.

I really don't know why my mother had married him. What had she seen in him? I don't know why I ask that question, because I already knew the answer. He was rich and my mother needed the money.

Dad died when I was ten and we started to have money issues. My mother had to do something in order for us to get by, so a year later she married Allan. She didn't love him and I knew he didn't love her either.

Her Saving Grace

I didn't sleep though. I kept my eyes peeled on the door, because I didn't know if he intended to come back.


I woke up the following morning with a stiff neck. I had slept in one position last night as I was watching the door. I didn't even know when I fell asleep.


I got out of bed and took a quick shower. I was afraid to leave my room, so I decided to stay in. Now and then I would hear Allan downstairs or walking up or down the stairs. I knew he would not go anywhere as today was Sunday.


For the entire day, I stayed in my room and before I knew it night came and I went to sleep. In the morning, I got ready for school and pulled my bedroom door open. I knew that Allan was here, because I didn't hear his car drive out.


I was hoping that I could sneak out without him seeing me. I normally waited until he leaves, but he was taking longer than normal to leave and I didn't want to be late for school.


Chapter 13