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

"Go away Carson." I said. My voice sounded groggy and stuffed up, so I cleared my throat.


I heard silence for a while and then. "Are you crying?"


"Yes you are. What's wrong?" He asked quietly.


"It's nothing. Leave me alone, Carson." I said, feeling the tears threatening to spill again. I really didn't want to cry in front of him.


"It is something. Come on, you can tell me." He prodded.


I shook my head as the tears began to spill. "I just want to be alone right now." I said.


"Dammit Carson, go! Just go." I said as I started to cry again.


Carson's blue eyes turned cold and dark, just how I was used to it, then added. "Fine, whatever. Forget I asked anything." Then walked away without a backward glance.


Chapter 14