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 stood up from the floor and took up my books. "Well, I have to get going. We can do this again tomorrow at 5 o'clock." I said.


"I can't tomorrow. How about Saturday?" He asked, standing up too.


"I can't come on Saturday. I work at the cafe from nine to six thirty." I explained.


I heard a noise in the kitchen, so I decided to head in there to thank Ms. Linda for the sandwiches earlier. She was such a nice lady and to be honest, the sandwiches were the best I've ever had. When I got in the kitchen, Ms. Linda was busy preparing dinner.


"Ms. Linda, thanks again for the sandwiches earlier. They were delicious." I said.


Linda looked up at me and smiled. "You're welcome. I'm glad you liked it." She said.


"Would you mind telling Mrs. Knight that I left?" I asked.


"Thank you." After saying goodbye to her and Carson, I left the house.


Chapter 19