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 rolled my eyes at him. "Whatever makes you sleep better at nights." I replied, then open the bathroom door. "Good night, monkey brains."


On Monday, I got a ride to school from Carson. As soon as I got to school, my friends were outside in the school yard. They lifted their eyebrows curiously at me when I stepped from Carson's car. I knew I had some explaining to do.


When I walked over to them, the bell rang for homeroom. At least they won't have to grill me now. After homeroom, we went our separate ways to our classes.


The day went by and now it was lunch time. I collected my lunch and my friends and I sat at our usual table to eat. During lunch, Jasmine, Lucas and Kevin kept looking at me alternatively. Finally, Jasmine rest her hand on the table and looked at me. "Okay, spill."


"Spill what?" I asked, acting like I don't know what she is talking about.


Chapter 38