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

He wrapped his arms around me. "To see this smile on your face, I wish I'd taken you a long time ago."


I pulled away from the hug and smiled at him. "Come on. It's your turn." Carson moved to pick up a ball and then walk towards the lane. I slapped him on his bottom as he walk by me. Carson turn around to look at me and I smirked. "That's payback, sweetie."


"I learn from the best." I said and Carson chuckled at that.


On Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Knight asked to talk to me. I took my time walking down the long winding stairs. I didn't know what he wanted to talk to me about and I was dreading the conversation.


Carson who was with me, sat on the couch beside me. We were facing his father who was sitting on the recliner. Mr. Knight gave me a regretful look and clasped his hands in front of him. "I don't think it's best for you to stay here any longer."


Chapter 50