AN: This is right before they leave for their first day in Sandy High School. Whoever guesses what Florintine is narrating this first, wins a chunk of gleaming cyber gold. So my readers read on.

I sighed, looking down at my scars once again. My mind flashed to my sad, sad life as an abused child. I had tried so hard to remain strong and tough, to always be there for my family. I took the blows, the insults, even covered my sister's ears when our father swore. I had tried so, so hard. I had sacrificed everything for them, and yet it still wasn't enough. They still bore scars all over themselves. Yet, I took solace in knowing that at least they didn't know the more grisly forms of abuse that our father also used. There were scars I kept hidden even from them. Huge burns and long straight cuts from knives were covered thoroughly. And… my virginity was another thing I had lost in my quest to protect them. I sighed sadly, fingering the only knife cut I let uncovered. A knock came at the door and I jumped up, quickly dusting over the cut. Lily's head (AN: So it isn't Lily…) poked through the door. "You ready yet?" She asked. I sighed and nodded, ready to face school.