I woke up in panic again, sweating and panting, grasping for air. I hated having those nightmares, but unfortunately in my position, it was inevitable. Everything about my life was worth quivering, sometimes I wondered how I was still alive after everything that has happened to me. My family and I live in the East End of Gotham City, most specifically in the Bowery. The reputation of my area cant be worse than it already is. Prostitution,crime,murders and homeless people are a common thing for us. And just to make things worse, my father is part of one of the biggest gangs in Gotham, the Rileys. My "beautiful" last name has caused me some enormous trouble in University. Most of the "richer" or higher class students would mock me, knowing I couldn't say anything or my father would risk prison. But I was the first in my family to make it to collegiate level, earning myself a scholarship for my incredible math skills.
"Vanessa get the f*ck out of bed. Ya got school!
-Yes mom."
As usual, my mom woke me up in the most decent manner possible, only making me want to leave as fast as I can. I stood in front of my broken mirror pieces I managed to stick on my wall and brushed my ginger locks , trying to look as awake as possible. I chose my outfit for today, hoping id blend in this time, without anyone noticing me. Yesterday, Batman made an appearance near my district so hopefully people will be talking about him instead.
I opened the door to my room and found my mom doing her usual drugs on the couch. I passed by her and took my breakfast and ran outside the house. Walking to the University was another challenge on its own, requiring me to pass the creepiest houses and dark streets of Gotham. Some illegal activity was going on here for sure, I would bet my life on it. But no one bothered me, they knew me. There was no point into starting something, knowing my father, he would strike back at them.
I made it to the University on time as usual and walked casually to my first lesson, Chemistry I. Then, I saw her. Maria Ann Miller. One of the many people that bullied me day after day. But her, Oh her, she was special. She seemed to have a special obsession with ruining my life. She bumped into me and shouted:
"Watch where you're going you criminal offspring, I dont want your genetic dirt on my beautiful skin.
-Shut it Maria, you're so selfish.
-Selfish? At least im not rotting in a box like you. Im surprised your parents still want you. I mean, look at you. You look the cloth I use to wipe my floor.
-Get a hobby, for real.
-Oh but I do. You are my hobby. Ruining you is my hobby.
-Creep.
And I walked away, pretending it didn't matter to me. This girl was driving me crazy. The more she went on, the more I wanted to jump at her throat. Am I going crazy?
It was the end of another painful day in school, and I made my way to the main entrance, ready to make my walk back home. When I made it outside, I saw a big group of people. "A fight" I thought to myself. These things happened a lot anyways, wouldn't be a surprise. I just walked pass like nothing was new but I heard my name quick enough.
"Hey Vanessa, where do you think your going?
-Home. Problem?
-You bet I have a problem. In fact, we all do. We were all waiting here for you, you see. We heard you spoke back to Maria Ann today, I think you deserve a little beating for doing something so out of hand.
The boy that spoke had a mean look on his face, but a beautiful pair of eyes.
-Please, I didnt do anything wrong.
But it was too late, they jumped on me. I thought it was over. All the pain it was making me feel. All I wanted to do was cry, scream and run.
But thats when it struck me. All the pain ive felt these years, it was time now. I screamed my lungs out and jumped to the boys neck, losing control over myself. My brain became fuzzy and dark, all I could see was blood everywhere, and people running,screaming for help.
Everything went black.