"Quit screaming!!" My aunt sat there and watched them hurt me...I felt their large fists pounding on my head, my body. I could hear them yelling, my moms screaming. I hated them, I hoped they would just drop dead. But life isn't that simple anymore, well, mine isnt.

"Right there. Do you see it Max? It's almost as beautiful as you, sweetheart." My dad was pointing at a large tree, but the butterfly was what caught my eye. It wasnt colorful, but it was black with light blue tips. So tiny...

Dad smiled, he knew I was facinated by the dark creature. We did this every Saturday when mom went to work. It was the only day I could see him and spend the whole day together, just the two of us.

I woke up in a hospital bed, mom was holdin my hand, her shoulders shaking as she silently cried. I felt useless, my whole body ached. I saw large bruises on my arms, "How bad?" I asked. My voice sounded so terrible, I couldnt make out anything I had just said.

Mom looked up, "Just bruises." there was a small silence, "I'm so sorry Max....I tried to stop them. I swear."

I sat up, pain shooting through my body, "Mom, look at me." she looked up slowly, "This isn't your fault. Don't look at me like that. They stopped and I'm alive. That's all that matters."

She looked down and nodded, such a drama queen, but I loved her. "You're only 17, you have a life ahead of you. Getting married, having children, a family." she smiled. "Wait though, young one. Your dad would be so proud, seeing his beautiful daughter grow up so quickly. " I smiled at her and she kissed my forehead.

I dark figure walked in, "Is she ok?" Mom nodded and I got to see the voices face. He wore dark jeans, red shirt and a black sweater. His hair was black short but long enought to cover his left eye. "That's good." He looked at me and smiled, "Oh your awake."

I looked at him, then mom. "This is Dimitri Shadows. He, uh, helped us. Chased Adam and his crew away and called the police." she smiled at him and he smiled back. "Ok, sweetheart, you need rest and I've gotta take Dimitri home. He wanted to make sure you were ok." I smiled, someone cared other than my mom.

She walked out the door, Dimitri turned towards me slowly, "They're releasing you tomorrow. We'll be here to pick you up." He turned and walked out, calling over his shoulder, "The names Fang, don't forget it."

I had to admit, that was pretty cliche, but the way he said it made me laugh. And I'm pretty sure I heard him chuckle when the door closed.