I waited anxiously on the dark back steps of the master's home. Weeks of planning told me Victoria was late because the cook was having her scrub the floors, still I was worried. What if someone had found out about our plan and the master was beating my sweet little sister senseless, as he so often did. He had a so terrible temper and when something vexed him he would take it out on the staff, especially Victoria with her vibrant hair that made her easy to find. The very thought of him hitting her filled me with a hot anger and reminded me why I was here, I needed to protect her as mom did and take her away from this wretched place.
I looked around the alley squinting into the darkness; I shivered more out of fear for the unknown then for the late-September chill. I was really beginning to be worried for Victoria when I heard a small shaky whisper.
"Anne?"
I whirled around to face my sister, who was timidly shuffling into the black night. I quickly walked over to her and put my arm around her small shoulders. "I'm here," I said, she was stiff, her back rigid with fear. I looked her up and down quickly; she was tiny, not that she was short, she was actually very tall for a twelve year old but she was all skin and bones. She was barely there, which scared me she had plenty to eat but just didn't. My heart clenched as I looked at her, even in the dark I could make out the bruises that marred her face. I reached over and carefully touched the bruises. This is why we're leaving I thought to myself.
'Are you ready?'
Her eyes widened in fear, but she stuck her chin out in attempted bravery and nodded.
'Okay then let's leave,' I said this with as much confidences as I could push into my voice. I was happy and surprised that my hands weren't trembling as I wrapped my hand around Victoria's and led her into the darkness and into the unknown.