A/N - Hey Readers. For those of you who are nice enough to read this, thank you. I have not given up on my other story. I am taking my time on that one because I want that one to be one of my best, even if it is my first. This idea came to me, though, in a time of great Writer's Block. I decided to write it out and see if my Writer's Block clears up for my other story.

Enjoy...


Prologue

I screamed in pain as my legs gave out, the remembrance of my father's hand, still lingering against my cheek. I could feel the heat, rushing through my veins towards the place where he'd hit me. I was used to this, though. By now, I could hardly feel the pain. Regardless of the physical impact, I was broken, emotionally. I would wake up in sweat, seeing my dad towering over me, fuming with anger, he directed... towards me.

He claimed he loved me, though... and most of the time I was stupid enough to believe him. He always said he was sorry for hurting me, but that didn't stop him from getting inhumanely drunk every single night. Nothing I did pleased him when he was in that state of mind. Even when I went to go get him another beer, he found something to complain about - either I was going too slow, or I was jostling his beer too much. Just something that made him get extremely violent.

His leg dug into my side as he pushed me even further into the wall that stood between me and my escape route. I always had to find a way around him before he ended up severely hurting me. Of course, he would have apologized for it even after I was dead. Another blow to the side and all the air rushed out of me. I frantically looked around for the stairs and as soon as I caught sight of the pale, cracked steps, I forced myself up off the floor and ran towards the door. It wasn't hard to pass Dad when his reflexes were slow from all the alcohol he had engulfed over the last two hours.

Once I was safely up the stairs and locked inside my room, I rolled onto my bed. I was still gasping for air which he had forced out of me. My cheek was throbbing as a bruise made itself apparent. I would need Rose to put some foundation on it. It wouldn't disappear, but at least it would be less noticeable. I groaned as I realized what day it was. I had school tomorrow. Great.

I shut my eyes and tried to find a happy place in my mind. I could still hear my dad yelling at me from downstairs, but I tried to block it out as much as was possible, wrapping my hands around my ears as I buried my head into the covers. My hands weren't doing anything, and I groaned, throwing a pillow over my face. It felt as though I was wide awake, but I was sure if I lied here long enough I would go to sleep.

After only five minutes, I started to drift off into a dreamless, empty sleep. I never dreamed anymore because I never had anything to dream about. Everything of mine was lost. Nothing could matter to me anymore. I had nothing to care for, and my nights were always full of black nothingness.

And... a lonely heart.


! ! ! Upcoming Chapter Preview ! ! !


"What's that on your face?" That had to be the most beautiful voice I have ever heard. To make it even better, he was running his fingers gently along my cheek.

"N-nothing," I stammered.

He looked down at me with soft, warm eyes.

"I don't believe you..."


A/N - So.. What do you think? If I get at least ONE review, I will update tomorrow. No sooner. So, let yourself be the one who sets a new chapter. :) Thank you for reading ! R&R

Much love, ( D not Q )

Carlysweety