The house was quiet. Too quiet. Jahi had wanted tho set out early for the morning of the interviews, but he had awoken to his house being silent. That could only mean one thing. His father was already awake. Jahi took a deep breath and steelhead his resolve. He had to get out of this house, and if it meant facing his father, then so be it. Slowly, oh so slowly, he slipped out of his room, heading for the front door. A few more steps and he'd be home free... "Where ya goin', wench?" His father's voice cut the air like a blade. Jahi froze. Damn. "Work..." He responded quietly, turning to face his father. The man sneered angrily. "Don't lie to me, boy!" He grabbed Jahi by his hair and dragged him to the floor. Jahi gave an involuntary yelp of pain and protest. "I'll ask again. Where. The hell. Do you think. You're going?" His voice was foreboding, and Jahi knew the wrong answer would result in more bruises for him to nurse and try to hide. "I...I'm getting another job... I swear, all the money will go to you!"Jahi choked out apologetically. "I'm so sorry, I should have told you!" Jahi's father narrowed his eyes at his whimpering son. Then he took out a knife. Jahi gasped in horror. "if you want money, sell that Ra damn hair clip!" He ripped the clip out of Jahi's hair. "And while you're at it, sell all this shut, too!" He took his knife and chopped off Jahi's beloved hair. It fluttered around his shoulders and Jahi felt tears prick his eyes. But he fought back the sob growing in his throat. His father took the fistfull of hair, jammed it into Jahi's hands, and pushed the bow over. He aimed, then gave a sharp kick right in Jahi's stomach. Jahi convulsed, and curled in on himself on the floor, bringing his knees up to his chest. His father threw the clip at him, and it struck him hard in the shoulder. "Bring the money back tonight, or that isn't even close to the beating you'll get!" Then he walked away. Jahi pulled himself up to his knees, tears finally streaming down his face. He wiped his nose, and looked at his fistfull of hair. Grabbing his hair clip, he slowly stood up, wincing as he did so. He knew a bruise was probably already forming in his stomach to match the one on his ribs. Heaving a heavy and tired sigh, Jahi left the house. -!- I'm sososososoosososososooso sorry for the long wait. I have about 3 more chapters to type up. I hope that will make up for it. But until then, HIATUS.