To my disappointment and horror, school was over. The clock that hung above the school read 3:15. Students ran out of the school, in their fast attempt to get home. I took my time… I didn't want to go home. I knew my uncle would make up an excuse to pound me, and I would think it was my fault. After all, it usually was. I'd be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Do the wrong thing, Say the wrong words. I could never get it right, and I deserved the punishments.

Sighing, I hoisted my bag onto my shoulders. There were at least 4 large books in there, making it that much heavier. I trudged along on the pavement, making my way home.

The time was now 3:30 and I just entered my house. The television was on, screaming obscenities of who knows what. Beer bottles lay all over the floor and counters. He was home. I started picking up the bottles, for I knew he would scold me if I didn't. The air reeked disgustingly of vomit and the alcohol that was consumed.

I heard heavy footsteps and soon, my uncle emerged from the family room. I avoided eye-contact, and continued picking the bottles up. My face had now probably drained all of its color as the fear overcame me. I felt a stiff, rough, large hand lay harshly on my shoulder. I turned around.

"Yourlate. Wherthe 'ell have you beenbitch?" my uncle slurred, his voice gradually rising.

"I-I'm sorry… I had to walk home from school. And my bag was heavy an-…"

SMACK

His heavy hand came in contact with my cheek. Tears threatened to fall, but I know that would only come to worse conclusions.

"DID I TELL YOU YOU COULD SPEAK, HO?" He boomed, emphasizing 'tell you'.

I shook my head, and looked at the floor.

"THAT'S RIGHT, I DIDN'T. YOU, SLUT, PUT THIS FAMILY TO SHAME. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY YOUR MOTHER KEPT YOU, BUT YOUR FATHER WAS DAMN SMART TO LEAVE." This got you angered, but you still said nothing, knowing you would be able to get your rage out later.

I'm putting this family to shame! He's the one getting drunk off of his ass and beating his sister's daughter. Honestly, Kura, I do not understand why you let him walk over you like that. I rolled my eyes. Would you look at whose back?

Yeah, well, you try standing up to a strong drunk man who can't think for the life of him and doesn't care what the weapon is as long as it does damage.

Oooh. She's gotcha there.

Okay, great. The voices are officially back, and I'm sitting here TALKING TO THEM AGAIN! mentally smacks self. It's not easy at all. I'm tempted to just walk away from the bastard and up to my room.

SMACK Crap… I wasn't listening again. Whatever it was, though, I probably deserved it.

Yes! Finally he left! I walked up to my room, closed the door quietly, and sat on the only thing that occupied this box. My hard, cold, small, uncomfortable, mattress. My uncle refuses to spend anything on me. So, I only have school, a uniform for school and home, and a bed. Yep, life sucks.

I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep, knowing that I wasn't missing anything important or worth while.

Several hours later, waking from my dreamless sleep, I looked out of my window. The moon was in a certain point in the sky. I had a talent for telling what time of day or night it was by the sky. It was one of my favorite pastimes. The sky was wonderful.

Seeing the time, around… eh… 10:22, I got up. I opened my door slowly, and heard the loud snores above the commotion on the television. He was asleep; it was my time to escape.

I tiptoed down the stairs and opened the heavy oak door. The sky was dark blue, almost seeming black. The moon was the only light that was cast. I took a deep breath in and smiled at the fresh air. I walked to the middle of the road and looked up. Tonight was the first night in a long time.

For the first night in months, I was free.

I know it's short, but I'm trying my hardest to make them longer. I'll also try to get them out sooner.

Thanks to all of the people who messaged me as well! I appreciate it!