AN: Alex meets a young boy her age. Will this be a friendship, or perhaps something more?

Chapter Two: A Not So Happy Beginning

Alex awoke early at seven AM on a bright Monday morning. When she tried to stretch, she soon regretted doing so, because of her bruises from her earlier encounter with her 'guardian', Ryan. She slowly climbed out of bed, and began to get ready for school. She slipped on her jeans, and a t-shirt, as soon as she grabbed her backpack, she smelled the odor of whiskey. Alex turned around, and saw Ryan standing there, smiling at her. Alex shuddered mentally when she thought that Ryan was watching her undress. Alex grabbed her backpack, and headed for the door, but Rick blocked her way.

"You are growing into a beautiful young lady, you know that?" Ryan said in a drunken voice, running his hand through her black hair. Alex looked away, disgusted at the sight of him.

"Look at me!" Ryan said, grabbing her face, and forcing her eyes into his. Alex hated him with a passion.

"Now, hurry home from school, okay? We are going to have some fun tonight." Ryan said. Alex slowly nodded, and she slowly walked outside. As soon as she left the house, she broke out into a dead sprint, running all the way back to school.

AFTER SCHOOL...

Alex was slowly walking home, dreading what was waiting for her once she arrived home. Ryan was waiting for her, of course, and what he had planned for her was nothing short of dreadful. As she rounded the corner of her street, a puppy jumped into her arms, knocking her to the concrete.

"Shadow!" A boy's voice called. "Get off of her!" A boy her age with black hair and blue eyes said to the dog happily sitting on her. He grabbed the puppy, and held it in his arms while he helped Alex off the ground.

"Sorry about that. This little mutt is always jumping on people." He said. "I'm David by the way."

"I'm Alex." She answered. "Did you just move here?"

"Yeah, I am starting school tomorrow." David said. "I am probably going to be going to school with you."

Alex smiled as she noticed that David was kind of cute. She glanced at her watch, and noticed that she had to get home, now.

"Oh, my. I gotta go! Bye!" Alex said sprinting off. David stared after her curiously, as he knew just from looking at her, that something was not right...

As soon as Alex reached her room, she saw Ryan sitting on her bed, smiling, holding a drink.

"Sorry I am late, sir." Alex said weakly.

"Don't be." Ryan said, his whiskey breath flooded the room. He got up, and slowly walked towards her. He slowly ran his hand across her face, and Alex trembled at his touch.

"You are really pretty." Ryan said in a suggestive way.

"Don't...please." Alex pleaded. Without warning, Ryan slapped her across the face, hard. Alex fell to the ground, holding her now bruised cheek. Ryan chuckled as he picked her up by the collar.

"Remember, I own you." Ryan said in a low whisper. "If you think about telling anyone, I'll kill you, you understand me?"

"Yes, sir." Alex whispered, tears forming. Ryan released her, and she fell to the floor with a thump. Ryan chuckled as he left the room. As soon as he left, Alex curled up in a fetal possition, and began to cry herself to sleep...

AN: R&R for more!