Chapter Two

I woke up in the middle of the night.

My breathing labored.

A cold sweat across my brow.

I dreamed.

Bad dream.

Horrifying.

Save me. I wanted someone to save me.

My whole body ached more than it had the when I woke up yes…ter…day…

I jabbed my arm into the creamy moonlight. I could see the bruises where my dad had grabbed me. I drew in a sharp breath. I had to get out. I couldn't live like this. I had to leave.

Slowly I drew up my body from my dampened sheets. I could barely walk, but I forced my limbs to move. My life was on the line.

I grabbed my backpack from its place that it had been resting for only a few days. I emptied all the crap out then went over to my door and shoved a towel underneath. I proceeded to turn on the light and quietly pull down the shade. I went over to my closet and threw in shirts, jeans, shorts, tanks…everything I could fit, in the book bag.

I couldn't find my purse. I still had my secret credit card that my mother gave me in case of an emergency along with the $857 that I'd gotten for watching kids for the past three months. I glanced at my mattress. I didn't want my dad to find it…my dad never checks between my mattress…I roughly pried the giant layers of cloth and fibers apart. There was my money and credit card. I snatched them and stuffed them into my bra.

I threw a couple things like my bracelet from my mom and the friendship bracelet my best friend Patricia gave me.

Out of habit I grabbed my iPod, the iPod charger, my phone, and my phone charger. I changed into a pair of shorts and a shirt with a tank underneath. When I grabbed my book bag, my eyes landed on the jacket that I had yet to give back to Ashton.

Ash would be so pissed at me. I knew it.

I heard the floor boards creak. I almost passed out from the fear gripping me. I moved lithely to the light before stashing my things under my bed. I pulled the covers just over my shoulders and tried to control my erratic breathing.

My door opened then closed.

It took all my will and strength in me to not scream when I felt hot breath on my neck.

"Mmmm, you're sleep now, but we'll have fun time. You got scared this time, but Daddy will teach you a lesson. Yes, he will. He'll show you that being naughty is not good. Daddy's girl must be a good girl…" Dad whispered in my ear. I could smell the booze on his breath and a hint of something else that I didn't recognize.

On the inside, I cringed and gagged, but on the outside, it was as if I was still sleeping.

My door opened once again and so was I.

I waited until 3 am to make my move.

I checked the door leading to my dad's room. It was cracked open. His limp body was slung over the mattress. I slinked over to the kitchen and grabbed my box of PopTarts. There was only one missing from the box, but I'd eaten it when I came home yesterday. I stashed a couple Snapples and water bottles into the second pouch.

Pause.

Maybe I could put some more food in here.

I set the book bag down and stuffed some fruit snacks, a few more water bottles, a package of Oreos, and, somehow, a couple Sunny D's.

I zipped up my belongings and headed for the door—picking up my Chuck Taylor's before heading out, quietly closing the door behind me.

It was like my chest was imploding on itself.

Breathe in.

Exhale.

Breathe…

I did it. I escaped, but I didn't feel safe.

I slipped on my Chucks and headed down my street. I didn't know where, but it was better than where I was at. With a man that was no longer my dad. Someone stole my mom and my dad. I was an orphan. Alone. No certain future. Where was my superwoman?