I woke again, but this time I was on the white sofa from my heaven. I couldn't believe they let me lay on it. Surely I wasn't worthy of sitting on something so soft and expensive. I sighed happily and stretched until I remembered how I ended up here. I gasped and sat up quickly, suddenly on full-alert. I scanned the room and couldn't see any trouble, but I've come to realize that trouble lurks in the darkness. I quickly tiptoed my way to the stairs and prayed that they wouldn't creak. As I was about to step on to the fourth stair, someone started on their way down.
I froze up for half a second and then sprinted into the kitchen. I couldn't find it in myself to notice the lovely shade of yellow that adorned the walls or the beautiful ruby red apples sitting in a woven basket on the counter. My eyes naturally trained to the things that have hurt me most in the past. Knives, pots, pans, a cutting board. The list inside my head kept going until I could swear thoughts were leaking out of my ears.
I dropped to my knees and crawled behind the gorgeous marble counter, curling up and wishing I was invisible. I could suddenly hear the soft clicking of high heels on the tile floor. I involuntarily sighed, then threw my hands over my mouth in surprise. The clicking stopped and I cursed myself in my head, adding to the storm of doubts. I could hear two soft thumps as my lips started to quiver. Two small feet with perfect red nails protruded my line of vision. I tilted my head slowly up and saw the pretty lady from earlier. Her hair was still the creamy color of caramel, tempting you to touch it. Her face of perfect porcelain features morphed into a timid smile and my head whizzed with thoughts of why. Was she thinking of her plans? Proud of her rouse to get me into her house? Happy I was a girl?
She surprised me by slowly sitting down crossed legged in front of me. I was paralyzed in fear as she warned me to obey with her eyes and grabbed my hand in hers. I quickly pulled it back and tried to back up further into the wall. She frowned and apologized.
"I'm Esme." She stated carefully, luring me into the trap. I've had it before. I wanted to tell her to shove off but I don't think my vocal chords work anymore. I don't remember the last time I've talked, maybe eight or nine years ago? I refused to give them the satisfaction of my screams. They could take everything from me, but I wouldn't let them have my words. The one thing the crocodile wanted best was the only thing that was truly mine to have.
"I'm sorry." She whispered with a tear flowing down her seemingly ceramic cheek.
"You must be so scared." Scared? No. I'm horrified. When I was small, I used to ask myself all the time, "Why me?" Now, I realize that the correct question is "Will they stop?" I've given up on the fact that it could be better. I've accepted that this is what fate I've been destined to and I guess until I'm eighteen I'll just… survive. But why would she care? She is just like the rest of them, buying me like a slave just to hurt me. Why does that bring another joy?
"I won't hurt you." She tried to make eye contact with me and didn't realize I was on the verge of laughter. The amount of stupid freaking times I have heard that statement makes me sick. Won't hurt me? Then I guess the burns, slices, and bruises are out of love? The words of hate are meant to show their care?
Last time I checked, love exists in fairy tales. Just another story of hopes that will never come true. Dreams that won't ever be accomplished because it just isn't possible.
All of a sudden, the goddess stood up and to my horror grabbed my arm and yanked me into the living room. I tried to fight but gave in half way through. What good was it? It'll just happen eventually I guess. Why not now? I kept walking into the living room where what I saw thoroughly scared the shit out of me.
Every. Single. Person. From the devil family. Sitting in a solemn row on the lovely couch. I stood with the wicked witch in the doorway as they all drunk up the sight of me. Great. Just freaking fantastic.