CHAPTER 3

I was shaken from my day dream by the shrill ring of the bell signaling the end of class. Biology was over and now I headed for Gym: my least favorite class.

I'm kind of a klutz, but even if I weren't gym would still be a nightmare. I'm usually so sore from Charlie and coverd in bruises that just walking ot class hurts. I have to change standing next to dozens of girls and I usually end up falling, and further injuring myself...Today would be no exception. After we changed Coach Calpp informed us we'd be playing dodge ball today. Oh great, another chance for me to get bruises. I was the second person out the first time we played. I was always one of the first few. I couldn't catch the ball when it was thrown at me, and I had no luck dodging. At least that meant I could sit down until round two!

I managed to escape with only 2 new bruises and one skinned knee! I twisted my ankle and fell during the second round, and sat out he rest of the class. On my way home I had to stop and get milk and bread from the store. I was making spaghetti with a salad and garlic toast to go with it.

In the market I ran into Jessica Stanley. She muttered some rude comment and went back to trying to find whatever makeup she was looking for. When I was done with shopping I went home and made sure everything was clean and prepared dinner for Charlie and Renee. They mostly didn't let me eat, so I would get extra food at lunch and hide it in my bag for nights and weekends. Sometimes when they were gone I could sneak downstairs and eat something small so they wouldn't notice its absence.

I heard the all to familiar rumble of the cruisers engine in the driveway, and I hurried upstairs. The table was set and dinner was on the stove. If Charlie wanted me to serve him his dinner, he'd let me know, but if I was downstairs and he didn't want me there, I would get in trouble.

I tried my best to avoid the wrath of Charlie and Renee as much as I possible could. Even with my caution I averaged about 4 bad beatings a week and 1-2 'night' with him. I don't count the almost daily slap in the face, just for being alive. I listened carefully and heard the osunds of Charlie getting himself dinner. Good, atleat that's one less thing I can get in trouble for. Renee would be home soon. She's like Charlie, if she wants me she'll call.

I ended up staying in my room until I heard the two of them retire ot their bedroom. I quietly snuck downstairs to put up dinner and clean the kitchen. How two adults can make such a mess is beyone me. They both left some food on their plate, so I ate it instead of throwing it out. I made a pretty good dinner, even if it was cold!

I finished up my weekend homework by Saturday afternoon, and decided to read ahead in my Biology book. I'm not allowed to leave my room until 5p, when it's time for me to start dinner so I needed something to do. I ofund myself daydreaming about the new Cullen kids again, the same images came to mind. It was strange that I would see such unusual characteristics about a group of people. WHat if they really look like you're imagining I mused dreamily to myself.