《Her saving Grace》 Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Chapter 1- The Monster Living With Me was terrified all the time. I couldn¡¯t go on like this. I was even afraid of my ovn shadow. I heard a noise downstairs and I knew An was h me. He was probably searching the cabs for his stash of alcohol. He was more violent when he was dr nk. I heard my stomach grumbled again. I was really angry, but 1 couldn¡¯t go downstairs, because he would see me and find a reason to hit me. I really don¡¯t know why my mother had married h . What had she seen in him? I don¡¯t know why I ask that question, because I already knew the answer. He as rich and my mother needed the money. Dad died when I was ten and we started to have oney issues. My mother had to do something in order for us to get by, so a yearter she married An. She idn¡¯t love Mtn and I knew he didn¡¯t love her either. Thinking about my mother, I touched the locket t at was around my, neck. My mother had given it to me when I was twelve. That was when she was healthy. T o yearster, she became sick with lung cancer. An didn¡¯t even care. He didn¡¯t try his best to take care of h r and paylor her medications. She died a yearter when I was fifteen. I opened the locket and looked at the picture insid . It was a photograph of my mother and I. We were both smiling widely at the camera. I was really happy at day. I sighed. I really miss you, Mom. I knew you would never allow this to happen. I closed the locket and went toy on my bed. I w s really thankful that tomorrow was the first day of senior year, so I don¡¯t have to be home all the time with him anymore. I remember clearly the first time he hit me. It was six months after my mom had died. ** shback ** I had just finished my homework and I went dowristairs to make myself a sandwich. As soon as I stepped in the kitchen, An, my stepfather, was leaning on the counter, a bottle of whiskey in his right hand. I didn¡¯t say anything because he was like this most days. He didn¡¯t even talk to me anymore. I went over to the fridge to retrieve the cheese, tomato and mayonnaise. ¡°Ka,¡± I heard An called. I closed the fridge and turned around to face him. I waited for him to speak. ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear me calling you?¡± He asked. ¡°No. I was in my room doing homework.¡± I replied. ¡°When I call you a next time, I want you to answer me.¡± He said, stepping closer to me. I scrunched up my nose from the stench of alcohol on his breath. ¡°Okay, but I really didn¡¯t hear you.¡± I said, confused about his behaviour. It happened so fast and took me by surprise, but the next thing I know is that I was folding my cheek. He had hit me and it hurt like Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. hell. ¡°Do you hear me?!¡± He roared. I looked at him in surprise. Man, he must really be drunk. I would never thought he would hit me. He had never before. ¡°Yes.¡± I said quietly. ¡°Good. Now, I¡¯m out of whiskey. I want you to go to the store and get me some.¡± He said, mming the empty bottle on the counter. ** End Of shback ** It had been two years since that happened. Two years since my life hasn¡¯t been the same. Two years since my life was normal. I had thought that he had hit me because he was drunk and that it would be thest time. I couldn¡¯t have been more wrong. He continued to hit me for every single thing and then it got worse. He had be a monster. I really can¡¯t take it anymore. I can¡¯t wait until I¡¯m eighteen so I can get the hell out of here. He hitting me that day was the first, but not thest. It was just the beginning. I got up early the following morning and quickly got ready for school. As usual, I put on a lot of foundation and concealer to hide the bruises. I took up my bag and the house key and went downstairs. My stepfather was sprawled out on the couch, an empty bottle of beer hanging loosely in his hand. He was fast asleep and snoring loudly. I tiptoed through the living room and head to the front door. I was really hungry, but I didn¡¯t want to risk him waking up if I cook breakfast. I opened the door quickly and ran down the porch steps and began my journey to school. The Monster Living With Me Since I got ready early, I reached school with a lot iof time to spare. I walked passed the parking lot where a lot of students were gathered and went into the school building. I then head down the hall to my locker. ¡°Ka!¡± I heard my name being screamed. I knew exactly who it was immediately. I turned around with a wide grin on my face. ¡°Jazzy!¡± I greeted one of my best friends; Jasmine homas. She finally reached me and flung her arrtis around me. ¡°Girl, I missed you so much!¡± She eximed, sque zing me tight. ¡°I missed you too.¡± I replied, then pulled away. ¡°H w was Thand?¡± I asked. ¡°It was great. I can¡¯t believe summer¡¯s over.¡± She s id. ¡°Yeah, me too.¡± I sighed. ¡°Hey, have you seen Kevin or Lucas yet?¡± She aske ¡°No,¡± I replied. Kevin Harris and Lucas Martin we my other best friends. It has always been the four of us since middle school. ¡°Hey, hey, hey. Look who¡¯s here.¡± I heard a familia voice behind me. Jasmine and I turned around to see Kevin strutting towards us. ¡°Speak of the devil and he appears.¡± Jasmine tease , grinning widely. Chapter 2 Chapter 2 ¡°Kevin!¡± I said, an automatic smile forming on my face. I really missed him, even though we did see each other a couple of times during the summer. ¡°How are my two favourite girls?¡± He asked, hugging me and then Jasmine. The three of us then After we got our books, we stood in the hallway ar d continued talking. ss was not going to start for the next five minutes. I then looked down the corridor to see Lucas corning towards us. ¡°Lucas!¡± I greeted when he neared us. I then looked at him and frowned. ¡°What the hell happened to your hair?¡± Lucas smirked and ran his hands through his new itairstyle. His ck hair wasb over to one side. Much like how Justin Bieber used to wear his hair. ¡°I wanted a change. Pretty cool, huh?¡± ¡°Dude, you look ridiculous.¡± Kevin stated. ¡°You¡¯re just jealous that I¡¯m going to get all the girls now. I mean, no one will be able to resist this look.¡± He said smugly. Jasmine and Iughed. Lucas looked at us. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± He crossed his arms. ¡°Keep telling yourself that buddy.¡± I patted his cheek teasingly. Okay, I was joking because any girl would want him, with or without the new hairstyle. He also knew how to charm thedies. Kevin as well. Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. After all, they were both handsome, intelligent and funny. However, Kevin was more of the flirtatious one. ¡°Whatever, you know it¡¯s the truth.¡± He replied. Suddenly, the shrill of the warning bell cut off any more conversations. We began to walk to our homeroom that we were in together. We went to the back of the ss and sat down. Kevin and Lucas sat beside each other, while Jasmine and I sat in front of them. The teacher was not here as yet, so I got up from my seat and went to sit on Kevin¡¯sp, so we can continue to talk until the teacheres. Jasmine copied my actions and sat in Lucas¡¯p. ¡°What did you do for your summer vacation, Lucas?¡± Jasmine asked. ¡°Parties and going to the beach mainly.¡± He responded. ¡°Yes. Lucas and I partied hard and picked up honeys at the beach.¡± Kevin added, giving Lucas a high five. ¡°We invited Ka a couple of times though, but she only came once.¡± He added, holding up one finger. ¡°I was preupied most of the time.¡± I defended. I didn¡¯t want to tell them the real reason I couldn¡¯t make it. It was hard to get out of the house during the summer, because of An. I would lock up in my room mostly. But I couldn¡¯t tell them that because my friends did not know what my home life was like. I wa! afraid to tell them. ¡°I wish I was here.¡± Jasmine said. Just then our teacher, Ms. Baker walked into the ssroom and Jasmine and I sprang up from the boys¡¯p and went to our seat quickly. Thank God we made it in time, before our teacher looked around and saw us. Ms. Baker greeted us and then began with roll call. ¡°All of the trigonometric functions of an angle can be constructed geometrically in term of a unit circle centered at 0.¡± Mr. Malcolm, my maths teacher was saying, while I tried to keep my eyes open. I don¡¯t normally sleep in ss but, right now I wanted to sleep for two reasons. One, I could not sleep really, really hate trigonometry. ¡°The trigonometric functions are most simply defined using the unit circle. Let be an angle measured counter clockwise from the x ¨C axis along an arc of the circle¡­.¡± Mr. Malcolm continued. I rest my head on my hands and soon I didn¡¯t hear anything else as his voice trailed off. ¡°Ka.¡± I heard my name being called after a while, but I was too tired to lift my head. ¡°Ka!¡± I heard again and I groaned. Just five more minutes, please. ¡°Miss. Green!¡± The person shouted and I shot up quickly, looking at a very frustrated and angry Mr. Malcolm. The studentsughed in amusement. ¡°Miss. Green, can you please solve this trigonometric problem?¡± Mr. Malcolm asked, crossing his arms. I shifted my eyes from him and squinted at the bo4rd to the problem he pointed on. Solve sin(x)+2=3 for 0¡ã< x Chapter 3 Chapter 3 ¡°Hey, ready to go?¡± She asks. ¡°I have detention, remember?¡± I reminded her as I closed my locker. ¡°Oh yeah. That sucks.¡± She replied, pulling a sad face. ¡°You have no idea.¡± I sighed. ¡°Okay then, Fll see you tomorrow.¡± She said as she walked away. ¡°Tomorrow.¡± I said. waving goodbye. I then walked in the direction of the detention room. I still couldn¡¯t This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. believe that I got detention. I really hope this one small mark on my permanent record won¡¯t affect my chances of getting into medical school. I reached the door that has ¡®Detention Room¡¯ written on it and pulled it open. I noted that only one person was in the room. A boy, who was busy tapping away on his phone. I entered and went to the desk to give my detention slip to the detention supervisor. I then turned around to walk to my seat and almost run into someone who had just entered the room behind me. ¡°Watch it!¡± The person growled out and I looked atTound to see Carson Knight. Carson was the school¡¯s bad boy. He and his group of friends were always in some trouble. Let¡¯s just say he did not care for rules. I was not surprised to see him here. I looked around to see if his friends were also here. but it was only him. Normally, it was the four of hem who got into trouble. After all, they were always creating havoc together. Right now his hands were bandaged up and he ha cuts and bruises on his face. He was probably in another fight. No surprise there. ¡°You should also look where you are going.¡± I snapped. He stopped in his tracks and turned to face me. ¡°What did you just say to me?¡± ¡°You heard me.¡± I said simply. He scrutinized me for a few seconds, before he smirked. ¡°You sure do have a lot of confidence, little nerd.¡± He said. I scoffed. ¡°I¡¯m not a nerd.¡± He lifted his eyebrows. ¡°Whatever you say, nerd.¡± ¡°Douche bag.¡± I replied, crossing my arms. ¡°Enough!¡± The teacher at the desk in front of us snapped. ¡°Please take a seat. Both of you.¡± He said, pointing his finger in front of him. He looked weary and his eyes were bloodshot. I gave Carson onest re, before I walked away and took a seat at the back, near the window. Carson sat on the other side of the ssroom. I looked at the front and saw that the teacher had his head on the desk. He was probably sleeping, so I took out my earphones, plugged it into my phone and began to listen to some music. Maybe if I didn¡¯t pay attention to the time, it would run off quickly. Ten minutester, I was still listening to music with my head on the desk. Suddenly, I felt something bounced off my shoulders. I looked around to see a crumpled up paper on the floor. I looked over to where the boy who I had seen when I just entered the room was. He sat in his seat sleeping. Ills head was falling back and his mouth was wide open. I then looked around at Carson. He waved at me and tried to look innocent. An evil smirk was ying on his lips. I narrowed my eyes at him, before I took up the paper and threw it back at him. It hit his arm and bounced to the floor. I smiled in victory. He shook his head and pointed to the boy, as if to say it was him who had thrown the paper. I rolled my eyes. As if he was able to throw a paper ball at me. The poor boy was busy drowning in his own drool. For the rest of the detention period, Carson did not say anything or bothered me again. I was really d for that. He had his feet propped up on the desk, texting on his phone. The hour flew by fast and finally detention was up. I shot up from my seat quickly and left the room. Finally, I could go home. Not that I¡¯m looking forward to it. After twenty minutes of walking, I was finally at my house. I looked at the house that I lived in for six years; ever since my mother married that monster. This ce was definitely not home anymore. I looked at the dying flowers that were nted near thewn. They hadn¡¯t been watered or tended to since my mom passed. She loved flowers and was the only one who took care of them. Now, they were shivered up and dark looking. I didn¡¯t know if An was home. The garage door was closed, so I didn¡¯t know if his car was there or not. I took a deep breath and walked up to the front door. I opened it with my keys and pushed it open slowly. It made a creaking noise and I groaned. I hope the noise didn¡¯t wake him up. That is, if he was sleeping. I sighed in relief when I saw that the living room was vacant. I closed the door quietly and walked briskly towards the stairs. I don¡¯t want to take any chances if he was home. However, as soon as I reached the foot of the stairs, I heard a sound behind me. I turned around to see An standing at the entrance to the kitchen. ¡°Where are youing from?¡± He demanded. -School.¡± I answered. He narrowed his eyes at me. ¡°School ended an hour and a half ago. Where have you been?!¡± He shouted, moving closer to me. I took a step back. I didn¡¯t answer. I was trying to calcte in my head how fast I could run up the stairs. Maybe if I took them two at a time. I could make it, I thought to myself. As soon as that idea came to my mind, I brushed it off. Who was I kidding? With my clumsy self, I probably wouldn¡¯t make it up the first two steps. Chapter 4 Chapter 4 Before I could think about anything else, An reached where I was and stood in front of me. His big and muscr frame looming dangerously over me. He raised his hand and f took in a deep breath and closed my eyes. Secondster, I felt the all too familiar sting to my cheek. I looked down at the floor and clenched my jaw. trying to ignore the pain. He grab my hair roughly, forcing me to look at hi . I whimpered in pain, because of how tight he grabbed my hair. He then mmed me against the w on the right. I hit my head hard, before I fell to the floor. hitting my head again. My head began to throb ith pain and my vision became spotty. I tried to regain consciousness. I began to scramble to my feet, when he kicked inc to the floor again. He then began to continuously kick me. In my stomach, hip, leg and my back. 1 closed my eyes tightly to prevent the tears from falling. Finally, he stopped kicking me. ¡°Now go to your room!¡± He gruffly said as he walk d away, heading back to the kitchen. I got up off the floor weakly and quickly limped to my room. My body was in a lot of pain, but I ignored it. I couldn¡¯t risk him changing his mind anding b ck for me. As soon as I reached my room, I went inside and closed the door behind me with the lock. I un to my bed and finally let the tears flow. I hugged my pillow close and cried. I didn¡¯t know ow much more of this I could take. I didn¡¯t know how long I cried for, but the next thi g I know, I fell asleep, hearing the sounds of my own This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. hups. The next day, I woke up with a pounding headach I stretched my sore limbs and went to take a shower. I turned the water to hot and went into the sh wer. I stood under the spray for five minutes, before I start tother myself with soap. When I was done, I stepped from the shower and rapped a towel around my body. I then went into my room to get ready. I got dressed quickly into jeans and baby blue sweater. As I put on my sweater, I cringed at the ck and blue marks on my stomach. ¡®qie old ones beside it was starting to look dark and ugly. I then went over to my dresser tob my hair. I un my hands through my brown hair and noticed that a big chunk was torn out from when An grabbed it yesterday. I caught my hair into a high ponytail in order to hide it. When I was done, I began to apply makeup. I appLed a lot of foundation and powder on my cheeks to hide the marks that had now turned a darkish blue colour. Thankfully, when I was done, it wasn¡¯t showing. I had gotten so used to hiding the cuts, bruises and scar that I had be a pro. Within fifteen minutes, I was ready for school. I heard An downstairs in the living room, so I s on my bed and waited. He should be leaving for work soon. Well, I hope so because I didn¡¯t want to be ate for school. I sat on my bed for ten minutes, when I heard the screeching of tires outside. I looked out of y window to see An¡¯s car speeding away. Yes! I thought to myself. I grabbed my school bag om off my bed and left my room. I ran down the stairs and left the house. It was the second tost ss of the day and I was n the gym locker room changing into my P. E uniform; which consisted of a red and ck T-shirt an i red shorts. When I was finished, I slipped on my white sneakers. I then went out into the gym to join th¡¯ rest of my ssmates. After a while, I saw Lucas. He walked up to stand reside me. He was in my P. E ss. Our P E teacher, Ms. Levy, finally walked up to us. ¡°Okay ss, Mr. Dunham¡¯s ss will be joining us oday. We are going to y a game of dodgeball. My ss will go against Mr. Dunham¡¯s ss:: Everyone sta ted to chatter in excitement. Ms. Levy p her hands. ¡°Alright, everyone do fourps on the court unt Mr. Dunham¡¯s ss get here.¡± As usual everyone grumble in protest. Mostly the tuck up girls, who doesn¡¯t like to get sweaty. They were lucky we were only doing fourps. Normally, w do six to tenps. Ms. Levy blew her whistle to indicate that we should start and stop theining. ¡°Well, see you on the ying field.¡± Lucas said to me as he take off running. I started to run as well with the rest of the ss at a slower pace. I didn¡¯t want to u e up all my energy. Although, I was used to this. Come on, I walk two miles to and from school every d y. After a while, Mr. Dunham¡¯s ss joined us and everyone finish up with theirps. We all gathered together and Mr, Dunham and Ms. Levy went over the rules of the game. I looked over to where Nix-. Dunham¡¯s ss stood and my eyesnded on Carson. e looked back at me and smirked. I shook my head and turn back to face the front. I didn¡¯t even remember that he is in Mr. Dunham¡¯ ss. asionally, Ms. Levy and Mr. Dunham would join sses, so I¡¯vee to know the students in Mr. unham¡¯s ss. I think I¡¯ve only seen him twice though, because he¡¯d skip most of the time. Ms. Levy and Mr. Dunham aligned the balls on the center line in the gym and then stepped back. My ss stood on one side and Mr. Dunham¡¯s ss stood n the next side. Ms. Levy ced her whistle into her mouth and blow it. As soon as the whistle Chapter 5 Chapter 5 I run for a ball as well, keeping a keen eye on my opponents. There were a lot of balls thrown at me, but luckily, I dodged all of them. I then directed my ball towards a girl and throw it. The ball hit the girl on her leg. The girl gave me a re as she trudged towards the benches. I lifted my hand and waved at her, grinning widely. The game continued until only a few of us were le t. On my team, there were three of us; Lucas, another boy and I. On the opposing team, there were four peo le; Carson, two girls and another boy. One of the girls was on the track team. Our ssmates who had been iminated was cheering us on from the benches. I grab for another ball and directed my attention to Carson. Carson, however, was paying attention to the boy on my team, who had just thrown a ball towards him. He dodged it skillfully. Taking my chance at his distraction, I threw my ball at him. By the time Carson saw the ball, it was toote. The ball hit him on his cheek. Carson looked in my direction, shooting me a re. He began to rub his cheeks sorely as he walked off the court. The students from my ss cheered loudly. ¡°Nice shot, little K.¡± Lucas cheered me, calling me by the nickname he has always used for me. He then gave me a high five. I smiled at him quickly before turning my attention back to the game. As the game progressed, Lucas was out as well as the other boy, leaving only me from my team. On Mr. Durham¡¯s team, the two girls were out, leaving only the boy. The boy threw a lot balls at me, but I dodged them. I also threw a lot of balls at him and he dodged them. The game was getting difficult, because it was only the two of us. We both were always watching each other, so we always knew when the ball wasing. My ssmates were cheering me one loudly and his ssmates were also cheering him on. An idea popped into my head and I smiled to myself. I began to feign like I¡¯m throwing the ball at him, while he watched me and the ball like a hawk. I finally brought the ball above my head and set like I was about to throw it. However, before the ball left my hands, I brought my hands down and directed the ball for his foot. When he had thought the ball wasing for his upper body, he had ducked down. By the time he realized that I had changed position, he jumped into the air. However, he was toote, the ball hit him on his foot. When my ssmates realized that we had won, they shouted loudly and began cheering. I jumped up in joy as well. To be honest, this was the first time I¡¯ve ever yed dodgeball and was thest one standing. Normally, I would¡¯ve been out by the middle of the game. I guess I was getting better at this game or it just pure luck. ¡°Good game, Ka.¡± Ms. Levy praised. Students from my ss came up after that and congratte me. ¡°Alright, everyone hit the showers and head to your next ss.¡± She shouted and everyone left the gym. As I was leaving the gym, I felt eyes on me and I turn around to see Carson looking at me. I waved at him and he just turned away and walked out of the gym. Way to be a sore loser, I thought to myself as I left the gym also and head for the showers in the girl¡¯s locker room.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org. As soon as I finish showing, I put on my clothes in the shower like I always do. I do this because 1 don¡¯t want anyone to see the cuts and bruises on my skin and start asking questions. No one really questions why I do that though. They just thought that I was self-conscious of my body or something. When I was done, I put my P. E clothes in my gym bag, put it in my locker and went to myst ss. The following day at lunch time, my friends and I sat down at our table for lunch. We were busy joking around and talking about random things, when I looked up at the entrance to the cafeteria. Entering into the cafeteria, sporting all the confidence of the world was Carson and his three friends. There were Michael Evans and the twins; Jayden and Jordan Moore. They walked passed our table and Carson¡¯s eye caught mine. I look away quickly. They walked to their table and sat down. ¡°What¡¯s up with you?¡± Jasmine asked when she realized that I had gone quiet. ¡°Nothing. I was just trying to avoid Carson.¡± I replied. ¡°Carson Knight?¡± She asked and I nodded. ¡°Why? Are you into him?¡± ¡°What? No!¡± I said shaking my head quickly. Jasmineughed. ¡°I was just asking. After all, he is hot.¡± She said. I looked over to the table that Carson sat talking loudly with his friends. I have to admit, Jasmine is right. He is hot. I¡¯ve always noticed his arrogance before. but if you really look at him, he was good looking. I see why girls would always chase him now. Not that I agree with their actions. They did not care that the boys were going to dump them within a day or week. they just wanted a chance to be with the hottest boys in school. How pathetic! After lunch Jasmine and I he-ad to our AP Biology ss. When we entered the ss, most students were already there, so our usual seat in the middle of the ssroom was taken. I spotted two seats near the back of the ssroom and Jasmine and I went there to sit clown. Chapter 6 Chapter 6 The teacher was not here as yet,. so I was busy talking to Jasmine, when Carson and his friends walked in. I didn¡¯t even remember that they were in my ss. was even surprised that they were in AP biology. They didn¡¯t seem like the type to get good grades. I kn w I was being judgemental, but I couldn¡¯t help it. Thankfully, Carson didn¡¯t seem to notice me as he ras caught up in a conversation with his friends. I turned back in front of me as he and his friends sit behind us. The teacher came after that and started This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. her lesson. During the middle of the lesson, I felt a light tap on my shoulder. When I turned around, I saw that it was one of the twin. I looked closely at him for a second and noticed that it was Jayden. I raised my eyebrow at him as he grinned at me. ¡°What is it?¡± I asked. ¡°Is it true that you knocked out my pal here with a ball?¡± He asked, his finger pointing in the direction of Carson, who was ring at him. ¡°As I told you before, she didn¡¯t knock me out.¡± Ca son cut in, but Jayden ignored him. He looked at me awaiting my response. I looked around at the teacher, who had his back tLrned to us writing something on the ckboard, before facing Jayden again. ¡°Leave me alone and don¡¯t get me in trouble.¡± I hissed in a whisper. ¡°Ooh, she¡¯s a feisty one.¡± Jordan said from his seat and all the boysughed at hisment. I rolled my eyes at their behaviour. ¡°I don¡¯t have time for your games.¡± I said and turned back around in my seat. Jasmine raised her eyebrows at me, as if to ask ¡®what was that about?¡¯. I mouthed ¡®I¡¯ll tell you about itter¡¯ and she nodded and went back to her work. Ignoring the bickering and snickers behind me, I went back to my work as well. They were used to disrupting sses and getting detention almost everyday. As for me, I hope I don¡¯t see another detention room for the rest of my school year. At the end of the day, I was at my locker, when Kevin and Lucas walked up to me. ¡°Hey Ka,¡± Kevin said. ¡°Lucas and I are going over to my house to hang out. Want to join us? We can order pizza.¡± I gave them an apologetic smile. ¡°I¡¯m sorry guys, I an¡¯t. I have a ton of homework.¡± ¡°Well, suit yourself. Just know that we were nn ng on having a horror movie marathon.¡± Lucas added. He said this because he knew how much I love horror movies. ri ¡°I¡¯m really sorry guys.¡± I said pouting. I wish I coul go, but my stepfather wasing home from work early. I wanted to get home before he did. I didn¡¯t want another confrontation; if you can call what happened yesterday a confrontation. ¡°Nah, it¡¯s okay. You gotta do what you gotta do.¡± Kdvin said, before adding ¡°Hey where¡¯s Jasmine?¡± ¡°She was here earlier, but she left early. She said she has a hot date.¡± I rted what Jasmine told me. I wasn¡¯t surprised when Jasmine told me about her date. She was always going on dates with guys. She was on a desperate hunt for ¡®Mr. Right¡¯, as she puts it. ¡°Another one?¡± Lucas asked, lifting his eyebrows knowingly. ¡°Yep. She said that this one was definitely the one.¡± I ryed. ¡°That¡¯s what she said about the others.¡± Kevin put in. I just shrugged. That¡¯s exactly what I told her when she told me, but she said that this time she was sure of it. I really hope so. ¡°Do you want us to walk you home?¡± Kevin asked. I shake my head. ¡°No, that won¡¯t be necessary.¡± I said quickly. I didn¡¯t want them to walk me home, in case An showed up early and made a scene in front of them. I definitely didn¡¯t want that. ¡°Okay, see you tomorrow.¡± Lucas said to me and he and Kevin wave goodbye and walk off. I finished at my locker and step away. Not looking where I was going, I bump into someone. I almost lost my footing, when the person grabbed my elbow to steady me. After I was bnced on my feet again, I looked up to see that it was Carson. He was standing very close to me, so I step back a little. His white shirt that he had on clung to his chest. His body was muscly and defined. I could see that he worked out. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± 1 said and began to walk around him, but he block my way. ¡°Get out of my way, please.¡± I said, trying to remain patient. ¡°This is the second time you have run into me. I think it¡¯s bing a habit, Kitten.¡± He stated. That stupid smirk of his nted on his lips. Kitten? What the hell? ¡°My name is Ka and I would prefer you call me that.¡± I stated annoyed. ¡°Nah, I prefer Kitten. It fits you, because you are cute like a kitten.¡± lie said, obviously teasing me. Trying to push down the blush that was threatening to appear, I pointed a finger at him and said. ¡°Nice try mister, but ttery won¡¯t work on me.¡± ¡°Aww, that¡¯s too bad.¡± He replied, faking hurt. ¡°Move Carson, I have to get home.¡± I said pushing at his shoulder, but he was build like a rock. He ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of you.¡± I replied, lifting my chin (I(fiantly. Of course I was lying. With his muscles and strength, he could do serious harm to me without el fort. Unconsciously, I looked up at his face. The previous cuts and bruises that he had on his face were fading a ay. However, he had a red mark on his jaw made by the ball when it hit him yesterday in gym ss. It was till fresh. The red mark was fading away, but I could still see it. ¡°You better move before I make your next c eek red too.¡± I tried to hold back a giggle. Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Carson looked at me confused and then his eyes shed as he remembered what I did in gym ss. He stepped closer to me threateningly. ¡°You don¡¯t have the guts to try that.¡± He said. By this point. he was close to me. I step back, but my back hit the lockers behind me. He raised his hands and instinctively, I shrunk back and used my hands to cover my face. After awaiting the hit that never came, I slowly removed my hands and looked at Carson. He looked back at me with confusion in his bright blue eyes. ¡°Ka?¡± He asked gently. To be honestly, I was surprised he knew my name. I didn¡¯t think he was paying attention when I said it earlier. I leaned off the lockers and cleared my throat. I tried to look anywhere and at anything, but him. It was difficult because his searching eyes never left mine. Concern entered his eyes to mix with confusion. ¡°Did you think I was going to hit you?¡± He asked quietly. ¡°Yeah,¡± Iugh nervously. ¡°After all, you did advance on me.¡± I tried to y it off as nothing, but he didn¡¯t look convinced. ¡°Contrary to your belief, I don¡¯t hit girls.¡± He stated. ¡°Well, that¡¯s good to hear. Um¡­I really have to get going.¡± I said. I turned away from him quickly before he could say anything else. I looked around at him onest time and saw that he was still standing where I left him, staring at me with a nk expression. He looked to be deep in thought. Oh God. Why had I done that? Thest thing I need is for him to begin to specte about me. No one can find out about what is happening at my home. No one. Or else An would kill me. Ka, what have you done? I was running. I didn¡¯t know who or what I was running from, but I knew I was afraid. I was in a forest surrounded by tall trees and no matter how far I run, it seems like I can never reach the opening. I also felt like I wasn¡¯t moving at all, even though the chilly night air whipped at my skin. I felt tears streaming down my cheeks and my vision became blurry. I couldn¡¯t see where I was going anymore, but I kept running. The sky was dark and the clouds were dark and loPming. I started to hear voices all around me. I couldn¡¯t make out what they were saying, but the voices sounded cold, angry and terrifying. I finally saw a bright light ahead of me and tried to increase my speed. I didn¡¯t want to be in the forest anymore. Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org. I didn¡¯t feel safe here. As soon as I neared the light, I closed my eyes from its intense re. As soon as I closed my eyes, I felt my feet gave out from under me. I looked down and realized that I was falling. I waved my hands and cried out as I fell. My body felt heavy and it seems as though I was falling from a far distance, because I could not see the ground. I don¡¯t know what happened next, but I was soon in a flower garden. One minute I was falling and the next I was here. Like the flip of a switch. This ce was warmer and not terrifying. Beautiful flowers of different colours and sizes were everywhere. There were so many different flowers; magnolias, lilies, daises, roses, sunflowers, orchids, marigolds and daffodils. This ce reminded me of my mother¡¯s garden, because she used to nt some of these flowers. I was admiring the variety of flowers, when I saw ady a few distance in front of me. She was wearing a white dress and her brown hair that was so simr to mine, glowed and blew in the wind. When I looked closely, I saw that it was my mother. ¡°Mom!¡± I shouted as I run to her. I couldn¡¯t believe she was really here_ I flung my arms around her when I reached her. She hugged me back. ¡°I miss you so much, Morn.¡± She then pulled away from me and wiped the tears from my face. ¡°Why are you crying my darling?¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t leave me again, Morn. Please don¡¯t.¡± I pleaded. ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere. I¡¯m here now my angel. Shh, stop crying.¡± She coed, running her hands through my hair. ¡°Please don¡¯t leave me, Mom. Please don¡¯t leave me with him.¡± I kept repeating through my tears. I hugged her again tightly, while sheforted me with her soft words. She smelled just like she used to. All of a sudden, I didn¡¯t feel her anymore. I looked up and found that I was not hugging anyone. She was gone. I looked around frantic. ¡°Morn!¡± I shouted, as I spun this way and that_ -Mornmy*.- ¡°Mommy.¡± I whispered as I jolt awake. I cleared my mind and my eyes as I tee to ce where I was_ I realized that I was in my room,ying on my bed. I rest my head back on my dreamt about my mother again. Hooked up at the ceiling and bedside, I realized that I waste. Jumping out of my bed, I run to the bathroom to have a quick shower a_r__¡À get rEiii; f2,r schooL ¡°Woah, what happened to your Kevin asked me as I slipped into my history cl a minute before the bell rang. I was breathing heavily from running all the way to schcFoL ¡°I slept through my rm. Had to run here. I panted through heavy breath_ ¡°I can see that. You look a little wild and frag7led.¡± Kevin observed. chuckling. ¡°Don¡¯t start with me, Key.¡± I replied. Kevin justugh_ All I could do was re at him as our teacher entered the ssroom. Chapter 8 Chapter 8 The day passed by quickly and school ended. I was sitting on a bench in the school yard waiting for Jasmine. She had said that her gym teacher wanted to ee her and she knew that it would take a while. She would always say that her gym teacher did not like he and had it out for her since sophomore year. jasmine had invited me to have a sleepover at her house. I was really grateful as usual for these sleepovers as I didn¡¯t have to go home and face an im ending beating. I could also have one night where I¡¯m safe and sleep peacefully. An did not care if I was th re or not. Most times he didn¡¯t even know I was not there. 1 also look forward to a warm home-cooked meal and I really love jasmine¡¯s mother¡¯s meals. Mrs. Thomas was a great cook and is a nice woman. She reminded me of how my mother was. She was always taking care of others. Jasmine knew I was grateful to be around her mother, because she knew how much I missed my mother. Thinking about my mother again and the dream I had this morning, I took out my locket from inside my blouse and looked at my mother. I ran my hand over the picture and felt better. Every time I looked at my mother¡¯s picture, I felt this way. Her smile was heart warming and I knew she is always with me. ¡°Prettydy.¡± I heard a voice behind me and I jumped and spun around. Standing over me was Carson Knight in all his annoying glory. ¡°What do you want, Carson?¡± I asked, closing my locket and putting it back inside my blouse. ¡°Nothing. Who is she?¡± He asked. He came from behind me and sat on the bench beside me. ¡°What¡¯s it to you?¡± I asked crossing my arms. ¡°Woah, you¡¯re serving up a te of feisty, Kitten.¡± He said raising his hands in defence. I sighed as I gave in. ¡°She is my mother.¡± I replied. ¡°Oh, she looks a lot like you. I guess you hear that a lot.¡± He guessed. ¡°Yeah, I used to. She died two years ago.¡± I rted: ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear that.¡± He said quietly. I look up at him and saw that he was being sincer . ¡°Thanks.¡± I replied. To be honest, I was surprised that he would be sympathetic about my mother¡¯s deaf . He didn¡¯t even know me. Suddenly, Carson¡¯s phone gave out a beep. After reading the text, he got up from the bench, putting the phone into his pocket. ¡°Well, there is somewhere I need to be.¡± He saluted me and walked off in the direction of his car, without waiting for a response. Ye, he was back to the Carson I know. Carson Knight was one weird boy. One minute he as here showing concern and the next, he seems cold 7 and transformed back into the bad boy I was used to. I didn¡¯t have time to unravel the mystery of Carson Knight as I saw jasmine walking from the school building and gesturing to me. WARNING: Abusive content, but only a small amount. Today was now Saturday. On most Saturdays, An would go to a party or hang out at a bar with his drinking buddies. I love these days because he would drink all night and he would note home until early the next morning. I wasying on my bed when I heard his car left the house. I took up my phone and looked at the time. It was a quarter pass two. I guess he decided to start his night out early. I left my room and went into the kitchen to see what was in the fridge to eat. The fridge was however empty. I saw only a small amount of milk left in the milk carton. It has been a while since I went shopping. This is due to the fact that I did not have any money as An spends the entire money on alcohol. He didn¡¯t care if there was food in the fridge or not. He did not care about me. All he cared about was his alcohols in the cab. My mother had left some money for me before she left, but it was not enough. It was fast running out. I knew I had to get a job soon. Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org. Pouring thest of the milk in a bowl, I made up my mind to go job hunting. I had cereal quickly, took up my phone and keys and left the house. Looking a job was harder than I thought. I tried almost all the small cafes and no one was hiring. I knew that this wasn¡¯t the right way to look a job, but I needed one as soon as possible. I was getting frustrated and tired. My feet were also killing me as I have been walking for over two hours. I looked up ahead of me and saw another cafe. I looked up at the sign above the door, which read: Miranda¡¯s Tasty Treats. I head in the direction of the small shop, hoping that my luck would turn over. The doorbell rang over the door as I entered. Only a few customers were inside sitting around (.11) booths. A young girl with dark hair was at the cash register. I walked up to her mid she gave me a weing smile. ¡°Hello, wee to Miranda¡¯s Tasty Tredis. k.vhdt Indy I get you?¡± ¡°Hi. May I speak to the owner?¡± I asked her. She looked at me for a short while and then she nodded. She left her post hehind the counter and walked over to a door and disappeared. A few miutite4ter, the girl appeared withdy. The girl pointed to me and thedy walked over to the counter where I was. Chapter 9 Chapter 9 ¡°Hello dear, how may I help you?¡± She asked with polite ¡°Hi. I¡¯m Ka Green and I was wondering if I could get a job here?¡± I asked. The olderdy gave me a sorry smile. ¡°I¡¯m sorry dear, but I have enough people here. I don¡¯t need anymore help.¡± She replied apologetically. ¡°Are you sure? I¡¯ve been everywhere already and I really need a job.¡± I said, desperately trying my luck for thest time. She looked at me for a long time before she smiled and said. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what. How about youe here on Saturdays? It¡¯s always busy on Saturdays and I could use the help. If I need any help in the week, I will call and let you know.¡± ¡°Really? Thank you so much¡­¡± I paused looking at her. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m so sorry dear. My name is Miranda Jones, ut please call me Miranda.¡± She indicated to the girl that I talked to when I just entered the store. ¡°She over there is Samantha, she¡¯s my niece and the two girls here are Riley and Kerry¡± She indicated each person she called their name. ¡®This is all so great! Thank you so much! So, when do I start?¡± I asked eagerly. ¡°How about youe in for a test run next week. I will tell you what you need to know and officially introduce you to the others that you will be working w¡¯th, okay?¡± Miranda said. ¡°That is okay with me. Thank you so much.¡± I said gain. Miranda smile at me. ¡°You are much wee, de r.¡± ¡°Okay bye, see you next week.¡± I waved at her and left the small shop, happier than I entered. I was awakened in the middle of the night by the shrill sound of my cell phone. Too tired to look at the caller ID, I snatched up the phone and answered it. ¡°Hello.¡± I answered tiredly. There was rustling on the other end of the line, but I didn¡¯t hear any response. ¡°Hello.¡± I repeated more loudly, bing fuilly awake. I still didn¡¯t hear an answer, so I removed the pho e from my ear and looked at the screen. I saw that it was An, so I sat up straighter and became alert. Why was he calling me? I put the phone back to my ear and listened. It wa obvious that he was not at home, because there were noises in the background and loud music. He must s be at the club or bar or wherever he goes on a Saturday night. I looked at the time and saw that it wa two in the morning. I didn¡¯t have time to waste with him not saying anything, so I got ready to hang up the phone. As I was about to hang up, I heard him start mumbling some incoherent words. I tried to listen to what he was saying, but I couldn¡¯t hear. It was obvious that he was drunk. ¡°Bitch¡­just wait until I get my hands on you,¡± I heard him say. He continue to say some other things which I did not catch. ¡°You are nothing but a slut¡­worthless piece of shit¡­¡± Heughed with himself. Okay, this man was crazy. I really didn¡¯t want to hear anymore of what he had to say. ¡°You are a sick man. Get off my phone!¡± I shouted, then hang up the phone and turned it off. What got into him that he decided to call and insult me? I guess he really had a lot to drink. I didn¡¯t want to think about An¡¯s phone call anymore, so I put my phone on my bedside table and went back to sleep. Monday morning came and I was in my room getting ready for school. I put on my clothes and sat on my bed for a minute. I didn¡¯t hear any noiseing from downstairs, so I took up my bag and left my room. [ tip toed down the stairs and walked quietly to the fronit door. ¡°Ka, may I have a word with you?¡± I heard a voice behind me. 1 halted in my tracks and spun around. An stood at the entryway to the kitchen. ¡°Yes.¡± 1 said slowly, confused as to why he was using that quiet tone of voice. ¡°I need to speak to you in the kitchen. Come.¡± He said the words firmly, leaving no room for argument. I sighed quietly under my breath and followed him to the kitchen. He went and sat on a stool at the kitchen¡¯s ind. I stand in front of him at a far distance. I looked around the kitchen and saw that he had the kettle on the stove. ¡°Come on.e closer. What¡¯s the matter? You don¡¯t have to be afraid of me.¡± He said, beckoning me Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. closer. I stood where I was. I don¡¯t have to be afraid of him? What was he talking about? He must be crazy. I have every reason to be afraid of him. He must think I¡¯m stupid. ¡°How is school?¡± He asked in tht same tone of voi e. To be honest, his soft tone was creeping me out. It was very unsettling. I rather hear him shout at me. ¡°School is alright.¡± I said. The kettle began to whir e and he got up from the stool. I backed up a little. fidgeting with my hands. ¡°I need to get going now.¡± I a ded, taking another step backward. ¡°I¡¯m still talking to you!¡± He said, his voice rising a ittle. He took up the kettle off the stove and advance towards me. His movements told me he was up to so ething bad, so I shrank back. ¡°What are you doing?¡± I asked, my voice filling with fear as I eyed the kettle in his hands. He didn¡¯t answer me. He kepting at me and I took two mor steps back. I knew what he was about to do, so I resort to ple ing. ¡°Please, An. Please, don¡¯t do this. Please.¡± I felt tears began to stream down my face as I knew he wou d not be sympathetic with me. Ile was a cold, heartless monster. Chapter 10 Chapter 10 ¡°Shut up you hilt h. You are only getting what you deserve.¡± An growled out. finally getting back to his old self. An raised his hands which held the kettle gettin ready to throw the hot water at me. I finally reached the entrance to the kitchen, so as he dashed the water owards me, I run from the kitchen. I felt a hot burning sensation on my hand and I knew it caught m hand. ¡°You bitch! Get back here!¡± I heard An roared as I run from the house. I ran as fast as I could and I didn¡¯t stop. afraid he might be after me. Although. I kn w he wouldn¡¯t risk people seeing him chasing me. With this knowledge in mind. I came to a halt and stop for a minute to catch my breath. I look down at my right hand and saw that it was bing red fast. I knew I had to hide it but I didn¡¯t want to risk going back home to change into a long sleeve top. A thought struck me. I think I have a long sleeve sweater in my locker at school. I quickly hurried to school. hoping to reach there before anyone saw me. When I reached school, I walked quietly to my loc er and opened it. I took a big sigh of relief when 1 saw the sweater in my locker. I took it out quickly and went to the bathroom. I changed tops quickly and went to homeroom before the bell rang. My friends were already in homeroom when I got here. I sat beside Kevin, who was looking at me quizzically. I returned his look with a raised eyebrow. ¡°Ka, you do realize that we are still in summer, ight?¡± He asked. I nodded. ¡°So why are you in a long sleeve?¡± He asked. ¡°Because I felt like wearing it.¡± I replied, shruggin hisment off as if it was nothing. ¡°Okay then. I get you, but you must be burning up in that.¡± He observed. Jasmine leaned from behind us and spoke up. ¡°Ke in, this is Ka here. You should learn by now never to question her choices.¡± She said with a tap on Kevin¡¯ head. ¡°Oh yeah. She does her own thing.¡± Kevin said nod mg his head in agreement. ¡°You got that right.¡± Jasmine said. Iughed, shaki g my head at them. On Wednesday morning, I was walking to school f eling weak and sore. Every step I took, I felt pain through my entire body. My stomach especially. An had cornered mest night and given me a and beating. He was drunk and really angry. Because of what he did, I couldn¡¯t sleep. After he had finished tting me, I went straight to my room for the entire night and I could not stop throwing up. He was hitting me frequently now and more harder. 1 really don¡¯t know how much more of it I could take. I didn¡¯t feel like going to school, but I really didn¡¯t want to miss school. After dragging myself to school for half an hour and ignoring the pain for the entire jo ney, I finally reached school. I walk inside the building and head to homeroom, so I can sit and rest y sore body. After roll call, Jasmine and I went to our first ss of the day. As we sat at our seat in English ss, Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org. she began to tell me about Tyler. Tyler was the boy who sh went on a date withst week Wednesday. I was surprised that she was still talking about this one. He ust be special. Normally after a week, she would get tired with thest guy she went out with or she would realize that he was not her type. ¡°He was so sweet, Ka. When I got to school this morning, he was there and offered to walk me to homeroom.¡± Jasmine gushed dreamily. ¡°Wow, that¡¯s great Jasmine. This is actually the first boy I hear you talk about this way.¡± I observed, happy for her. She smiled. ¡°I did tell you that he was special.¡± I nodded my head at her, before crouching over as I felt a sharp pain run through my stomach. Jasmine furrowed her eyebrows at me and look at ime worriedly. ¡°Ka, are you alright?¡± She asked, concern reflecting in her words. I look at her and force a fake smile. ¡°I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s just stomach pains.¡± I said. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s your time of the month. I feel it for you. I now how you feel.¡± She sympathized. I nodded my head at herment, but I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach, that had nothing to do with the pain. I always feel this way when I lied to her. I really do hate lying to her. However, I didn¡¯t have much time to think about it, because I started to feel sick again. I asked the teacher to leave the ssroom and I walk quietly to the bathroom. I entered the bathroom and the stall just in time to throw up. After two minutes of throwing up, I left the stall feeling slightly better. I washed up quickly and left the bathroom. Before heading back to ss, I leaned on the wall outside and closed my eyes to recollect myself. ¡°Are you okay?¡± I heard a voice say beside me. I opened my eyes quickly to see Carson standing beside me, studying me. I removed from my leaning position on the wall and regarded him. ¡°What are you doing here? Shouldn¡¯t you be in your ss?¡± I asked. ¡°Am I ever?¡± Was his response. I just shook my heqd and began to walk to my ss. He moved also to catch up to me. ¡°Wait up, you didn¡¯t answer my questitim.¡± He reminded. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± I said simply, hoping he would drop it. ¡°Are you sure? You looked a little pale back there.¡± He stated. ¡°I¡¯m on my period. Do I have to exin further?¡± I, asked in a mock tone. Chapter 11 Chapter 11 Carson was quiet for a while and he seemed a little ufortable. ¡°Um¡­no.¡± He said. ¡°Good. So do you mind going to your ss and allow me to go back to mine?¡± I asked. I walked away from him before he could say anything else. I knew that I had lied once again, but I just wanted him to stop interrogating me and that did the trick. I smiled as I recalled the expression that was on his face. Serves him right! I soon reached my English ss and got back to the lesson. ** ** It was now after lunch and thank God, I was feeling much better. I wasn¡¯t throwing up anymore and the pain in my stomach had receded. I stepped into my AP biology with Jasmine and sat at our table. Soon after that, our teacher Mrs. Freeman walked in. ¡°Students, since week we were talking about the food based macromolecules. Today, we are going to do an experiment based on what we have learnt.¡± Mrs. Freeman said. ¡°So, we are going to be testing for triglycerides, glucose, starch and proteins. You will be working with partners, so get your gears on and let¡¯s begin.¡± A smile came unto my face as I heard that we will be doing an experiment. I loved doing experiments. Anytime I learn something new in biology ss, I always can¡¯t wait to do the experiment. To actually get to work with the materials and see the results of my work. I really loved science. I loved everything about the human body especially, which is why I want to be a medical doctor. I got the gears and everything I needed from the cab in theb and Jasmine and I started on our experiments. Jasmine and I were on ourst experiments, when someone came and stand over us. Looking up, I saw that it was Carson. ¡°What is it now, Carson?¡± I asked. ¡°I¡¯m just observing your experiment. How did you get that result? That¡¯s not what we got.¡± He said, puzzled. I looked behind me at his and Jordan¡¯s table to see what they did. I shook my head. ¡°That¡¯s because you did not add the right solution.¡± I answered. ¡°Of course I did.¡± He stated. ¡°No. How would you know what to do, if you did note to ss when we were learning about this?¡± I asked. ¡°Hey,¡± Jordan said from behind me. ¡°I alwayse to ss.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure you do. I guess you would consider hanging out at the back of the school, picking up girls, biology.¡± I said sarcastically. Jordanughed. ¡°Carson, this girl has got jokes. I like her.¡± He said to Carson. I roll my eyes at him. ¡°Good luck fixing your experiment.¡± I said and turn back around. I look at Jasmine and we both giggled. After we finished our experiments and written down our results. The teacher indulged us in a discussion. Soon, ss ended. Jasmine and I packed up our things and left the ss. Once in the corridor, Jasmine spoke up. ¡°Did I detect something between you and Carson?¡± She asked wriggling her eyebrows. ¡°No. How could you ask such a thing? Carson is a heartless jerk and I definitely don¡¯t want to be added on his long list of girls he uses and tosses aside.¡± I said, making up my face in disgust. ¡°And you know I would never do that.¡± Jasmineughed. ¡°I know, I know. I¡¯m just messing with you.¡± She said then sighed. ¡°It would be ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved. interesting though.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because you find romance in every situation.¡± I reminded her. ¡°What can I say? I¡¯m a romantic at heart.¡± She replied as she turn in a different direction from me, heading to her ss. I smiled and shook my head at her and also head to my ss. On Saturday, I got ready to go to my first day of work at the coffee shop. When I was ready, I went to my room door and listened for any sound in the house. I didn¡¯t hear any, so I opened my room door slowly and slipped through. I heard loud snoringing from the room down the hall as I walk to the stairs. An was still asleep, I thought to myself. I shook my head and quickly descend the stairs. I opened the front door and head out. After walking for fifteen long minutes, I was finally at the coffee shop. I opened the door and went inside. When Samantha saw me entered, she gave me a friendly smile and pointed in the direction of the backdoor. I greeted her and walked around the counter. I entered through the backdoor and head towards the small cubicle, that is Miranda¡¯s office. Miranda smiled when she saw me. ¡°Hey Ka. You are here.¡± She greeted. She got up from her chair and indicated for me to follow her. She lead me to a small room which contain lockers. ¡°This is going to be your locker. I already put your uniform that you would wear inside and an apron. Just put them on and go out there. Samantha will tell you what to do.¡± ¡°Thanks again, Mrs. Jones. I really appreciate you doing this for me.¡± I said, expressing my gratitude. ¡°Miranda.¡± She reminded, then added. ¡°It¡¯s nothing and I know you will do just fine.¡± I gave her a smile and she left the room. I changed into the uniform which was a blue top and blue pleated skirt that stops at the knee. I put the white apron on and head back to the front. My first day of work went smoothly. I caught on to everything quickly as if I was working there all my life. The day was busy as a lot of customers came. Riley, Kerry and I took orders, while Samantha and Miranda got the orders ready. After a long day of being on my feet, I was exhausted, but I knew it was worth it. It was seven o¡¯clock before I changed back into my clothes and was ready to leave. My shift had ended at six thirty, but I had offered to help clean up the cafe. Miranda had said that I didn¡¯t need to do that, but I had insisted. Chapter 12 Chapter 12 ¡°Bye Miranda!¡± I said as I left the coffee shop. ¡°Bye dear. Travel safe.¡± She responded. I opened the door and stepped out into the night air. I have Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. never been on the streets thiste before and to be honest, I was scared. I didn¡¯t have any money to take a taxi, so I took a deep sigh and decided to walk. I walked as quickly as possible and was home within ten minutes. I opened the front door with my keys and head upstairs. The house was inplete darkness, so I figured that An was either sleeping or out with friends. I was halfway up the stairs when I heard a noise. Shocked, I stopped in my tracks. I saw a figure standing up from sitting in the recliner and turn on the lights. The living room lit up in brightness and I was looking into the angry face of my step father. ¡°Where the hell have you been?¡± He asked in a hard tone. What the hell? Why did he care? I crossed my arms over my chest and looked at him square in the eyes. ¡°I got a job. I¡¯ming from there.¡± I rted. ¡°A job?!¡± He raised his tone. It was very hard, but I stood my ground. ¡°Yes a job. I have to go to school and I would need money if I want to continue. I wouldn¡¯t need to if you didn¡¯t waste all your money on booze.¡± I used, surprising myself with my confidence. ¡°You better watch your mouth before Ie up there for you. It is my damn money and I do whatever I please with it.¡± ¡°I know. You have made it clear a million times. You think I don¡¯t know that this was going on a long time?¡± I asked. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°I remember you and Mom arguing one night about it. I was thirteen then¡­¡± **shback** I woke up from my sleep, by a loud noise downstairs. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and listened closely. After listening for a while, I realized that Mom and An were having an argument. Being curious, I got up from my bed and tiptoed to my bedroom door. I opened it slowly and went to the top of the stairs. Here I could hear better so I listened. ¡°An, what have you done with the money you gotst month?¡± I heard my mother¡¯s worried voice, ¡°I thought that you were going to help with Ka.¡± ¡°I am, but something came up. Next time.¡± An said in a dismissive tone. It sounded like he really did not want the argument that he knew was going toe. ¡°That¡¯s what you said thest time.¡± Mom said, sighing exasperatedly. ¡°Wait. You gambled it again, didn¡¯t you? An how could you? You know that Ka¡¯s school fee is due. They are going to kick her out of school and I really don¡¯t want that.¡± ¡°What does this have to do with me? Look Lydia, I¡¯m trying my best here, but you¡¯re acting like she is my responsibility.¡± An stated. ¡°I know, but¡­I wish I could do better. I want my daughter to have everything she needs, but it¡¯s hard. I though you were going to help me. That¡¯s what you said when you ask me to marry you.¡± I heard my mother start to cry and I felt tears fall from my own eyes. ¡°Please don¡¯t make her suffer. You promised.¡± ¡°Okay, whatever. I will try my best. But please don¡¯t bring up what I do with my money again. It¡¯s mine. I do what I please!¡± **End Of shback** ¡°My mother couldn¡¯t do better. She wanted me to have the best life possible. All you cared about was yourself!¡± I said as I rted what I had heard that night. ¡°You ungrateful little bitch! I did pay for your education that year. Send you all through middle school. I¡¯ve done everything and now you are going around being disrespectful!¡± He roared. Iughed. I really couldn¡¯t help it. Was he hearing himself right now? When my mother died, he didn¡¯t make as much effort. He did paid for my education, but they werete all the time. After the principal called him in a few times, he was forced to pay it. Aside from paying for my education, he did not give me any money to go to school or put enough food in the house. I had to make do with the money Mom had left me and even then I had to take time with it as it wasn¡¯t enough. That¡¯s why I started walking to school and buying a small lunch. I red at him. ¡°You¡¯ve done everything? What have you done for me, but making my life a nightmare?!¡± I couldn¡¯t help but shout back. ¡°You better keep your voice down youngdy and if I ever hear you tell anyone about what¡¯s been happening, you are going to regret it. I assure you.¡± He said in a threatening voice. ¡°I don¡¯t know why Mom married you.¡± I said. As the words left my lips, I saw his eyes turned cold and angry. ¡°You little brat!¡± An said as he run after me. I reacted quickly and run to my room. Thank God I was already halfway up the stairs, because I would never had made it. I closed my room door behind me and bolted the lock. An finally reached my room door and pounded on it. ¡°Ka, you better open this door right this instant. Do you hear me?!¡± I shrank back from the door, but kept my eyes on it, because I knew that it was possible for him to break it down. However, he continued to pound on the door. ¡°If you don¡¯t open this door, you are going to regret it. No one messes with me, you little bitch!¡± He continued to pound on my door for a while, until I didn¡¯t hear it anymore. Hopefully, he has given up and left. Finally, after a long while, I got into my bed. Chapter 13 Chapter 13 I didn¡¯t sleep though. I kept my eyes peeled on the door, because I didn¡¯t know if he intended toe back WARNING: Abusive content! I woke up the following morning with a stiff neck. I had slept in one positionst night as I was watching the door. I didn¡¯t even know when I fell asleep. I got out of bed and took a quick shower. I was afraid to leave my room, so I decided to stay in. Now and then I would hear An downstairs or walking up or down the stairs. I knew he would not go anywhere as today was Sunday, For the entire day, I stayed in my room and before I knew it night came and I went to sleep. In the morning, I got ready for school and pulled my bedroom door open. I knew that An was here, because I didn¡¯t hear his car drive out. I was hoping that I could sneak out without him seeing me. I normally waited until he leaves, but he was taking longer than normal to leave and I didn¡¯t want to bete for school. I didn¡¯t hear any noise downstairs, do I took my chance. I slipped through the door and dashed for the stairs. As soon as I reached the stairs, I saw An stepped from the nearby room out into the hallway. Before I could react, he moved behind me in one quick movement and shoved me. I lost my footing and went tumbling down the stairs. As I reach the bottom, I felt my entire body erupt in pain. I tried to stand up quickly, but it was useless. My head was spinning from the intensity and distance of my fall. Within seconds, An was down the stairs and beside me. ¡°You think that you were going to get away from me, huh?¡± He asked menacingly. He used his foot to kick me in my stomach as I tried once again to stand up. I fell back on my back and he ced his foot on my stomach pinning me down. ¡°Next time you should watch what you say to me!¡± He replied, pressing his heel down hard into my stomach. I grimaced in pain and tried to shove him off, but it was no use. He was way stronger than me. ¡°An, please.¡± I begged. ¡°Please stop.¡± I coughed. ¡°Shut up! I don¡¯t want to hear your voice!¡± He shouted. He then removed his foot from my stomach and bend down to pull me up by my hair. ¡°If you ever think about talking to me like that again, I will do worse things to you. Do you hear me?¡± I tried to nod my head, but it was difficult, because he still held my hair tightly. Tears ran down my cheeks because of the pain I was experiencing. I looked up at him and saw that his eyes were cold and dangerous looking. He didn¡¯t feel any remorse for what he was doing to me. None at all. He then shoved me hard again and I went crashing into the coffee table, knocking over the flower vase Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org. that was on top of it. It shatter into pieces as it hit the floor. I didn¡¯t know if An was going toe for me, so ignoring the pain that ran through my entire body, I got up and limped to the front door. When I was outside, I tried to move as quickly as I could away from An. Away from that monster. Away from anymore beating. There was no point in going to school anymore and I was in too much pain to go anyway. I decided to go to the nearby park, where I could be alone. Most people would be at work or at school now, so it would be empty. As soon as I reached the park, I sat on a bench. All of the emotions came down on me and I started to cry. I saw a few people in the park, walking with their baby or their dogs, but they were on the other side, so they wouldn¡¯t see me. I put my feet up on the bench and wrapped my arms around my knees. I rest my head between my knees and cried harder. I let out all the pent up emotions that I had all these years. I cried for my father who had died when I was just ten. I cried for my mother who died when I was fifteen and I cried for all the pain and agony An had caused me since then. I don¡¯t know how much more of his abuse I could take. Physically, emotionally and mentally. Sometimes I wish I could just run away, but where would I go? I had no money and I have no rtives. Not that I know of anyways. The only rtives I¡¯ve ever heard about were my grandparents and they died when I was a baby. I sighed. I knew if I told anyone, An would be enraged and punish me. I don¡¯t even want to think about what he would do to me. I lifted my head from my knees and wiped my eyes. I then looked out in front of me, when I saw a person walking towards me. I saw that it was Carson and sighed. What was he doing here? Shouldn¡¯t he be in school? As soon as I asked myself that question, I berated myself. Why do I even ask that question? This is Carson Knight after all. The bad boy who was notorious for skipping school and getting into trouble. Either way, I didn¡¯t want to see him. I wanted to be alone and I knew he was going to ask questions that I don¡¯t want to answer. I tried wiping at my eyes again. He finally reached me and I turn my face from him. ¡°I knew it was you I saw from way over there. I can¡¯t believe it; Ms. Perfect skipping school. You¡¯re turning into a rebel.¡± I heard him say. Chapter 14 Chapter 14 ¡°Go away Carson.¡± I said. My voice sounded groggy and stuffed up, so I cleared my throat. I heard silence for a while and then. ¡°Are you crying?¡± ¡°No.¡± I denied, shaking my head. ¡°Yes you are. What¡¯s wrong?¡± He asked quietly. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Leave me alone, Carson.¡± I said, feeling the tears threatening to spill again. I really didn¡¯t want to cry in front of him. ¡°It is something. Come on, you can tell me.¡± He prodded. I shook my head as the tears began to spill, ¡°I just want to be alone right now.¡± I said. ¡°But-¡± ¡°Dammit Carson, go! Just go.¡± I said as I started to cry again. Carson¡¯s blue eyes turned cold and dark, just how I was used to it, then added. ¡°Fine, whatever. Forget I asked anything.¡± Then walked away without a backward nce. Finally alone once again, I buried my head in my knees and cried. After crying for what seemed like forever, I was sitting down just looking out in front of me, when I heard the ringing of my cellphone. I jumped in surprise as I didn¡¯t remember that I had it with me. Picking the phone up, I saw that it was Jasmine. I answered it and ce it to my ear. ¡°Hello.¡± ¡°Ka, where are you? We are all worried about you. School started half an hour ago.¡± She said worriedly. ¡°I¡¯m noting to school today, Jasmine. I¡¯m sorry, I was going to call you guys.¡± I said. ¡°Are you okay? You must be seriously ill for you not toe to school. I know you, you would not miss school for anything. We¡¯reing over when school ends.¡± She said firmly. ¡°No, no. That¡¯s not necessary. I just woke up with an headache. I¡¯ll be fine.¡± I replied quickly. Sanid ¡°Okay then. Please call me if anything.¡± She said. ¡°Alright, I will. Talk to youter.¡± I said. Okay, bye.¡± She said, then hang up. I put my phone back into my pocket and stood up from the bench. I didn¡¯t know where I was going, but I knew that I couldn¡¯t sit here for the entire day. My body was too tired and sore to walk any further, so I decided to walk back to my house. Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. Hopefully, An has left for work already. The next day I went to school. I didn¡¯t have another altercation with An when I got home yesterday as he had already left for work. When I got to school, my friends bombarded me with questions of concern. I had to convince them that I was okay. Thankfully, the pain in my stomach that I had yesterday was gone. The day went by quickly and Lucas, Kevin, Jasmine and I left school together. Jasmine had asked us to another time of hanging out with my friends. After watching two movies and enjoying my friendspany, it was time for us to leave. Lucas, Kevin and I bid Jasmine goodbye and left. We walked for a while, before we split directions. I was almost home when my phone started ringing. I took it from my pocket and saw that it was Miranda. I answered it. ¡°Hello Miranda.¡± I greeted her. ¡°Hello Ka. I was wondering if it is possible for you toe to the cafe for an hour?¡± She asked. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to implore on you like this, but we really need the help.¡± ¡°Of course I can, Miranda.¡± I replied. ¡°I don¡¯t mind at all. I¡¯ll be there in fifteen minutes.¡± I looked at the time and saw that it was almost 5:30pm. ¡°Thank you so much.¡± She said, then hang up. As soon as I reached the cafe, I head straight for the door at the back. The ce was crowded and buzzing with customers. I passed Miranda serving a customer and I waved at her. After I changed into my uniform, I came back to the front to help serve the customers that were in the cafe. The cafe was packed and it was only Miranda, Samantha and Kerry. Miranda informed me that Riley was out with the flu. It was almost 7:00pm, when I heard the jingle of the bell, signalling another customer. I looked towards the door and recognized the two people that walked in. They were two of Carson¡¯s friends; Jordan and Michael. They went over to a seat near the window and sat down. I saw that everyone else was busy dealing with other customers, so I went over to them, my notepad in hand. ¡°Hello, wee to Miranda¡¯s Tasty Treats. What can I get you?¡± I asked, when I reached them. Both boys looked up at me as soon as I spoke. ¡°Oh, hey. You¡¯re the girl from school. The one who hit Carson in the face with a dodgeball. I didn¡¯t know you work here.¡± Michael said when he recognized me. ¡°I just started here recently and are you guys really still on that?¡± I asked. ¡°Nope. But I don¡¯t know your name, so I use that.¡± Michael replied, shrugging his shoulders. ¡°My name is Ka. Now what may I get you boys?¡± I asked, getting back to my task. ¡°Can I get a vani milkshake and three diet cokes?¡± Jordan asked. I wrote their orders on the notepad in my hands and smiled. ¡°Your order ising right up.¡± I walked away from the table to get their order. Within seconds, I came back to the table carrying a tray with their drinks. I took the beverages off the tray and ced it on the table. ¡°Here you go. Is that all?¡± I asked. ¡°Yes. We actually gonna take these with us.¡± Jordan answered. ¡°What are you guys doing getting drinks sote at night, anyway?¡± I asked suspiciously. ¡°We were actually a couple of blocks down the road, when this idiot said he wanted a milkshake.¡± Michael answered, hitting Jordan on the back of his head. Chapter 15 Chapter 15 ¡°Hey! You just can¡¯t resist milkshake.¡± Jordan eximed, shoving Michael. ¡°And what are you guys doing on the street thiste?¡± I asked, then shook my head. ¡°You know what? I don¡¯t want to know.¡± ¡°Do you want to know?¡± Jordan asked, wriggling his eyebrows in mischief. ¡°As I said before, no. Forget I asked.¡± I said, then take up the tray from the table where I had rest it. ¡°Now, if you boys excuse me, I have to get home.¡± ¡°How about youe with us?¡± Jordan suggested, before I could turn away. ¡°Are you crazy, Jordan? I have to get home.¡± I said, shaking my head. Jordan looked at me in surprise. ¡°Wait, how did you know it was me? People can never tell us apart.¡± He stated in a shock voice. He was right. He and his brother were very identical and people would have a hard time figuring out This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. who was who. They would sometimes trick people and had fun doing it. For some reason, though, I could always tell them apart. I guess I was observant and keen on details. ¡°I¡¯m just observant.¡± Was my only response. ¡°Anyway, I can¡¯t go.¡± I added. ¡°Come on. We will give you a ride home after.¡± Michael put in. ¡°It¡¯s dark out and we are in a very bad neighbourhood.¡± Should I trust these boys? I mean I didn¡¯t really know them. All I know is that they are bad boys and that trouble follow them everywhere they go. Suppose they were out doing something illegal and they pull me into it? However, I would really appreciate the ride instead of risk walking home in the dark again. I hesitated for a few more seconds before I gave in. ¡°Fine,¡± I said. ¡°I hope you won¡¯t bring me to anywhere illegal.¡± Both boys grinned at each other, before smirking at me. ¡°Now, why would we do that?¡± Jordan asked innocently. I looked at both of them suspiciously. By the look in their eyes, I knew they were hiding something from me, but I went anyway. I went back around to the back of the cafe to change my clothes and clock out. I passed by Miranda¡¯s office when I was leaving to say goodbye. ¡°Bye Ka. Thanks again foring in such short notice.¡± She called back after me. ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± I said. I then walked back out to the front where the boys were waiting on me. We left the cafe and set off down the road on foot. We were only walking for a minute, when Jordan and Michael turned into a dark alleyway. I stopped in my tracks. ¡°Where are you guys going? I¡¯m not going down there.¡± ¡°Come on, it¡¯s okay. You¡¯re with us.¡± Michael said in reassurance. ¡°You make that sound like a good thing.¡± I said, but went anyway. We walked for a while in the dark alleyway, until we came upon an old abandoned building at the end. Michael pulled open the metal door and it creaked. He stood aside for us to enter, then closed the door behind him. The inside of the building looked much better. Michael and Jordan led me down a hallway and to another door. They opened the door to reveal a small gym area. There were weights of different sizes and shapes scattered across the floor. A punching bag was in the middle of the room. A person was currently punching the bag. I focused my eyes on the person and realized that it¡¯s Carson. Jayden sat on a bench with his foot propped up. Michael and Jordan began descending the steps that were in front of us. I followed behind reluctantly. ¡°What took you guys so long?¡± Carson asked without turning around. He was busy throwing punch after punch at the bag. He wasn¡¯t wearing a shirt and sweat glistened off his back. I couldn¡¯t take my eyes from his well toned body. His muscles flexed as he punched. ¡°We ran into someone.¡± Michael answered, when he was near him. Jayden looked around at us. He sat upright in his seat when he saw me. He lifted one of his eyebrow to Michael and his brother in question. Carson stopped punching the bag and turned around. ¡°Of course you wou-¡± he began and then his eyes flicked to me standing behind Michael and Jordan. ¡°What is she doing here?¡± He asked. ¡°Chill bro. We ran into her when we went to get the drinks and offered to give her a ride home.¡± Michael exined. Carson¡¯s eyes flicked to mine again, before he looked at Michael and Jordan. ¡°You guys shouldn¡¯t have brought her here. You know that you shouldn¡¯t bring anyone here.¡± ¡°What ¡°I know, but I didn¡¯t see any harm in bringing her here.¡± Michael said. ¡°Yeah. She is okay.¡± Jordan put in. I was still standing quietly behind the boys. All that was on my mind was; why were the boys at a gym in the middle of the night? It was very puzzling. Carson looked in my direction again and I waved awkwardly. ¡°Whatever.¡± Carson said, turning back around and continued punching the bag. ¡°What¡¯s up with him?¡± Jordan asked and Michael shrugged. They both turned around and head to the seat where Jayden sat down and I followed. We sat there for another ten minutes, before Carson was done. Carson still hasn¡¯t acknowledged my presence, so I walked over to him. He was on the other side of the gym, putting on his shirt. It was a shame, because I was really enjoying looking at his six packs. I shook my head from my thoughts and spoke up. ¡°I know you don¡¯t want me here.¡± I started. ¡°Why would you say that?¡± He asked, digging around in his bag. ¡°Because you are not looking at me. Look, I didn¡¯t want toe here, but Jordan asked and I really wanted the ride.¡± I said. Chapter 16 Chapter 16 ¡°I don¡¯t care if you are here or not.¡± He said simply. His voice was cold and distant. Finally, he looked up at me. I thought he was going to walk away, but then he said. ¡°I see that you are okay now.¡± I knew he was referring to yesterday when I was crying. I sighed. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry about the way I talked to you yesterday. It¡¯s just that I really wanted to be alone.¡± I said. ¡°It¡¯s cool.¡± He said, sitting down on the bench. ¡°I get it.¡± I sat down beside him. ¡°Why are you here?¡± I asked. ¡°Ie here every night to work out. My friends would apany me sometimes.¡± He said. ¡°Why do you need to work out every night?¡± I asked bewildered. He hesitated for a moment, then answered. ¡°To prepare me for my fights.¡± ¡°Fights?¡± I repeated stupidly. ¡°Yeah. I do underground fighting.¡± He exined. ¡°Isn¡¯t that illegal?¡± I asked. Well, of course it is, Ka. My conscience reasoned. Remember, this is Carson Knight here. Delinquent is his middle name. ¡°Yes, but I need to do it.¡± He stated. I knew I was being nosey, but I couldn¡¯t help myself. ¡°Why?¡± I asked. Carson looked around at me andughed. It was the first time he hadughed since my appearance and for some reason, I was happy about that. ¡°You sure ask a lot of questions.¡± He said. I shrugged. ¡°I guess I¡¯m a little curious.¡± ¡°Well, they say that curiosity killed the cat.¡± Carson said smirking. At least he was talking to me again. ¡°Well, good thing I¡¯m not a cat then.¡± I replied. ¡°Are you sure, Kitten?¡± He asked. A mischievous glint in his eyes. ¡°We¡¯re back to that again?¡± I asked, hitting him on the shoulder. ¡°Always.¡± He said, that annoying smirk still on his face. I shook my head at him and stand up to leave. I really needed to get home now. We left the building and walked out to the front where the boys parked their cars. I got into Michael¡¯s car and he drove me home as promised. When I got home, I noticed that all the lights were out. Hopefully, An would already be in bed. I got out of the car and waved at Michael. He still didn¡¯t drive away, so I walked up to my front door. As I opened it and walked in, I heard him honk his horn and then drive away. I closed the door behind me and head upstairs to take a shower and go to bed. ¡°Kevin, would you stop that? You are eating like a pig.¡± I said to Kevin as we sat eating our lunch in the cafeteria. It was a week since the boys had took me to the gym and I found out Carson¡¯s extracurricr activity. Since then all I could think about was how dangerous it is and that he could get seriously injured. At least now I know why he has alwayse to school with cuts and bruises. ¡°No, I¡¯m not.¡± Kevin defended, his mouth stuffed with food. ¡°Eww,¡± I wrinkled up my face. ¡°Stop talking with the food in your mouth.¡± Kevin swallowed the food that was in his mouth and stuck his tongue out at me. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s real mature.¡± I replied sarcastically. He continued to do it, so I stuck out mine at him as well. Now both of us were having a game and it was hrious. The both of us were acting like children. ¡°I see none of you are mature now.¡± Jasmine said, shaking her head at us. She and Lucas were sitting in front of Kevin and I. Kevin and I couldn¡¯t contain ourughter anymore, so we both burst outughing at our silly faces. Jasmine and Lucas shook their head at us. After Kevin and I contained ourughter, we continued to eat. After a while, I heard Jasmine made a small gasping sound and I looked up at her, my eyebrows raised. She was looking ahead of her with a sad and confused expression on her face. ¡°Jaz, are you okay?¡± I asked, trying to get her attention. Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org. Without looking at me, she tilted her head in the direction that she was looking in. Turning around slightly, I saw that she was looking at Tyler. He was standing near the cafeteria line with his arm slung intimately around a girl. His head was bend as he whispered in the girl¡¯s ear. The girl giggled. I turned back around and looked at Jasmine with a confused expression. ¡°What is that about? I thought he was into you.¡± I asked. ¡°I thought so too.¡± Jasmine said. ¡°But it looks like he¡¯s into every other girl as well.¡± She finally tore her eyes from the two people and looked down on the table. ¡°I thought that he liked me. I mean he was always sweet to me and walked me to my sses¡­¡± She trailed off. ¡°Come on, Jasmine. You can¡¯t let that get you down.¡± Lucas said. ¡°Yeah,¡± I agreed. ¡°It¡¯s his loss for throwing someone like you away.¡± ¡°You guys are right. I should just go over there and give him a piece of my mind.¡± Jasmine stated with determination. ¡°As much as I would like to give him an earful for ying with your feelings, I can¡¯t, because that would be creating a scene.¡± I exined, sharing my thoughts about going over there and rip him a new one for using my best friend. ¡°Also, if he didn¡¯t see how special you are, he doesn¡¯t deserve you in the first ce. So, please let it go. He is not worth it.¡± I replied, hoping this will make her feel better. ¡°But he¡­¡± Jasmine began. ¡°Jasmine let it go.¡± I cut her off. I didn¡¯t want her to give Tyler the satisfaction that she cared. Jasmine hesitated, so Kevin leaned over the table and began to sing. ¡°Let it go, let it go. Can¡¯t hold it back anymore.¡± Chapter 17 Chapter 17 That worked as Jasmineughed. ¡°Seriously Kevin? Frozen? I didn¡¯t know you watch that.¡± ¡°Um¡­ what? I don¡¯t watch it.¡± Kevin denied, getting embarrassed. ¡°Sure you don¡¯t.¡± Jasmine giggled. I looked at Kevin and smiled at his difort. Jasmine was really enjoying torturing Kevin. I was just d that Jasmine was distracted from Tyler. Kevin threw his hands up in the air in surrender. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ve watched it once, but that¡¯s because my little sister forced me to watch it with her.¡± He defended himself. ¡°Don¡¯t me your poor little sister, Kev.¡± Jasmine said, trying to hide herugh. ¡°Admit it, you loved it.¡± Kevin sighed. ¡°Alright, you caught me. I have to admit, it was a pretty good movie.¡± He confessed. ¡°Of course it is. It¡¯s Frozen. You couldn¡¯t say anything less.¡± Jasmine replied smugly. ¡°What kind of movie is Frozen? I¡¯ve never watched it.¡± Lucas asked. ¡°It¡¯s a Disney Animation. You have to watch it.¡± I said. ¡°No, thank you. It doesn¡¯t sound like my kind of thing.¡± Lucas shook is head vehemently. Jasmine leaned over to Lucas and pinched his cheek. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Lukey boy? You don¡¯t want all those girls that you are always chasing after to hear that you have watched Frozen?¡± Lucas swat Jasmine¡¯s hand away. ¡°Of course it¡¯s not that.¡± ¡°Hmhmm.¡± Jasmine¡¯s hummed. I turned towards Lucas. ¡°Well my friend, you better be prepared because you are going to watch it.¡± I said, sending a mischievous smile to Jasmine. ¡°Oh yes, he is.¡± Jasmine agreed, rubbing her hands together. ¡°Oh God,¡± Lucas groaned. ¡°What have I done to deserve this?¡± Jasmine and I justughed at his reluctance. ****** V : I was currently in maths ss, which was going on forever. Finally, the bell rang. I gathered my books, put them in my bag and started to leave the ss with the rest of the students. ¡°Miss. Green, may I speak to you a moment?¡± Mr. Malcolm called, when I was walking by his desk. Great. Couldn¡¯t I have just made it to the door? I went and stood in front of his desk. He waited until every student left the ss, before he began. ¡°Miss. Green, your grade on thest maths test was uneptable.¡± He said, scolding at me under the rim of his eyess. ¡°I know, sir. I promise I¡¯ll do better.¡± I replied. ¡°You didn¡¯t do so well on the previous ones either.¡± He intertwined his hands and rest them on the desk. His beady eyes were intense. ¡°Are you aware that if you continue like this, you will fail mathematics and you won¡¯t graduate?¡± ¡°Yes sir. I¡¯m really trying my best.¡± I was. It¡¯s not my fault I found maths difficult. ¡°You¡¯re not trying hard enough, because I¡¯m not seeing any improvements.¡± He said sternly. I didn¡¯t say anything, so he sighed and unsped his hands. ¡°I have arranged for someone to tutor you. He is one of your ssmates and one of the top performers.¡± A tutor? He can¡¯t be serious. I knew I didn¡¯t have a say and plus I wanted to bring my grades up, so I nodded. ¡°Who is he?¡± I asked. ¡°Carson Knight.¡± He responded. Carson Knight? One of the top performers? Surely he must be talking about a different Carson Knight. However, I knew it was the same Carson that I was thinking, because I was pretty sure there weren¡¯t any more Carson Knights at this school. Suddenly, a thought hit me and I frown. ¡°Wait, but Carson is not in this ss.¡± I stated. ¡°Yes, he is.¡± Mr. Malcolm nodded. Seriously? So how is it I¡¯ve never seen him in this ss? He really was lucky. He didn¡¯te to ss regrly and Mr. Malcolm pardons him. Talk about favouritism. ¡°I¡¯ve already talked to him about it, so meet with him and work out times when you both are avable.¡± Mr. Malcolm continued, then added on a warning note. ¡°And I need to see an improvement on the next test. No more excuses.¡± ¡°Okay, Mr. Malcolm.¡± I said, as I turned and walked from the ssroom. As I walked to my final ss of the day, there was one thought that kept twirling in my head. I was going to be tutored by the school¡¯s bad boy. Talk about irony! The next day, I was at my locker, getting my books for first period, when Carson walked up to me and leaned on the locker beside mine. ¡°What is it now, Carson?¡± I asked. Carson grinned. ¡°I hope you haven¡¯t made any ns tonight, because we have a date.¡± He said, winking at me. ¡°Please don¡¯t tter yourself. You are only going to help me with maths and that¡¯s all. Mr. Malcolm already told me.¡± I said, closing my locker and turned to him. ¡°I know you must be thrilled, but just so you know, I¡¯m not happy about this. Why did you agree to do this by the way? I¡¯m sure you have better things to do than tutor me.¡± He shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know. It seems like fun.¡± I rolled my eyes. ¡°Sure it will be fun for you. You just Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. want an excuse to torture me.¡± Heugh. ¡°Whatever you say, Kitten.¡± He replied, then asked. ¡°Where are we going to work, your house or mine?¡± ¡°Your house.¡± I said quickly, without thinking about it. ¡°Okay then. My house it is.¡± He said, smiling mischievously. ¡°Wait for me in the parking lot after school.¡± He added, then walked away. I watched him go and shook my head. What did I get myself into? ** * * ** At the end of the day, after getting the things that I would need from my locker, I walked over to Jasmine¡¯s locker. ¡°You and the guys would have to leave without me. I¡¯m not going home as yet.¡± I said to Jasmine, who stood at her locker taking out books. She turned to face me. ¡°Why?¡± She asked confused. I sighed heavily. ¡°I¡¯m going over to Carson¡¯s house.¡± I replied. Chapter 18 Chapter 18 ¡°Ooh! Is there something you¡¯re not telling me?¡± She asked wriggling her eyebrows, I rolled my eyes at her behaviour. ¡°I¡¯m just going over to his house, so he can tutor me. Mr. Malcolm said I have to get my grades up and assigned him to tutor me.¡± I exined. ¡°Carson Knight is good in maths?¡± She asked surprised. ¡°That¡¯s what I said! I was surprised too.¡± I eximed. Jasmine closed her locker and smiled. ¡°Well, good luck.¡± ¡°Yeah, thanks.¡± I replied and waved at her. I turned away and head to the main door. Carson was not in the parking lot when I got there, but after a short while he came. He unlocked his car and we both got in. Carson started the car and drove away from school. After driving for quite awhile, Carson pulled up in the driveway of a very big house. I mean, it was very big; almost like a mansion. My eyes widen in surprise at the sight, but I didn¡¯t say anything. His parents was definitely rich. After Carson parked his car in the driveway, he got out and I followed suit. He walked up to the front ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved. door and opened it to let me in. After I entered, he closed the door behind him. As I stepped inside, I looked around my surroundings and was more in awe. The house seemedrger from the inside and it was beautiful. It was like I was standing in an elegant hall. It was breathtaking. Carson began to lead me through the house, when I saw ady turned the corner to my left. She saw us and then a smile came unto her face. ¡°Oh hi dear, you¡¯re home.¡± She then looked at me. ¡°Who¡¯s your friend?¡± ¡°Mom, this is Ka. We are going to do some work.¡± Carson said to the woman, who I now know is his mother. Carson¡¯s mom directed a smile to me. ¡°Hello darling. I¡¯m Marilyn. How are you doing?¡± She asked genuinely. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Thank you.¡± I responded politely. ¡°That¡¯s good to hear.¡± She said, then turn back to Carson. ¡°Oh Carson, before I forget. Your father said that you should be home when hees in tonight. He needs to talk to you.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve got nothing else to say to him, Mom.¡± Carson stated, crossing his arms. ¡°What is he going to say that he didn¡¯t sayst week? I¡¯m tired of talking to him, because he doesn¡¯t want to hear what I¡¯ve got to say.¡± Marilyn sighed. ¡°I know dear, but you know your father. He doesn¡¯t let go of things so easily.¡± ¡°Well, he better start trying, because I¡¯m not changing my mind.¡± Carson said sternly, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mom, but we really need to get started.¡± ¡°Okay, don¡¯t let me hold you up.¡± She said, then looked at me again. ¡°I¡¯m going to ask our cook, Linda to send some snacks to you guys, okay?¡± I didn¡¯t want to be a bother to anyone, so I spoke up quickly. ¡°That won¡¯t be¨C¡± I began, but Marilyn had already walked away. ¡°Come on.¡± Carson said. ¡°That¡¯s how my mother is. She wouldn¡¯t feel like herself if she didn¡¯t offer you something to eat. She won¡¯t take no for an answer.¡± He added, then led me over to the couch in the living room. I took out my books and sat on the floor. ¡°Okay, so where do we begin?¡± ¡°What areas do you have trouble with?¡± He asked. ¡°Um¡­everything?¡± I said, but it sounded more like a question. With maths, I wasn¡¯t even sure anymore. I grinned at him sheepishly and Carson raised an eyebrow. He looked at me, as if wondering if I was really being serious. ******** ¡°Do you know that we have been on this one question for half an hour now?¡± Carson asked amused. At least he wasn¡¯t annoyed like I had expected. As a matter of fact, I noticed that Carson was very patient with me. Even when I took a long time to get the answer for a quadratic equation, he would patiently go over it again. ¡°It¡¯s not my fault that maths doesn¡¯t like me.¡± I replied in defence. I tried to focus hard and remember everything that Carson had showed me and finally came up with another answer. ¡°Is it this?¡± I asked, showing Carson my book. Carson scanned my book, then said, ¡°Wow, you got it. You see, you are not that bad at maths.¡± ¡°Really? I got it?¡± He nodded. ¡°Yes!¡± I pumped my hand in the air and shouted, doing a little dance. I was really proud of myself, because I couldn¡¯t understand this before. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s try another one. This one is a little bit harder though.¡± Carson said, skipping the pages in the ¡®text book. He then proceed to show me how to solve this particr problem. ¡°If I got the previous one, I will eventually get this one.¡± I said as I wrote the problem down. ¡°Yeah, after another half hour.¡± Carson teased. ¡°Hey!¡± I said, shoving his shoulders. Carson justugh. After a long while of frustration and retrying, I finally got it correct. I then leaned back on the couch that was behind me and sighed. ¡°Can we stop now? All these numbers and equations are starting to hurt my head.¡± Carsonughed, but nodded. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know why you find this funny.¡± I said, ring at him. I then gave him a curious look and added. ¡°How is it that you are so good at maths and you barelye to ss? This is so not fair.¡± He chucked then shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Was his only response. It was so unfair that he had everything. He has the good looks¨C even I can¡¯t deny that, a hot body; I¡¯ll admit, the charm that he uses to get any girl he wants and now he is good at math. What else does he got going for him? Chapter 19 Chapter 19 I stood up from the floor and took up my books. ¡°Well, I have to get going. We can do this again ? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved. tomorrow at 5 o¡¯clock.¡± I said. ¡°I can¡¯t tomorrow. How about Saturday?¡± He asked, standing up too. ¡°I can¡¯te on Saturday. I work at the cafe from nine to six thirty.¡± I exined. ¡°Okay then, Monday?¡± He asked. I smiled. ¡°Monday it is.¡± I heard a noise in the kitchen, so I decided to head in there to thank Ms. Linda for the sandwiches earlier. She was such a nicedy and to be honest, the sandwiches were the best I¡¯ve ever had. When I got in the kitchen, Ms. Linda was busy preparing dinner. ¡°Ms. Linda, thanks again for the sandwiches earlier. They were delicious.¡± I said. Linda looked up at me and smiled. ¡°You¡¯re wee. I¡¯m d you liked it.¡± She said. ¡°Would you mind telling Mrs. Knight that I left?¡± I asked. ¡°Sure, I will do that.¡± She replied. ¡°Thank you.¡± After saying goodbye to her and Carson, I left the house. Carson¡¯s POV ¡°Way to go, man!¡± Jayden said, patting me on the shoulders. ¡°Once again, you¡¯ve won!¡± ¡°Yeah man. Congrats!¡± Michael said giving me a fist bump. We were at the ce were I had my fighting matches. Fifteen minutes before, I had fought one of the toughest guys in these matches and had came out victorious. This was the second time, I had fought him and won. He called himself Mark The Steel. I remembered the first time I had fought him, my fans were worried that he would be a challenge, because he was bigger than I am. He was twenty years old and packed a hard and powerful punch. Even though I won, he did get a few hits and punches in. I had juste from the room, where I had been changing back into my regr clothes, when my friends congratted me. I was also rushed by girls, who began to flirt with me. This always happens anytime I¡¯m here. ¡°Your muscles are so huge,¡± one of the girls said as she clung to my arms. ¡°Wanna go to my ce and you know¡­¡± She said as she rubbed my arm up and down. I smiled at her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, not tonight.¡± I then turned to the other girls. ¡°Sorrydies, but I have to get going.¡± My friends and I had nned to go to a bar that was located directly above the fight area. We were going to celebrate my win. I had just caught up back with my friends and we were heading to the stairs, when someone stepped in front of me and blocked my way. I looked up and saw that it was Oliver Ross, Oliver did not like me and honestly, I didn¡¯t like him either. He¡¯s always looking for trouble when ites to me. He despises me and just because of what happened a month ago Oliver and I had fought against each other in a match. I had won, which made him furious. He was a well known fighter and had started a couple months before me. He had never lost a match until I came along. We were the same age, but he attends a different high school. Since that day I had beaten him, he had never let it go. Everywhere I was, he would show up and caused trouble. ¡°What do you want, Oliver?¡± I asked, clenching my fist by my side. My friends stood behind me, getting ready to attack if necessary. ¡°You know what I want Carson.¡± Oliver sneered. ¡°I want revenge for what you caused on me. Nobody beats me and gets away with it.¡± ¡°What is your problem?¡± I asked. ¡°I won, fair and square. When are you going to let that go?¡± His eyes became hard and dark with anger. He stepped closer to me. His veins stood out on his neck. ¡°You won, because luck was on your side. No one defeats me. No one!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want any trouble here, Oliver. So it¡¯s best you leave.¡± I said to him. At the same time I said that I heard someone calling him from across the room. Oliver looked over his shoulders and gave a signal to the person who had called him. He then turned back to me. His eyes shed dangerously as he spoke. ¡°You are so lucky, Carson. But the next time I see you, you won¡¯t be that lucky. Trust me. I always get what I want.¡± As he said that he turned away from me. Bring it on, Ross. I though to myself as he went further away from me. Trying to contain the anger that had developed in me since Oliver blocked my way, I turned to my friends. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± I said as I climbed the stairs and went up to the bar. It was after eleven when I reached home that night. I was a little drunk, so Michael was the one who drove me home in my car. He told me that he would bring it back in the morning. I stumbled into the living room and head for the stairs. The house was inplete darkness, but I was used to the interior, so I maneuvered my way inside easily. I had just reached the foot of the stairs, when the room erupted in brightness. I turned around quickly and saw that it was my father who had turned on the light. He had been sitting on the couch the entire time waiting on me. I groaned, not now¡­ ¡°Where the hell where you?¡± Dad demanded. ¡°I was out.¡± I said simply. I wasn¡¯t in the mood to deal with him right now. ¡°And you¡¯re drunk.¡± He replied as he studied me. ¡°Do you know what that can do to my reputation? I can¡¯t have any son of mine running around wild and getting drunk on the streets.¡± Chapter 21 Chapter 21 ¡°Okay, then and when you get home, please tell your stepfather hello for me.¡± She went over to the cupboard and open it. ¡°I saw him some time two weeks ago in the supermarket, but I didn¡¯t get to talk to him, because I was in a hurry.¡± ¡°Okay, I will.¡± I replied, giving her a smile. Mrs. Thomas knew my stepfather and my mom when she was alive. From time to time, she would ask me how An was and if we were getting on fine. It kills me to lie to her, but I didn¡¯t have a choice. I said goodbye to Jasmine and her mother and walked home. When I got home, I passed An in the living room, watching television and drinking beer. I knew he heard when I opened the door, but he didn¡¯t turn around to look at me once. I breathe a sigh of relief. I was so d it was one of those days when he avoided me altogether. I preferred that. It was better than him abusing me. As a matter of fact, a week has passed without him say something to me. When I got up to my room, I closed the door and took out my notebooks to start on my homework. As soon as I took out my maths book, I remembered something. I was supposed to go over to Carson¡¯s house at six for our tutor session. I was so caught up with Jasmine that I forgot. I looked at the time and saw that it was five forty-five. At least I could still make it. I put on back my shoes quickly, put my maths book in my school bag and pulled my room door once again. When I entered the living room, An wasn¡¯t there. I heard rattling in the kitchen and knew that he was getting another beer. I went to the front door quickly, before he came back and question where I was going I walked quickly to Carson¡¯s house and was there within twenty minutes. I walked up to the front door and rang the doorbell. After a few seconds, ady wearing a ck and white uniform, answered the door. She was the maid. I had seen her thest time I was here, but we had never been introduced. : ¡°Hello, Miss.¡± I greeted politely. I¡¯m Ka and I¡¯m here to see Carson. Is he here?¡± ¡°Oh yes. He is in his room.¡± Thedy said. ¡°Please,e in. I¡¯m going to tell him that you are here.¡± I entered the house and stood in the living room, while the maid called him. A few secondster, the maid reappeared. ¡°He said you shoulde up.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± I said, but before the maid walked away, I stopped her. ¡°Wait, Ms¡­um?¡± She smiled at me. She was a very prettydy and I could see that she was in her early forties. ¡°I¡¯m Ms. Nordia.¡± ¡°Ms. Nordia, can you please show me to his room?¡± I asked. I had no idea where Carson¡¯s room was and I knew I could easily get lost in this big house. ¡°Okay, sure.¡± She head back upstairs and I followed her. When we were at the top, she pointed to the second door on the right. ¡°Thank you.¡± I said and walked over to the door that she had pointed out. I knocked on the door lightly and heard Carson¡¯s voice telling me toe in. I opened the door and was once again struck in awe. His room was lovely. The walls were painted in a blue-gray colour. His bedspread was dark blue and white and the soft rug that was by his bedside was grey. The walls were adorn with all types of posters. Arge t screen TV was hung up on the wall in front of his bed. There was a table in the corner of the room, with aputer on it. He had a ck couch on one side of the room and a walk-in closet beside it. What amazed me the most was the sliding ss doors that led to a balcony on the other side of the room. I have never seen a room this wonderful in my entire life. My eyes caught Carson, who was on the floor doing push ups. He was shirtless and once again I couldn¡¯t stop myself from admiring his muscles that rippled every time he moved. When I entered the room, he lift himself from off the floor in one swift motion. I didn¡¯t know what to do, so I stood awkward in his room. ¡°Um, nice room.¡± Iplimented,cking anything else to say. ¡®Nice¡¯ wasn¡¯t even close to the word that I would use to describe it. Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Yeah, thanks.¡± Carson shrugged. I guess it was nothing to him, because he was used to it. As much as I would like Carson not to, he put on his shirt and walked over to the couch in his room. I followed him and took out my books. Sitting this close to Carson, I began to inspect the fresh cuts and bruises on his face. The cuts were over his eyebrows, his cheeks and his lips. I had noticed it at school, but I was far away. I knew right away that he had another fight on Friday, which was why he couldn¡¯t tutor me. Carson lifted an eyebrow at me as he noticed me looking at him. ¡°Is there a problem?¡± He asked. ¡°No. I was just looking at the bruises on your face. Did you have another fight match yesterday?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± He said casually, like it was nothing, ¡°Isn¡¯t what you are doing dangerous? Aren¡¯t you afraid to get seriously injured if you lose?¡± I asked. I didn¡¯t have a problem with what he was doing, but I was just worried. Chapter 22 Chapter 22 ¡°That¡¯s not going to happen, Ka. I have never lost a match.¡± He said. His voice didn¡¯t sound boastful, he was just stating a fact. ¡°Now, are you done with the questions, or are you ready to do some maths?¡± ¡°Okay, okay, I¡¯m ready.¡± I rolled my eyes at him and opened my book. His tutoring session had finally began, which consist of him teasing and making fun of my failed attempts on some of the problems. He was also being patient with me just the same. Yep, that has be the normal routine for every time I spent with Carson tutoring me. WARNING: A small amount of abusive content! ****** A day has passed and now today was Wednesday. I was a little nervous today, because Mr. Malcolm had said we would be given a quiz in maths ss. I know that I¡¯ve been working with Carson on my maths, but there was still a far way to go. I reached maths ss ten minutes before the bell rang to practice some problems that I have trouble with before the test. And believe me, I had trouble with a lot of them. I was spinning the pages of my book frantically in frustration and sighing heavily when Carson walked in. He sat down beside me and chuckled at my frantic behaviour. The problems on the pages started to make my head hurt. Carson who was still watching me, continued to chuckle. I finally look up to re at him. ¡°I¡¯m d that you are finding my frustration amusing.¡± I said sarcastically. That made himugh more. ¡°Are you aware that it doesn¡¯t make any sense cramming before a test?¡± He lifted his eyebrows questioningly at me. ¡°I can¡¯t help it. I¡¯ve tried studyingst night, but the more I tried, the harder it gets.¡± I replied. I have to do well on this test, because if I fail another test, my maths grade will drop and then I won¡¯t pass maths. Mr. Malcolm had warned me that I have to pass the next test. Carson just smiled at me and leaned back on his chair, putting his hands behind his head. He seems so carefree, like we weren¡¯t getting a maths test today. Ugh! I groaned. Why did he have to get the brains to tolerate maths? I didn¡¯t have time to practice anymore, because Mr. Malcolm entered and told us to put our books away. When Mr. Malcolm gave me my paper, I groaned once again. I didn¡¯t understand half of the problems on it. During the test, I looked over at Carson. He was calmly solving the problems on his paper without any care in the world. It¡¯s like they were nothing to him. I looked back at my paper and tried solving the problems. Fifteen minutes before ss ended, Carson got up and bring his paper to the teacher¡¯s desk. I looked at him open-mouthed. He saw me looking at him and he winked at me. I shook my head at him and continued on my work. At the end of the ss, Mr. Malcolm took the paper from us and we left for lunch. I head for the cafeteria quickly. After that test, all I could think about was getting something to eat. ¡°How was your maths test?¡± Lucas asked me, when I sat down to eat my lunch. ¡°Please don¡¯t ask me about that test.¡± I groaned just thinking about it. ¡°It was that bad?¡± Lucas asked. ¡°You have no idea. Let¡¯s just say that maths doesn¡¯t like me.¡± I said, before taking a bite of my sandwich. I had made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich this morning, because An had left for work early. Soon after I started to eat, Carson entered the cafeteria with his friends. They walked over to the table that they usually sits. As usual as they sat down, a group of girls and some cheerleaders walked over to their table to look attention. I shook my head at their behaviour and continued to eat. Lunch was almost up, when Carson left his table and head towards ours. He sat down directly in front of me. That wretched smirk nted on his lips. ¡°Hey Kitten, how was your maths test?¡± I saw Kevin lifted his eyebrows at me through the corner of my eyes. I rolled my eyes at Carson. ¡°Don¡¯t patronize me, Carson. You know exactly how I did.¡± He tapped his chin. ¡°Hmm, do I?¡± He then chuckled at the expression I was giving him. ¡°Come on, it wasn¡¯t that hard. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll pass.¡± ¡°That¡¯s easy for you to say.¡± I replied. ¡°Well, you cane to my house after school and I can continue helping you.¡± He said, the smirk returning. ¡°Yeah, yeah, okay.¡± I said and he nodded his head. He saluted everyone at the table, before standing up and walking away. This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. ¡°Kitten?¡± Kevin question, lifting his lips in a half teasing smile once Carson was gone. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s his nickname for me.¡± I exined. Jasmine looked at me, a wide grin on her face. I knew exactly what she was thinking. ¡°Hmhm,¡± Kevin hummed. ¡°Are you sure that it¡¯s only tutoring that you guys do when you¡¯re at his house?¡± I tapped his head. ¡°Are you sure there¡¯s a brain inside that head of yours?¡± I asked, smiling sweetly at him. Kevin red at me and I stuck my tongue out at him. I mean, he started it first, suggesting that there was something going on between Carson and I. Before anyone could say anything else the bell rang signalling the end of lunch. ki se ski * I had just finished my tutoring lesson at Carson¡¯s house and I was now walking home. I was happy to say that I was making progress and was starting to understand some of the topics that I used to have problems with. Thanks to Carson being patient and understanding with me. Chapter 23 Chapter 23 I soon reached home and opened the front door with my keys. As I pulled the door open, the door was being pulled from the inside. It swung open, hitting the wall behind it. My eyes went wide as I saw a very drunk An standing in front of me. He was drunk a lottely. He pulled me inside the house Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org. roughly. ¡°Why is it that you are alwaysing in at six and I know that school ends at two thirty?¡± He demanded in an angry voice. ¡°I¡­I was at a f-friend¡¯s house. He was tutoring me.¡± I answered. I was really terrified of the murderous look in his eyes. I could tell he was very drunk. His eyes were bloodshot. ¡°Is that what they are calling it these days? Tutoring?¡± He asked pointing a finger at me. ¡°You are a slut. That¡¯s what you are.¡± He spat at me. ¡°You are way out of line.¡± I said. I was trying very hard to contain my anger. How dare he calls me a slut? An was near me in one movement and he grabbed my neck roughly. He began to squeeze it hard. ¡°You are the one that¡¯s out of line, giving it to every boy who asks.¡± His grip tightened on my throat and I couldn¡¯t breath. I used both my hands to pry his off my neck, but it was no use. He was too strong. Finally he let me go and I began to cough uncontrobly. ¡°Now go to your room, you filthy slut! You disgust me!¡± He shouted at me. I took up my bag that had fallen to the floor, when An had grabbed me and turned, running quickly to my room. I didn¡¯t want to take any chances of him finishing what he had started. I was soaked from head to toe. My entire body was shivering from the clothes that clung to my body and my hair was wet. I was now sheltering under thest bus stop that was near the school. I can¡¯t believe it, as soon as I was near school, the rain caught me. Okay, I said to myself. I have to leave this bus stop, if I have any intention of reaching school on time. I took a deep breath and ran as fast as I could, this time I didn¡¯t stop until I reach the school¡¯s door. I opened the door quickly and head straight for the bathroom. When I was in the bathroom, I wring my hair dry and used the paper towel that was in the bathroom to dry off. It was not much use because I waspletely wet. I looked at myself and sighed. I definitely can¡¯t go to ss like this. I left the bathroom and walked to Jasmine¡¯s locker. Hopefully, she has some extra clothes in her locker to lend me. I knew for sure that I didn¡¯t have any I was d when I saw Jasmine at her locker getting her books. She turned around at my presence and her eyes went wide. ¡°Ka, what happened to you?¡± She asked. ¡°I left my umbre and the rain caught me on the way to school.¡± I said sheepishly. ¡°I was wondering if you could help me.¡± Jasmine looked at me for a second before she burst outughing. It was obvious that she couldn¡¯t hold it in. I red at her. ¡°It¡¯s not funny.¡± I replied. She covered her mouth with her hands and tried to contain her task at hand. ¡°Okay, okay. Yes I can.¡± She turned back to her locker once again and retrieve a red T-shirt and dark blue jeans. ¡°Here you go.¡± I sigh with relief. ¡°Oh thank God. You are a life saver.¡± I said as I took the clothes from her. She smiled at me. ¡°Thank God you have a best friend that alwayses prepared.¡± ¡°Yep. These definitelyes in handy.¡± I respond. After telling her that I would see her in homeroom, I went back to the bathroom once again. After changing into Jasmine¡¯s clothes, I had to thank my lucky stars again that Jasmine and I wear almost the same size. I was no longer soaked, so I went to ss. ****** Kevin and I had just left our history ss and was walking down the corridor together. ¡°Ka, please tell me you areing to watch me perform on Sunday evening. Lucas and Jasmine already agreed toe.¡± Kevin said. He has been trying from week to convince me toe to a concert that he will be ying the guitar at. Kevin could y the guitar well. He was really good. He amazes me with his talent every time he performs. He loves music and wants to go to a performing arts college to be a professional performer. I really wanted to go to the concert, but it was really difficult to leave the house on Sundays without An seeing me. Sunday was the only day he stayed home. After thinking about it again, I realized that I had to ept. Kevin was one of my best friends and I wouldn¡¯t miss one of his performances. I have to try and get out of the house without running into An. I don¡¯t care what it takes me. I looked at him and smiled. ¡°Okay, I¡¯m in.¡± ¡°Alright!¡± He eximed, happy with my answer. ¡°Okay, see you after school.¡± He added as he turned in the direction of hisst ss. ¡°Okay.¡± I said. I had a free period now, so I decided to go to the library to do some reading. I was about to walk away, when Carson suddenly appear beside me. ¡°You really made a spectacle of yourselfing into school wet.¡± He said, stopping me from going anywhere. ¡°Yes. As you are well aware, it rained this morning and I got drenched while walking.¡± I exined. Chapter 24 Chapter 24 ¡°So tell me something, Kitten. Do you have a problem with the school buses or you just love walking?¡± He asked, moving closer to me. ¡°Neither of the above. I just prefer walking.¡± I replied, trying to find a way to escape him. ¡°Now, would you please get out of my way? I have somewhere to go.¡± Carson put both of his hands beside my head, trapping me between him and the lockers. My heart was Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org. beating rapidly. It was doing that a lot whenever I was with him. His alluring scent hit me, causing me not to think straight. ¡°Hmm¡­now why should I do that?¡± He asked teasingly. He was so close to me that I could feel his breath on my face. I wonder if he knew what he was doing to me? ¡°Because I asked nicely.¡± I replied, as soon as I found my voice. Carson chuckled lightly and began to back away from me. He then stopped abruptly. I looked up at him and saw that his eyes were focused on my neck. His piercing blue eyes were so focused on me that I became self conscious under his intense gaze. He tilted his head slightly, studying me. My heart started to race again. What was he doing? What was he looking at? Did he n on kissing me? I internally shook my head from that bizarre thought. What was I even thinking? What is wrong with you, Ka? ¡°What¡¯s that on your neck?¡± Carson asked, before my thoughts could continue to run away with me. ¡°What?¡± I asked him confused. What was he talking about? ¡°Those bruised marks?¡± He asked furrowing his eyebrows. His yfulness was gonepletely and now he had a serious expression in his face. Bruise marks? I then felt my heart sink with realization. Oh God¡­ The rain must have washed off the makeup that I used to conceal my bruises. Now, he was looking at the bruises that An gave mest night, when he squeezed my neck. How could I be so stupid? I should have been more aware and noticed it in the bathroom mirror. ¡°Oh¡­um¡­the curling iron burnt me this morning.¡± I lied. Iugh a little. ¡°The curling iron is always burning me.¡± I added, hoping he would fall for that story. Seriously, Ka? Curling iron? Couldn¡¯t you havee up with something better? I knew I was a bad liar, bute on, burnt by a curling iron? His eyebrows pulled together in suspicion. ¡°I¡¯ve never known a curling iron to do that damage.¡± He replied. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s because I burnt myself more than once. I¡¯m always so clumsy.¡± I replied, hoping he would drop the subject. He looked at me for a long while, studying me. ¡°You¡¯re lying to me.¡± He finally said. I felt a lump form in my throat at his words. I was so shock that I couldn¡¯t speak to defend myself. He didn¡¯t believe me. Normally people would fall for my stories, but now Carson was telling me that he didn¡¯t believe me. Thankfully, I found my voice just in time. ¡°You are so paranoid. What do you mean by you don¡¯t believe me? What else could it be?¡± I asked. ¡°I¡¯m no fool, Ka. I know the difference between a bruise and a curling iron burn.¡± He responded, his eyes boring into mine. He then turned and walk away without another word. I stood where I was and watched him leave. I then close my eyes, resting my head on the locker behind me and sighed. I can¡¯t believe what had just happened. What have you gotten yourself into, Ka? It was now Saturday and I was at the cafe. It was just a few minutes to six and for the moment, business was slow. There hadn¡¯t been any customers for the passed half and hour and the small amount that were in here had already gotten served. Because I didn¡¯t have anything to do, I made myself busy with the task of wiping down the counter. I was finished and had just washed my hands, when the bell over the door indicated a new customer. I looked up at the person and saw that it was Carson. He came into the cafe and sat at a booth near the window. I took up my ordering pad and walked over to him. ¡°Hi Carson. What can I get you?¡± I asked, when I reached where he sat. Carson looked up at me with a surprise expression. He then smiled, but it wasn¡¯t a full smile. ¡°I didn¡¯t remember that you work here.¡± He said, then looked down adding. ¡°I don¡¯t want anything. I just came here to sit down.¡± ¡°Okay then.¡± I studied him. Carson wasn¡¯t himself at all. It was obvious that something was on his mind. Even when he talked to me, his mind was somewhere else. I frown at him. ¡°Carson are you okay?¡± He look up at me, then back to the table. ¡°Yeah, sure.¡± I knew he was lying, so I pushed on. ¡°You can tell me. I¡¯m a good listener.¡± He looked at me and smiled again. This smile was much more believable. ¡°You don¡¯t give up, do you?¡± He asked, propping his elbow on the table and rest his chin in the palm of his hands. I smiled and shook my head. ¡°Nope.¡± I said popping the ¡®p¡¯. ¡°One, I¡¯m sure you have a lot of work to do and two, as I said before, I¡¯m okay.¡± He replied. ¡°One, you are not and two, take a look around you. The cafe is practically empty.¡± I countered, waving my hands around the almost empty cafe. I then turn around to give Samantha, who was at the cash register a signal that I was going on a break. She nodded at me and I took a seat in front of Carson. ¡°So, tell me.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing. You don¡¯t have to worry yourself with it.¡± He said, removing his hand from his chin and resting both of them on the table. Chapter 25 Chapter 25 But the thing was, I was worrying. For some reason, Carson has be my friend and I couldn¡¯t help but be concerned as to what was bothering him. ¡°Carson as I said before, I don¡¯t mind. You can tell me anything.¡± I replied, prodding him to speak. ¡°Just as you can tell me anything.¡± He said, looking at me intensely. I looked away from him then. I know exactly what he was referring to. He was talking about the bruises that he saw on my neck on Thursday. He had a point. I was selfish to tell him that he could tell me anything, when I myself was hiding something from him. But it was different. I couldn¡¯t tell him what he needed to know, because I would be in real trouble with my stepfather if I did so. I wouldn¡¯t risk that. I cleared my throat and spoke. ¡°Carson, I don¡¯t know what you are talking about. I don¡¯t need to tell you anything.¡± He looked at me for a very long time. I was starting to get ufortable under his intense gaze. Finally, he spoke. ¡°Okay then. If you say so.¡± He became quiet again and I sat in front of him waiting. A few seconds had passed before he spoke. ¡°I came because I couldn¡¯t be at my house anymore. I couldn¡¯t sit and listen to my father putting me down once again.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked tentatively. I was d that he was trusting me to tell me what was bothering him. I didn¡¯t want to say anything to turn him off. I was even afraid to breathe, in case he decided to change his mind. He sighed again, heavily this time, before he finally looked at me. ¡°My father thinks I¡¯m throwing my life away because I won¡¯t do what he wants me to do. He¡¯s also upset because I¡¯m always getting into trouble. He is well known in the business world for owning one of thergest manufacturing firm in the States. It would affect his reputation if anyone knew he had a rebellious son.¡± ¡°That is terrible. How can he think that?¡± I eximed questioningly. He shrugged. ¡°Well, he does and he doesn¡¯t fail to tell me how disappointed he is of me.¡± He replied, then finally added. ¡°He wants me to take over the family business, but I won¡¯t.¡± ¡°Why does he wants you to do that?¡± I asked. ¡°He wants his own flesh and blood to be his sessor, but I don¡¯t want that. I told him that I wanted to be an engineer.¡± He replied. ¡°Wow,¡± I said, leaning my back on the chair behind me. ¡°I guess he wasn¡¯t happy with your decision, huh?¡± ¡°No. Every chance he gets, he would try and convince me. What he doesn¡¯t understand is that my mind would never change.¡± He saidughed dryly. ¡°He even went as far as saying that if I continue in this path, he would not fund my tuition for college.¡± My eyes widen as realization hit me like a ton of bricks. ¡°So that is why you fight for money. You want to fund your own way into college.¡± I said. It wasn¡¯t really a question, because I already knew the answer. Everything was clicking into ce now. Carson nodded his head in confirmation. I became quiet for a while, deep in thought. Carson doesn¡¯t want to take over his father¡¯s business, which could be the reason of him acting out. I then looked at him and said firmly. ¡°I think your father is very foolish. Firstly, you are an intelligent boy. You are getting good grades in your sses, surely he must see that.¡± I said, leaning my elbows on the table. ¡°And second, it¡¯s your future. He should allow you to choose what you want to do and respect your decisions.¡± This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. ¡°Try telling that to my father.¡± He said, crossing his arms over his chest. ¡°He doesn¡¯t want to hear anything, unless I¡¯m going to get my business degree and take over the manufacturing firm when I graduate.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry that you have to go through this.¡± I said. I couldn¡¯t imagine having a father that doesn¡¯t want his own son to follow his own dreams. ¡°Yeah,¡± he replied, then looked at me. ¡°Thanks for understanding. My mom doesn¡¯t agree with him, but there is nothing she can do. She had talked to him about it one time, but he wouldn¡¯t listen to her either. She didn¡¯t bring it up again. She is trying to keep the family together.¡± I looked at Carson again. It was obvious that what his father wanted from him was getting him down. It really hurts me to see him like this. Somehow Carson has entered my life and allowed me to have feelings that I¡¯ve never experienced before. I wish there was something I could do to make this better for him. Carson looked at me again and gave me a small smile. ¡°So, when do you leave work? I can bring you home.¡± ¡°It¡¯s almost six thirty.¡± I said, as I looked at my watch. ¡°It¡¯s almost time to leave.¡± ¡°So, I kept you from your work.¡± He teased. ¡°I¡¯m a bad influence.¡± Iugh lightly. ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. I didn¡¯t mind at all.¡± I said, as I got up from the seat. ¡°Go on ahead, I¡¯ll wait for you out front.¡± I went back around to the back of the cafe and changed back into my original clothes. While doing this, I couldn¡¯t help but feel happy and guilty at the same time. I was really happy that Carson considered me a friend to tell his problems to, but I felt really guilty that I had my own problems that I won¡¯t tell anyone or him about. I finished changing and waved goodbye to Miranda, Sam, Kerry and Riley as I walked back out to the front. I saw Carson through the ss windows of the cafe standing casually near his car, waiting on me. I really wanted to tell someone; to tell him about my stepfather, but I just couldn¡¯t. I sigh as I walk outside. I was really afraid of what An would do to me if he found out. I was really afraid of him. I got in Carson¡¯s car and he drove me home. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!