Chapter 1
an unknown voice shouted loudly, “I told you not to do that!”
A single tear fell down her face. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.
“Are you crying?!” Henry snapped. “I’ll give you something to cry about!”
He stepped toward her, raising his hand. The first strike hit her cheek, knocking her onto her rear end. Before she could recover, his hand came down again, striking the same spot.
She ran across the floor to her room, her steps muffled against the carpet, and slammed the door behind her. Her breath came in ragged gasps, her face red and swollen, tears streaming freely.
There was a knock at the door.
“Who is it?” she called.
“Chloe It’s me…can we talk?” her mother replied.
“Mom?” Chloe answered, voice trembling. “What is it?”
She went to unlock the door. Sitting in the doorway was her mother, who immediately held her in her arms. Tears fell down both their cheeks, soaking her mother’s sweater. Each breath Chloe took was shakier than the last.
“I can’t do this, Mom…I can’t…he does this every day,” Chloe whispered.
Her mother wrapped her arms around her. “I know… I know, Chloe… it must be so hard. I know what to do,” she muttered. “I’m sending you away. You’re going to live with someone else.”
“Live with someone else? Who?” Chloe asked.
“Don’t ask questions…just pack a bag. You’re leaving tonight,” her mother said firmly.
“I trust you, Mom,” Chloe replied.
Later that night, uncertain about what would happen, Chloe packed a bag and headed for the address her mother had left on a note.
Really? Six hours away, Mom? And what did she mean by living with this person? Oh well… I don’t want to stay here a second longer anyway, Chloe thought.
“Can you hear me?” a voice asked.
“Yeah…did you get my messages?”
“I did. Is she on her way now?”
“She’ll be there in ten minutes.”
Ten minutes? Damn… I’m not ready. This place is a disaster, he thought.
“Alright, talk later.”
“Later,” came the reply.
Why didn’t I start cleaning sooner? She’s about to see me for the first time, and I look like I live in a tornado. No way I’m letting her think I’m careless. I’m supposed to protect her now, and this place is a disaster.
Nine frantic minutes passed. The sound of tires crunching against the driveway made his heart jolt. He froze, chest tight, then forced himself to breathe.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
“Coming!”
