Chapter 1
Italics- “Thoughts” noise
“....Clothes, check. Food, check. Laptop and charger, check.” I mentally conclude my list. I’ve packed a bag and am hiding it under the extra clothes in my closet. I have to get away from here, I can’t take it. They treat me like I’m just the shit on the bottom of their shoes. I’m not a little girl anymore, I can handle myself and they won’t be able to hurt me anymore.
Of course, technically they are able to now. Stupid 2024 president made it legal again. Shit, they are calling me. Running down to where they are I stand stock still like a little soldier.
"Aidan.” She spits out at me.
“Yes, Ma’am?” She forces me to call her Ma'am and him Sir.
“What have you done with my candles?”
“In the bathroom, like you asked, Ma’am.”
“Good girl, how about my face mask.”
“I am not sure. You had it put away by the time I had made it to cleaning that area.”
Smack. I hear it, but at this point, I can’t feel it. A common thing for Her to do. “You little bastard! How dare you accuse me of something! Two weeks, no food.”
“B-”
“No objections or make that four.”
I nod my head and look down at my feet in mock shame. I barely have any feelings anymore. 12 years of this can really do something to a girl.
“Get out of my sight.NOW!"
Scurrying off I head to my safe haven. They have yet to find it but it’s a secret room in the basement. I crawl in and lock the door. Quickly finding my earbuds and phone (Which they don’t know I have) I play the song ‘Fake your Death’ By My Chemical Romance. I relax into the cushions I have made over the years and absorb myself into the music.
God Dammit. I didn’t want to fall asleep. I look at my phone, the song ‘The Westerner’ was playing and it is 3:12 am. I grab what I can of my stuff from my hideout and creep up to my “Room” it is just the tiny ass attic. I find my aforementioned bag and add my phone charger to it. I get dressed in my usual black skinny jeans and baggy Tee shirt as well as a zip up that hangs off my frail, thin body. I slip on my black converse and throw my backpack on, heading through my window and down to the edge of the roof. Using the tree branch from right there I climbed to the trunk of the tree and down to the ground. I sprint off into the woods heading towards the city.
I’ve had a night job for a while so I have a bit of money saved for food. Which I already asked for a switch to a normal day shift, starting later today. I just work as a waitress for now at a pretty dull and quiet restaurant.
I have a place to stay lined up, but I don't want to use my phone until I get to the city so that way the light will blend in rather than in the dark woods. My friend Bellatrix, everyone calls her Bella though, told me she would let me use her guest bedroom until I can get up on my feet. I told her it might be awhile and she didn't care, thank god I have one friend on this cruel planet.
It will take me about 12 minutes until I get into town if I keep at this pace. I could cut it in half if I put up a quick jog. Yea, let's do it. I also know a shortcut.
Now that I've reached the city of Akila, I pull my phone out and text Bella. (A-Aidan/B-Bella)
A: Hey, sorry bout the time but im on my way, unlock the door?
It took her a few minutes to respond and by the time she had I was almost there.
B: Yea i will when i see u
A: thx B.
B: yea yea hurry up
A: Almost there
I start my jog again and reach her house in about 2 and a half minutes. I lightly knock on the door and she answers after only a second.
"Finally. I worry about you." She gave me a great big bear hug.
"I know, I'm sorry Bellatrix."
"Heyyy I am not a 'Harry Potter' character, don't call me Bellatrix!!" She complains.
"Aww, you know I only do it 'cuz I love ya!"
"Ewww I didn't know you swing that way, Aidan!"
"Not what I meant!" At this point, we are halfway up the stairs to my new room.
"Suuuurrrre"
"I meant it in a totally platonic way! You are like a sister to me!!"
"Now you're incest? Oh god."
"Omg Sleigh Bells, lose your slay."
"Never!" We are such children.
"Fine thanks, Bella, but I'm tired, see ya in the mornin I'm going in to work at 7 tomorrow.
BEP BEEP BEP BEEP
I slap my alarm to shut it off lazily. After sitting up I tied my hair up in a bun. I grabbed an outfit from my backpack and walked to the bathroom. I knocked on Bella's door and peeked my head in, "Bella?" I was met with a groan.
"I'm going to shower. Can I borrow your shampoo and stuff?"
"Yea, I don't care."
"KK, thanks."
"Yea, yea. Go awaayyyy"
"Whateva." I chuckle and go back to the bathroom, whistling to the song 'You Found Me' by 'The Fray'. I quickly shower and hop out. After getting dressed I run and grab my makeup bag and apply my mascara and eyeliner. I also add a maroon colored lipstick and grab my apron.
Walking down the stairs I smell.....Coffee! I follow the amazing scent with my nose and find myself in the kitchen with Bella. She is leaning against the counter sipping from a coffee cup. When she sees me she waves towards the pot with the creamer and sugar," Help yourself, Aidan."
"Thanks, B. You're the best!"
"I know, now shut up and drink the coffee, then it's off to work."
"Yea, I know. I'm ready."
As i walk into the diner I see, of course, the two people I would rather die than see. Just my luck. I rush back to the 'break room' (it's really more of a closet than anything).
