Chapter 1
I looked around as I tiptoed down the hall hoping that he didn't wake. My body still hurt from the beating I took last night and couldn't risk getting another one. I quickly got to bathroom and started putting on light makeup to cover up the bruises on my face, my clothes covering up the rest. I grab my backpack and open the door, quietly slipping out before closing it again. It was my last day to school before we moved again. Of course it didn't matter to me; everywhere is the same. Always poking fun, and making sure I at least come home with one piece of clothing ruined by pouring drinks and food on such. It makes me mad just thinking about it. How could they be so cruel? I come home covered head to toe in milk and and food products and they Don't even get a slap on the wrist. While if I do something so little as pinch them I get sent to the principals office, and they call my dad- which has happened more times than I could count.
Dang Rich kids, I thought to myself.
I sighed. I shouldn't get so worked up about them anyway, they're nothing but a bunch of spoiled brats. I checked my slightly cracked phone and panicked. School will start in 10 minutes and I'm still two blocks away! I started running, my backpack bouncing off my shoulders everytime I took a pounding step. After a few minutes of running the school was finally in my sights. I increased my speed and hurried toward the main doors praying to the God above that I wasn't too late. I finally reached the main doors and, and out of breath, pulled them open.
They wouldn't open.
I stared confused at the sight trying to open them again, but they wouldn't budge.
I took my phone from my pocket; the bell should be ringing any minute now for class to start. I knew for a fact that unlike other schools they always kept the doors unlocked for students who were running late. The only other option for me is that there's no school today. But I don't remember them making any announcements about that. I tried the door a few more times before I heard a voice behind me. "Lilly?"
I turned and found my art teacher, Ms. Honey, holding a stack of what looked to be worksheets. "What are you doing out here?"
"Oh, um, I'm late?" I said nervously.
She stared at me with a confused smile. "What do you mean late? There's no school today."
"What? I didn't hear an announcement about that." I said trying to think back to all of what the announcements had actually said.
"Oh, they were not on the announcements. A sudden tornado warning came up, so the board thought it best to cancel school. Did your parents not get an email.
We don't have internet, or minutes on either of our phones. And even if he did he wouldn't have told me.
"Oh, they must have forgotten to tell me." I lied. "Sorry for the confusion." I started down the steps, but before I could continue she reached out and grabbed my hand pulling my sleeve up. She frowned, concerned at the bruises littered up my arm. I snatched my arm back and pulled the sleeve back down.
"What happened to your arm?"
"Nothing." I turned away from her and began hurrying down the steps, but she followed me; her heels clicking against the sidewalk.
"Lilly, is everything okay?" She asked, feigning her worry.
"Great."
She suddenly grabbed my shoulder and I winced, flinching away from her instinctively.
She looked at me in surprise. And just like that the principal appeared looking at us in surprise. "Lilly, Ms. Honey, what are you two doing here?"
I quickly spoke up. "I was just leaving, I forgot that there was no school today, but I'll go now. OK? Bye." I quickly hurried away and made it a block or two before slowing down. They didn't follow me or try to stop me, and I was relieved. I quickly started my way home, but stopped realizing he thought I was at school. I could get a little free time before I have to go back. I head to toward the park and look around me. It was the beginning of fall and the leaves were the colors of brown, red, orange, and yellow. The sky was beginning to fill with rainstorm clouds, but I knew it would be a few hours until it started to at least sprinkle. I made it to the park and sat on the swings. No one was here today, and I was glad, slowly rocking back and forth I closed my eyes and slowly breathed In and out. It was very calming to be honest.
I Stay for awhile before deciding to walk around town. Passing all the stores and restaurants, I couldn’t help but think about everything I could've been doing if I had a different life. I mean what if mom had never left us? Then dad would have never become a drunk addict. I think about my favorite Bible verse; "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me".
A couple of months ago my dad had kicked me out saying that I was a no good daughter and I didn't deserve him. It was a cold night and I eventually found a church I thought was abandoned. Taking refuge there I found a Bible and started reading through it out of boredom. As soon as I finished the first chapter I felt the holy spirit run through my body, and felt the need to read more. By morning I had memorized most versus in psalms and had finished the whole book. I found strength in God from there on forward and would start to try to attend churches as much as I could, although that was kind of hard with my dad being a strict 'no gods person.
I shook my head and looked up, realizing I was in front of the town church. I smiled and made my way inside. There wasn't any service today so I was by myself, in which I was fine with. I always preferred to be alone when I prayed, makes me feel like I'll be able to hear God better. I sat on a pew in the front and bowed my head, letting the prayer form in my mind.
"Dear God, I hope your listening. It's becoming harder and harder to hide my secret. One of my teachers almost caught me, and I'm sure she's still suspicious as it is. Today is when we move and I'm hoping you could make dad into a better mood. He's always worse when we're about to move to another town. I'm just hoping maybe you could help him into a better state of mind; I can't have someone catching me now, especially after everything that's happened. I pray for safe travels and hope for a miracle to come. Jesus name I pray; Amen." I kept my eyes closed as I rubbed at them, and took a few deep breaths.
After a few minutes I made my way out of the church feeling a whole lot better. I checked my phone and realized I should've been home by now, even if I had school. I raced toward my home knowing full well that I'll come out with another set of bruises. Knowing him he'll probably enjoy it, but it won't matter, because I'm 16 and I'll only have to deal with him for two more years.
With that thought, I felt a whole lot better.
