Chapter 14
Claire drags me into the bathroom by my hair. I can’t breathe as the cold water hits my skin. It”s like sharp knives are cutting into my skin.
“This is what bad little girls get,” she sneers.
“I told you nobody wants you. You should just be thankful we took you in.” I try to catch my breath but it hurts to breathe. With each inhale of breath, it feels like a burning fire in my chest. Claire grabs ahold of my face, squeezing it tight.
“Fall in line or I’ll have your brothers get you in line for me.”She releases my face.
“Now get yourself cleaned up. I don’t want to hear that you spoke on any of this shit.” She turns towards the door, stopping and looking back towards me.
“I’m your fucking mother now.” she laughs, as she leaves the bathroom.
Sliding down the shower wall, I cry silently because I know if she hears me, it will be worse.
What did I ever do to deserve all of this? I sit there, watching the red swirl down the drain. Standing up, I grab the soap and cloth and begin washing myself.
Once I’m clean I get out, getting dressed. Turning the knob, I pull the door open and walk out. Heading toward my room, I see the guys standing there with smug looks.
“Chin up, Buttercup.” Caleb says, as they all start laughing. They head down the stairs as I continue towards my room. Walking in and over towards my bed, I pull off my sheets that are now covered in blood, cum, and tears. Gathering them all up, taking them to the laundry room to throw in the washer. After I start the washer, I head back to my room, climb into bed, and stay there until the sun rises.
After I cleaned up the house, I headed upstairs to my room. Entering, I notice a chilly breeze. I didn’t even notice the window open. Maybe I left it open last night. I walk over, closing it.
When I turn around, I see something on my pillow. Walking over, I pick up the little purple box. I open it and see there’s a note and a phone. I pull out the note.
It”s almost time.
You”re doing so well.
Here’s a small piece of happiness.
Don’t let them break you, Little Light.
The phone vibrates in my hand. I look down and see there”s a message. I unlock the phone and pull up the message. It”s a picture of Jo! What the fuck! Another message comes through.
?: Don’t give up. I’ll reunite you soon. Stay strong.
Me: Who is this? Why are you doing all this?
?: You will know soon enough.
Me: How do I know this isn’t some kind of trick?
?: In due time, Little Light. Now hide the phone. Evil bitch is coming up.
I turn off the phone and pick up the floorboard where I hide all my things, placing my only piece of happiness inside.. closing it back up. I barely make it to my bed when my door flies open.
“Downstairs. Dinner’s ready.” She turns and walks away.
Can I really trust this person? Fuck it. I have to. They know where Jo is. I haven’t been able to reach out to her because I’m not allowed to use the phone or computer. I head downstairs. I know I need to eat something or I’ll get punished and I’ve had enough for the day.
Sitting down at the dinner table is fucking rough. I hurt all over and noticed I have some swelling and bruising. My throat feels so raw that it hurts to swallow or eat. Not eating doesn’t bother me too much, and I’m not that hungry. Claire walks over with a little white bag, puts it on the table, pulls out boxes of condoms, tossing them at the boys.
“If you”re gonna fuck the slut at least don’t get her knocked up.”
She pulls out a box, opening it up, popping out a pill from the package.
“Take this.” She hands me the little white pill. I place it in my mouth and take a sip of water, swallowing it.
“Open your mouth so I can make sure you actually took it.” Opening my mouth, sticking out my tongue, allowing her to see that I took it. She nods, turning her attention back toward the boys.
“Have you seen your dad? He left for work earlier, but the office called and said he hadn”t arrived.”
They share a look between each other and shake their heads no. She looks over at me with disgust, and reaches back to slap me hard in the face.
“You better not have scared him off.” She walks out of the kitchen. Tears stream down my face. Why is this happening to me?
After I wash the dishes, I walk up the squeaky stairs toward my room holding my sheets. Opening the door, walking over to my bed, I begin making it as I have flashes of what happened. I sink to the floor, tears streaming down my face. I lean forward and pick up the floorboard, pulling out the phone. Powering it on, I get a message instantly.
?: He won’t be back.
Me: What did you do?
?: It’s not what I did. It’s what he did.
Me: Um, Okay.
?: Hold on just a little longer.
Me: I’m scared. I’m hurting so bad.
?: Look under the bed.
My heart picks up as I turn around and look under the bed. There’s a little bag, pulling it out, I look inside to see a bottle of pain medication, heating pad, and water bottle.
Me: Thanks but how do you keep getting in here?
?: I have my ways. Now get in bed, take some meds, and rest.
Me: How do I know this isn’t a trap?
?: You don’t.
?: But it’s not.
Me: How do I know?
Me: Picture Received.
I open the attachment to see my bedroom window. I stand up and walk over and look out. It’s dark out but not too dark because I see someone covered in all black standing by the tree.
Me: I see you.
?: Because I let you. Bed. Rest.
Me: Okay, thank you.
Walking over to my bed, I sit down and open the pill bottle, taking out two pills, bringing them to my mouth. I place them on my tongue and swallow them down with the water bottle. I grab the heating pad, plug it in, and place it against my stomach, and start to slowly drift off.