Chapter 2

The young girl nods her head. “Yeah. It’s me.” She says, making all of our guests break into not so quiet whispers.

“That’s Azalea? Where has she been?” One guest asks another.

“I thought she was dead. I never would have imagined she would show up on her eighteenth birthday.” Another guest whispers.

“What’s going to happen to Daisy now that Azalea has returned?” Another guest asks, giving me a sympathetic look. The kind of look that says they know exactly what is going to happen to me.

Mom and Dad run over to her, pulling Azalea into a hug as Mom sobs. “I can’t believe you are home.” Mom says, as she squeezes Azalea.

I stare at the young girl for a long time. She is pretty and poised. The kind of look that comes from being born into a rich family. Almost like it is genetic or something. She must feel me staring because she looks over at me, her smile falling as her gaze rakes over me.

After the longest hug I have ever witnessed my dad finally pulls away. "I- ummm. I don't want to be rude, but as you can imagine our daughter's return has caught us all by surprise. We would really like to spend this time alone with our family, catching up." He says.

Everyone nods their heads in understanding, as they all start making their way towards the door. Part of me wants to leave with them. I know I'm not really needed anymore. They have their daughter back. Plus, from the way she is staring at me, it doesn't really seem like she wants me here.

Once everyone has left Dad turns to me. "Daisy, come say hi to your sister." He says, more as a command than a request.

I walk over slowly, giving her a small, forced smile. "Hello, I'm Daisy. It's nice to finally meet you." I say, politely holding my hand out.

Azalea looks at my hand, then smiles. "It's nice to meet you too, sis." She says, as she pulls me in for a tight hug.

I wrap my arms awkwardly around her and that's when she whispers so only I can hear her. "Now that I'm back, they don't need you anymore bitch. So, you might as well pack your shit and leave. One way or another I will get you out of here."

My eyes go wide and she pulls back, giving me the sweetest smile I have ever seen. Like she didn't just threaten me.

Over the next few weeks Azalea makes good on her promise, making my life a living hell. If I had somewhere to go, I would leave, but I don't have anyone or anywhere I can turn to.

One Friday night Mom decided to take us to dinner at a fancy restaurant for a family outing. "I'm going to use the restroom; I will be right back." I say, as I push my chair back.

Azalea smiles at me. "I'm going to get another soda; I will get you a refill as well." She says, as she stands up and grabs my glass.

"That's so nice of you sweetheart." Mom says. "Aren't you going to thank her, Daisy?"

"Thank you." I mumble, as I turn and walk towards the bathroom.

Azalea starts walking towards the bar, holding both of our glasses. I don't understand why she is pretending to be nice now.

It only takes a couple of minutes in the bathroom. Azalea returns to the table at the same time as me. "Here you go, sis." She says, giving me an overly sweet smile.

"Thank you." I say, as I take the drink from her hand and sip it.

"Did they use the same glass I had before?" I ask, making a sour face.

Azalea nods her head. "Yeah, why?"

I look at my cup; something is different about my drink. I just don't know what it is. "It tastes a little weird."

Azalea frowns. "I can go back and have them make you a fresh one if you'd like."

Before I can say anything, Dad cuts me off. "This one is fine honey." He says, smiling at her. When he looks at me, his smile falls. "Just drink the damn soda and stop being ungrateful."

I bite my tongue to keep from saying something I will regret. Instead of starting a fight, I just drink the soda Azalea brought me, trying to ignore the strange aftertaste.

I sit there, listening to Mom, Dad and Azalea talk about some upcoming party or something like that for about thirty minutes. The longer I listen the harder it becomes to focus, my head feels like it's spinning and honestly, I feel like I might pass out or something.

"I need to go home." I whisper, speech slurring a little like I'm drunk, but all I've drank is soda.

I stand up and stumble a little, making Mom sigh. "Sit down, Daisy. Dinner is not over yet."

"I don't feel good." I say, looking at the three of them. "I- I need to go home."

Mom takes a deep breath, rolling her eyes. "Stop being dramatic. You are fine."

I shake my head and turn towards the door, if she won't take me home. I will find my way there myself. "Daisy get back here." Dad snaps.

"It's okay. I will check on her." Azalea says, sounding like she actually cares.

She comes walking over, wrapping her arm around my waist. "Are you okay?" She asks.

"No. S- something is not right." I slur again.

Azalea doesn't say anything, she just smiles, helping me outside. "Don't worry sis, I will take care of you." She says, as she starts walking down the sidewalk, away from where there are three taxis parked.

"T- taxi." I say, pointing.

"No need for that. I have something better." She says, as she turns down a mostly dark alleyway.

I try to turn and walk away, but she tightens her grip. "I gave you a chance to leave on your own, you didn't. Now, I am going to make sure Mom and Dad have no choice but to kick you out. Once they hear how you let a bunch of low life criminals have their way with you, they will want nothing to do with you."

"N- no." I say, slurring. My heart starts beating hard and fast. I have to get out of here.

Azalea starts laughing. "Too late now." She says, as I see a couple of big, tall, shadowy figures coming towards us.

Not knowing what else to do, I elbow her hard, right in the stomach. She hollers, hunching over in pain. "You bitch." She growls, as she tries to grab me.

I shove her with all my strength and take off running, going straight to the taxis I saw earlier. I get in and tell the man the address. Not the address to my house, but to the one person I know can help me. My brother Jacob.

The security at his office building doesn't even question my presence, letting me right in. I take the elevator to the top floor, going straight to his office. Sure enough behind the desk is my adopted brother, Jacob.

"Savannah?" He asks, using my real name. The only one in the family that even cares enough to use it. "What are you doing here?" He asks, standing up and taking a step towards me.

"J- Jacob help me." I say, as I stumble across the large office. I start to fall when suddenly I feel two strong arms wrap around me.

"I've got you." He says, holding me close.