Chapter 2

"Aurora, wake up!" my mom shouted from the doorway of my room.

"It's only five in the morning, it's not my day to go out," I replied, startled, glancing at my phone's clock.

"You're not going out today. Alice has a fever, and you're staying with her. Xander can't handle her being sick on his own."

"But I made plans to meet Isla today."

"You'll see her next week. Alice is more important," she said, not even listening to me. "Mom, it's just that—"

"Listen closely," she was already walking toward me, grabbing me by the neck. "You're going to take care of your sister, and you're not leaving her room for anything, got it?"

"I got it," I whispered, short of breath because her hands were squeezing my neck tightly.

"I don't want you and Xander talking about anything that isn't Alice. No jokes, girl!"

"Seems like you love him more than you love me."

"This isn't the time for drama or arguments. Go to her room and lie down next to her bed."

"You want me to sleep on the floor?" I knew my mom didn't love me anymore and would mistreat me however and whenever she could, but every time she said something like that, her coldness still caught me off guard.

"If you're not going to sleep, then iron the clothes you washed yesterday. Don't forget to sort them by color when you put them away—otherwise, it's a mess to find anything later."

She left without waiting for an answer. I got dressed in very modest clothes—no shorts, nothing tight—and went into my little sister's room.

Alice was two years old, the sweetest little girl, and of course, she was that way because I raised her. We always got along well; I loved her so much. Since she was born, I've been the one to care for her, give her her first bath, take her to every check-up.

My mom and Xander loved her too—more than anything. They'd give their lives for her if needed. The care they never showed me, they gave her in abundance. That gave me some peace, because I knew that when I left, at least she'd be okay.

I went into Alice's room. She was bundled up and sleeping, but her little face looked pained. I took her temperature, gave her the medicine, and laid down beside her. I knew my mom wouldn't come back in before seven, when she'd get up for work.

Morning came, and my mom had already left. Xander came by twice during the morning to check on Alice.

Now it was 1:30 in the afternoon, and I still hadn't had lunch. Alice seemed better—her fever had gone down and she was eating everything I gave her. She had just fallen asleep again, so I went to the kitchen to get something to eat because I was starving. Xander was standing by the sink, drinking water.

"Where's Alice?" he asked sharply.

"She just fell asleep. The fever's gone," I answered, not looking at him.

I started to fix myself a plate and suddenly remembered Isla. Maybe now that Alice was doing better, I could go say goodbye. Naively, I asked my stepdad for permission.

"Xander," he looked straight at me, "since Alice is better, can I go out for a bit? I had plans today."

"Plans? What plans?" he snapped.

"I was going to see a friend."

"A friend? Hmph, I know what that means… You're chasing after boys!" His comment took me by surprise.

"Have some respect. You don't have the right to talk to me like that," I said, outraged.

"Since when do I have to respect someone like you? This is my house. I say what I want. You think I'll let you live here if you show up pregnant? I'll throw you out on the street, you hear me?!"

He thought the worst of me, even though I'd never given him any reason to. I was always quiet, never went out, never gave my mom any trouble.

"Respect me!" I shouted.

He came at me and grabbed me by the neck. I had a bowl of hot soup in my hand.

"Respect? Why? You think I can't spot a tramp when I see one? You're not going anywhere. And if you're that desperate to see a man, I'll show you a real one… right here."

As he said that, he grabbed my chest and tried to pull off my shirt. I didn't even think twice—I threw the bowl of hot soup in his face with all the strength and hatred I had. He dropped to the floor, screaming in pain. I panicked, ran to my room, grabbed my bag, and bolted out the front door. He was still in the kitchen, splashing water on his face and howling. He looked badly burned.

Good.

I ran down the end of the street. A taxi passed by and I flagged it down, asking the driver to take me to the bus terminal.

When I got there, reality hit. I had just burned that bastard's face—my mom wouldn't believe me even if I told her the truth. I couldn't go back home. He'd kill me.

All I had was the clothes on my back and my backpack, which had my bows, documents, money, and phone. Only one thought ran through my mind, 'This is it, Aurora. Your freedom starts here… You have to go!'

I walked up to the ticket counter and asked for a ticket to the capital. The woman behind the glass asked for my ID. When she saw I was underage, she shook her head.

"You can't travel without a signed permission from your parents or legal guardians."

"But I turn eighteen in two months. It's no big deal," I tried to explain.

"It wouldn't be if you were going to a nearby city. But if you're traveling alone, I need written authorization."

"Please, I'm begging you, sell me the ticket. It's a matter of life or death," I pleaded, tears in my eyes.

"Girl, if it's life or death, you should be at a hospital or with the police, not at a bus terminal," she replied coldly, then turned away to do something else, ignoring me.

I couldn't go to the police and say my stepfather tried to assault me—it'd be my word against his, and I was sure my mom would side with him.

I sat down, desperate, unsure of what to do. My only option was to buy a ticket to a city within the same state. I stood up and was about to go back to the counter when I heard someone shout my name. Instantly, a chill ran down my spine.