3

A new day whilst the same agony.

Struggling, Seraphina got up from the very same position she stayed after midnight. Her eyes glanced at the watch on her wrist. It read -- 5:00 am.

Getting ahold of an old full sleeved t-shirt and jeans, she prepared herself for the upcoming day.

Gazing at herself in the mirror, she looked rather okay after a bit makeover. Her raven mid-back length hair tied up in a high ponytail with several short pieces poking out in a messy way. Her sapphire eyes were something she was never never proud of. The color was light yet dark at the same time with specks of hazel, if you looked closely at it. A small button nose with a cute pout shaped lips and prominent cheekbones. She was tall, almost 5′7 in height but was slim.

Her face was all concealed up. Not a single hint of abuse lingered on her face.

Grabbing her torn up bag, she strolled out of her room. Descending down, she made her way towards the kitchen to cook something for Ronald. A sigh escaping her mouth at the thought he wasn't in the house.

His strict dietary orders had her cooped for the next half an hour.

After arranging the food on table, she left the house with her earphones in her ears.

The song -- Love is gone; by Slander, blasting in her ears. Music was something she loved. It gave her a sense of peace in which she could drown in. Some lyrics of the songs were too relatable to her. It was as if the composers had purposely wrote it for her.

Kicking the stones by her feet, she gripped the straps of her bag as the high school came in view. She wasn't a fan of studying but she always wanted to show them that she was worth it. A worth being.

Entering the school premises, she approached the classroom. Several students in groups lingering here and there in the corners or next to the lockers. Seraphina preferred to keep her books in her bag instead of leaving them in the dusty locker.

She had a severe allergy from dust.

Taking the last seat in the back, she looked outside the window. Inhaling the fresh breeze, she twirled a hair strand on her finger. The ache re-surfing as the painkiller withered away slowly.

She blew out a shaky breath. Her hands slightly trembling from the fear that had caged her up. She hated it. She hated everything.

Mostly, she hated herself.

Soon, her peace was interrupted by the teacher, who barked orders for the students to take there respective places.

The first hour went by smoothly until the teacher looked at her with an arched eyebrow. “Miss Seraphina Smith, the Principal has called you. Go to his office, immediately.”

She straightened herself and nodded. Getting up, she took her bag and walked towards the teachers table to grab the pass but the whispers about her had her clasping her books tightly, ”Oh the freak is in trouble.”

“Deserved it. She is such a little hoe.”

“I bet she is gonna get expelled. Attention seeker.”

"She beated up Jake in the ground without mercy.”

"I’ve heard her father disowned her.”

“Quiet, class.” The teacher commanded, soon the voices died down. Grabbing the pass, she hastily exited the room not able to stand those sentences. Her hands itching to throw punches after punches at there faces but she couldn’t or she would be expelled like before.

Swiftly walking, she approached the Principal’s door. Knocking, she heard a faint ‘come in’.

Opening up, she led herself to the chair that was opposite to the old man who sat with a small smile on his face but soon it changed into pity.

“I swear it wasn’t me.” She spoke and tilted her head at the unknown lady who sat next to her.

He looked at her with concern. “Old man, you okay? Did your cat die?” She questioned him with a hint of sarcasm lacing in her voice.

The principal -- Benji, had a very nice relationship with her. She was in his office almost every month due to the fights she got into with the jocks and plastic barbie's and most importantly with her bad girl reputation.

He sighed and shifted in his spot directly looking at her. “I’m sorry Seraphina, you’re step-father had met an accident last night and he died at the spot.” Her lips parted slightly as she gazed at him blankly. She felt empty once again but this time it was out of happiness.

She was finally free.

“What now?” She asked, her foot taping the floor in anxiety. Benji was taken aback by her blank behavior but nevertheless he continued, “This women right here, is a social worker. She and along with several other cops went to your house. They found your hair strands and collected the DNA. The cops have found your biological brother and he is ready to take you in.”

She stared at him with an expressionless face but inside she was freaking out. Her heart thumping rapidly at the thought of going back.

“Hello Seraphina. I’m Danielle Mitch and your social worker. I’m sorry for your loss and I’m sure you’re happy to be reunited with your family. Your brother has emailed the ticket to your flight for Los Angeles which is in three hours so you’ll have to pack and leave today.” She smiled, as she shook her hand with Benji who stood up.

Seraphina sat there with a heavy heart, until her eyes landed on Benji who was smiling sadly at her. “We loved having you here, Seraphina. You’re a great student. Come visit us when needed. Hope you live happily. Goodbye.”

Nodding absentmindedly, she got up and followed Danielle outside. The got in the car, silence lingering around them.

She started the engine and soon they approached her house.

“Stay here, I’ll be right back.” Seraphina muttered and hastily marched in, towards her room. Her hands shakily throwing the two pieces of shirts and jeans in the bag along with some comic books, her exceptional dirty stuffed bear and a locket she always kept with her.

Striding out, she scanned the house.

Every inch of the house was painted in her blood from the beatings, the yelling's, the screaming's, the violation. The walls had seen her heavy cries. They had seeped the saddened emotions out of her.

Averting her eyes, she left without another glance. Getting in the car she looked at Danielle who was busy in her phone. “Lets go.” She looked up and gazed at the same bag she had before. “Just this much?” Seraphina nodded.

Without another word, they both departed for the airport.

The only thought swirling in her mind;

“Will they be happy or sad after they see her? Or will they treat her the same way her so-called parents did?”