The Redemption of my mates.

Help me.

Ariana Pov.

School is over. I am waiting for Dad, sitting under a tree outside school and enjoying the cool breeze touching my face. I began looking around and I must say, this school is beautiful and looks very expensive. That explains why Dad is starving me. And all kinds of expensive cars are driving in front of me. A white range rover stopped in front of me, then rolled down the window. And guess who I saw that blabbermouth, Elijah. He smiled widely exposing all his milk white teeth and said, "Hey, Aria! Let me have the pleasure to drop you off."

What the hell! Is he still after me? What is this guy made off? I have been ignoring him the whole day, but here he is again, talking. If I was him, I would have given up a long time.

I shook my head. He got off the car and said, "I'm not taking no for an answer." Then open the passenger seat. He took my hand and began pulling me up saying, "It will get dark anytime Aria. Get up, I will give you a ride home."

I got up and nodded my head negatively showing him I don't want to, but he did not seem to care about that. He is irritating me right now. I pushed him and he fell. He looked at me in shock and said, "Wow! You are one strong girl."

He stood up, crossed his arms over his chest, and began staring at me. I looked down and could feel shivers in my body. He is making me quite uncomfortable. I am about to cry. What to do??

He moved back, threw his hand down, and asked. "You don't want to come?'

I nodded my head, and the tears escaped my eyes.

"Why?" He asked.

Isn't it obvious? We don't know each other. I don't know him. I want to answer his question, but unable to speak.

“For Goodness’ sake, I'm talking to you, Ariana!” He shouted, which caused me to flinch. I can feel my heartbeat in my throat. I walked backward staring into his eyes. Tears began rolling down faster. Why did he shout? Please go away. You are just like my dad. You like forcing things on people. Go away! Dad is more than enough for me.

I think he noticed how scared I am as he became worried and moved back and forth. He hit his head and stood in front of me, looking into my eyes he said. " Sorry. sorry. sorry, It wasn't my intention to scare you. I am really, sorry Aria."

Sorry? Will Sorry bring my heartbeat back to normal? NO! Go to hell with your sorry!

He walked closer and said, "Sorry. The thing is no one has ever refused me. That's why, I got shocked with your rejection."

He began walking closer. For every step he takes towards me, I was talking one back. I hate this guy. Please, man, leave me alone. Get lost before Dad sees us. This is a matter of life and death Elijah. Go away! I want to speak. Oh God! Please give me a voice! I really want my voice back!

He stopped, sighed, and pleaded. "Please! Let me drop you off at your place. I will not eat you!"

Doesn't he know what NO means? I don't want to go with you. Simple! Now get lost.

He said calmly. "It's getting Dark, Aria. I have a car, so let me go drop you.”

I rolled my eyes and then shook my head.

“Why?” He asked.

I put my backpack down and took out a notebook and a pencil. Looked and him, shook my head in disbelief, and wrote. ' I am waiting for Dad. He said I must wait outside for him.'

He read it out loud, and said, “Okay. But I will wait with you."

What the... I wrote big. 'NO'

He looked at my face and asked cutely. "Why?"

I wrote 'Because my father doesn't like to see boys around me.'

He read it loud and said, "Okay, I get it. But why are you writing instead of speaking?"

This is the silliest question I have ever been asked. I can't believe he is making me do this. I wrote. ' I don't want to!”

He giggled and said, “Okay angry bird.”

Oh! A new name, I guess. I wrote. ' Leave before my dad sees you.'

He said, “Okay. See you around.” Then he went back to his car. Took out a bottle of water. Came closer and placed it on my hand then said. "Drink it. You will feel better." Let go of my hand. Then went back to his car. Started the engine and said, "It was nice meeting you." And drove away.

I stared at the bottle in my hand and smiled. This was a cute gesture of his. He said I was fun being around. We all know I am not fun. But he was fun being around. I kind of enjoyed it. For the first time, someone was around me and did not make me feel useless. Thank you, Eli. You are cute. I opened the bottle and gulped down the water. Put the bottle and notebook in my bag.

I am tired of standing now. I looked at my place and sat down. The school became empty, and the worker locked it and went away. I am the only person here. Even the cars on the road became little. And it was getting dark. Where is Dad? Did he forget about me again?

I am waiting here, for hours and he didn't show up! Maybe he decided to get rid of me. You never know. Or he is passed out somewhere after drinking. I hate this guy. He makes my brain hurt with questions that have no answers.

I guess I have no choice but to walk home. I got up and began walking. The funny part about walking home is, I don't think I remember the way home. Let's see where the road takes me. While walking I noticed a group of people, they seem drunk. Maybe Dad is in there. They were walking towards me. I took a good look at them, and Dad wasn't there. Why are they coming my way through? I guess I landed myself in trouble.

My body started acting up because of fear. My breathing got heavy as well. I think I'm about to fall because of fear. I looked around and no one is there. Who will save me from them? I turned back and was walking fast.

"Are you lost baby girl?" Asked one of them.

"If you are, we won't mind taking you home." Said another.

Everyone wants to take me home today. WHY?

"But we will have little fun before that." Said another and they all laughed.

What kind of fun is he talking about? The statement seems wrong in every aspect. I got myself in s**t. Why didn't I just stay there? It would have been better if the sun raised waiting instead of running like this. Oh God! Please help me just this once! I promise I will not get angry at you again. Please send help.

They caught up. They stood in every corner I wanted to run. I was in the middle and my ears is hurting because of their ugly laughter. I began crying and fold my hand in front of them. I am begging them, but they just laugh even louder. I pushed one and run away. There were running after me yelling, asking me to stop. I didn't listen and continued running. I bumped into someone.

How did he catch up so fast? I began shivering and looked up. I was relieved seeing this one. It was Elijah. I hid behind him when I heard their noises. I am sure Eli will help me.

"Look here, master! We found here first! So, hand here over." Argued one of them.

I hold Elijah's shirt very tight. I began shaking my head behind him.

"Okay. I will, but we are sharing." Elijah spoke causing me to let go of him. He finally showed his true motive. I thought he cared about me, but he doesn't. He only wanted one thing from me. How dare he?

I slowly walked back, trying to catch my breath. I need to run for my life!

He didn't face me. He asked them. "How do you find my idea?"

"You are one clever boy, indeed." Said one of them.

" I am not alone. I have two other guys with me." Elijah spoke. Then appeared Max and Zack in the scene. How will I run? These guys will, will catch up either way. I thought this guy will save me, but he wants to have fun with me just like them. I turned around and was about to run, but before I could move the other leg. Elijah held my hand and pulled me closer to him. He put his hand around my waist and pulled me to his chest and ordered. "Don't you dare move!"

He looked at the guys in front and said, " That was what you wanted to hear right, but no! Touch my girl and you will get it from me."

He looked into my eyes and said, "Silly, I will protect you from them. Don't move."

''That's not fair! You want the girl all for yourself!" Yelled out one of them.

"We found her first. And we will have her first, even if we have to fight for it." Suggested one.

Max came forward and said, "Yes! Let's fight! You know life is boring without fighting.'' He began folding his sleeves.

Then they began fighting. Zack held my hand and took me away from the scene. He put me in the car, closed the door, and joined them. After a few moments, they came back and began loosening their sleeves.

I got out of the car and peeped behind them. These gangsters weren't there. Elijah cleared his throat. I looked at him and he asked, "What were you doing here alone?"

I can ask the same question. What are you doing here? I am here because I'm walking home, but you. You here for what? I wanted to speak so badly right now. I am looking around for a way to answer but can't think of one.

"Ariana! Do you know, is not safe for a woman to roam around this time of the night." Max commented.

I know. I slowly nodded to answer him.

"Then, why are you out of your house this time?" Zack asked.

I don't know. How can I tell them that my dad is an irresponsible freak who forgot about his daughter?

"She is here because her father didn't come to pick her up!" Elijah spoke. How does he know that? I questionably looked at him. He looked back at me, rolled his eyes, and said, "Did you really, think I would leave you there, alone? After you send me away. I went and parked my car somewhere and came back for you. I was a few meters away from you waiting for your dad as well."

What the... He didn't leave!

"Then, I noticed you walking so I followed you. I saw those drunkards coming your way, then called Max and Zack." He added.

Thank you for not leaving me. I don't know what would have happened if it weren't for you. Thank you. I began wiping my tears. I think I can go home now.

"I will drop you off." Said Elijah.

I shook my head. I can still go on my own. He leans down to my face and asked, "Do you want me to go and call them back?" I instantly shook my head.

"Then be a good girl and get back into the car." He ordered.

I looked at the car and then at him. Must I go in... or not? What if?

Max opened the door and dragged me in. He plugged the seat belt on and then said. "You are going with us. We won the fight, remember?" Then closed the door. He went and seat behind me. Zack also sat at the back. Eli was standing outside for a while. After a few seconds, he opened the driver's door and came in. He plugged his seat belt and began driving.

He didn't even ask me where I stay. Let's see where he takes me. He immediately holds the brakes causing us to hit the car. He asked, "I don't know where you live. Can you give me directions, madam?"

I nodded. He started the engine again and began driving. Did he have to ask for directions so stiffly? I began giving him directions. After a few turns, I hit something, and he stopped.

"Do you live here?" He asked.

I stiffly nodded. "Which one is your house?" Zack asked. I looked at all the houses in front and pointed at the blue gate one.

"Nice house," Max commented.

I smiled and got off. I bowed to them and then stood up and waited for them to go. They were looking at me with a weird smile. Why are they not going? Are they waiting for me to go in?

I'm doomed! This is not my house! I lied! My house is a few blocks away from here. I didn't want to show him my real house. Just in case my father was outside, he would have seen me with boys, And World War 3 would have started right at my doorstep.

They not leaving. I have no choice but to go to that house. I put my backpack on and began walking. I hope they don't have a dog in there. I opened the door and got in, turned back, and waved at them. Now, go, please! Elijah smiled and waved back at him. He started the car and drove away. I exhaled the moment the car disappeared and came out of the house. Thank God! There wasn't any dog in there. I began running to my house. I got into my house and saw Dad passed out on the couch. I hope he is dead.

I knew this guy had forgotten me. The only thing he won't forget is his bottle. He is only Good when it comes to drinking. He got up the moment he saw me, blinked his eyes a few times then said. “What are you doing here? Didn't I tell you to wait for me?”

So he didn't forget about me. He decided to get rid of me. Wow, Dad! You are amazing.

"Answer me, young lady!" He yelled.

Is he mad because I came? Dad! Is 9 already. How long was I supposed to wait? He began moving towards me saying, "Wow! You are just like your mom. Arrogant and has no manners at all. You become rude just like her, you brat! Let me straighten you up!"

He stood up straight and took his belt out and then began beating me with it. I was on the ground crying while he was hitting me. He is hitting me saying, “This attitude of yours needs to go. I don't want to have another Jessica in my life. I don't want another slut here!”

He finally stopped and threw the belt away. He kneeled and pulled my hair and said, “You are not eating anything tonight!" Then threw my head to the side. He got up and began walking. He stopped and said." I don't want to see your face, get the hell out of here. Go to your room!"

I stood up and run to my room. When I reached my room, I locked the door and started crying.

Why? Why? Why me? Why do I have to suffer like this? Will I ever be happy in life? I hate you! I hate you, Jessica! If it wasn't for you, I would have lived like other teenagers. I hate the fact that you are my mother!

If you wanted to run away, why didn't you take me with you? At least I would have had a mom. Maybe living with you would have been better than living with Dad.

But noooooo! You are a stingy woman. You had to leave me with an abusive father. He hits me for something I didn't even do. Starve me for something I don't know. You guys ruined my childhood. You ruined me!!

Today I can't speak because of him. Whenever I say something, he would whip me to shut me. And now! I get whipped to speak.

I don't know what to do to get out of his abuse. I hate you, Mom. Furthermore, I hope you never find peace in your life. Not only that, but I wish you a horrible death. I hate you!!!!

After I let all my emotions out, I went to the bathroom and took a warm shower to relax my muscles. After I was done, I wore my pajamas and saw myself in the mirror. I am wearing short pants and short sleeve shirt. My bruises were visible. I don't think I'll ever get rid of these ugly bruises.

Someone started knocking hard on my door. I got scared and run to my bed and hid under my blanket.

“Young lady, open the door!” Yelled Dad. What did I do now?

I got up and opened the door. As soon as I opened the door, he handed me a plate of food. He said, “Have something before going to sleep.” And he went back.

This is weird. I locked the door and sat on my bed and began eating. The palate is full. He usually gives me little food. And is spaghetti, my favorite?

I will keep some for tomorrow. I covered it and put it under the bed. Then covered me and lie down. another day is waiting to be lived tomorrow. Hopefully, tonight I will disappear.