The Redemption of my mates.

The price of waiting

Ariana’s Pov.

The final bell went off, and the usual noise of expensive cars and loud, happy kids took over. I was waiting for Dad, sitting under a huge oak tree by the school gates. The air was cool—a nice, gentle breeze that felt good on my skin.

I looked around for a minute. The school was massive, all stone and glass, and obviously super rich. It was a beautiful prison, and the price of going here, was my starvation. Every type of luxury car you could think of crept past the entrance.

A blinding white Range Rover rolled right up and stopped in front of me. The window went down quietly, and there he was: that loudmouth, Elijah. He flashed a huge grin, his teeth impossibly white, and leaned over the window.

“Hey, Aria,” he called out, sounding way too confident. “Let me do you a favor and drive you home.”

Seriously? Is he still trying? What planet is this guy from? I had successfully avoided him all day, but here he was again, not giving up. If I were him, I would have been embarrassed and disappeared hours ago.

I gave a short, sharp shake of my head. He didn't even hesitate. He shut off the engine, jumped out, and walked around the front of the SUV.

“I’m not taking no for an answer,” he announced, opening the passenger door like he was presenting a gift. Then he grabbed my hand, pulling me up from the damp grass. “It’s gonna be dark soon, Aria. Come on, I’ll give you a ride.”

I stood up, yanked my hand back, and shook my head hard—a clear No—but he didn't seem to care that I was flat-out rejecting him. His annoyance was so strong I could feel it. I pushed him, really hard, and he stumbled backward, landing awkwardly on the grass.

He stared up at me, shocked, before he started grinning. “Wow. You are one strong girl.”

He got up, crossed his arms, and just watched me. I looked down immediately. I could feel his stare, and the familiar shivers of being scared ran down my back. I was about to cry. What am I supposed to do?

He sighed, stepped back, and threw his hands up. “You don’t actually want to come?”

I nodded, and the tears I was holding back instantly spilled out.

“Why?” he pressed.

The answer is clear. We don’t know each other. I don't trust him. I wanted to scream the answer, but my throat was totally frozen.

“I’m talking to you, Ariana, for God’s sake!” he yelled.

I flinched so hard I almost fell. My heart pounded so fast it choked me. I stumbled a few steps back, staring at him. Tears started streaming faster. Why did he yell? Please just go away. You act just like my dad. You love forcing people. Go away! Dad is more than enough right now.

He must have seen how terrified I was. His face softened with worry, and he stepped way back, running his hand through his hair. He smacked his own forehead, then looked back at me, his voice barely a whisper. “I’m sorry. I really am. I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m seriously sorry, Aria.”

Sorry? Is sorry going to stop my heart from beating out of my chest? No! Keep your dumb apologies. I don’t want it

He took a careful step toward me. “Look, the thing is, no one has ever said no to me before. That’s why I was so shocked when you did.”

He kept walking closer. For every step he took, I took one back. I hate this guy. He is arrogant. Seriously, just leave me alone. Get lost before Dad sees you. This is life or death, Elijah. Go away! Oh I wish I could speak right now. Oh, God, please give me my voice back! I desperately needed to be able to talk!

He stopped, sighing long and loud. “Please, just let me take you home. I promise, I won't bite!”

Does he seriously not know what NO means? I don’t want to go with you. End of story. Now, disappear.

He spoke again, calm now. “It’s getting dark, Aria. I have a car. Let me drive you.”

I rolled my eyes, then shook my head.

“Why?” he insisted again.

I finally dropped my backpack and dug out my notebook and a pencil. I looked at him, shaking my head that he was making me do this, and wrote: 'I am waiting for Dad. He said I must wait outside for him.'

He read it out loud, sounding tired. “Okay. But I will wait with you.”

What the...? I wrote the biggest word I could: 'NO.'

He looked at my face and asked, kind of cute, “Why?”

I wrote: 'Because my father will flip out if he sees boys near me.'

He read it, thinking about it. “Okay, I get it. But why are you writing instead of talking?”

That was the most ridiculous, painful question ever. I quickly wrote: 'I don't want to speak, now back off!'

He actually chuckled. “Okay, angry bird.”

Oh. A new nickname, great. I wrote one last time: 'Leave before my dad sees you.'

He nodded, giving in. “Okay. See you later.” He went back to his car, opened the driver’s door, and pulled out a bottle of water. He walked back to me and set it in my hand. “Drink it. You’ll feel better.” He squeezed my fingers gently, then let go. He got back in his car, started the engine, and called out, “It was fun meeting you,” before driving off.

I looked at the bottle and felt a small, strange smile appear. That was a sweet move. He said I was fun. I knew I wasn't, but he was actually fun to be around. I sort of... enjoyed it. For the first time, someone near me didn't make me feel totally worthless. Thanks, Elijah. You’re cute.

I twisted the cap and chugged the water. I put the bottle and the notebook back in my bag.

I was exhausted. I sat back down in the same spot. The school campus was now silent. A worker locked the gates and drove away. I was completely alone under the oak tree. The cars on the street were almost gone. It was nearly pitch black.

Where was Dad? Did he forget me again?

I’d been waiting for hours. Maybe he finally decided to dump me. Or maybe he’d passed out drunk somewhere. I hate him for making me worry and ask questions that have no good answers.

I figured I had to walk. I stood up and started heading down the street. The scary part is,I wasn't even sure I remembered the way home. I guess I’ll just see where the road goes.

As I walked, I saw a group of men staggering toward me. They looked wasted. Was Dad with them? I squinted, but nope—he wasn't there. But why were they coming straight for me? Great, I just walked right into trouble.

Pure fear hit me like a wall. My breathing stopped, ragged and heavy. I thought I might actually pass out. I looked around. Nobody is near.Who was going to save me?

I turned and started speed-walking the other way.

“Are you lost, baby girl?” one of them yelled drunkenly.

“If you are, we won’t mind taking you home,” another guy shouted.

Seriously? Everyone wants to drive me home today. WHY?

“But we’ll have a little fun first,” a third voice added, and they all started laughing horribly.

What kind of fun? That sentence felt wrong in every single possible way. I was screwed. Why didn’t I just stay by the school? It would have been better to sit there until morning than to be running like this. Oh God, help me just this one time! I promise I won't get mad at you again. Please send help.

They caught up fast. They spread out, blocking every way out. I was trapped in the middle, and their mean, drunken laughter was making my ears hurt. I started sobbing, putting my hands together to beg them, but they just laughed louder.

I lunged and shoved one of them out of the way, running into the street. They chased me, screaming for me to stop. I kept running. I turned a corner and crashed right into a solid, firm wall of muscle.

How did he catch up so fast? I’m doomed. I guess I should just give up now. This is the end of me. Pure fear and shaking took over me and then I slowly looked up to see whose ending me first, and the moment I saw him, my fear changed into relieved it didn't matter who it was. I softly called out, “Elijah.”

“Is okay.” He said while wiping my tears.

“Hey, you!” Yelled someone from behind and I instantly hid behind Elijah as I heard the voices getting closer. I knew Elijah would help me.

“Hold up, boss! We found her first! Hand her over,” the drunkest guy argued.

I grabbed Elijah’s shirt tight, shaking my head hard behind his back.

“Okay, I will,” Elijah said calmly. “But we’re sharing.”

I froze, letting go of his shirt. He showed his true colors. I thought he cared, but he just wanted one thing. How could he?

I started backing away slowly, trying to breathe. I had to run again!

He didn't turn to face me. He kept talking to the group.

“How does that plan sound?”

“You’re one smart guy, alright,” one of them said.

“I’m not alone,” Elijah continued. “I have two other guys with me.”

Just then, Max and Zack showed up. Three against three. I couldn't run now. They would catch me no matter what. I thought this guy would save me, but he wants to have fun with me just like them. I spun around to run, but before my other foot could move, Elijah grabbed my hand, pulling me back against him. He wrapped a protective arm tight around my waist and ordered, low and firm, “Don’t you dare move.”

He looked at the men and completely changed his tone. “That’s what you wanted to hear, right? Nope. Touch my girl and you’re going to deal with me.”

He looked down at me, his eyes intense. “Silly. I’m keeping you safe. Don't move.”

“That’s not fair! You want the girl all to yourself!” one of the men yelled.

“We found her first. And we’ll have her first, even if we have to fight for it,” another suggested.

Max stepped forward and rolled his neck. “Yeah! Let’s fight! You know, life is boring if you don't fight.” He started rolling up his sleeves.

The fight started right away. Zack grabbed my hand and rushed me away from the mess. He shoved me into the passenger seat of Elijah’s Range Rover, locked the door, and ran back to join the fight.

A few minutes later, they were all back, wiping dust off their clothes and stretching their arms. I got out of the car and looked behind them. The bad guys were gone.

Elijah cleared his throat. I looked at him, and he asked, serious now, “What were you doing out here alone?”

I could ask him the same thing. Why are you here? I wanted to tell him I was walking home, but... how? I looked around, desperately trying to find a way to answer, but my voice was stuck.

“Ariana, you know it’s not safe for a girl to be out this late,” Max said.

I knew. I gave a slow, tiny nod.

“Then why are you out?” Zack asked.

How could I tell them my dad was a useless drunk who forgot his own daughter?

“She’s out here because her father didn’t come to pick her up,” Elijah said.

I looked at him, surprised. How did he know that?

He caught my look, rolled his eyes, and said, “Did you actually think I would leave you there by yourself? After you told me to leave, I went and parked my car around the corner and came back. I was waiting just a few feet away for your dad too.”

What the... He didn't leave.

“Then I saw you start walking, so I followed you. I saw those drunk guys coming, and that’s when I called Max and Zack,” he finished.

Thank you for staying. I don't know what would have happened without you. Thank you. I wiped the tears from my face. I guess I could go home now.

“I’m driving you,” Elijah told me.

I shook my head. I could still walk the rest of the way. He leaned down, close to my face, and asked, “Do you want me to go and call them back?”

I immediately shook my head much harder.

“Then be a good girl and get back in the car,” he ordered.

I looked at the car, then back at him. Should I get in... or not? What if he...?

Max cut off my thoughts. He opened the door, gently pushed me in, and buckled the seat belt. “You’re coming with us. We won the fight, remember?” He closed the door and sat in the back. Zack joined him. Eli stood outside for a moment, letting me calm down, before he got in the driver’s seat. He put on his seat belt and started driving.

He didn't even ask where I lived. I guess I’ll see where he takes me.

He slammed on the brakes right away, throwing us forward against the seat belts. “I don’t know where you live,” he announced, stiffly. “Can you give me directions, ma’am?”

I nodded. He started the car again, and I began pointing out the turns. After a few blocks, I saw a huge, expensive-looking house and suddenly tapped the dashboard. He stopped.

“You live here?” he asked.

I gave a small, fake nod.

“Which one is your house?” Zack asked. I pointed to the one with the blue gate.

“Nice place,” Max commented.

I gave a small, fake smile and got out. I did a quick, grateful little bow, then stood and waited for them to leave. They were just staring at me with weird, knowing smiles. Why weren't they going? Were they waiting for me to go inside?

I’m so screwed. This isn't my house. I lied! My real house was a few blocks away, but I refused to show him that one. If Dad had been outside, he would have seen me with boys, and we would have had a huge disaster right here.

They weren't moving. I had no choice but to go into this stranger’s house. I put my backpack on and started walking up the driveway. Please don't let them have a dog. I managed to open the gate and slip inside, then turned back and waved. Go, please!

Elijah smiled and waved back. He started the car and drove off.

I didn't breathe until the car was totally gone. Thank God! No dog. I slipped back out and ran toward my actual home.

I opened my door and saw Dad passed out on the couch. I wish he was dead.

I knew it. The only thing he never forgot was his booze bottle. He was only good at drinking.

He woke up the second he heard the door. He blinked hard, trying to focus. “What are you doing here? Didn’t I tell you to wait for me?”

So he hadn't forgotten me. He just left me there on purpose. Wow, Dad. You are amazing.

“Answer me, young lady!” he screamed.

Was he actually mad that I came home? Dad, it’s 10PM. How long did he want me to wait?

He started walking toward me. “Wow! You are exactly like your mom. Arrogant and disrespectful. You’re turning into a brat, just like her! Let me fix you!”

He stood straight, pulled his belt off, and started hitting me. I fell to the ground, trying to cover my head and screaming as he whipped me. He kept hitting me, yelling, “This attitude of yours has to go. I don’t want another Jessica in my life. I don’t want another slut here!”

Finally, he stopped and threw the belt away. He knelt down, grabbed a handful of my hair, and pulled my head up. “You are not eating anything tonight!” Then he tossed my head aside. He got up and walked toward his room, pausing to add, “I don’t want to see your face. Get the hell out of here. Go to your room!”

I rushed to my feet and ran, locking the door behind me. I sank to the floor, my silent tears turning into loud, broken sobs.

Why? Why me? Why do I have to suffer this way? Will I ever be happy? I hate you! I hate you, Jessica! If you hadn’t left, I could have a normal life. I hate that you’re my mother!

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

But no! You were selfish. You left me with an abusive father. He hits me for things I didn't do. He starves me for no reason. You both ruined my childhood. You ruined me!

Today I can’t speak because of him. He used to whip me to make me shut up whenever I spoke. And now, I get whipped to talk.

I don’t know how to get away from his abuse. I hate you, Mom. I hope you never feel peace. I wish you a horrible, slow death. I HATE YOU!!!!

Once the crying fit was over, I went to the bathroom and took a warm shower, trying to relax my tense, shaking body. When I finished, I put on my pajamas—a short-sleeved shirt and shorts. The new and old bruises stood out sharply on my skin. I knew I’d never get rid of these ugly marks.

A loud, hard knock startled the door. I jumped, scrambling to hide under my blanket.

“Young lady, open the door!” Dad yelled. What did I do this time?

I slowly got up and opened it. He thrust a full plate of food at me. “Eat something before you go to sleep,” he mumbled, and walked away before I could even process it.

This was so strange. The plate was full. He usually just gave me tiny amounts. And it was spaghetti, my favorite.

I sat down on the bed and began eating, every bite tasted different, and it hit different spots. I like this, never felt this feeling in me.

I couldn’t finish it, so I covered half the plate and hid it under my bed for tomorrow. I covered myself again and lay down. Another day was waiting to be lived tomorrow.

Hopefully I’ll just disappear tonight.