If I had known it before

Chapter 4

Jacob and I were back at the house.

We knew exactly what was going to happen once the police left. We were trapped. There was no way out—not this time.

The officers spoke to Robert while Angelina put on her best act. She cried, pretending to be the devastated mother.

“Oh, my babies! Thank you so much, officer, for bringing them back. I was worried sick! I can’t even bear the thought of a day without them in my life… blah, blah, blah.”

I had to admit—she was a pretty good actress.

The officers were just about to leave when Steve woke up. He was still under the influence of alcohol, and being underage, that immediately raised suspicion. The police started looking around the house. That’s when they found the evidence—proof of everything we had endured. The beatings. The neglect. The way they treated us like animals.

Jacob and I were taken back to the adoption center together.

We had grown so close over the years—we weren’t just friends anymore. We were family. Just the two of us.

But it didn’t last.

Not long after, Jacob was placed with another family. That was the last time I saw him. We lost contact, and no matter how much I held onto the promise we made to find each other again, I eventually realized…

Some promises just aren’t meant to be kept.