Escape my ruthless past.

Chapter Six (Trigger warning)

.The day seemed to just blur away after that strange encounter, and I couldn't focus on anything. I found myself questioning what was going on with my life. Fortunately, I had track practice after school, which I was grateful for because running always helped me clear my head. There was something soothing and relaxing about it, and it made me feel as if I was free.

I tied up my shoes and prepared myself for the run. Mr. Thompson gave us our tasks, and I set off, running as fast as I could. We cut through the woods, and I felt a sense of belonging there. I kept running for what felt like hours, and it was refreshing.

When I got back, I headed straight for the showers. I was the last one left in the changing room, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that someone was watching me. It was a strange and unsettling feeling, but I tried to shake it off and focus on the present moment. I reminded myself that I was safe and that there was nothing to be afraid of.

Despite the weird feelings and thoughts running through my head, I tried to stay present and focused on the things that I could control. I knew that I needed to take care of myself and focus on the things that brought me joy and comfort. Running had always been one of those things for me, and I was grateful for the opportunity to do it every day.

The unsettling feeling that had been gnawing at me throughout the day refused to dissipate, compelling me to hasten my journey home. I burst through the front door, my lungs heaving from the exertion of running. My sudden entrance was met with an angry outburst from Ernie, who had been enjoying a beer. "WHAT THE f**k! YOU MADE ME SPILL MY BEER! WHERE THE f**k HAVE YOU BEEN?" he bellowed.

In that moment, I realized that my decision to come straight home had led to this confrontation. As I tried to come up with a plausible excuse for my tardiness, my mind raced, searching for a way to diffuse the situation. "I had track practice after school..um.. I'm um sorry," I stammered, hoping that my apology would be enough to appease him.

However, Ernie's anger was not so easily assuaged. "Sorry doesn't cut it," he spat. My so-called aunt, who had been listening to the exchange, decided to weigh in with her own derogatory comments. "Calm down Ernie, you know the girl is not very smart, she needs all the schooling she can get," she sniggered, reinforcing Ernie's negative opinion of me. "Stupid girl just like her stupid parents," she added, causing my anger to rise.

Despite the fact that I knew I should just ignore her remarks and walk away, something inside me snapped. I turned and looked at her, my voice shaking with anger. "What did you just say, you are wrong, my parents were smart and kind, loving people," I said, trying to keep my composure.

Ernie laughed at my response. "You PRICK!!!" I yelled, my anger boiling over. "You think your better than them, sat on your fat arse all day and beating on young women," I continued, unable to hold back my disgust any longer.

The look in Ernie's eyes told me that I had gone too far. In a flash, he leaped from his chair and grabbed my ankle, yanking me down the stairs. My head bounced off each step, the pain shooting through me as I tried to crawl away. But before I could escape, Ernie kicked me in the side, and everything went black.

As I begin to stir from my unconscious state, I realize that while one of my eyes opens easily, the other one is resisting, a clear indication that I'm still lying on the floor next to the stairs. I can't help but wonder how long I've been here, helpless and injured. As I turn my head to the side, I notice that it's already dark outside, and the house is eerily quiet. With great difficulty, I muster the strength to push myself up from the floor, feeling excruciating pain with every movement. Somehow, I manage to get back on my feet, and I slowly start making my way up the stairs, each step causing me immense discomfort.

Upon reaching the bathroom, I'm shocked to see the state I'm in - my body is covered in blood, and there are bruises all over. I can only imagine the sight I must present, and I start to worry about how I'll explain this to anyone who might see me. I rummage through the cupboard, grabbing some medical supplies, and then make my way to my bedroom. Once there, I begin to patch myself up as best as I can, wincing in pain with every movement.

Finally, I manage to get myself into a comfortable position on the bed, but the pain is still there, making it difficult for me to relax. I close my eyes and let the exhaustion take over, hoping that sleep will bring some relief and help my body heal from the injuries I've sustained. The night stretches out before me, long and full of uncertainty, but for now, I take solace in the fact that I'm safe and warm in my own bed, even if only for a little while.

I wake up in agony, every part of my body feels battered and bruised. I reach for my glass of water on the nightstand and swallow a couple of painkillers, hoping for some relief. The pain is unbearable, and I can't help but wonder how I'm going to make it through the day. I get out of bed, wincing in pain, and shuffle over to my dresser to find something to wear. I opt for the loosest clothing I can find, knowing that anything tight will only exacerbate my discomfort. I feel a wave of frustration and anger wash over me - why do I have to go through this?

Despite my efforts to hide my pain, my aunt Clarissa notices and immediately begins to berate me. "You stupid girl," she sneers, "you just couldn't keep your mouth shut, could you?" I can feel my cheeks burning with shame as she calls me a disgrace and throws a bottle of makeup at me, telling me to cover up my bruises. I'm grateful for the makeup, but her words cut deep. I enter the bathroom and begin to dab concealer on my injuries, trying to make myself presentable enough to face the world. It's not perfect, but it'll have to do.

The walk to school is excruciating, and I can feel every step reverberating through my body. I'm relieved that I don't run into Rose, on the way - I don't think I could handle her pity or concern. I take a deep breath before entering the school building, steeling myself for the day ahead. I don't know how I'm going to make it through, but I have no choice. I'll just have to put on a brave face and try to get through the day as best I can.