Chapter Four (Trigger warning)
1322 Words
After an intense workout session at the gym, we made our way to the changing rooms to freshen up. I quickly showered and changed, throwing my hair up in a messy bun before we headed out. The rest of the day progressed without any further drama.
As we were leaving the school, Rose kindly offered me a ride home. However, I declined her offer, not wanting her to see the modest living conditions I had to endure. I made up an excuse, saying that I wanted to explore the area, and she agreed to meet up with me the next day to check the results of our project.
As I walked out of the school, I could feel three pairs of eyes on me. I turned around to see the triplets glaring in my direction. I held their gaze for a moment before turning away and continuing on my way. I tried not to let their intense stare bother me, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that they were up to no good. I quickened my pace and made my way home, determined to put the unsettling encounter behind me.
As I stood at the door to our new home, I took a moment to pause and gather myself. The reality of the situation had just hit me, and I found myself filled with a sudden wave of apprehension.
I took a deep breath and summoned the courage to walk inside. I had barely taken a few steps when I felt a strong arm pull me backwards. "Where do you think you're going?" Ernie's voice boomed behind me, his tone laced with anger.
I was taken aback by the sudden confrontation. "I was just... I have homework to do," I stammered, trying to explain myself. But before I could finish my sentence, I felt a sharp pain on my cheek.
Ernie's hand had collided with my face, leaving me stunned and hurt. I could feel the sting of his slap radiating through my cheek, and I knew that I would have a bruise to show for it later.
"You've got housework to do," Ernie spat, his words dripping with venom. I said nothing, knowing that it was useless to argue with him. Instead, I headed towards the kitchen and started to clean up.
As I scrubbed the countertops, my mind wandered back to the countless times I'd tried to escape this toxic reality. The memories of broken promises, shattered dreams, and suffocating control flooded my brain, making my hands tremble with rage. I felt like I was trapped in a never-ending nightmare, with Ernie as the monster lurking in every corner.
I glanced around the kitchen, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. The worn-out cabinets, the faded linoleum floor, and the outdated appliances all seemed to whisper the same message: you'll never be free. This new home, which was supposed to be a fresh start, now felt like a prison.
I forced myself to focus on the task at hand, trying to push aside the emotions that threatened to overwhelm me. But as I scrubbed the sink, I caught a glimpse of myself in the window's reflection. The red mark on my cheek seemed to pulse with every heartbeat, a constant reminder of Ernie's dominance.
The sound of footsteps behind me made me spin around, my heart racing. Ernie stood in the doorway, his eyes scanning the kitchen with an air of disapproval. "You call this clean?" he sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "You're not even trying."
I bit my tongue, knowing that any response would only fuel his anger. Instead, I picked up the broom and began sweeping the floor, my movements stiff and mechanical. As I worked, I couldn't help but wonder how much longer I could endure this suffocating existence. Would I ever find the courage to break free, or would I be forever trapped in this cycle of fear and submission? God, I miss my parents.
The broom's bristles scratched against the floor, echoing the turmoil brewing inside me. I knew I had to find a way out, but for now, I was stuck in this toxic dance, forced to navigate the treacherous landscape of Ernie's temper.
Once I had finished my tasks, I decided to take a small break and indulge in an apple that I had stashed away. I carefully crept upstairs, not wanting to draw any attention to myself. As I entered my room, I took extra precautions to ensure my privacy, pushing the dresser against the door to prevent any unwelcome visitors, like Ernie, from disturbing me. The thought of being caught off-guard was enough to send shivers down my spine.
I settled into my homework, hoping to pass the time until I could retire to bed. However, my mind kept wandering back to thoughts of the triplets. I couldn't help but be captivated by their handsome features. I tried to snap out of my reverie, reminding myself to stay focused on the task at hand.
Finally, I decided to call it a night and tried to get comfortable in bed. My thoughts continued to drift, and before I knew it, I had fallen asleep.
The next morning, I woke up feeling restless, my body aching from the emotional turmoil. I got dressed quickly, trying to avoid any encounters with Ernie.
I forced myself to focus on the task at hand, grabbing a quick breakfast before heading out the door.
The fresh air and sunshine did little to lift my mood as I trudged to school. My mind wandered back to the triplets, and I found myself wondering what it would be like to have them as friends. Would they be able to understand me to see the real me beneath the mask of submission I wore?
I was lost in my own world, daydreaming away when the blare of a car horn jolted me back to reality. It was Rose, her face bright with excitement and anticipation. "Get in," she said, her cheerful tone impossible to miss. "Omg, I'm so excited to see your results, we need to get to school now!" she chirped.
I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude wash over me in that moment. Thank god she hadn't noticed the bruise on my face, I thought to myself. I had been hoping to keep it hidden for as long as possible, and Rose's obliviousness was a small miracle.
We pulled into the school car park, the engine of Rose's car humming softly in the background. As we walked towards the benches nearby, Rose continued chattering away, her excitement palpable. I tried my best to focus on her words to match her energy, but my mind kept drifting back to the events of the previous night.
Finally, we took a seat on the benches, and Rose pulled out her laptop. "What in the goddess is that?" she exclaimed suddenly, her eyes wide with surprise. "Is everything okay?" I asked, thrown off by her sudden outburst.
"I should be asking you that," she replied, her gaze fixed on my face. "What has happened to your face?" she asked, her tone suddenly serious.
I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say. I couldn't very well tell her the truth, that I had been in a fight the night before. So, I improvised. "Oh, this?" I said, gesturing towards my bruised cheek. "I woke up in the middle of the night and hit my face on the cabinet. I'm still getting used to the new house." I added a little laugh, hoping to diffuse the tension. But I could tell by the look on Rose's face that she wasn't entirely convinced.
Focusing back on her laptop and a few taps later , she jumped up and started clapping her hands. " Yesssssss , girl, you made the team."
I couldn't even speak, I just sat with my mouth open.
- Writer
