Hidden Luna

Kathy POV Breathing hard I fought to stand back up. The throbbing pain of my chest where the fist connected reminded me I was still alive, what irony. "You S.O.B.!" I snarled towards my attacker. "Listen here you ungrateful wench!" My Stepmother started before I threw a right hook to her jaw. The grunt she made in protest amused me, but I had to reposition and ready myself for another swing. I can't tell you how many times I fought with her, but this was getting old. At this rate I was gonna be late for school again. I couldn't understand why she hated me so much... but she adored my brother. I swung hard one last time causing her to collapse on the floor in a defeated heap. She looked like a pile of laundry the way she laid there, I smirked before walking off to get ready for school. I knew there'd be h3ll to pay for what I did to cause this fight, but I would deal with that tonight... thank the heavens it was Friday. -First Bell Rings- I barely slid into my seat for my first period class, panting as I tried to catch my breath from running to make it to my seat from across campus on time. Of course the bus drop off was on opposite sides of campus from the classes, that makes sense, right? I rolled my eyes in annoyance, pulled out my notebook and pen, then tugged on my jacket sleeves to cover my wrists as I started taking notes while the teacher started class. It had something to do with History, I think, I scribbled in my notebook while the guy up front prattled on about some topic I had already been distracted from. The bell rung and I realised I had missed the whole lesson. I cursed under my breath and swore to myself I would read the chapters covered later. I gathered my things and dashed to the next class, I needed today to be overwith. -Later in the Day- 6th Period was finally here, which meant the day was almost over. I looked forward to this class the most, it was Drivers Ed. I wanted to get my license so that when I got my car I could be free. I was working hard at trying to graduate early, and I've already started submitting job applications. School is great, if youre into that. I on the other hand felt out of place in this town. As I neared 18 I felt a pull in my mind grow stronger. I couldn't place what it was, but ever since my 16th birthday, it was like something changed. This change made me an outcast. I became secluded and very anti-social. I had minimal friends and my dating life was almost non-existent. The only downside to Drivers Ed was this guy the class had dubbed Spazz. I dont know his real name but he sure was a chatterbox. I tried my best to ignore him, but today made that impossible. The instructor put us together in a car to practice. I had no choice but to 'grin and bear it' as it were. He did his turn first around the course. "Hey, are you doing okay? You're pretty quiet ya know." He said with a cheesy grin and a wink. "I'm fine, just tired. I'm not a big talker." I replied covering my hands with my sleeves then looking out the window. I wasn't about to embarass myself. He nodded then finished his turn while humming to himself. I will admit it was a soothing sound. My turn came and I found it hard to focus. Maybe it was this lanky guy next to me who kept smiling and humming. Maybe it was cause I was thinking about after school, and what was waiting for me. Whatever it was, it knocked 10 points off my score. Irritated I jumped out after parking and handed the keys to the instructor. He looked at me with knowing eyes and patted my shoulder. "No worries kid, you'll get there. Be patient and keep practicing. You will be on the road in no time." He smiled gently before letting me go back to my spot under the shade. I thanked him quietly before turning away. Spazz followed me, oddly enough, and brought his things with. I muttered under my breath about needing space, and when I turned back to check if he was still following, he grinned looking unashamed. "What do you want?!" I finally demanded once back to my spot. "I thought you could use the company." He replied like it was an easy answer. "I don't need company. I'm better off alone." I trailed off pulling my hood over my head to wait out the rest of class. "Kinda seems like ya do," he peeked into my hood, "Besides, you must be hot wearing that." "Not really, I find it comfortable." I responded trying to lace my tone with annoyance, which he ignored. "I'm J, nice to meet you." He held his hand out. "Kathy." I shook his hand then promptly replaced it back in my hoodie. "I think we are gonna be good friends!" he announced smiling before leaning back to rest under the shade and closing his eyes. -Later after school- "Son-of-a" I was cut off as another blow connected with my chest. All I did was hang after school in the library. I lost track of time and showed up at the house 2 hours late. It was a really good book, and I was enjoying the silence. Oh well. "You really think it was okay to stick around that sink hole?!" the voice yelled as I tried to regain my balance. I spat away from them to clear out the blood I was tasting. Another hit to my face. "How dare you! How freaking dare you! Your father will hear about this!" she kept screaming. I tuned her out as she sounded like a banshee. My father didn't care about me, never did. I'm surprised im still allowed to live here. Honestly its probly cause I double over as a punching bag and maid when not at school. He thought it fun to bind my wrists and burn me with the end of his cigarettes. How I loathed them both. My brother was no better, although younger he was so mean. James thought it would be hilarious to put like 30 wads of gum in my hair one night, which I had to cut out when I woke up the next morning before school. Since then I rocked a disheveled Pixie cut, looking like the trash they claimed me to be. "Listen to me when I'm talking to you!" her voice brought me out of my thoughts as she slapped me across the face. Apparently she didn't like being ignored. I forced myself to look at her. She huffed and puffed, face red, like she was gonna pass out soon. She glared, slapped me again then told me to go to my room without supper. Fine by me. I grabbed my school bag and climbed the stairs to my room, it wasn't much, but it was mine. I locked the door and put on some soft music. I began to change and get ready for a shower. As soon as I hopped in and turned the water on, I hissed at the coolness. I forced myself to stand there, allowing the water to slowly warm up and wash away the dried blood caked on my skin and hair. After a moment I forced myself to clean up with soap, ignoring the tears that welled up from the stings of fresh cuts. Once clean, I hopped out and patted myself dry. I emerged from the bathroom wearing a pair of black leggings and a loose pink Tshirt. I put my soiled clothes in the hamper and straightened up what little belongings I had before tackling the mountain of homework I put off all week. As I pull out my books and start reviewing, I hear a car outside after a few moments. My father was home with my brother from whichever sport was tonight's game. My father supported my brothers athletic ability and shunned my more creative side and sneered at my hobbies. I sighed and started packing up my homework. I was better off pretending I was asleep at this hour than trying to explain why none of my homework for the week was done. I turned off the light and climbed into my bed. I turned off my lights and tried to doze off, to no avail, as my brother found it necessary to go banging all the way down the hall to his room. I heard a giggle and knew he brought a girl home, not like I could bring a guy home, and I was nearly 18! He was 16 and had way more freedoms than I did. I heard them making out through the thin walls and after about an hour of that our Father came knocking telling her to go home. A minute later he was at my door knocking and trying to turn the knob. "Kathy, get up. I know you're still awake. Come open the door." He sounded tired, maybe this meant he was more open for talking than hurting me. "Coming, one moment." I said as I rolled out of bed then walked to the door. I paused for a brief moment then unlocked it. He came in, turned on the light, then sat on my bed. "Is something wrong?" I asked after a moment of silence. He sighed. "We might not get along by any means, but I dont want to have to say this." he paused. I felt my stomach turn into knots, he never gets like this when it comes to me. He continued before I could plan an escape. "As of Monday, you are being kicked out. Go where you want, but you shouldn't be here when I get home." he ended in a low tone. "Wha-?!" I couldn't think. "What does this mean? Where am I gonna go? Why Monday? What did I do?!" I rambles hoping for something of an answer, he owed me an explanation. "I said be out by end of day Monday. Dont argue with me Kathrine. You have made your last mistake. Your mother is going out of town, and when she gets back we are turning your room into her office." he replied sternly, his tone laced with annoyance. I simply nodded and bit my tongue. I'd have to figure something out. I already had a duffle mostly ready, I'd leave in the morning and save face. He walked out while I pondered, leaving me alone in what used to be my room. I wished he had punished me like before, I'd take it if it meant not sacrificing the things I was working hard for. My license was gonna have to wait, as were my studies. I stuffed a few things in my duffel, set my alarm for 5am, and climbed into bed. I was gonna have 1 more night in this room before I left, might as well attempt to enjoy it. As I drifted off to sleep a voice echoed in my mind, I couldn't make it out, so I rolled over and drifted off to sleep.