Her Savior

Chapter 6

*Harper’s POV*

Oddly enough, not seeing Tyler or Cole for the rest of the day only added to my nerves. It’s unusual to go two periods in a row without seeing them, let alone an entire afternoon. It only made me more scared of what was in store for me later. . .

I tried pushing my thoughts aside as I left my last class for the weekend. Unlike everyone else, I dreaded the weekends. Leaving school for the entire weekend meant I had no escape for two whole days, no break in beatings, scarce selection of food, and little to no freedom. I always dreaded more time I was forced to be with those who hated me most...

Walking up to my locker, I noticed Talia standing by my locker, waiting. I slightly hesitated before ultimately continuing to stride in that direction. My breath hitched ever-so-slightly, wondering what she wanted. Was she here at the command of Tyler and Cole? If so, I can only imagine what she is going to do or say. Maybe she's mad I'm making other friends? The more possibilities just left me with more questions.

“Hey,” Talia said as she moved aside, so I could open my locker. I dropped my books inside and grabbed the notebook I needed from the top shelf. As soon as I realized my sleeves started riding up my arm, I quickly pulled my arm down to hide my wrists, hoping she wouldn't notice.

“Hi. . .”I responded hesitantly, avoiding eye contact.

Before I could even think about what was happening, Talia grabbed me by the wrist and pulled up my sleeve. I winced in response, remembering my latest punishment.

She turned my hand to look at the mark on my wrist.

“Did they do this to you!?” Talia gasped.

I quickly pulled my arm back, hoping not to draw any attention, and looked around, hoping that no one else could hear us.

“Keep your voice down!” I insisted, looking worried that someone had overheard.

“And please don’t say anything! You can’t-p-please!” I begged her as tears threatened to invade my cheeks.

“Harper. . .I am. . . so sorry. . .” She looked genuinely sorry for me. It had been a while since I had seen an emotion like that from her. I didn't know what was worse, having her ignore me or having her feel sorry for me...

“Why do you even care?” I asked, resetting my sleeve and shutting my locker door. I honestly wanted to know, but it came off more snarky than I intended. She took a step back, looking hurt and a tad shocked at my bluntness.

Talia and I had known each other since fifth grade. She was the only one I could ever be open and honest with. I guess that was the one thing that hasn't changed between us. I wanted to know why she seemed to care when she abandoned me the first time she managed to get my brother’s attention. True friends wouldn’t do that. I guess all of my sadness and pent-up anger came out at that moment.

I noticed tears started to well up in her eyes as she seemed to struggle internally with her next move.

“I’m. . .sorry. . .” She finally managed to whisper before she turned on her heels and ran off down the hall.

I stood there with a mix of emotions. I was angry that she left me to deal with this all alone. I was hurt that all it took was one interaction with my brother for her to disown me. I was worried that my secret might be exposed, but most of all I was sad I had hurt her feelings just now. Why was I upset about hurting her feelings when she completely abandoned me? And now she all of a sudden cares about me? Why?

I took a deep breath, trying to put the thoughts out of my mind. I put my notebook in my backpack and headed home.

I breathe a sigh of relief when I see my dad’s truck is missing from the driveway. Then I noticed not only is Tyler home earlier than usual, but Cole’s car was also parked in the street. Great. Just what I needed...

I walk in the front door, closing it behind me as I brace for the worst. I see Tyler and Cole towering over me in the doorway. I cower back against the front door.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t for the little slut. . .” Cole spouts hatefully.

“Who was that guy at lunch, Harper!?” Tyler questions as they both step closer to me. I backed up against the door with nowhere to go. Panic set in as I glanced back and forth between the two of them.

“I, uh. . .he’s j-just a friend from c-class. I swear,” I explained.

“What have you told him?” Tyler prods, now only inches away from me, with Cole close behind.

“N-nothing-I swear!” I said honestly. I was terrified they wouldn’t believe me.

“Well, I’m sure dad would love to hear about your new boyfriend. . .” Tyler exclaims, taunting me as he grabs me by the throat and pushes me up against the door.

My heart sinks and I feel instantly terrified as I struggle to breathe. Eyes wide with tears threatening to break through. “ p-please don’t! P-please!” I pleaded, coming out in a whisper.

It doesn’t matter if Dawson is just a friend. My dad won’t care. He doesn’t like the idea of me getting close to anyone. Mostly because he loves to see me miserable, but the other part of it is anyone I get close to increases the risk of them finding out about my home life. I’m mortified to know the punishment I will receive if he finds out.

I put my hands up in an attempt to release his grip from my throat, but it was no use. His force is way too strong for my fragile figure.

“I won’t say anything as long as you do what I want. Clean my room, do my homework-anything I ask. Deal?”

I nodded silently, unable to speak. He drops me from his grip and I fall to the floor, grasping for air. I grab my throat, massaging the area that is sure to bruise soon.

They both laugh, stepping over me as they head upstairs, leaving me on the floor.

I slowly make my way up to my feet, pushing my tears back behind my eyes as I start doing my daily chores. I glanced at the clock and noticed I was behind. He will be home any minute. I pick up the pace, tidying the furniture, dusting each and every room, pulling the laundry from the dryer, and loading the dishwasher.

Once I finish my daily tasks, I start dinner. I decided on tacos, Spanish rice, and refried beans. I grab three beers from the fridge and set them on the counter, knowing they will all be in the kitchen for them soon enough. As I’m finishing cooking, I hear the front door shut, and I notice my body tensing up. I breathe deep, forcing myself to relax. I keep my head down as I finish stirring the beans.

“Finally, you have learned to have a beer ready for me. . .” He grabs the beer and takes a long swig as Tyler and Cole appear in the kitchen.

“Hey, dad!” Tyler exclaims excitedly.

“Evening Eric,” Cole smiled, sucking up.

They each grab a beer from the counter.

“Hey boys!” He pats them both on the back, ignoring my presence.

I manage to serve dinner without incident and pause next to my dad’s position at the table to see if I will be invited to stay. I finally gave up after waiting through ten minutes of silence. I turned to leave and go clean up the kitchen.

“You going to eat or what?” I paused at my dad’s invitation and turned around to face him.

“Wh-what?” I asked, making sure I heard him right.

“Don’t make me tell you again. Grab a plate, instead of standing there like an i***t.”

I don’t need further confirmation. I go into the kitchen to grab myself a plate. I try to keep my composure, but I’m ecstatic inside that I actually get to eat. I took my plate into the dining room and sat at the only open seat, opposite from Cole.

I keep my head down as I shove as much food down my throat as my stomach can handle. All you can hear is forks scraping plates until dad finally breaks the silence.

“So-I met with the person who has been handling your mom’s estate for me. . .”

I was taken aback when he mentioned mom. He has avoided talking about her since she died. Well, other than making it known that he believes the entire incident was my fault.

“As you both know, she set aside money for both of you in her will, in the event of a. . .death” he seemed to choke on the last word before it finally came out.

Tyler and I both looked up at dad, waiting for the point behind this topic.

“I have decided that Tyler will get access to both funds.” He announced, nonchalantly.

My heart drops into my stomach as I try to grasp what he just said. “Wh-what?” I asked, shaking my head awake from this nightmare I am sure I was in.

“You heard me. Tyler will get his share and yours. He will need it for college.” He states matter-of-factly. I glance at both Cole and Tyler but they both have smug smiles on their faces that I wish I could wipe off.

“Wow, thanks dad! That will be awesome!” Tyler declares with a big, cheesy grin. Cole high-fives him to celebrate, and I couldn’t feel any more nauseous.

I look back at dad, confused, shocked, and extremely hurt. “B-but, didn’t he already get a scholarship?” Not that I counted on that money, but I remember mom mentioning how she set aside enough money for both of us. She wanted us both to go to college and to follow our dreams and succeed in whatever we wanted to do. I even remember her mentioning we were both allotted 150k.

“He’s going to need more than just money for classes, Harper.” He replied, sounding irritated that I even asked. I can’t believe this is happening. My mom wanted to put me through law school. I think back to when she and I reminisced about me becoming a big-shot lawyer, just like she was. Now, I don’t know how I will ever get there. . . Will I ever be able to escape this hell?

“B-but, wh-what about me? I w-want to go to. . .school too. . .” I said, feeling brazen and terrified at the same time.

“What did you say to me?” He asked, dropping his fork and giving me a steady glare. I noticed Tyler and Cole at full attention, just waiting for the next move.

“N-nothing, I’m sorry. . .” I responded, saddened with my head down. My heart is racing, and I’m twirling my fingers under the table, immediately regretting my last statement.

He slammed his beer down on the table, spilling it everywhere.

“How dare you question me, you ungrateful little b***h! I can do whatever I want with my wife’s money! Never mind the fact that I wouldn’t have to do this if she was still here!”

He leaned over, grabbed me by the hair and threw me down on the ground. I landed hard on my side, curled up in a ball, wincing while holding my hair.

“Whose fault is that!? Huh!?” He yelled, kicking me in the stomach.

“Huh!? Answer me!” The sound of him shouting echos through the walls. I’m sure the neighbors can hear his voice through the thin walls.

“Mine, sir. . .it’s. . .mine” I got out, in breaths, in between sobs. I knew that's what he was waiting to hear, so I gave in, in order to make the pain stop faster.

“Get your a** upstairs! I don’t want to see you for the rest of the night!” He finished with a swift kick to my ribs before leaving the room.

I quickly scrambled to my feet, holding my side, and left towards the stairs. I don’t even stop the tears as they freely flow down my face. Once I get to my room, I shut the door and throw myself on my bed, crying into my pillow. I feel so very lost. Just when I think I have a way out, it is sure to be ripped out of my grasp...