SILENT DEATHS

HOME SWEAT HOME

ELEANOR'S POV

The day started just as horribly as usual. I had to wake up early to prepare for myself and my sister. We slept inside the attic of our house, a place where my parents couldn't reach us. People might find it shocking that we sleep there, but it's our safe heaven. It's where I hide whatever I buy for us things, like my sister's school items that I keep for her. I scratched my body, got up from bed and grabbed the pot that was at the corner of our bed.

After pouring some water into the pot and the kettle, I switched on the gas stove and waited for it to warm up. I waited anxiously, fearing I might accidentally burn the house down I mean I could but not today. The thought made me smile if only I was that daring, once the water was ready I poured the one in the pot into a small bucket.

We stay in a small community that is run by gangs but mostly two powerful gangs, the matrix's and the bloodrip. The two gangs have their own terror and fight for a little bit more of to expand, the matrix's is the most powerful gang they say they have members in government, the police and the military. They deal with gun smuggling, drugs, human, organs, data and so on. They have companies around the world that deal with cheap labor while the bloodrip gang deal with selling drugs, people, gun and oil.

The only reason the bloodrip gang can go head to head with the matrix's, is their sell of oil. No one knows how they get it but they have it. Everyone in this community knows what they do, and they never get caught. Especially the matrix's, they are called that for their ability to control and have so much power.

I promised to get me and my sister out of this misery, to somewhere that is better for her. I have tried to protect her all I could, and I will not stop trying to protect her.

Anyway back to reality I made some bread and prepared eggs with porridge, a small luxury I could afford for my sister. Then I went to wake her up for school, knowing she hates mornings.

As I began to shake her, a frown come across her face knowing full well that it was me waking her up, as she turned to face me I couldn't help but see my mothers feature being more dominants on her. She had her eyes, her nose, the shape of her lips where identical and the shape of her nose. I couldn't help but think if mother used to look as innocent as her, i removed that thought from my head trying to disassociate my sister and mother.

During the mornings, our mother would be passed out on the couch, and our dad usually spent his nights at the pleasure house. They didn't care about us; sometimes, I wondered why they had us in the first place.

When I asked our mom, she would tell me it was a mistake that the contraceptives didn't work. She would then compare herself to me, saying she used to be more beautiful. I remembered one day when dad's boss visited, and it was the day I got the scar under my chin.

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**FLASHBACK**

The room was filled with loud cheers, and I had just woken up from my nap as the evening descended. 'What could be happening this late at night', I mentally asked myself. Slowly, I descended from the stairs and crept towards the living room, peering from a corner to observe the scene that was unfolding.

In the center, there sat a man with a dangerous aura surrounding him. He exuded dominance, his arms crossed over his chest, adorned with a snake-like tattoo, and his fingers adorned with gold rings sporting sharp spikes. Emotionless men surrounded him, and by his side stood two boys, one slightly older than me by looking at his body size and a taller slim looking boy but still in their teens.

The eldest boy had a slim figure, jet-black hair, and a smug expression. His hands appeared untouched by any labor, and he had one gold tooth for his age, which added to his look of arrogance. The other boy, two years older than me (assumption), had dark, medium-length hair and gold eyes like his father's. His gaze held menace, and I couldn't shake the feeling that he had seen bloodshed before. He stood close to his father, while the older brother lingered behind.

Dangerous man: To be honest, I never expected you to pull off such a deal. Looks can be deceiving.

My Dad: I told you, I can pull this off.

My mother entered the room, carrying drinks and wearing attire that emphasized her physical features, much to my discomfort. She resembled the women in the pleasure rooms, with tight clothing and heavy makeup that obscured her true beauty. I knew her as a beautiful woman from her old pictures, but my dad often disparaged her looks, claiming her beauty was shared among the men she slept with.

Mom: I hope you'll make yourself at home.

She said with a flirtatious wink towards the man, but he only responded with a cold stare. Her attempt at being flirtatious was met with rejection, and I sensed her humiliation, though she couldn't stand up to my dad. But I applauded her courage for trying to seduce such a man in front of her husband.

Dangerous man: If only you still had your beauty, maybe my man would have been interested.

The man's eldest son burst in to laughter, joined by the other men, except for the younger boy. My mother's embarrassment was inevitable , and I felt her anger, but she remained silent, unable to confront my father.

Other man: Why did you marry such a woman? I mean a woman who belongs to every street man.

My Father: She got pregnant, and her mother saw an opportunity to dump her on me.

The men laughed again, while my mother continued to sink into shame. The hatred emanating from her was evident, but she couldn't bring herself to challenge my father.

As they chatted away, the youngest son noticed me, and our eyes locked. Panic surged within me, knowing that if my parents discovered me eavesdropping, I'd be in grave trouble. I slowly backed away and began to retreat to my room, but before I could slowly bolt upstairs the young boy caught my hand leaving me in a state of shock and panic on how fast he got here.

Little boy: Why do you want to run? Are you a spy?

Surprised by the sudden interaction, I shook my head, indicating that I wasn't a spy.

Little boy: Good. Then you shall stay.

He spoke in a commanding tone as if I was some peasant, but I wasn't going to take orders from a kid. Plus, I feared my parents more than him. I kicked him in the leg to free myself, surprising him enough to loosen his grip. Seizing the opportunity, I yanked my hand away and sprinted back to my room. I accidentally stepped on his foot in my haste, and he let out a surprised yelp before I slammed the door shut behind me.

My heart raced, fearing that the boy might inform his parents about what had transpired. I prayed to God that he wouldn't, as I knew the consequences would be dire.

Before long, footsteps approached the stairs, each sound striking fear in my heart. I hid under the bed, covering myself with a blanket, trying not to breathe too loudly as I waited for the inevitable confrontation. My heart pounded in my ears, drowning out all other sounds. The footsteps stopped outside my room, and I braced myself for what would come next.

My father flung open the door, his face contorted with anger.

My Father: How dare you slam my door?

He shouted, and I cowered further under the bed.

My Father: Come out here. He thinks there's a spy in here.

He continued searching for me, but my tiny frame managed to evade his scrutiny. Until he looked under the bed, and our eyes met.

To be continued...