The Human Alpha and the Eclipse Prophecies

Chapter 7

Third POV

Skylar knew deep down in her heart that she wouldn't get anything for her birthday. She also knew that she would be preparing for someone else's birthday this weekend rather than hers. The pain of that knowledge hit her hard, but soon she would be free of her tormentors. She secretly stashed her money in a fake brick on the wall beside her bed. All she had to do was hang in there a little longer. At least most of the party would be held while she was at work, but the rest she prayed she would be unnoticed by her stepsister and her friends. Skylar only had one real friend outside of home, her co-worker Lara. The evening shift was hard for Skylar, especially when she rarely got to sleep at home due to her stepmother's tasks. At first, Lara didn't know anything about Skylar's condition at home. She wasn't exactly the sharing type when it came to her personal life, and she guessed it was due to her timid nature. However, the more Lara took notice of Skylar's habits, the more she became suspicious that things weren't right at home. She eventually put two and two together when Skylar accidentally revealed some of the cuts and bruises that she had while scrubbing dishes in the back. She was more than outraged and demanded to know where Skylar got all those injuries. She would constantly tell Lara that she was very clumsy, but Lara forced Skylar to confide in her about what was going on at home. At first, she was disappointed that Skylar didn't trust her to share anything; after all, Skylar would listen intensely to any problem or conflict that she was willing to address. For once, Lara wanted to return the favor of Skylar's friendship and wanted to help her in any way possible.

That afternoon, on her birthday, Skylar waited for the bus, and Lara came to wait with her. It was getting dark, and she didn't mind making sure Skylar got on the bus safely. Skylar, on the other hand, did not want to trouble her friend. She urged her to go home, letting her know that she would be fine. Lara pulled out a pink card and handed it to her. Skylar was baffled and only stared at the card for a moment.

"Didn't think anyone would remember your birthday, huh?" Skylar blushed a little and stuttered, trying to answer her. Lara laughed. "You never forget mine." Skylar looked away. "That's because you're my friend."

"And what am I-Squidward," Lara joked while lightly punching her arm. "No..."

She had never had anyone give her a gift in a long time. She slowly took it, being reminded of her mother's words. "Happy birthday Skylar," she grinned excitedly. "Thank you," Lara also handed her a small container that contained a slice of strawberry cheesecake. She was more than grateful that Jenny remembered her favorite cake, and she took that container, placing it in her backpack. She definitely didn't want her stepsister to get a hold of it.

"Open it before the bus gets here," Lara pressed Skylar to look at her gift before leaving. Skylar shook her head. "I want to open it when I get home." She quickly switched subjects and asked Skylar a serious question.

"You've been acting very weird today-more than usual. Is it because of your birthday?"

Skylar really wasn't interested in saying anything to her about what was going on at home. She shook her head, realizing that she hadn't answered her in a while. "Well then what is it?" She put her hands on her hips. "Come on Sky, you know you can tell me anything."

Something picked at her heart to finally speak to Lara. All the pain just barely beneath the surface came out in a short sentence.

"It's not that it's my birthday, it's that my family hurts me no matter what day it is," Skylar told her the truth. As she talked, Lara became more and more angry. By the time Skylar finished, Lara was more than horrified and was about to call the police when she stopped her. "They should go to jail for doing this to you," Lara could barely contain her anger. Skylar shook her head. "It won't do any good. Besides, I'm saving my money to leave them anyway."

"Good for you. If you ever need a place to stay away from those demons, you can stay with me," she smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder. Skylar could only smile at Lara's words, but deep in her heart she wasn't so sure about trusting Lara fully. Still, she was grateful for Lara's kindness and wished she had been born into her family rather than the one she lived with. On the other hand, Jenny enjoyed Skyler's company but always thought she was a little too quiet and reserved. Now she knew why. She had no idea this girl had been forced into this kind of life behind closed doors.

Lara watched Skylar get on the bus to go home. She silently prayed that when she got home Skylar wouldn't have any run-ins with her family, but that was wishful thinking.