When I was born, my family never got along. They would fight about anything and everything. There had come a time, where we passed nights eating nothing but bread. Sometimes, we even divided the damn piece of bread. We were so hopeless, and my mom thought she had enough of her life. She started drinking and smoking. Flirting around and being literally anywhere but home. My dad, seeing the unfairness of it, also started to lose himself. Both had been having affairs, and come home whenever they feel like. Things started growing worse when their significant others had been invited in. I've been stuck in the middle and couldn't speak my rights about it. I felt so wronged and neglected, but I stayed silent because I still got to live there, and be fed and dressed up. All I had to do was study.

By the time graduation came, I expected my family to be there, even at that single moment in life, I would see them decent and together. But no, instead, they left me behind with the horrible memories of that house. I kept telling myself at that time that they'll come back, and maybe just went somewhere with their significant others for a short while. I believed they would come back for me.

Days had gone by, and I started wandering the streets of our small neighborhood. No one knew I lived there so they thought I was just passing by.

My parents kept me a secret. Either side of the family should know I existed, because if they knew, We'd all die the moment they knew.

I am a disgrace to my own family. A mistake. I knew none of them and so did they.

When we moved to this small neighborhood, Valley View.

People barely knew who we were and we go by different names.

I roamed aimlessly, day and night, clinging to that hope that they'll remember me and come back for me. I kept roaming and wandering.

In a quiet night, I saw a very tall building. Its name built at the outside of it.

"Saint Carmel High.."

A school so beautiful and huge.

It hit me. I just realized that

I am now entering another chapter in my life, adolescence.

I wanted to study there.

I want to end my youth there.

I knew, I had to find a way to get there.

I spent the first week of summer looking for jobs that tested my abilities.

Some wanted to accept me, but because of my age, I was rejected.

I kept searching and searching, and luckily, this tiny laundry business took me in.

All I had to do was wash other people's clothes,

The pay was high enough for me, and with the right effort of saving and budgeting, I'll make it to Saint Carmel.

I worked my butt off in there.

I payed bills and rent, and saved whatever I could to make it through enrollment.

I had skipped meals at times and went through sleepless nights, trying to raise the money I need.

It went on and on and eventually, I got accepted at Saint Carmel High.

I felt accomplished, but had no one to share my happiness with.

First day of highschool, I vowed to myself I will only focus on studies. I will make no friends or attachments. I didn't care about the medals and certificates, I just needed to learn from the best.

I'd give my all in projects and assignments.

I had of great grades but I refused to participate in any extra activities. Not a moment in my life have I experienced year end celebrations nor Field trips. I gave not a damn and focused on raising my own money.

Time passed and the laundry business wasn't sustaining my survival. I had to find ways to make even larger amounts of money.

At a very young age, I've entered the world of adults. 

I met a gang full of wealthy men who pay really high in exchange for pleasure.

I know I'll never forgive myself for this, but many jobs here won't accept people under 18. I had no choice but to do what I feared to do.

I would cry myself to sleep every night. Trying to erase the damn marks and touches men had given me.

The money gave me more than I could imagine.

With the remaining, I would treat myself meals I crave at times. And save the remaining for other purposes.

After three months, I thought to myself that this type of thing needs to come to an end. I've made enough to last me for a while.

They didn't go easy on me though..

"If you take that last step out this room, I will make sure your life will be living hell."

I was threatened by an old man.

I took the risk and that started the journey of me running for my life.

I slept in dark alleys of streets I dont know, Sometimes crash into the cheapest motels I could find, just to get away from them.

It took me 2 years, running away for my life. Sometimes I get caught and have brutal beatings while I head to school. I was threatened to be killed if I ever reported or asked help. 

There I lie and give the impression that I'm being beaten at home.

It was easier that way than to say what was really going on.

One day, while on the run, I bumped into a man of middle age. He seemed concern but still a hint of evilness in his eyes.

"Are you alright?"

He asked me, Tapping and checking in me if I had any injuries.

I told him I was fine, and then..

He gave me a small zipper bag filled with what looked like salt.. But bigger.

He also gave me his contact number and where to find him.

" Try it"

Was the last thing I heard before he walked away.

I was perplexed but still had to run further away.

I focused on running and completely forgot about that strange zipper bag he gave me.