I was startled awake by loud rattling and banging. I shot up and jumped back, but when my back hit something solid I froze. My heart started pounding so hard it felt like it was going to burst through my chest. The door began to open and an overwhelming feeling of nausea came over me.

My heart stopped when a figure appeared in the doorway.

“What are you doing up?”

I was completely frozen and I couldn't speak or move.

The light flicked on and my fear was replaced with relief.

“MOM!” I called out sliding to the edge of the bed. “You scared the crap out of me.”

“Sorry Honey, but you should stay in bed.” she said walking over and sitting beside.

“I’m alright.” I replied. “But what are you doing here? Why aren’t you at work?”

“After what happened last night Jonesy was quite upset and then others started getting upset. Then your father-“

“What the fuck did that bastard do them!” I yelled jumping to my feet.

I started towards the door, when my mom grabbed my hand. “He’s not here, he left last night after locking you in here and he hasn’t come back yet.”

She patted the bed beside her and I sat back down.

“Where are they now?” I asked.

“I got them to go to school.” she replied. “It wasn’t easy, they didn’t want to leave you.”

I let out a sigh of relief knowing they were safe and at school and that bastard wasn’t around.

We sat there in silence for a few minutes before my mom got up and headed towards the door. She stopped in the doorway and turned back towards me. “Lie back down and get comfortable. I’ll make you something to eat quickly before I go out.”

“Where are you going?” I asked moving back to the head of the bed.

“I have a few bills to pay, then i have to pick your siblings up from school and if i have time i'll stop by the store for a few groceries before i have to meet with your father.”

“I’ll go!” I yelled jumping to my feet. “I’ll go get them for you!”

“NO!” She snapped. “You are in no condition to leave this apartment.”

“Really mom?” I questioned. “I’ve been beaten way worse and thrown out in some of the worst and shittiest weather on record. Not only that, but you’ve let that bastard throw me out as a child! Repeatedly!” My voice started to crack and I struggled to hold back tears, my hands began to shake violently. I fell back onto the bed and put my head into my hands.

The room fell into silence for what seemed like ages before my mom finally broke the silence.

“Alright.” she hesitantly said.

My head shot up. “What?”

“There and back.” she said sternly. “No meet ups or side stops.”

“Deal!” I quickly said before she could add anything else or change her mind.

She took a deep breath. “Alright then.” She sighed. “Get dressed and I’ll make us a quick lunch.”

I jumped off the bed. “Okay. I’ll be right out.” I said excitedly.

She smiled, turned and walked out of the room, closing the door behind her.

I started to get changed when an all too familiar pain came screaming through my right arm. I gasped and bit down on my lip, trying not to vocalize my pain and alert my mom. I waited for the pain to somewhat subside before I slowly finished changing. I walked out and saw my mom sitting in the kitchen, I walked over to her.

“I didn’t want to make you anything too heavy.”

“Okay.” I replied quietly sitting beside her.

We sat and ate in silence.

“Hon slow down, you’ll get a gut ache if you keep eating so fast.”

I didn’t listen, it was the first thing I’ve eaten in almost twenty-four hours and I was starving.

The grandfather clock started to charm, causing me to jump.

“Are you okay?” mom asked.

“Fine.” I replied, rubbing my eyes.

“Is that really the time?” she asked, looking at her watch. “Here, eat up.” she added pushing her plate towards me. “I’ve got to get going.”

She got up and headed towards the door as I slid the plate closer.

She started to open the door, but paused. “Are you sure you’re going to be alright?”

“I said I’m fine.” I snapped.

“Okay honey.” she said sadly. “I’ll see you later hon. I love you.”

I hesitated for a moment.

“Love you too.” I said quietly.

She left, closing and locking the door behind her.

I finished eating and quickly did up the few dishes mom dirtied. I checked the time once I finished. I had just under an hour before school was out. It wouldn’t be for long but I decided I would go see Kurt for a bit before they got out.

I was about to walk out the door when I caught a glimpse of myself in the boot rack mirror. Seeing the cuts and bruises covering my arms, face and neck. I ran back to my room, grabbed one of my bunny hugs and a pair of sunglasses. I threw them on and ran out the door.

By the time I arrived at the cafe I was exhausted and drenched in sweat. I headed up the stairs and as soon as I opened the door I got an amazing blast from the air conditioning.

“Puppy? What are you doing here so early?” Kurt asked, walking over to me. “And why are you all bundled up in this heat?”

“I can’t stay long.” I replied ignoring his questions. “I have to pick my siblings up from school right away.”

He stood there staring at me. “Alright.” he finally said. “But I have someone I want you to meet.”

He waved for me to follow him as he walked around the corner, however I just stood there. This was only the second time we’ve met and he was already bossing me around. Acting like he owned me and could control everything I did.

“Khaos! Come here Pup!.” he called.

I sighed and slowly started to walk around the corner. I stopped when I saw another man sitting on the bench with Kurt.

“Come here Puppy!” Kurt demanded. 

When I didn’t move he jumped to his feet and stormed over to me grabbing my arm and pulling me towards the bench. 

I wrenched not only when he grabbed me, but when he pulled on my arm as well. I tried pulling away, but he just squeezed tighter and caused it to hurt worse.

When we got to the bench he turned me around and forced me down onto his lap.

“What the hell!” I yelled trying to pull away.

“Easy puppy.” he said smugly. “Is this how you act when meeting new people?”

I looked away, I didn't want to tell him about my past with people or how much I hate being around people.

“Come on Puppy, don’t be shy.” Kurt said, grabbing my jaw forcing my head towards the man. “Pup, this is Adam, a very good friend of mine. Adam, this is the Puppy I was telling you about.”

“Stop calling me that!” I snapped, pulling away. “I’m not a damn dog! And you don’t own me!”

I turned to walk away, but Kurt grabbed my arm before I could get very far. He started pulling me back towards the booth.

“Kurt, I have to go.” I said, trying to pull away.

He pushed me back onto the bench. “Ah shit!” I screamed.

Kurt and Adam jumped.

“Are you okay?” Adam asked, sliding closer.

“Adam, could you excuse us for a moment?” Kurt asked.

Adam looked at me for a moment then nodded and slid past me. 

Kurt walked over and knelt down in front of me. “What’s wrong with you?” he calmly asked.

I didn’t answer, I just turned my head.

He reached over, putting his hand against my cheek. The sudden contact caused me to jump, however I soon found myself leaning in. Before I could react he had pushed my hood off. I saw the look on his face change from concern to anger.

“Who the hell did this to you?” he asked angrily. “When you left you weren’t nearly this badly beaten.”

I opened my mouth to reply but nothing came out.

Take your jacket off.” he demanded.

“I have to go now.” I mumbled.

“You still have time,” he said quietly. “I’ll even drive you to the school.” he continued as he ran his hand up my bunny hug.

I pulled my arms out of the sleeves and let him pull it off.

“Who the hell did this to you?” he angrily asked. “Did you run into those bullies again?”

I didn’t answer again.

“What’s going on?” he calmly asked.

“It’s nothing.” I replied, reaching for my jacket.

“Where did these bruises come from?” Adam asked.

“Don’t worry about it.” I snapped, snatching my jacket from Kurt. “There’s nothing you can do about it anyway!”

“No?” he asked. “Then why don’t you move in here?”

“What?” I asked. Taken aback by the question. “We barely know each other, we haven’t been talking long and we’ve only met in person twice.”

“You’ll be safe here,” he explained. “I’ll protect you.”

“Nnn.. No.. No..I..I can’t.” I stammered. “I have to go now.” I jumped up and ran past them.

I was halfway out the door when I once again felt someone grab my arm,

“What are you doing?” I nervously asked.

“After you take your siblings home, come back here and we’ll continue our chat.”

I looked back to see Kurt’s sad face and I reluctantly nodded. Then I pulled away and walked out the door.

The elementary school wasn’t far from the cafe and I arrived with plenty of time before the bell. I stood at the school's gates until the bell rang.

When the bell rang the school yard filled with kids. It seemed like the school had emptied before my siblings came walking out together. We headed straight home, however when we got there the house was empty and in complete darkness,

“Where’s mom and dad?” Maci asked.

“I don’t know.” I replied mom said they’d be home before us.

“Big brother.” Jonesy said tugging on my sleeve.

“Yes?”

“I’m hungry.”

“Alright.” I replied. ‘I’ll make you guys a snack while you guys start your homework.”

They all went and sat around the coffee table while I made their snack.

While they were snacking I helped them finish their assignments. After they were finished we sat and watched TV.

Hours passed and our parents still haven't returned nor had I heard anything from them. It wasn’t unusual for my dad, he would disappear for days at a time. My mom on the other hand always kept us posted even if she was only going to get the lightest bit later.

“Where’s mom and dad?” Wyatt asked.

“I have no idea.” I replied.

I checked the time, it was starting to get late so I quickly made them some mac and cheese for dinner. After they finished eating I got them ready and put them to bed. Once they were in bed I quickly cleaned up the kitchen and dishes before heading to bed myself. No sooner after I closed the bedroom door I heard the front door open. I quickly ran over and jumped into my bed and pretended to be asleep.

“Where the hell are the kids?” I heard my father yell.”

“Honey be quiet, they're probably in bed sleeping.

“Really?” he snapped back. 

I could hear him stomping around, then slammed a door shut.

“Honey please, you're going to wake them up.”

Then my door flew open and hit the wall behind it, causing me to jump. I clenched my eyes shut hoping he didn’t notice.

“Paul.” my mom said sternly and I slightly opened my eyes. “Let them sleep.” she said, pulling him out the door. Our eyes met before she smiled and closed the door. I took a sigh of relief then went to sleep.