Lessons Unlearned

Chapter 4

The morning comes sooner then what I expect. Making my way out of bed, I don't even bothering changing out of my pjs. I run my fingers through my messy blonde hair. I need to mentally prepare myself for going downstairs. I slowly open my bedroom door to peer around the corner, it remains empty to my surprise. Are the adults still sleeping? I walk down the hallway going into the living room. All four of the adults look at me. Man they can be really quiet sometimes. I think to myself.

"Did I say you could leave your room?" Jaylinn voices to as soon as she sees me enter.

"No mom but I thought where it is now morning that I would be okay to come out." I whisper as I look away from Jaylinn.

"Are you going to behave?" The tone of her voice reminds me of a mother talking to a toddler.

"Yes I'm sorry about yesterday." I try to sound apologetic but I find it hard to fake.

She doesn't say anything and turns her attention back to the tv. I take that as a yes for staying down here since she's not yelling. I sit on the floor my self-esteem being at a low point in my life. I don't feel like sitting next to any of them. Janice is sitting on the love seat, Jaylinn sitting on the couch, and Conrad sitting in the recliner. I stare at the wood floor and trace my finger over the dark lines in it. Not really knowing what else to do. My stomach growls but I don't dare ask for food, and going to look for something without asking first is a scarier thought then just asking in the first place.

Janice pats the empty spot next to her. "Annalise come sit." She smiles at me.

I get up from the floor and take a seat next to her. Not wanting to ignore her or tell her no.

"Did you sleep well sweetheart?" Conrad asks me from across the room.

"No." I plainly state. It was hard sleeping in a different room away from William. He has become a security blanket to me, that Jaylinn has snatched away from me.

"Well maybe tonight we can make some tea for you. You start your first day of school tomorrow." Travis plainly lies.

"You said that yesterday. Are we even enrolled at school? Shouldn't you two be at school right now it's Monday!" I shout at Jaylinn and Conrad.

Jaylinn stays quiet but I know she is hiding something.

"You never enrolled us in school, did you?" I stare into her eyes.

"We didn't enroll you. I can't trust you yet. So you will be staying home, until further notice." She hesitantly speaks knowing I will get angry about William being gone.

"Why aren't you two at school right now? Where is William?" I exclaim frustration takes control of my emotions.

"William is at school right now. I can trust him to behave and return home. With you still being here he wouldn't do anything stupid! Your grandfather and I took the day off today. We will be going back tomorrow." Jaylinn elaborates on the situation.

Numbness takes over my body again. Going to school was going to be my only break from Jaylinn, William and I were going to try to get help. Yet again she has snatched that away from us. William wouldn't risk saying anything that could lead to me getting hurt. I'm sure they told him that before he left, not to say anything while reminding him I'm still here. I didn't think it was possible to feel this much emotional pain. My heart aches I wish it didn't. I would rather my body hurt from her abuse, at least that stops hurting in about a hour or two. But this emotional pain, will linger for hours, days, possibly even weeks.

"I hate you all!" My screams can be heard down the hallway as I storm into my room, slamming my door shut with so much force I hear a picture fall of the hallway wall.