Someone Like Hugh -Draft Complete And EDITING-

Chapter Twenty One

Amelia's POV:

I woke up to a harsh slap across my face. I quickly sat up gripping my cheek. "This was meant to be a punishment. Instead if would seem you are enjoying your time off," my mother sneered. "Let's change that," she continued as she shoved me onto the ground.

"I apologize mother. I have a fever and I am feeling unwell," I coughed. I crawled painfully away from the bed.

"Stop moving," she yelled and I froze. She stood up and tore open the back of my shirt. Before I realized what was happening. I felt the sting of a belt coming down on my back. It was harsh and painful, but not enough to break the skin.

"Count to 30," she called out.

"Yes mother, " I spoke, refusing to show her my pain.

"50 now," she growled.

I took all 50 lashes, only allowing the tiniest whimpers to escape my lips when I couldn't bite them back. Frustrated she wasn't getting the reaction she desired, she stood.

"You will not cook tonight, but you will join us for dinner. Wear something that shows your back so that the others may see what happens when you defy me," she sneered, leaving the room and locking it behind her.

If this was anything like the last time, my door would remain locked all through dinner and I would be punished for not attending. At least soon I wouldn't have to worry about this anymore. I would be gone. My only mission was to ensure my brothers wouldn't have to in my absence. I curled up in a ball on the floor and wept until I slept.

~*~*~

"Amelia?" I heard James' voice. He worriedly shook me until I woke.

"Is something wrong?" I mumbled painfully, careful not to move my back too much.

I opened my eyes, and he and Hugh crouched over me. Instantly I felt embarrassed, I moved to hide my back from view, causing a slew of swears to fall from my lips.

James chuckled a little, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I didn't even know you knew all those words, sis," he smiled, trying to lighten the mood.

"Believe me I do, I just don't use them in front of you," I smiled patting his head.

"Did she do this to you?" Hugh asked worriedly, a cloud of anger covered his eyes as he looked at me.

"That was a stupid question," James spoke as they tried to help me sit up.

"What time is it?" I whispered.

"It's nearly nine," Hugh replied.

"Shit!" I scrambled to my feet painfully, careful to keep my back facing the wall so they wouldn't see the damage she had done, though I'm sure they already had.

I rushed into the bathroom, closing the door behind me. I quickly reached for my pill box on the counter. I took the dose for the middle of the day, knowing I would have to wait until around 3am to take the night dose safely.

I washed my face with cool water, removing my makeup. I gathered a tank top from the small drawer and pulled it on. I could hear Hugh and James talking on the other side of the door. Not wanting to face them at the moment, I slid out of the window, and carefully climbed up onto the roof.

I laid back and gazed up at the stars. I heard them knocking on the bathroom door. I just needed a moment to myself. Before long I heard the door open. James must have used the key that was placed above the doorframe.

"Amelia?" he called out worriedly.

"I love you James, but I'm fine, please go away," I called out so he would know I was safe. "I'll be okay, I just need a bit of time to myself."

"Okay," he spoke sadly. "Call me if you need me. C'mon Hugh."

"No, fuck that," Hugh spoke angrily. "I'm not leaving her alone, cold, hurt, and sick on the roof."

His head popped into view, as he pulled himself up onto the roof. He carried a throw blanket and a bottle of water.

"Be careful, I don't want you to get hurt," I spoke softly.

"The same can be said to you. What are you doing up here?" he asked, laying down next to me, covering us with the blanket.