Please Don't Believe Me.

Chapter 1

        I took my time walking home from school today; more time than I usually do. I did not want to go home. I did not want to see my dad or smell his breath or feel the pain. My hands were shoved in my pockets as I slowed my pace even more. The sky was a bright blue and the sun made my skin warm. How could nature be so happy when it knew what was going to happen to me?

I passed a green yard with a white picket fence and closed my eyes. I imagined what it would be like to live in such a house. My mom would be waiting my return with a fresh plate of cookies and wrap me in a hug to ask how my day went. A smile spread across my face and I opened my eyes wide. I put my hands to my mouth and furrowed by brows. Smiling? The last time I smiled was before my mom left. My cheeks turned red and I shoved my fist into my thigh making me flinch at the bruise that was already there. Oh yeah, last night.

I shook my head disgusted with myself as I began walking a little faster. My dad didn't like it when I was too late and I was already pushing it. The rock by my feet was being pushed along as I sped up. Soon, the big house was in my view and I let out a sigh. Such a nice house for such a terrible person. I flipped my curls out of my green eyes unveiling the bruise he'd left on the side of my face a few nights ago.

The tender skin by my eye began pulsing as I felt my heartbeat escalate. I thought by now my body would be used to this and not freak out every day at this time. The first step creaked as I placed my weight on it. Before I could even get to the second step the door flung open and I could smell it. It invaded my nostrils like it had every right to be there. The smell alone made my stomach flip.

"You worthless piece of sh-" I flinched as he slurred the last word. He grabbed me by my left wrist which was a nice change because my right one was forming a purple hand print. Before I knew it I was through the door and he had me by my hood. The material of my sweatshirt was pushing into my neck and I gasped for the air it restricted me. It was good to know it wasn't actually my dad chocking me this time.

"I tell you a time to be home and you can't even do that for me?" His words were sharp and loud. I shook my head knowing he expected an answer.

"Well then," he continued "I think someone needs to be punished for their actions." My sweatshirt was pulled off leaving me in my t-shirt. His eyes caught a glimpse of my arms and he chuckled.

"Did I already play this game with you?" I clenched my jaw and squeezed my hands into fists at how easily he could call this a "game". Still, I nodded my head.

"Oh, I'm sorry..." his head tilted to the side and his shoulders went towards the ceiling "maybe next time." I didn't show it on my face but inside I was smiling my old smile. He walked past me, but once he did, he took a big lunge backwards and shoved his fast hard into my stomach.

I shrieked unwillingly and threw my hands to my stomach. "TWO FOR FLINCHING!" he screamed as he punched me harder in the side of the face and then my back.

The room spun for a second but I could hear his heavy footsteps becoming quieter behind me. I was on the floor with silent tears pouring out of my eyes. I lifted my shirt to see the ripe purple circle forming just above my belly button.

I pulled myself to the wall and sat up putting my head between my knees. My kneecaps were becoming soaked with tears and I internally yelled at myself for being such a baby. I heard something shuffle outside and I turned my head to look. In his hurry, my dad hadn't shut the front door and I looked out with my blurry vision.

I blinked a few times knowing I was not crazy. Someone had just witnessed this whole thing.