New York was fun. Even going on TV with Dad was fun. New York is hot, too. I mean, it's summer, so, yeah. But it is SO hot. For a few days, Mom and Dad rented a house in a place called 'The Hamptons' and we stayed near the beach. Dad and I went in the water every day, even though I was afraid at first. But Dad promised he'd stay close and the waves weren't as big.
Mom would come as far as maybe her knees but Dad was out in the water with me.
Our rented house also has a pool, so we swam in that sometimes. And at night. Because we could light it up and it was too dark in the ocean.
Mom and Dad practiced their sign language all the time and I never felt left out.
But at night, I still had to protect myself. So the first night in the house, when Mom and Dad were asleep, I went into the kitchen and got the big knife and put it under my pillow.
Tonight, we went into town and ate at a seafood restaurant. It was really good. We had been outside all day and I was tired. I fell asleep in the car. I woke up just enough to feel Dad pick me up and carry me upstairs.
He put me down on my bed and kissed my forehead. I rolled over and fell deeply asleep.
Someone was touching me. I felt someone's hands on me. Slowly, I put my hand under my pillow and carefully felt for the knife. I pulled it out and stuck it in front of me. The intruder backed away. There were vibrations in the air. My light was turned on. Dad was sitting on the floor, holding his stomach. There was blood on his hands coming from his stomach. Mom was yelling at me and running to Dad. I covered my ears to remind her I couldn't hear her. I looked at the knife in my hand. It was covered in blood. Dad was lying against my dresser breathing hard and holding his stomach. He was bleeding. I did that. I dropped the knife, closed my eyes and screamed. Well. I think I did.
Hands on me again. I kicked. I fought. I screamed - not knowing if I made a sound. I fought against the hands holding me tight. I kicked and kicked and tried to punch and escape.
Something stung me and I fought against that too. But then I started feeling sleepy and heavy. I couldn't move my arms and legs anymore. I couldn't scream. I.
Couldn't.
Stay.
Awake...
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Better Off Alone (Adopted by Brendon and Sarah Urie)
FanfictionCallie has been in foster care for six years, since her mother died when she was six, and her father gave up custody, citing caring for her was just too difficult. Foster home after foster home would call her social worker and tell them to take her...
