Aspen: TW
*Flashback - TW - six months ago*
I rush out of school, shoving through the scatter of students left. It's ten minutes after the bell and I am practically sprinting through the long halls.
I need to get home. Now.
Mrs May, my rugby coach, had pulled me out at the end of my lesson and took me to her office with serious look on her face. She didn't speak to me the whole way there, only gesturing me to sit down. I refused politely.
"You're quitting?" She asked in disbelief, shaking her head as if she can't quite believe it.
I nod. I didn't want to quit. Things with Adam are getting worse and I can barely walk, never mind have the physical fitness I need to play rugby.
"You have some real talent, Aspen. You've been our captain three years running, we need you." She exaggerates, completely baffled at my choice.
"I can't anymore." I say, getting a little worked up. Rugby was and always has been my dream.
"Can you at least tell me why? Let's talk about it." She gestures to a chair in front of her desk.
"I'm sorry, I really need to get home." I go to leave but her next words make me freeze.
"Is it your mum? I know her anniversary is coming up. We can channel your emotions into this sport, this is your dream."
My eyes go blank and I feel anger flow through my body.
"She'd be so proud of you, Aspen. She would want you to follow this dream."
I turn my body fully to face Mrs May, face red with anger. How dare she think that she can use my dead mother against me.
"Do not bring my mother into this." I yell at her, making her eyes widen in shock.
I turn around, slamming the door and begin to sprint. Adam is going to kill me if i'm late. I know she's trying to do good, but she's only made it worse for me.
My legs carry my as fast as they can through the streets. My legs burn with exhaustion and my lungs scream at me as i continue to push myself.
And, in all my efforts, his car was already in the driveway when I returned home.
My heart stopped.
I slowly creep up to the house, wondering if i had time to run for it. Make it to the police station or school, show them my bruises, my words. I should've done it.
But my hesitation killed me.
His fat hand curves round the door, taunting me as it creaks open to reveal his sick smile. My heart plunges into my stomach and I almost throw up.
In that moment i knew. I knew that i was screwed.
"Welcome home, Penny."
*flashback over*
I shoot up in bed, covered in sweat and panting hard. My hand flies to my chest, feeling my racing heart pounding against my ribcage.
I rapidly blink the tears from my eyes and stand up. My legs give way and I sit on the floor, feeling helpless.
I feel like all i do is cry and sleep. My brothers must be so sick of comforting me and listening to me cry.
Maybe Axel was right. I'm attention seeking and what Adam did wasn't that bad. People have worse. Some people don't even have a roof over their head and i'm complaining over something so mundane.
YOU ARE READING
Her Five Brothers
Teen FictionAspen's mother died two years ago, leaving her with her abusive stepfather. When he dies, there's only a few people who are suitable to take her in. They know about her, dreamt about bring her home for the last thirteen years. She knows nothing abou...
