Ronny

Chapter 18

Adelina Celine Torres

My entire body hurts.

It hurts to open my eyes, it hurts to breathe, and it hurts to move.

I have been in bed for the past day, too sore to even think of getting up and going places.

My mind drifts off to what happened yesterday when I returned from Aaron's house, then I close my eyes in attempt to get the memories out of my mind.

-

Walking through the front door of my house, I wave Ronny goodbye and step inside, shutting the door behind me.

"Look who it is" My father's voice says, and I turn to see him standing by the foyer, almost like he was waiting for me to come home.

"Hi Papa" I say, hoping he is in a good mood but knowing he isn't. He looks mad.

"I got a call from the Dean saying you haven't been in class for the past week"

Oh shoot.

Did I mention Papa is friends with people at Stanford who would totally tell him if I skipped class? Snitches.

"I haven't been feeling good" I lie, seeing him creep towards me.

"Feeling good enough to run around with boys, though?"

"No" I say, backing up slightly to get away from Papa, who looks very very mad. "You are not to be with boys until there is one I give you to, understood?"

Give me to?

"I am an adult" I say, since he is talking about me like I am unable to make decisions for myself. He laughs at my words, "Do I have to remind you of your manners Adelina?"

I shake my head, tears pricking my eyes at his tone and how close he is coming to me.

He hits me across my face, causing me to hit into the wall, then he grabs me by my hair, "I will teach you respect" He seethes.

-

I had always told myself my parents love me. Even if they don't love me as much as my siblings, I'm still their child.

When Papa would hurt me occasionally, it was always just a bruise here and there. He never had hurt me like he did last night.

My body is covered in bruises, my back lashed at with his belt, and my face swollen and purple.

I roll over onto my stomach to relieve some pressure from my back and I check my phone to see a text from ronny and a missed call. I tuck my phone under my covers, not wanting to see his messages. I know I can't lie to him, and if I talk to him I will break down and tell him everything like I did with Mr. Edwards.

Only this time it isn't some random teacher, but my family. I can't throw my father under the bus.

I lay in bed for the rest of the day, feeling awful and just wanting to sleep for the rest of my life.

The next few days go by and I feel the laziest I have ever been. I tried looking over the notes I missed in class, but nothing was sticking in my mind. I watched one video like ten times over before I could do one of the example problems.

On the bright side, I am able to move a little better as my back scabs over and my bruises fade.

I decided to respond to Ronny, feeling awful for not texting him back. He double texted me, making me almost cry that I was ignoring him.