Dangerous Bonds

CHAPTER TWO

A

Today was rough at school – first, I arrived late to class, and walking in to everyone's stares was incredibly embarrassing.

Then, in my second class, I encountered the group of guys who usually bully me. They not only made me late again but also left me with some noticeable bruises, raising the school's suspicions towards my step father.

Anticipating a comforting moment with my mother and our usual ice cream tradition, I eagerly awaited her at 2:15 PM.

To my disappointment, it was my stepfather's car that pulled up. Sighing, I tossed my bag in the back, chose not to engage in conversation, and quickly immersed myself in my phone as we drove.

After approximately five minutes, my stepfather forcefully snatched my phone, launching into a screaming episode. I simply sighed and directed my gaze towards the road, accustomed to this unfortunate routine.

He screams the entire way home, and I just sit there, angry because I don't want to listen to this. We arrive home, and I rush to my room, slamming the door behind me.

I go to my closet, retrieving the phone my mom got me behind my stepdad's back. I take out my headphones, turning the music up loud to drown out my stepfather's yelling at my mother.

Eventually, I fall asleep. It feels like a short while later when I'm awakened by my little sister jumping on me and yelling.

"Sit down and shut up, Jasmine," I quietly say, ripping the headphones out of my ear in frustration.

"I'm sorry," she says quietly. I don't respond; instead, I check the time, swiftly jumping out of bed and heading to my closet. I grab a bag, throwing my belongings into it. I'm not staying here anymore; I'm eighteen, I'm free, I tell myself.

Jasmine watches me pack my clothes. "Where are you going?" she asks quietly, but I don't respond once again.

Having finished packing, I slide my shoes on and quietly descend the stairs. In the kitchen, I search for something to eat, opting for a cereal bar. I grab it and head out the door, telling Jasmine to go back to bed.

I hop on my bike and ride to my friend's house; he'll be giving me a lift to my temporary accommodation. Upon arrival, he steps out, remarking, "You know you're always welcome to stay with us." I nod, but it's not an option—I'd be found too quickly, if they even bothered to look.

We make it to the apartment I've leased for a few weeks. Somehow, those weeks stretched into months, and months transformed into years. Succumbing to deep depression, I turned to drinking.

It's been a decade since I last saw my sister; I ache with longing for her. Her tiny picture still resides in my wallet. I met Alexander, a guy I now share a place with; he's my roommate. I cherish him; we've been friends for a couple of years. Yet, he influenced me into destructive habits, tarnishing my life.

Today stings especially as it marks my sister's eighteenth birthday, and I can't be there. I wish for a better life for her, hoping she's doing well and escapes that dreadful place.

I rest my head on the pillow, downing a shot of vodka, gradually succumbing to sleep as my head throbs.