In the Shadows

Chapter 1

"Dad I'm home!" I walked through the door and listened for a welcoming response. "Hey kiddo, " my dad spoke while kissing my forehead. The sweet aroma filled my nose and I knew I was finally at home. Our house is very petite, which makes sense for our small family. My dad, my brother, and myself. We lived peacefully here in the quieter side of California, where everyone in the area knew each other. Yet they didn't know the real me.

"How was school?"

"It was good." Honestly it was the complete opposite. I almost fell asleep twice, and missed copying notes in English. Throughtout the day my mind was all sorts of crazy. The only thing that kept me going was the idea of tonight. It was Friday night, the only night I'm allowed to even step foot out the house (except for school of course). Although, tonight was something special. My boyfriend Danny wanted to take me to this new club downtown, so tonight I was planning to sneak out the house. In my dad's eyes, I was an angel, and I wasn't allowed to date. Even worse, I hardly was able to get out the house. Dad was a very over protective man, and I couldn't see why.

"Scarlett, you home?" yelled my brother across the house"

"No Lyle, I'm still at school" I replied sarcastically. He appeared into my view, exchanged a hello, then went back to whatever he was doing. Since he is the oldest, he receives much more leash space than I have. He even has an apartment uptown.  "Dad can I go to Megan's house tonight? She invited me for a sleepover"

"Of course!" Megan was one of my closest friends, and probably one of the only one I have. I met her in kindergarden, and she has been with my since then. She was in on the plan and ready for any phone call he might make. I packed my black low cut dress and heels, then headed out the door.

               I immediately got in the car and drove to our meeting spot, a place far away from my house in case my dad follows one day unexpectedly. Anxiously, I parked my car, got changed, and waited. I couldn't believe it, what am was I thinking? Me, going to a club? Last year if I even heard the word club, I wouldn't think twice about it. The answer would have instantly been no. This year, everything seemed to have changed, but it was worth it.

        Seconds later, Danny appeared driving his beautiful silver 2010 Ford Mustang.

"Ready to have a fun time?" he spoke through the open window with a mischievous smirk. Danny is my first boyfriend and the best one a girl could ever have. Dirty blonde hair, dark brown eyes, tall, and very muscular. I got in the car and he looked me over.

"I thought I told you to wear the silver dress, to match my car."

"Oh..." I totally forgot all about that, and I knew it was a mistake. Danny always gets what he wants.

"When did you turn into such an idiot, I mean come on Scarlett!" he exclaimed with a fiery voice. Anger clouded his eyes. "Another stunt like that may cost you." He turned around to face the road and we drove off.

                                        *************                           

        Once we arrived, Danny parked the car and we walked in. It was my first time going into a club, since I am only 18. Danny is 21, so he has been here plenty of times. The feeling the room gave off was amazing. The music, the dancing, the people. Everything seemed so new and different, I couldn't wait to try it.

"Lets go dance!" I told Danny

"No, you go dance, I'll stay and watch," he replied with a sneaky look in his eye. I awkwardly made my way over to the dance floor. It was crowded, but I managed to find a spot. I turned around to see Danny drinking and watching me. Everyone was having a great time, so I decided to do the same. When I turned back around, I noticed something strange. In the back corner of the room sat a person all alone, just staring. I quickly glanced over to get a closer look, but turned around suddenly. Who was that? What did they want? I returned to dancing when this other person came dancing closer, deleting my personal space. I carefully made my way over to Danny.

"Come on Danny! Lets dance!"

He stared at me with stern eyes.

"Don't make me repeat myself. Go. Dance."

I went back and forced myself to dance, in order to please Danny. Scared of what would happen if I wouldn't dance. I didn't want to dance alone, there were too many people, and too many mistakes could be made. I glanced to the corner where the guy stood, to find he wasn't there. Panicking, I walked to Danny.

"Danny, lets go, please,"

"Excuse me? Who gives you the authority to boss me?"

The smell of alcohol reeked his breath.

"Danny, please," I began begging.

"What are you gonna do, cry to mommy? Oh wait, I forgot you don't have one."

Shock ran all over me. No one has ever mentioned my mom's death, or even dared to use it like that. I couldn't believe he just said that. He couldn't have, Danny would never. Out of words, I instantly left the club and walked outside as the tears streamed down my face. Sounds of footsteps quickly grew louder.

"You shouldn't have left the room," Danny swung his arm, landing a punch on my face. More tears fell out my eyes, and the rest came so quickly.

"Apologize!" he shouted. He came suddenly for a second hit. Out of nowhere, another guy came up behind and punched Danny.

"You don't touch her!" shouted the mysterious boy. He punched Danny several times, but Danny wasn't going to give up. Kicks after kicks, punches, I didnt know what to do.

"Stop!" I tried barging in between them.

"You stupid bitch!" Danny shoved me against a wall, and resumed the fight.

"Dont you dare touch her like that!" The guy furiously kicked him and punched his face, knocking him out.

"Sorry, for everything," he spoke and dashed out the scene without another word.