> (una casa piena d'amore.)
~a home filled with love
**(12 years ago)**
"Miss Dallas? You called..." Ten year-old Ellie walked into her foster parents' bedroom. It was only day 8, and already she was having the worst experience she'd ever had. Her sudden mood swings made her unpredictable.
Miss Dallas sat on the edge of her bed, her face buried in her palms, and her legs tapping the floor rapidly—fueling Ellie's fear. When she heard Ellie's voice, Miss Dallas froze momentarily before her throaty voice cut through the silence. "Shut the door..."
Ellie's face would have paled if she were white, but instead, her teeth ground together harshly as she obeyed. The light thud of the door closing behind her made her jump slightly.
"How many days have you been here, Sammy?" Miss Dallas asked, sitting up straight and locking eyes with Ellie.
"...It's Ellie, Miss."
"I adopted you; I can call you whatever I see fit." Miss Dallas rudely interrupted. "Answer me when I speak to you."
Gulping, Ellie fiddled with her fingers. "Eight days, Miss." Dallas nodded softly, rising from her position and startling the little girl.
"Now, tell me, Sammy." She stood a few feet in front of Ellie, her gaze lethal. "What possessed you to steal from me? Haven't I done enough?"
Ellie's brows furrowed. "Steal?"
"Yes, steal." Miss Dallas's anger boiled over. "Don't act clueless now."
"I didn't steal anything!" Ellie gasped, her whole body trembling. Fear washed over her. "I promise, I didn't."
"Shut up." Miss Dallas's lips pressed together, and Ellie continued to shake. "Don't tempt me, Sammy, because I will lay my hands on you. Sammy, I promise you, I will."
Ellie stood there, paralyzed by fear. Tears streamed down her cheeks as her teeth ground together. She took a hesitant step back.
"Now, let's make this easy for both of us, shall we?" Miss Dallas said, "Hand me the 300 euros you stole from me," Miss Dallas demanded.
"But I didn't steal anything!" Ellie protested.
"Sammy, don't make me repeat myself!" Miss Dallas snapped, making the girl jump back. "Give me my fucking money!"
"I don't have it with me! Please—" Ellie didn't get to finish her sentence when a palm bruisingly collided with her left cheek, sending her tumbling down to the floor.
---
**(9 years ago)**
"If you're done with those, do this too," Miss Rosemarie instructed, dropping two more buckets filled with clothes that Ellie had to wash. Ellie was exhausted; she'd been at it since 6 a.m. this morning.
This family consisted of nine members: three boys, four girls, Miss Rosemarie, and herself. Ellie wasn't treated like the other teens; she was more of their servant—a role she hadn't expected to end up in, but it was better than some alternatives.
"But Miss, don't we have a washing machine for this?" Ellie asked softly, trying not to anger her. Miss Rosemarie never raised her hands on her, but this was just as abusive in its own way.
Miss Rosemarie stopped and looked at Ellie. "Don't question me. Shut up and get to work." And just like that, she turned and walked away.
---
**(6 years ago)**
Mister Philip sighed, lazily looking at Ellie. "Ellie Rooney, correct?"
Ellie nodded, fiddling with her fingers. As Mister Philip talked, she found herself growing nervous.
YOU ARE READING
Their little rascal
Romantik"I said stay, babygirl." Ellie looked down at her feet, crossing her arms. She avoided eye contact because, deep down, she was intimidated. He took a step forward while the other two stayed behind, watching her disapprovingly. "I won't repeat myself...
