Motherless

In the Shadows

"You're pathetic!" My mother's voice pierces through the air, and I curl up in the corner, holding my knees to my chest like the coward I am. "I hate you so much. You're the reason for all of this," she continues, hurling water at me. I cry harder, feeling the weight of her words crushing me. "If it weren't for you, your father would still be here."

Maybe she's right. Maybe it is my fault Dad left. I caused all of this mess. But she can't treat me like this. Summoning whatever courage I have left, I stand up. "I hate you too!" I shout, finding my voice. "You're disgusting. Maybe that's why Dad left because he realized how horrible you really are—" Before I can finish, a sharp pain courses through me, followed by being shoved against the wall before I can react.

"Who do you think you are, huh? I made you, you brat!" she yells, pushing me again and again, raining down slaps on me. "No, stop!" I plead, but she doesn't relent.

"Stop!!!" I jolt awake, realizing it was all just a nightmare, but the fear lingers. My mom rushes into my room, holding my chin tightly. "What the hell's wrong with you, huh? Making noise in my place? I should knock your head off. Is that what you want?" she threatens, and I quickly shake my head, feeling the sting of her grip.

"Get ready for school. Billy's taking you," she commands before leaving. I try to protest, but she slaps me for back talking, leaving me scared to even breathe. I do as she says, getting ready while hunger gnaws at my stomach. They only let me eat if I cook for them.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I silently thank Dagger for the clothes he bought me, saying he couldn't have me selling while looking homeless. It's scary, but at least my clothes aren't tight anymore. I brush my hair and put it back in a ponytail.

As I lean closer to the mirror, the voices in my head start taunting me. "You know you're ugly, right? No matter how many things you get, you'll never be pretty. Why even try? No one will like you. No one ever will, freak," I shake my head, trying to drown out the negativity.

I meet Billy outside, and he tosses me his keys, ordering me to take his toolbox to his car and wait for him. "And don't you dare drive off with my car, or you'll be dead, and that's a promise," he threatens, his gaze deadly. "Y-Yes, sir," I stammer, following his orders and waiting for him.

Twenty minutes later, he hops into the car, starting it abruptly and driving off. "You look beautiful today," he comments, rubbing my leg. "Thank you," I reply quietly, wanting to remove his hand but fearing his reaction.

He then starts moving his hand higher, caressing my thighs, and I swallow nervously, hoping this ordeal will end soon. As we pull up in front of the school, I hurriedly open the door to leave, but he pulls me back. "Don't leave before Daddy gives you a kiss," he says, and I freeze, hoping it will be over quickly as he plants a kiss on my cheek.

"Enjoy your day at school," he says as I nod and step out, grateful to finally be away from him. I glance at the clocks on the walls, realizing it's almost time for first period, so I head there quickly to avoid being late.

Sitting in class, I'm determined to grasp what's being taught. I refuse to be labeled as dumb for the rest of my life. "Hey, do you have an extra pen?" someone asks me, interrupting my focus. "I'm not sure, let me check," I reply, rummaging through my bag to find one. "If you don't have one, that's—" they start, but I cut them off by handing them a pen.

I notice a boy I haven't seen before in class. He must be new. "Oh, thanks," he says gratefully as I lend him the pen. "You're welcome," I respond, trying to be friendly. I return my attention to the teacher, wondering why he's suddenly talking to me. Even the seemingly nice ones usually ignore me.

After class, as I'm leaving, I'm stopped by the same boy. "Hey, my name is Hector," he introduces himself, extending his hand. I shake it, although I'm wary. "I'm Talia," I reply, and he smiles warmly. "Nice to meet you. I'm actually new around here," he reveals. I start walking, and he follows. "I could tell," I remark. "Am I that obvious? How could you tell?" he asks curiously. I stop and turn to face him. "Because if you weren't new, you wouldn't be talking to me," I say, trying not to sound disappointed, before walking away.