Hanging

Prolouge

I rolled out of bed at the sound of my father's yelling. No need for an alarm clock when you have that to wake up to, right? As quick as I could, I pulled my fiery red hair into a messy bun and threw on some sweats, running downstairs to make sure my dad wasn't yelling at Joshua. Joshua was my 6 year old brother, he had sandy blond hair and faded green eyes quite like my mother's. My mother left us when Joshua was only 2 years old, tired of my father's abusive ways. Once he spotted me standing at the end of the stairs, my father stormed over with no hesitation.

"WHY WEREN'T YOU AWAKE AN HOUR AGO?! I'M HUNGRY, DO YOU EXPECT ME TO MAKE MY OWN DAMN FOOD?!" He screamed, the sound louder than a volcano erupting.

I took a deep breath and shut my eyes, trying not to tremble. "I'm sorry father, I shouldn't have kept you waiting."

He nodded his head, his anger never subsiding. "DAMN RIGHT YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE!"

I heard Josh run into the room and I immediately scooped him up in my arms to keep him protected. "I'll make you both something to eat if you would just give me 10 minutes, please..."

My dad shoved me into the kitchen before walking back into his office, slamming the door. I wasn't even surprised that he didn't remember today was my birthday. It's not like I expected a party. Sighing, I placed Joshua on the counter and smiled at him with as much love as I could. "Hey, buddy. Anything you're in the mood for eating?"

He nodded his little head and spoke in a soft voice, "I want some eggs, please Tally!"

He could never pronounce my name, so he always called me "Tally." It was a cute little nickname and I loved it. especially since he gave it to me. Josh was the light of my life, the only thing to keep me going. I was like a mother to him and I loved him with everything I had. "Want to help me make them?"

His eyes lit up and he clapped his hands excitedly. "Can I crack the eggs?! I wanna crack the eggs! Oh, Tally, Please!"

I laughed and placed him back on the floor, tying a little apron around his slim frame. "You can do whatever you want."

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door and both of us froze. A visitor? We never got any visitors...I wonder who it is. I slowly made my way to the front door and opened it, peeking out. When I did I saw bright blue eyes staring back at me. They took my breath away and I just stared, not seeming to find my words.

"Hi! I'm Niall, your new neighbor. I moved in last night and I heard there was a girl around my age who lived here. I see now that there is!" Niall held his hand out politely and I quickly looked to make sure my dad wasn't nearby.

"I'm Natalia, nice to meet you. I-I've never met someone my age before..." I took his hand and Niall gave me a funny look.

"You don't go to school?" His eyes roamed over my body and I felt myself blush immensely. I never found myself attractive, and this boy was certainly gifted in all the right respects. His eyes fell on my wrist and I immediately pulled my sleeve down, hiding the bruises that rested there.

"I-I'm home schooled I guess. I'm really sorry, but I should really get back to cooking. If my dad finds out-" I was cut off by the sounds of things crashing in the kitchen and my brother's scream of help. Without thinking, I ran into my house with Niall following right behind to see my father throwing silverware and knocking plates over.

"Oh my god." Was all Niall had to say. I ran over to Joshua and cradled him to my chest to help him not get hit as my father noticed the stranger standing in the kitchen.

"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?" He roared, aiming a knife right at Niall. Niall's mouth fell open as if to form words, but instead he grabbed my arm and pulled me and Joshua out of the house, slamming the front door.

"W-What are you doing?!" I all but shrieked at him, shaken by the whole situation. He shook his head and pulled up my sleeves, revealing my broken and tattered flesh. I felt my eyes burn with tears as I looked away.

"Run." Was all that escaped his lips.