Nice Cut

Epilogue

Octavia
7 years old**

"This is exactly what you get for being such an ungrateful little witch!" My mom screamed at me just before closing the door in my face. I couldn't help the tears that streamed down my face. I don't even recall what I did to make her so angry. "You'll be in here until I'm sure you've thought about what you have done and promise to never do it again!"

The last thing I remember before being thrown in the broom closet I get to call me bedroom was mom being on the phone with one of her girlfriends talking in hushed tones while I was walking through the kitchen to get to the laundry room. All I was trying to do was the exact task she assigned me the moment she got home from work and unlocked my bedroom closet. After that she just kind of freaked out started yelling, swinging, and shoving. Now I'm back in the closet with a steady stream of tears raining down my face and my hand over my mouth to make sure I can't be heard from the other side of the door. That would only fuel her on more.

*knock, knock, knock*

Mother left awhile ago and she never knocks so I know it's not her. But that means there is someone in the house trying to get into the closet. There's no way anyone knows I'm here. I have a 'room' that is staged for anyone who might be interested in a houser tour during one of the many parties mom seems to have. My best bet is to stay as quiet as I possibly can and pray that they go away. Of course that wouldn't be my luck though.

"Little one, I know you're in there." I hold my breath at the sound of a boy on the other side of the door. "I'm going to break the lock. It's going to be loud but I promise as soon as it's broke I'll be getting you away from here."

I still couldn't speak. I didn't even want to make a sound but when something heavy hit the door I couldn't help the tiny yelp that left my lips when I raced to cover my ears.

"Hey. Shh. It's okay. Come on little one I need to get you out of here before she comes back." The boy held his hands up in front of him like he was trying to show a baby bunny the he meant no harm.

"No. I have to stay here. I'm still in trouble. I did a bad, and now mommy says this is what bad girls get." I know I don't remember being bad but mom would just be upset for no reason sometimes. The boys face turned red. I knew I just did something wrong again. How could I be so stupid opening my mouth again while still in trouble.

"Listen to me little one. I don't know how she managed to convince you that her actions are justified but what she is doing to you is wrong. She is the one in trouble. Someone is already dealing with her so now you will never have to see the inside of a closet again. You will never be treated the way your mother treated you EVER again. My name is Bentley, I live across the street. I have this sister that has always wanted another girl around what do you say you come meet her?" His face stayed that same shade of red and he was breathing in short huffs up until the moment he mention his little sister. I've never had a friend before, mom wouldn't let me go to school like the other kids. I had so many questions. What does justified mean? Is mom in trouble? Is his sister nice? Will she like me? Could I be friends with Bentley too?

Instead I settled on just nodding and standing up to left Bentley lead the way to his sister. I couldn't help myself in making my feet hit the floor as quietly as possible and looking around corners of every room. I know mom wasn't home I never heard her car pull up or the loud clicking of her shoes through the house. But I also knew if she saw me walking around when I was supposed to be thinking about what I did she would surely keep my dinners for a week. I've already gone three days with nothing I don't think I could go a second longer.

Bentley tried asking questions while we were walking through the house but I hoped if I didn't answer he would stop talking. I needed him to be quiet so that I could hear what was going on through the house. It felt like forever before we finally got to the front door I don't think Bentley never lowered his hands and he definitely didn't stop talking. Mom could have snuck up on him and he'd never know. That is if I wasn't glancing behind me every three seconds just to make sure.

I've never been past the front door. I've never walked outside. I rather just go back into my closet. Just as I'm turning to go back Bentley grabs my hand and starts off the porch. I couldn't move. Even if I wanted to follow him- which I don't- I couldn't. My chest felt heavy and like I was full of air but I couldn't breathe in or out. I needed to get back inside that was the only safe place. With that I started pulling back. Not that it was any use Bentley was obviously older than me, and definitely stronger.

"Little one, I know you're scared but she's not coming back. You have no choice but to come with me. Trust me." He wanted me to believe him. That's the same face I use when I'm trying to tell mom I didn't do anything wrong. But no matter what he said I still couldn't move, and I was starting to see little black dots.