Afflicted.

Abree

His alcohol made me nauseous as he pushed me further. The minute it started to rain I knew that I was going to get a beating for it. He goes to the other room and I contemplate whether to run or not. But if I ran he would find me, he always finds me. I shake as water drips from my hair and onto the beer stained carpet. I hear him walking back to the living room and I turn in time to see a belt, it hits my face on instant reaction I move my hand towards my face just for him to hit my hand the metal buckle hitting it leaving a huge bruise.

"Your a disgrace. A mistake." He shouts pushing my soaking wet shirt up my back so he can hit it. I hear the whip of the belt as it hits my back leaving new scars right over the old ones. I cringe in pain as tears leave my eyes silently. I try to suck it up and take his beatings but there has to be a breaking point.
-
I walk slowly into school an hour late per usual, making my way slowly to ms. Sullivan's class. I knock on the door and watch though the Small rectangular window as everyone turns to look at the door. Ms. Sullivan walks over, her heals making clicking noises against the ceramic floor.

"Abree your late." She snaps as I quickly walk towards my seat.

I hear snickers fill the room as I duck my head trying not to be seen, but knowing it wouldn't work.

"Okay today you're gonna present what you and your partner have so far."

My head shots up and instantly towards Luke who's frowning at me. I watch as everyone looks towards Luke and I. "Luke will go first." I hear Calum call and point to Luke. He shakes his head vigorously, but ms Sullivan doesn't take it she waves us up and I slowly stand keeping my head down. Everyone cheers saying 'go Luke' but not one person says 'go Abree.' Luke steals a nervous glance at me before starting his line.

Everything is drowned out as we recite our lines, I don't think of the pain still in my back from my beating or the stares and death glares coming from my peers sitting right in front of me. Luke bows and I keep my head down as people cheer and clap. "Wow you guys should audition for the school play of Romeo and Juliet." Ms Sullivan says after a minute of Calum calling cheers out to Luke who's glaring at him.

"I'll put in a word for you." She smiles and I widen my eyes wanting nothing but to disappear.

"No no it's alright really." Luke says trying to stop her.

"No Luke I insist. Calum your next!" I walk quickly to my seat putting my face in my hands. I listen to Calum and his partner as they stumble over there lines. I realize that she was right we were good. But not school play material.

I slump down in my seat waiting for everyone to try and reenact the scenes they were given. The bell rings and everyone practically leaps out of there seats rushing to the next class.

I sigh slowly moving away and collecting my stuff, I'm about to exit before Ms Sullivan stops Luke and I.
"Here's the dates of auditions for the play" she smiles widely handing Luke the card.

"Uh thanks." He pockets the white card stock before walking out me waiting before trailing close behind.

"Do you want to do the play?" He asks once were out of earshot.

"I don't think so." I mumble looking at his best up vans Rather then his eyes. I feel his stare on me and I will myself not to look up at him.

"Alright well. See you whenever then." He waves and I turn around sighing before walking away quickly.

I turn my head the slightest bit to see him smiling down at the card.

-

Ok well ya