Lorelei and Cora

Chapter 7

Cora's POV

It's been three months since Jaylen raped us at the same, and since then, he hasn't come to our room as we've listened to his rules. Life has been different for us, as we have been forced to cook and clean this entire home, and sometimes, we are asked to hang out with our parents. As we remembered what Jaylen said, "I've heard you've told people about me, Cora! Next time you tell, your punishment will be even worse, as the pain will be more unbearable even more than what I did to you both last night! Also, if you get in our way, you'll be punished in any way possible!" So, as he said, we avoided Jaylen and Ella as we didn't want their harsh punishments via physical, emotional, or mental abuse. As the days passed, I enjoyed time at home as I had Lorelei to hang out with more often. While cleaning the kitchen one day, I found a note from Leslie and read it to Lorelei. "Lorelei, Leslie left us a note, which I had found now while cleaning. I've left a few things for you: a heating bag as you are both teenagers and closer to girl problems, and I would be grateful if you could keep the Nintendo Switch we purchased for you. If Ella ever says anything, tell her I brought it for you and the same for the heating pad. If you are reading this, it means David and I have been fired. P.S. I've been emotional while writing this. I'm sorry if it makes no sense, but I'm sure you'll figure it out between you and Lorelei. Love, Leslie, David, and our unborn child, who is the reason for my emotional state. Let's go find the Nintendo Switch, Lorelei." I said, so Lorelei and I ran to the bedroom Leslie and her husband shared, looking all over the room until we thought of looking under the bed, and we found the present Leslie got for us. For nearly three months, we played games to beat each other's high scores or to beat each other when we played Super Mario. Surprisingly when my mom saw us play, I knew she was pissed off, and she found out on the 90th day of us being at home. "Where the hell did that gaming console come from? I am pretty sure I didn't let you get one." Ella said, and for once in my life, I felt more confident and more comfortable speaking back to her. "Leslie and David brought it for Lorelei and me. She left a note in the kitchen saying girls, I've left a few things for you: a heating bag as you are teenagers and closer to girl problems, and I would be grateful if you could keep the Nintendo Switch we purchased for you. So, if it's okay with you, could we keep it?" I asked, afraid she or Jaylen would get rid of it as we loved it. "Okay, as long as the cleaning and cooking chores are started and finished on time, or else it won't be here anymore for either of you to play." My mom said, and I was surprised we were allowed to keep it, as she'd never get this for us.

After playing video games, we had a meal with our parents, which was a terrible experience. "God, girls, can't you cook better? A child who is younger than you could cook better, Cora and Lorelei! Like seriously, cooking is meant for girls as women cook for their husbands and children, so why aren't you doing your best!" Ella said, and I couldn't believe it, as this isn't as easy as she thinks. "Ella, you've gotten us to cook for the last three months and clean the entire household as if we were Cinderella! How are we meant to learn to cook when we don't have the time to read recipes to make the food when we have this ginormous house to clean." I said as Lorelei stayed quiet, and I knew I pissed Ella off as she stood up and threw a plate at the wall. "HOW DARE YOU SPEAK BACK TO ME YOUNG LADY! EXPECT ANYTHING TONIGHT, CORA; GO TO YOUR BEDROOM NOW!!!" Ella yelled at me, and I ran with Lorelei right behind me. "You didn't have to follow as she wasn't angry at you, Lorelei," Cora said, shaking in fright. "Yes, I did; if you run, then I will too, in case Ella or Jaylen starts on me," She told me honestly as our bedroom door opened, making us jump. "Lorelei, do the dishes, NOW! Cora, on the bed, NOW!" Jaylen yelled, and I followed his instructions as Lorelei ran to the kitchen, leaving me with this monster. I thought he was going to do the usual act of rape, but instead, he continued to punch me in the stomach. "Stop, Jaylen, please?" I pleaded, but that angered him even more as he put even more force into his punches, making me cough up some blood, which finally made him stop. "OH, SHIT, Cora, are you okay? Stay awake, Cora, stay awake!? Ella will punish you sometime tonight and teach Lorelei her style of punishment." He said when he saw the blood come out of my mouth, that was when I began to fear for my life, thinking I was going to die. "Cora..." I heard Lorelei and don't know what time it was, but I awoke to her voice and realized her father disappeared. "I... I'm okay... okay. Don't... worry," I managed to say. "I'll get you a glass of water, Cora." Lorelei stepped out of our room and returned a few minutes later, handing it to me. "Thanks, Lorelei. It... hurts... to breathe," I told her, struggling through the pain. "What did my father do to you while I cleaned everything after dinner." She asked me, looking concerned for me. "He...punched me in...the stomach, Lorelei as...hard as he...could...un...until...I cou...coughed...up blo...blood. I...need to sl...sleep, so I'll see you...in...the morning." I said as my eyes shut, feeling pain in my stomach that I hadn't felt before. That evening, I feared for my life as the taste of blood lingered all night. I quietly went to the restroom to spit out blood, which made me realize I was bleeding internally. As I believed I was on the brink of death, I watched Lorelei sleep, wishing for her to be the last sight I would have. Lorelei is the only person who genuinely cared for me, besides Renee, since our parents, Jaylen and Ella, and our former friends, Marinette and Roxy, all harbor hatred towards us despite our innocence. After a few hours, the door opened, waking me as I feared Jaylen had returned to harm me more or Lorelei. Instead, it was my mom, rummaging through our wardrobe and taking some socks, and I realized what would happen next.