Shelter from the Storm

Chapter One

Ignore that picture
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I wake up with a start. The sun is shining through the window. Crap. I am late for school. I try to be as quiet as I can while I get ready so I won't wake up my step father. John. I don't want to risk being beaten again. It will probably happen inevitably though.

I get on an outfit that can be quick, but good enough for the first day of senior year. Not to mention, it is pretty much my first impression on a new town. If I hurry, I might make it on time. I try not to squeak the floor as I walk down the stairs to the kitchen. No food to eat. Again. I hear creaking behind me and I turn around. John is standing not far away from me across the kitchen.

"FAITH!"

I can't help but try to get away from the danger that is behind me. I should have seen it coming. He turns the opposite way and I run into him. I feel a sting on my cheek and he pushes me down to the floor. I am kicked on my sides multiple times. The pain is so overwhelming, but I can't cry. This has happened so many times, I can't even count.

He finally stops and I am left battered and bruised on the floor. I have to go to school, but how am I going to get there? I grab my back pack and I leave the house. No use in trying to hide the bruises. I have a quarter or two in my pocket and there is a pay phone down the street. I get to the phone and dial the only person I can think of. Kaden. My best friend. I memorized his number. The phone rings twice and he picks up.

K: hello?
F: hey Kaden. It's Faith.
K: hey. Need anything?
F: actually yes. Can you come and get me at the payphone by my house. I missed the bus. No way to get to school.
K: yea I will be there soon. Just wait a few minutes.
F: thank you. See you soon.

Kaden is the sweetest guy ever. We have been friends since we were little. He is always there for me.
I wait a few minutes and see his car. He pulls up and I get in the car.

"Thanks so much for picking me up." I say to him.

"Anytime Faith."

I am glad he doesn't mention the bruises. If he ever does, I will just tell him I fell.

He pulls into the parking spot and we walk into school together. I am so glad I made it in time. I need to go to the office and get my schedule, locker, and all of the essentials. Kaden walks me to the office and to the desk. The lady at the desk looks up and smiles at me.

"Can I help you?" She asks.

"I am new here. My name is Faith Montgomery.

"Oh. I just saw your file. Let me get it out."

"Okay."

"Okay. Let's see. Oh! Here it is."

She hands me a folder with my name on the tab.

"So here is your schedule. You might need someone to help you around to your classes. You can help her, right Kaden?"

"Why yes I can."

I look at him and smile.

"So here is your locker number," she points to a number at the top of the paper, "and the combination is right below it. Good luck Faith."

"Thank you."

"Oh and Faith. My name is Mrs. Leishman. Come to me if you ever have a question or problem." She says.

"Thanks."

I walk away from the desk with Kaden.

"How do you know the secretary?"

He chuckles. "She's my aunt."

"Oh.