The Boy Who Cared

Chapter One

"You worthless piece of-" Her last words muffled by my scream. I whimpered. "How dare you! Did I say you could have food? No!" Pain erupted all over my back like a thousand tiny needles. I pulled on the restraints that held my hands. "Trying to escape? Well I've got news for you, bi-" She lashed out again.

I screamed again. She set down her torn up leather whip, leaning close to my ear. "There's no escape for you. Even if you leave, who will take you in? No one. Because you're a fu-"

"Elinor? Where are you Elli?" I cried out to him, hoping Kevin could hear me through the cloth in my mouth. "Elli? Gemma? You home?" I struggled, pulling on the ropes. Elli leaned into my ear and whispered, "Not a sound." Her finger nails dug into the cut on my back. I gasped, but remained quiet.

Elli walked out of the room. "Hi, honey. How's work?" Her voice sounded... sweet. Nothing like the poison I heard a few moments ago. Kevin finished talking. "Oh, sweetie? I forgot to get the mail. Could you?"

I heard a smacking sound and gagged at the thought of anyone kissing Elinor. She came back in after Kevin walked out of the house. She untied me and I dropped to the floor. "Get up before you stain my carpet! Go wash up before anyone sees you! Now!" She kicked my stomach. I got up and ran as quickly as I could to the bathroom.

I got in the shower and scrubbed my wounds, trying to muffle my sobs. Elinor decides to be gracious and gives me five minutes instead of two when I'm scrubbing the blood off me. So I took advantage of it and turned the water on hot. When I was done, I dried myself off and looked at my reflection. My skin was still pink from the hot water, my eyes all red and swollen from crying, and my hands were still shaking from the pain. I got dressed and ready for school, not looking in the mirror again.