Chapter 1- I Was Sleeping On

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Serena Diamond

"Get your ass down here!" my dad shouted.

"Coming!" I yelled back. "Asshole," I muttered under my breath, making sure he didn't hear me.

"Hurry the fuck up, bitch!" he barked again. I sighed and got up from my bed, glancing at myself in the mirror.

My name is Serena Bernice Diamond. I'm 19, almost 20, and I live with my abusive father, Frank. I'm mixed—Black and Dominican—with dark hair that's a blend of kinky and loose curls. I like to think I'm thick in all the right places. I weigh about 160 pounds. Sometimes, I don't even think Frank is my real dad, but unfortunately, I look just like him. My beautiful mother, Lisa, died three years ago because of him. I remember it like it was yesterday.

*FLASHBACK*

I was in my room when I heard Frank beating and yelling at my mom.

"If you can't show me respect, then you don't deserve to live!" His voice was full of rage, and I could hear her desperate cries.

He had warned me never to interfere when he was angry at her, or he'd hurt me too. After a while, her crying stopped. Then I heard him calling her name, telling her to wake up. I knew she was gone...

*END OF FLASHBACK*

Warm tears welled up in my eyes, but I quickly wiped them away when I heard my dad's footsteps coming closer.

"What the hell have you been doing? I told you to come downstairs twenty minutes ago, and you're just taking your sweet time!" he yelled, slapping me across the face.

"You always do this to me! You're a worthless father. You killed my mother, and now you're taking it out on me! What the hell is your problem? I hate you! I wish you would just die and—"

Before I could finish, his hand met my face again, harder this time. "Don't you ever say that to me again!" he screamed, kicking and punching me. The pain was unbearable. I struggled to break free, and when I managed to kick him in the groin, he fell to the ground. Without wasting a second, I grabbed my dance bag, phone, and keys, and ran out of my room. I could hear him yelling behind me, but I ignored him and bolted out of the house.

Once I got into my dark blue Nissan, I locked the doors and let the tears flow. When I finally calmed down, I checked my reflection in the rearview mirror. A huge bruise had formed on my left cheek, but I didn't care. I didn't have the energy to care anymore.

I turned the ignition and switched to my favorite radio station, 96.1. Fine China by Chris Brown was playing, and I cranked the volume to the max. Singing along with the music as I headed to my dance studio.

Baby, does he do it for you?

When he's finished, does he step back and adore you?

I just gotta know, 'cause your time is money

And I won't let him waste it, oh no, no...

I finally arrived at the dance studio, pulling the key from the ignition. After locking the car, I walked up to the entrance and made my way to room 36C. Inside, I set my bag down by the mirror and turned on my music system. "Run It" by Chris Brown filled the room, and I let my body move to the beat.

Dancing was my escape, my therapy. Every movement cleared my head, melting away the stress. After dancing through nine songs, I decided it was time to head home, even though I dreaded going back. Luckily, my dad was usually out at this hour, so I figured I'd have a little peace.

---

When I got home, I noticed my dad's car wasn't in the driveway. Relief washed over me as I headed to my room, locking the door behind me. In the bathroom, I brushed my teeth and glanced at the bruise on my cheek. It looked worse now, but what could I do? I brushed it off, just like always.

I turned on the shower and let the water run until it was warm. After I finished, I said a quick prayer and crawled into bed, careful not to lie on my bruised cheek. Slowly, exhaustion took over, and I drifted off to sleep.

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**What do you think of this first part of the story? Did you like it? Should I keep going? There's so much more to come! I'd love to hear your feedback, loves!**

~ Stay Breezy <3

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