Only Saving Grace I Ever Had (Kellic)

Chapter Twenty Two

*Flashback*
It's been a year since the first time Craig hurt me.

I say the first time because Craig has raped me at least twice a month since the first time.

It would be more if my parents weren't here, it would be more if I didn't avoid him.

My body has gotten more used to it, of course it still hurts, I still scream until I pass out, and I come back with bruises each time.

He always finds a way to get to me, then he acts like everything is normal, like we're still best friends.

I was pulled out of my thoughts when I saw the large sign in front of the pet store.

Getting a fish will take my mind off the fact that Craig raped me again last night, it'll distract me from the fact that I have no friends.
I've done a lot of research, I've decided on getting a Gold Gourami, maybe two so they won't be alone.

Nothing deserves to be alone.

Setting my bike against the building, I went in.

"Thank you for shopping at PetSmart, is there anyway I can help?" A woman spoke kindly as I walked through the first isle.

"I was just wondering if I could get some fish?" I said in a tone that was so hoarse I doubted she understood, but seemed to get it.

"Of course!" She chirped as she immediately lead me to the fish section.

I smiled at the large selection before me, when my eyes landed on the gold gourami, I knew I would be getting two instead of one.
There's only two in the tank, I can't separate them.

Fish like to have companions to socialize with, like people, sometimes they don't get along, but when they get along with each other it's great.
If would be horrible to isolate them like that.

The only concern I had was the gender of the fish, if they were opposite, I can't get them because I can't have baby fish everywhere.

Upon approaching them, I could tell they were both male due to the size of the fins.

"I want these two" I said, already falling in love with them.

I've been so eager to get the fish, I've had the tank sitting ready for them for a week or so, it needs to sit for awhile so some algae and stuff can build up, it's healthier for them.

"Nice, do you have any other fish?" The woman asked as she prepared the bag for the fish.

"No, these will be my first, but the tank is a forty-five gallon, so I'll be adding some more after awhile" I said, being truly happy in this moment.

I'm so excited.

I watched as she scooped the fish into the bag and added some of the tank water into the mix.
"Here you go!" She said sweetly, handing me the bag.

"Thank you" I said softly as I pulled the bag up to look at the fish.

They look fairly small, I could tell them apart because one had darker stripes than the other.

I hope I can give them a good, long life.

***

"You rode home with fish in the basket?" Craig seemed surprised as I walked in my room.
I was surprised that Craig was here.

I felt the smile fall from my face, I felt my excitement for the fish fade away.

Now I just felt fear, pain.

I ignored the man sitting on my bed and I opened the lid of the tank, placing the unopened bag in the water.

"You know, Vic, to put the fish in the tank, you probably need to take them out of the bag" Craig laughed, shaking his head.