Help Me

Chapter 4: Good Luck

Riley's POV

I quietly opened my house door and stepped inside. Father was at work so I was all alone. Usually I would go for a walk in the forest, but I had to start making my father's dinner.

I went into the kitchen and gathered the ingredients for the pasta I was making. As I was setting up the ingredients I hummed to my favorite song Forever Young. By the time I finished, by father came through the door.

"Riley! I'm home!"

I rushed to his side and took his jacket, "Hello Father, you must be very tired from working all day."

"Yes, yes. Where's my dinner?" He pushed me towards the kitchen.

"It's on the table, Father", I say while pulling out his chair for him to sit on.

"Come over here Riley", He said gently after he finished his dinner. But I was still cautious when walking to him. He stood up and quickly walked to me. He bend down and placed a kiss on my head and inhaled. Soon I was on the ground holding my cheek from where he had just slapped me.

He loomed over my small whimpering figure and said, "You have been with people at school haven't you?"

He didn't give me time to reply as he said, "I know you have Riley, I have people, or spies should I say. They are watching you at school, at home or wherever you are. They will always be updating me to what's happening at school. So I want you to get rid of your friends before I do." With that, he left me alone on the floor thinking of a way to get rid of my 'friends' before harm comes to them.

I heard the door slam and got off the floor. I touched the spot he had hit me and winced. It was going to leave a mark for tomorrow. I cleaned all the dishes and the table before going to my room and start my homework.

Knowing my father was going to be out for the whole night drinking, I quickly covered my already forming bruise and put on my coat and shoes to go for a quick walk around the block. I closed the door and started to walk to where I thought was the park. I soon faced a wall of trees that led to the forest. Deciding I had time to explore the forest, I stepped past the border of trees, loving how everything was so peaceful and calm.

I walked over and under fallen trees and ended in front a meadow full of wild flowers. There were bees and butterflies fluttering over the purple, yellow, pink and red flowers. I walked towards the middle of the meadow and inhaled lightly. I sat on the soft dewy grass and started to think.

About what, you may ask. About everything that happened recently. About the spies, Ashton, Erin, my father, my dead mom and brother. I paused at that thought and closed my eyes at the number of what ifs I could have done to save them.

If only I knew. If only I waited. If only I didn't call her. If only I stayed. If only I listened. If only I called for help. If only, if only, if only.

I sighed and opened my eyes silently crying. Then I started having the hiccups and a runny nose.

Whilst in my pity feast, I didn't notice Ashton come out of the forest and sit next to me. When I finally noticed him, I let out a tiny shriek and scuttled away from him.

He gazed up at the stars that had came out and said, "Why are you crying?" I quickly wiped away my tears and looked away, embarrassed that he saw me cry.

I felt an urge to trust him, but I knew I shouldn't. I can't let him be involved in my world.

"I miss my brother", I said before I could stop myself.

"Why? Is he in the army or something?"

"No. He's not in the army or something. He's..." My voice faltered, not able to continue.