In The Dark

Chapter 1

~ Jocelyn's P.O.V. ~

"Get your ass down here now!" My mothers voice echoed through the halls. I've lived with this monster for seven years now.

"In a minute!" I yelled back, annoyance clear in my voice. She doesn't scare me anymore. She's the one who taught me to be strong. I don't cry anymore. It makes you look weak. Or at least that's what my mother told me.

"Don't you 'in a minute' me! Get down here now! I'm taking you to school early! My boyfriend is taking me out today!" She yelled even louder. Oh great, her boyfriend is wonderful. He loves to beat me up every now and then.

"Alright I'm down here now, take me to school." I said, sassing her. She slapped me across the face. I laughed. "You really think you can still push me around! I'm almost eighteen!" I spat. She punched me in the ribs. That knocked me down. They're still not healed from last time.

"Get up! It's time to go!" She said grabbing her keys and slamming the door behind her.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Hey Jocelyn." Connor smiled at me. He's been my best friend ever since freshman year. We've known each other almost four years now.

"Hi Connor. How was your weekend?" I asked, faking a smile.

"Pretty good. What about you?" He looked at me, genuinely interested.

"Good." I lied. I couldn't tell him. He would think differently of me. He wouldn't like me. He would judge me. I haven't told anyone. My mom said she would kill Connor if I told him. I knew she would, too.

"Hello?" He asked, cracking a smile.

"Sorry, I zoned out." I let out a small laugh. *Bell rings* "I'll see you after school."

"Okay. See you after school." He walked to his locker and grabbed his books, walking off with his head held low. I wonder what's up with him.

Walking home was terrible. I don't want to go back there. She's going to beat me, I'm late. I walk up to the door, hearing groans and moans. Great. I forgot he was here. I push the door open and quickly walk to the stairs.

"Where were you young lady!" Mother yelled at me. I didn't answer. "Answer me." She narrowed her eyes.

"I walked home, it just took a little longer than usual." I stated. Her boyfriend walks to me, fully naked. I look away, scared to look into his eyes. He grabs my face and turns it to his.

"You better start listening to your mother, or you'll have a little bit of fun with me." He winked, making me gag.

I walked up the stairs and cried, thinking of the song I wrote two years ago. (A/N: I am fully aware that this is from the book 'mockingjay' from The Hunger Games trilogy, but I think it fits well with this book.)

I picked up my guitar and sang.

"Are you, are you coming to the tree?

Where they strung up a man they say murdered three.

Strange things did happen here,

No stranger would it be.

If we met up at midnight in the hanging tree."

"Are you, are you coming to the tree?

Where the dead man called out for his love to flee.

Strange things did happen here,

No stranger would it be.

If we met up at midnight in the hanging tree."

"Are you, are you coming to the tree?

Where I told you to run so we'd both be free.

Strange things did happen here,

No stranger would it be.

If we met up at midnight in the hanging tree."

My voice was barely audible on the last verse.

"Are you, are you coming to the tree?

Wear a necklace of rope, side by side with me.

Strange things did happen here

No stranger would it be.

If we met up at midnight in the hanging tree."

(A/N: This chapter is a little short but, I'm easing you guys into it. So let me take my time. And you'll get longer chapters soon! I'm thinking about double updating tonight, too!)