Hidden Hope

Chapter 3

I wake up groggily with a pounding head and an aching body. Slowly, my puffy eyes crack open. The furniture outlines stand out because of the moonlight streaming in from the open-curtained window. I push myself into a sitting position, resulting in numerous groans to leave my lips. An unimaginable pain is felt and for a second I'm reassured that there's a chance I may pass out again.

Still bare, my naked body crawls into the shower with difficulty. Ice cold water travels down my back, removing any evidence of dry blood caked in different places. Focing my body to stay still, my teeth begin to chatter painfully and my body is left in a numb state.

Water droplets slide down my body and a common suicidal thought enters my mind. Getting the urge to be covered completely in water till my inflated lungs are no longer oxygenated and the last few bubble float up to the surface of my suicide domain. It sounds so peaceful. No disturbances, no pain.

The only thing stopping me is hope. Hope at a better life in the future filled with painless nights where I can be left completely alone. I'm least lonely when I'm alone. Without the abuse, mocking comments and labels. Labels which leave mental scars, the worst and most haunting kind. A pathetic, ugly, scrawny, revolting, worthless mute. Shaking myself out of my reveries I decide it's time to put the plan I've been thinking about for months into action.

Getting out of the shower, one towel is wrapped around me and the other around my soaking wet locks. I scramble into the creased clothing that he left discarded on the floor. It conceals the new dents, scars and swelling bruises. Grabbing the packed bag from its hidden place, I take one last glance around the room that has held my pain for years. Hopefully shutting the door for the last time before pattering in semi-darkness down the stairs.

I'm safely outside before my toned legs begin bounding without hesitance towards freedom. The dogs in my sketchy neighbourhood suddenly begin barking and a glance over my shoulder confirms what I was scared would happen. The entire building is serenely calm except for one part which portrays my father's bedroom light. Cursing inwardly, I inwardly pray that he doesn't care enough to come after me. Maybe he won't mind living without the toy that satisfies his sickening needs.

Making a sudden turn down a dingy alley takes a large amount of effort as a result of my constant need for an asthma pump. A fixed destination is in mind, the only place he is too afraid to wander within. Even if he asks for assistance the townspeople hold just as much fear towards the beats said to inhabit the woods. I'm almost there. Just a few more sharp turns.

I am so concentrated on getting away that I'm unaware of the lone figure lurking in the shadows. The bulky figure steps out last minute to block my path with his sturdy body hovering over my weaker one. "What do we have here? A young lady all by herself. You should know better miss. You never know what might be hanging around these streets." I stumble backwards but he grips my shoulders and crushes me to the brick wall. My bag is flung to the side and his foul breath fans my face. It's too dark for me to make out any facial features. "Now why don't we have some fun?"

I can here the smirk in his raspy voice and the sound makes my stomach turn. He bends his head to place sloppy kisses scattered all over my neck. The tears begin to pool in my eyes but I refuse to show this animal any form of weakness. I begin urging myself to scream. Scream Oceane. Save yourself just this once. What's the use of having a voice if you can't use it. I try but it is as if a fear I've held within is stopping any noise from escaping.

*"Daddy please stop! No, I don't like it!" I squirm while an unknown feeling is felt as he puts his hands no other person but mommy has. But that is only during bath time to scrub off the dirt covering my skin. Why would he need to touch me there now? "Keep your mouth shut Oceane. One more word and I'll beat you with the belt." The firmness in his voice shocks me. I've never been at the receiving end of his annoyance."But daddy, you've never given me a spanking before. Only mamma." Confusion laces my words and a small frown finds a home between my wide eyes. His hands leave my skin suddenly but are replaced by something more unknown soon after. The buckle lands on my left cheek and my face whips to the side.*

With a grunt I lift my knee and it comes into contact with his crotch. "Agg. You little b*tch. You're going to regret that." Before he can get up from his bent over position I grab my bag and fling myself closer towards the woods. Closer towards my safe haven.

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Hey readers. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. She stumbles upon her mate really soon so stay in tuned🔥🍃. I'm back to school now but I'll try update every weekend.

XXX,
Mo.