Broken Vessels

| Chapter XV- Veronica |

| 2-7-18 |

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Heyo people! I'm back with a new BV chapter and I do apologize for the wait. It's been almost a month and I feel horrible! But I'm back so I hope you enjoy this chapter!!

Warning: Slight psychical and sexual abuse.

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| Chapter XV- Veronica |

*The first step towards change is awareness. The second step is acceptance. -Nathaniel Branden*

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Allison's life was nothing compared to mine. After my shift at Boulder Creek, that was the conclusion I came to. Her family was very tight-knit. I could tell they had a good life going on. I'm sure it wasn't perfect. No family was. But her's was as perfect as it would get in this life. They seemed so joyful, so happy, so...free. It almost made me want to curse them. But they were too sweet to do that.

I picked my phone up and dialed Cindy's number. She picked up on the third ring with a shaky breath. My hand clenched on the steering wheel. Something wasn't right. "Veronica," she whispered and I pressed on the accelerator. I knew that tone of voice.

"Hush baby girl. I'm on my way. Keep Caleb with you and lock your room door. I'll be home soon," I commanded as I started dodging cars, their honking at me going through one ear and out the other. I didn't care. My siblings were in harm's way.

"Please Ronnie. They're so loud," I heard her whisper with sniffles. I started mentally cursing myself. I knew it was a bad idea to get a job and leave them alone. Why didn't I just bring them?

"I'm almost here. Stay on the phone but don't make a sound," I told her in a calm tone as I neared my street. She didn't reply but I heard the slight hiccup.

Sh**. Sh**, sh**, sh**. Why the he** did this always happen?! Why did they come back again? Weren't they just here earlier this week?! Fu**!

I pulled into my driveway and told Cindy I was home, before hanging up and casually getting out of my car as to not raise suspicions from my neighbours. They probably had it though when the strangers (not strangers really) kept coming in unannounced. Most of the time though, the neighbours kept their distance. They never went out of their way anymore to talk to us. Not that I minded. Saved a lot of issues from happening.

I walked into the house and shut the door, listening to the shouting that came from the basement and to the rummaging that was in the kitchen. Clenching my jaw, I dropped my things and took off my shoes before walking into the kitchen, seeing Simon, the main dealer, stealing things from our kitchen.

"Put those back right now," I commanded in a steady tone even though my heart beat went way past healthy beating. I was terrified but refused to let it be shown. He froze slightly before slowly turning around and giving me a filthy grin, his white teeth on display.

If there is one thing I noticed, it was that the big boss themselves never took the drugs. Or they didn't take it as often as everyone else. They mostly just fooled people like my family into buying themselves an early grave just so they, the big bosses, have cash to live on when they could easily get a job that doesn't kill others.

"Aw if it isn't little Veronica. You know, you're family is waiting for you to join them downstairs. They miss you terribly and want you to relax a little," he began as he took a step forward. I kept my stance and brought my shoe closer to me. That was my weapon until I could lunge for something else.

"You try this every time Simon. It's not going to work. Now I'm going to ask you and your boys to leave," I replied calmly.

He came even closer, almost to the point where I can smell the drugs on him mixed with some intoxicating cologne. It made me want to gag but even the slightest bit of weakness would be a death blow.

He tsked and ran a finger over my cheek. "Oh sweets. I could fix everything in your life if you let me," he cooed and I ripped myself away from his touch, glaring at him.

"You're the source of my problems. Fix it by getting out of my house," I demanded as I pointed to the door. He began to laugh loudly before he stopped and backhanded me. The shock pushed the pain away. I didn't expect that. But I should've.

He then grabbed my by the front of my shirt before slamming me against the wall near the fridge. He brought his ugly face close to me and I smelled more of his intoxicating scent. "You will not talk to me that way. I will make sure to teach you a lesson," he threatened as he forcefully put his lips on mine.

I began thrashing around but he tightened his hold until it was painful and I was sure bruises would be there the next day. He kept going, trying to stick his tongue in my mouth and he thought he succeeded when I gave entrance, but only to bite down hard on his lips, tasting some of his blood.

He pulled back with a strangled cry, shocked at what just happened. I used his distraction to knee him in the balls before slamming my elbow down his neck. He fell to the floor from the unexpected blows before I grabbed my stuff and ran up the stairs, knowing his men would come up soon with all the ruckus caused.

I had all the rooms upstairs locked with the spare keys in Cindy's grasp and the main ones in mine. They couldn't get in without the keys. So I let myself in with the twins before locking the door and joining them in the dark corner, our breathing heavy with fear.

As we sat in this position, listening to to things being thrown around the house and shattered, I have come to accept that this was my life. Nothing was going to change it. We were to be forever doomed to a life of hiding until I turned eighteen. Heavens knew how long that would be. I just couldn't wait for the day where we can escape. 

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Short but I think it was long enough for this part of Veronica's side. Let me know what you think by commenting and voting!