Reunited (A Newsie Fanfiction)

Chapter 4

Even when frightened and threatened, Isabella always obeyed a command. She never spoke of her future uncle's cruelty, as she didn't want to upset her aunt. This only encouraged the man to continue his harassment.

Aunt Jen was out for the whole day, and George beat Isabella severely, and locked her in her room. She sobbed into her pillow, trying not to make a sound, as she would get beat again. When Jen had asked about her injuries the other night, George glared at her. She told her aunt she had gotten hurt playing.

Isabella was stuck, broken, in her once perfect world. Now it had become her own personal hell. The wind blew outside, and Isabella felt the breeze though the tiny crack in the window.

The window-

Slowly, carefully- and most importantly, quietly, Isabella pulled the window open fully. It revealed a little ledge, just big enough for her to walk across if she was careful.

Once she was out, she had no idea where to go. Isabella wandered the streets, carefully avoiding anywhere her aunt may be. That would result in being brought home and punished. For hours, Isabella wandered the streets, not knowing where she was going- looking behind her every few seconds. As she looked over her shoulder, someone slammed into her, knocking her over.

"Sorry!" A voice said. It was a girl with red curly hair, a notebook, and a pen. "I wasn't paying attention."

"Neither was I." Isabella smiled weakly. The girl extended her hand and helped her up.

"I'm Katherine Pulitzer." She shook Isabella's hand. "You look familiar, but I know I haven't seen you around." She said. Isabella shook her head.

"I'm almost never out, so you probably haven't seen me. I'm Isabella Higgins."

"Higgins..- wait! Now I know where I know you from! Come with me!" She grabs Isabella's wrist and starts running.