Nova Black

Chapter Five

I make my way home slowly and by the time I reach my house my legs burn. I make my way to the fridge and open it to see a bottle of water and some of last nights pasta. I take the water and make my way to my room. I drop my bag onto my mattress and pull out some books. I try to read them but I cant figure out any of the words so I throw it on my desk and lay on my back. My mother asked me if I wanted a bed frame because it gets cold when your so close to the floor but I declined. change is a big part of my life by force so whatever change I can control, I will. sleeping on a thin mattress right by the floor is who I am and i'm not going to change that for the few months im here. My mother thinks that this is permanent and i'm honestly considering it for her. she has a good job and seems to like all the things this country provides us. I sigh and walk into my washroom. I uncover the mirror and see my short self starring back at me. I pull-up my shirt and trace the scar with my finger, the horrible memory coming back with each passing second,

[flashback]

" no, per favore lasciala andare (no please let her go)"

I plead while tugging on my restraints. tears are running down my face as he gets closer

"non si puo 'fare (no can do)" his sick voice says

he gets up in my face and strokes my cheek

"una ragazza così bella (such a beautiful girl)"

I spit in his face and it goes red with anger. he slaps me with the back of his hand and my head snaps to the side. he pulls out his knife in a fit of rage and tares off my shirt. he yells at me for being disrespectful and drags the knife from one side of my rib cage to another.

I scream out in pain while pleading for him to spare her...

[end of flashback]

I blink back into reality and swallow the tears that threaten to spill. I cover my mirror, no longer being able to look at myself. I walk to my window and open it while grabbing my blanket from my bed. I step out and sit on the small ledge with my diary and pillows. its almost dark out and I can see my breathe. My eyes wonder across the small street and I see Austin standing in his window, shirtless. I suck in a breath and continue to stare as he slowly turns around so his backs facing me. his back has a big gold lion on it and I immediately recognize it as the lions gate mark. Austin was in the most powerful gang in Canada and he wasn't just a member, he was the god damn leader. I write down the new information i've obtained and pretend to be relaxing when I hear his window open.

"hey" he says quietly

I open my eyes to his soft voice and mutter a small hi back,

"my aunt invited you guys over for dinner. I think your mom said yes" he says while leaning out of the window

I nod my head and hear my mom call my name from inside the house. when im just about to go inside I hear Austin call my name,

"about today... are you ok?" he says

I feel like I have no choice but to answer him so I do,

"im fine" I say and make another move to go inside

"don't listen to those girls ok. you're not anything like them and that scares them. You scare them. they don't like what's different" he says while scratching the back of his neck

I nod my head and open my mouth to speak but my mother yells my name again,

"venuta! (coming!)" I yell back and quickly go inside.