Written in Ink

Chapter Two

When I woke up, I was surprised to find myself in what appeared to be a tattoo parlor. Did Xavier sell me last night?!

That though was quieted a few miniutes later when he entered the room. Whiping down the chair in the middle of the room, he said, "It's around five, Ali. The sun will be up soon and you can head home."

Fuck. If I'm not back before six...

Hastily, I gathered my things. I thanked him, "I'm grateful you let me stay here last night. I have to go now, thank you so much!"

Xavier looked like he might try to stop me, so I ran out the door without looking back.

Checking phone, I noticed it was 5:23. There was no way I'd make it on foot, so I hailed a cab.

I didn't realize how far I'd walked. It was 6:15 when I opened the front door quietly. As fast as possible, I sprinted passed the doorway to the living room.

"Alicia! Where the hell have you been?"

My father's angry call made me freeze in dread. Slowly, I turned to face him, painting my face in a fake smile. "I'm sorry, Father. I stayed at a friend's house last night amd forgot to tell you. It won't happen-"

He cut me off, "Was this friend of yours a man?!"

I made the mistake of hesitating a second too long. Before I could deny it, he slapped me with enough force to throw me to the ground. The sting kept me silent as he threw accusations at me.

"You little whore. Just like your mother! Just seventeen years old, and already a slut. I bet you do it for money. For a while, right? Is the credit card I give you not enough?!"

I didn't bother to point out he tried to beat me every time I used it. Payment,  he calls it. To relieve stress.

Standing, I apologized and said I need to leave for school. He said, "Right. Go suck your teacher's cock with that vile mouth of yours. Your grades are shit. Don't make me look bad or I'll starve you."

As I walked out the door, I knew it was true. I made a C once and he cut off my card and didn't let me eat for a week. It was hell. Thankfully, a teacher noticed and handed me food every day at lunch. She was too scared of my father to call the police, though.

I didn't blame her. My father was the type to cut down anyone who opposed him. The company can't take away his position as CEO anymore. It's too risky. They tried and he had bombs planted in the homes of the people responsible.

When I arrived at school, everyone asked me about the bruise on my face. Yes, it hurt. No, no one attacked me. I just fell down the stairs and hit a table.

I knew my stories weren't believable. I wasn't a clumsy person. The beatings I got for dropping dishes had broke me from that. Still, no one pushed it. They assumed I was with an aggresive guy despite always saying I'm single.

It was alright. Better to be dumb than weak.

After school, I walked home in a daze. When Xavier asked me what I was doing in his shop, I realized I'd avoided home on autopilot. I told him I didn't want to be home right now.

Xavier tried to pretend he couldn't see the bruise. He didn't question it. He just said, "Sit down and try not to disturb me."

It was a pleasant surprise when he began treating my wounds an hour later. Again, he didn't ask me what happened.

It wasn't until then that I noticed that this is what he meant by office. I bit back a smile, knowing it would hurt.

When the clock hit five, I decided to go home. If I was lucky, I'd be in my room with the door locked before anyone realized I was there. I said goodbye.

Xavier stopped me on my way out. "Don't let anyone beat on you, okay, kid? If something happens let someone know. The shop is closed Monday and Tuesday, but I'll be here most other days. Feel free to drop by anytime."

My heart ached from the kindness. Afraid I'd cry if I spoke, I nodded my head and made my way home.