Strive

Chapter 5 - Day 2928

Day 2928

SARAH’S POV

            I sat in the darkness at the bottom of the stairs, looking up the creaking, wooden staircase. About and hour ago, Justin had been taken up by Daddy. I’d always been curious, whenever Justin was taken. I could never understand what Daddy needed him for. I would always wait and count the second until he returned, hoping and praying that he’d be alright. When I was little, I’d always asked what happened while he was gone, and he’d always respond with a monotone “Nothing.” I’d always been disappointed, when he wouldn’t be truthful to me, but one look in his eyes after his return reminded me why he never told me. Over time I learned not to ask, because I could see the pain the question brought to him, but the curiosity never left. After all, what could Daddy do to him in private that I hadn’t seen already?

Long ago, Justin stopped showing that he cared if I saw him beaten, because he knew that my watching was just a mind game Daddy was playing. He didn’t want him to win again, but I could see how much he hated me watching. But no mater how much he hated it and no mater how many bruises he got, he was always truthful to me about them. I could only imagine what he’d keep secret.

I knew there had been things that I’d wanted to be a secret, mostly because I didn’t quite understand what was happening. I just knew that it wasn’t right and that I should never tell Justin about it… but that didn’t stop Daddy from showing him. Though, I’d forgotten more things than I remembered, the memory of Justin’s face when he saw Daddy lift up my dress was crystal clear. I tried my best to stay strong and not show any fear as it happened, but there was nothing I could do… after all I was only nine. That was when Daddy began to take Justin away a lot more. Before that day, I’d always been taken and Justin would just be beaten in front of me, without usually leaving the basement, but after that day he began to leave more and more. What if it’s my fault? That thought had occurred to me nearly every time Justin went upstairs. After all, he was fighting for me when Daddy got mad. I caused him to get hurt.

I looked fearfully up the staircase again, hoping that maybe Justin was coming back, but I was met by haunting silence and the darkness. “ Justin, please hurry.” I pled meekly, looking down at my hands. I began to play with the hem of my shirt, as a common thought occurred to me. What if he’s doing that to Justin? I wondered fearfully, remembering what Daddy had done to me that day in front of him. I thought back and realized that when Justin began to go upstairs, Daddy had lessened his abuse on me. Not gone, but… it was different.

I began to slap the sides of my head, trying to ignore the memory and dark thoughts. Shutupshutupshutup! Suddenly, I froze, jolting my head up at the sound of the creaking door. “Sarah.” Justin said nervously, climbing speedily down the stairs and outstretching his hand. “Get up.” He ordered, grasping my wrist and pulling me to my feet, causing me to fall forward a bit.

“Justin what’s going on?” I asked fearfully, noticing his panicked expression. His eyes were red and dry and his shirt was torn. What did Daddy do? “J-Justin what’s that?” I stammered, noticing the crimson splatter on his hand.

He looked ashamed down at his hand, hiding it in front of him, then back up towards the door. “It’s not important.” He insisted, pulling me up the stairs.

“But Justin wh-“

“Shh.” He said, raising his finger to his lips. Noticing my fear and confusion, he held my closer and kisser the top of my head. “I promise I’ll explain everything later, but right now I have to do something I should have done years ago.” He paused and opened the door a crack, looking warily down the hall. “I’m getting you out of here.”

JUSTIN’S POV

            The rocks and branches dug into our feet, as we broke through the forest. Trees slapped us as we ran and the brisk wind was numbing, but we didn’t care. We were free. I had no idea where we were and I had no idea where we were going, but did know two things: I needed to get Sarah away as fast as humanly possible… and if I didn’t find a bandage or something soon I was in huge trouble. We must have been three miles away from the house before Sarah said anything. “Justin stop.” She heaved, leaning on a tree to catch her breath, but not releasing my hand. I leaned my back against it as well, keeping my other hand clutched to my side. “Justin…” He mumbled, catching her breath. “What’s going on? I want the truth.” She demanded, looking fearfully into my eyes. I was astounded. It was the first time I’d really been able to see her face. I hated that it was filled with so much fear though…

            I took a deep breath and pushed away my pain. “I had to get you out of there.” I breathed, hoping that I wouldn’t lose balance.

            “I-I know that, but why now? Why so sudden? I just… I don’t know, I just don’t understand.” She sighed in confusion.

            I opened my mouth shakily to speak, but no words came out. A small crack escaped my mouth and I began to slide down, feeling the tree bark scratch against my back.

            “Justin!” Sarah fell to her knees beside me with tears welling in her eyes. “Justin what’s happening?” She stammered, trying to figure out what was wrong. I just shook my head, unable to speak and removed my hand from my side, revealing the dark, blood matted on my hand and side. “What did he do to you?” Sarah asked, wide-eyed in fear. Tears began to streak her cheeks, as she tried desperately to stop the bleeding, which we both knew was hopeless.

            I shook my head and sighed lightly, feeling lightheaded. “He had a gun…” I wheezed, trying to keep my eyes open. “ I should have known better than to try to fight him. It was stupid.” My heavy eyelids began to fall, as I began to lose consciousness. “I just got to old for him I guess… he was done with me.” I opened my eyes for the last time and smiled, wiping away the tears from Sarah’s flushed cheeks. “I’m just glad I got you out of there.” I smiled. “Be safe…”

            “No. No. No. Justin you can’t do this! Please! Stay awake!” She screamed, desperately trying to help me.

 I shook my head and closed my tired eyes. “I’m sorry…” I mumbled hazily, before falling unconscious and back into darkness.