Involved with the Bad Boy

Chapter 27

"And where are you coming from this... this ti...me? Last time I checked, your school ended... four hours ago. Or Five..  Six. Right. Six...hours...ago."

I heard mom's drunken voice as soon as I opened the door. I went to visit the orphanage after I left school. I don't know why I always go there when I'm feeling down and confused. I prefer it there better than I prefer it here. The orphanage seems more like home to me. I was hoping I'd find mom worn out and asleep but unfortunately she's drunk and coming on to me. Again.

"I was at the orphanage mom. I've been there ever since I came from school."

I don't even know why I bother to explain. It makes no difference what I say, her mind is set that I'm always doing some other things.

"How...many were they today? Two? Three? What am... what am I saying? They were probably six. Or seven. Did you enjoy being their whore? Where... where they all... taken? Married? You..you love them like that don't you?"

This happens all the time. She accuses me of these things all the time? Then why the heck do I still let them get to me? I'm still not used to being accused of multiple infidelities by my own mother. It hurts even worse than the previous time.

"There are no men mom? I don't know why you keep accusing me of these things."

I managed to say. She reached for her bottle of liquor which I quickly grabbed from the floor.

"Don't you dare? You got me? Bring it back you son of a... bitch!"

She said attempting to stand up from the sofa, but instead falling on the floor. I quickly walked over to help her but she caught me offguard by grabbing my left leg and pulling it to her making me fall miserably on my back causing the bottle to shatter on the floor as well.

"Look at what you've done you slut! Do...you have any...any...any id...idea how expensive... that... that bottle is?"

Her voice was slurred. She was beyond drunk and she-

"Do you?"

She shouted angrily making me shudder. I tried to free my leg from her grip but she wouldn't let go. Instead she dragged me around on the floor while she screamed profanities at me. I didn't miss the way the shattered broken glasses cut through my skin as she dragged me around. I finally managed to get away from her. I grabbed my backpack and quickly walked out of the house.

I couldn't stop the tears that were continuously flowing out of my eyes. I got in the car and drove away. The events kept replaying in my head as the tears kept coming. This is the time where I'd go over to Carol's or Gail's house. But we're not friends anymore. Right now not even the park will bring me a sense of peace and comfort. It's almost nine already and I don't even know where to go. I can't go back there.

I drove with one place in mind. I can't help it. I've never needed anyone's support more than I do right now. I grabbed a jacket from the backseat. I didn't care that it was cold. I could barely even feel the cool breeze of the night. I just wanted to cover my bloody arms. I finally skidded the car to a halt and hastily wiped my tears away. I kept taking deep breaths but to no avail. My heart kept beating immensely and images of today's events flashed in my mind.

I got out of the car nonetheless and walked to the front porch of the house. I ringed the doorbell and waited. What if no one opens the door. I suddenly started to panic. I was about to ring the doorbell again when someone opened the door.

"What are you doing here so late at night?"

Austin asked staring at me with what looked like worry. Or maybe I was just imagining it. I tried to say something but my voice was caught in my throat.

"What happened Ali? Tell me."

He persisted and i kept looking down at my feet. If I looked at him, he'd know I'd been crying. I probably look like crazy.

"Won't you invite me in?"

I asked in a low voice. What if he doesn't let me come in his house. Then where would I go? How could I even think of coming here? I basically told him off today at school, how can I expect him to take me in? I'm so doomed. I-

"Come in."

He said surprising me. Did he just- I'm sure I didn't hear him right. Why would he ask me to come in after the way I acted with him at school today?

"Come in. It's freezing outside"

He said and I walked inside. What if his mom walks in and asks me what I'm doing here? What if Sonia walks in? What would I say to her? Or even worse Mr Martin.

"He's not in."

He said as if reading my thoughts.

"And everyone has gone to bed. Let's go to my room."

He said calming my nerves of anyone seeing me here. He led me upstairs and I followed him silently.

We entered the room and he locked the door. Probably so that no one walks in on us. He leaned on the door watching me. He seemed like he wanted to say something but didn't exactly know what. I don't blame him. It must really be scary having some girl who looked like shit show up at your house at night.

"You wanna talk about it?"

He finally asked and I shook my head. I just want to sleep right now. I don't wanna think nor feel.

"Okay. You can take the bed, I'll sleep on the sofa."

He said taking a pillow and extra blanket from his cupboard. I didn't say anything more. I just slipped under the blankets and let sleep take over.

                                      °°°
"You'll never see the sunrise as from today you ungrateful brat."

"Mom please don't do this to me. I'm begging you!"

"You're the reason I'm like this. You ruined my happiness and now I'll ruin your life. I hate you. You took my husband from me you slut."

She shouted as she poured petrol on me and my bed. She wouldn't do this to me.  I was crying and begging her to no avail.

"First I'll burn you alive and then I'll set your dad and his new wife on fire."

She lit a match and threw it on my bed before running out and closing the door.

"No! You can't do this to me! Mom! Please..."

The door was locked and the fire was becoming worse. I could feel the heat burning my skin.

"Help! I don't wanna die... somebody please... Please help. I...don't..."

I was choking on my breath now.

"Alice... wake up. Wake up"

Someone was calling me. And then I was being shaken slightly.

And then I jolted awake. Austin was cupping my face.

"It's okay. You're fine. It's just a dream "

I felt breathless. He handed me a glass of water and I gulped it down.

"It seemed so real."

I whispered. Then I sobbed. And more sobs came. I was crying.

"It's not. It's just a dream. I'm here. Nothing will happen to you."

He kept rocking me like I was a child. But I felt myself calming down.