Excerpt: Chapter 1: It has been almost three years since I vanished. Three years since I left my family, my friends, and my life behind. It has been a challenge, but it was necessary; necessary to stay sane, and for my daughter's well-being and safety. I should not have had to run, but no one would have helped me, not even my own family. The only thing I haven't had to change is my daughter's first name, Joy. I can't drag her into my old life, my old mistakes. That wouldn't be fair to her, and she doesn't need to know about my past; at least not yet. ------------------------------------------------------ Chapter 4: My thoughts were interrupted when I felt a warm hand being placed on my back. I sit up quickly and look up to see both Ethan and Zane looking at me, with Zane's hand now moved to rest on my shoulder. "How much of that did you hear?" He looks down at me, still towering over me even though I'm sitting straight up now. I don't answer, instead, I try to push his hand off of my shoulder. I glance towards the front of the room and catch eyes with Mrs. Keshner, who is looking at me worryingly. Can't she see that I'm uncomfortable? "Answer me." Zane growls, getting closer to my ear as he easily wraps his hand around the back of my neck. I can hear him breathing into my ear as he tightens his grip. I start to feel a little afraid. His grip on the back of my neck hurts. This isn't normal. -------------------------------------------------- NOTE: THIS STORY IS SUBJECT TO NAME CHANGES, EDITS, AND OTHER CHANGES. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. GRAPHIC CONTENT AHEAD, INCLUDING SEXUAL CONTENT. HEAVY ABUSE.