My father left us when I was twelve. We were so happy. He was an abusive, vindictive bastard. We thought he was never going to come back. We had a fresh start. We were going to save up, get out of this neighbourhood. But six months later, in the middle of the night, he came back, drunk. 

He saw the moving boxes, and got angry. He started smashing stuff up, completely ruined the house. He demanded that we give him money. When we refused, he got physical. So eventually, we just did it. 

He stayed a couple of days, 'catching up'. The worst days of my life. He made it clear that he would be back. He took it all. All the money we saved up to move. So we had to stay. Of course we tried again. So many times. We saved, and saved, but he always came back.

We tried the police two times. The first time, he was here. The first time he came back. He was in the middle of beating my mom, and I was scared. I called nine one one. They asked me what was wrong, and I told them. Dad's beating mom. I need help. They came out, and broke it up, but he wasn't arrested. They just left, no questions asked. And Dad just finished what he started. With me. I didn't know why the police didn't do anything. Until the second time we tried to get help.

My Dad had just left again. About the third time. My mom and I went to the police station ourselves. We were directed to a room, and we told an officer what was going on. He took it all down, and pretended he cared. He said that he would look into it,and told us to leave. But, just as we were about to get in the car, another officer ran up to us. He was pretty young. His name was Hunter. He wanted to tell us that the police weren't going to do anything. He said that it sucked, but it's because of our neighbourhood. It's the worst in town. Because of that, the police don't do anything. He recommended that we move as soon as possible. He apologised. 

But that's were life screwed us. We need money to leave. We need money to move out. But my father makes sure that he always returns in just enough time to screw us over.

<><><><>

I sigh, as I rip the cheap pair of panties off my locker, throwing it into the trash. And the day has just begun. I open my locker, sorting through my books. I managed to get some sleep last night, after Dad passed out on Mom's bed. She didn't come home for dinner, thank god. I let her know that he was home through text, so at least she's prepared. I on the other hand, have a different battle today. School.

Everybody has seen that picture. Apparently there's a video, but I haven't seen it yet. Rumours spread like wild fire in this small town. I haven't ran into any of Evan's gang yet though. Except I have to eventually. He's got my phone. I quickly make my way to English, desperately trying to avoid looking at people, knowing they're all looking at me. Oh god. I sink into a seat at the back, knowing that Bianca won't be sitting next to me any time soon. Her Dad apparently freaked out last night, when he got a call about the detention she skipped. Her parents have now forced her on a tour for a week, showing her all the colleges that she should go to. I told her everything that's happening, and she's livid. I feel sorry for her family, stuck in a car with her for a week. 

The space next to me is filled, and I look up in fear, but letting out a breath, when I see it's Jake. 

"You don't normally sit at the back." Jake smiles. "That's probably why we don't see much of each other." 

"Today I made an exception." I say dryly. 

"You're the talk of the hour." He whistles. 

"I have a feeling it'll be a bit more than hour Jake." I say, before the lesson starts. Luckily, there's none of Evan's guys in this class, so at least I can relax for an hour. What are they going to do? 

<><><><>

Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever. The bell rings, and I start to move, but I'm stopped, when Jake grabs my arm.

"If you need anything." He says. "Just come see us."

"Thanks." I smile. But I won't. We part ways, and I cringe, as I see Evan in the hall, flanked with his buddies. This will be an interesting class. I sit as far away from him as I can, but it won't make a difference, because we have a substitute. Anything goes with a sub. The class starts, and I keep my head down, trying to get some work done. I see a shadow loom over me, and I look up, to see Evan, grinning down at me.

"H-Hi." I stutter. He chuckles, along with his buddies.

"Nice swim babe?" He snickers. I don't answer, cheeks blazing. He lifts my chin up roughly, forcing me to look at him. "Answer me." He says. "Was it a nice swim?" I slowly shake my head, fuming.

"No."

"That's not very nice." He tuts. "I was good to you. I think you should show me some respect." He turns to his friends. "Don't you think boys?" They all nod their agreement, and he turns back to me. 

"I have something of yours." He continues. "Would you like it back?" I slowly nod, warily. Would it really be that easy? "I think you should earn it." He smiles. "Meet us at lunch. Behind the gym. And we'll see if... we can work something out."