You guys actually don't know how sorry I am, like seriously. I'm on my knees asking for forgiveness.

Jk, the Queen of Olympus doesn't bow to anyone ;)

I love pancakes. Pancakes are amazing.

But Oreo Pancakes? They're the bomb.

I haven't made them in a while, because I always try to escape the house as fast as I can. Besides, the kitchen is always a mess.

But for the first time in a while, I feel safe in my house. It's been a month since my father was last here.

I don't know where he is or when he's coming back, but I'm going to savor my freedom and happiness for as long as I can.

Knock knock.

Now whoooo could that be? The only people that care enough to come over are the Boys and Josh.

Wiping my hands on a towel, I walk over and open the door.

"I'm not gonna let you eat my pancakes, okay, cuz they're min-"

Let me give you some advice: never say something until you know who it is you're talking to.

"Are you Jasmine Rega?" the police officer at the door asked.

"Yes...?"

"You're going to have to come with me."

The officer waited while I slipped on my shoes and led me to the car.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"It's about your dad."

----------ooooooooo------------

Once, in the middle of a beating, my father, the ex-police captain, told me that every single person on the force was corrupt. He laughed as I realized that nobody could help me. Nobody would care if I told them I was being abused. All they cared about was money.

I knew everyone on the force. Every evil, lying creature that fooled the town into thinking that they were safe. They would often come over to our house and order me around. I was their friend's little servant daughter.

This officer, however, was new. I'd never seen him before. In fact, I realized as we walked through the police department, I'd never seen any of these people before.

I was led into a small office, the room where my father used to sit proudly. The captain's office.

But instead of Lester (my father's best friend and corrupt replacement), a black haired woman sat in the room.

"Hello, Jasmine. I'm Captain Aferman," she greeted.

"What happened to Captain Lester?" I asked bluntly. Don't judge me. I have questions.

"You knew Lester?" she asked, arching her eyebrow.

I nodded in reply.

"Well, you see, Lester was corrupt. In fact, all of the workers on this force were. So they were removed and replaced with us."

Words can't express how I felt in that moment. Everything changed in an instant. I had an escape route. A way to finally leave my father. Uncorrupted officers meant people who were willing to listen to me. People who could help me.

"Anyway, you were brought here because we have your father in custody." Captain Aferman continued.

"For what, exactly?" I was pretty sure they had yet to figure out he abused me. So what crime was he arrested for?

"He's part of a drug cartel."

Say what?

I mean, I knew he was a drunk, but a druggie? Really? Since when? And in all the Wattpad stories I've read, the terrible abusive father forces his daughter to sell drugs or be a prostitute. Of course, this was only until her handsome prince rode in on his white horse. Well not me! I've been saved by my Captain in shining armor.

"We have some questions about his... work for you."

"Fire away."

The Captain looked up at me, her lips pressed into a thin line.

"What did you know about your father's job in the cartel?"

"Nothing at all. I didn't even know he was involved with drugs!"

She raised a perfectly plucked eyebrow at me.

"You never worked with him at all? And he never told you anything at all?"

I snorted. "Me? Help him? That's laughable. He never told me anything, and I never suspected it. I thought the only thing he was good for was getting drunk and abusing me."

Aferman's eyes widened. Oh well, they would've found out eventually.

"He what?!" she exclaimed.

"Ever since my mom died, he's been abusing me," I said casually. "Never made me do drug stuff for him, though. Thank god for that."

"Why didn't you tell anyone?" Captain's Aferman's eyes had softened into a pitying look that I hated.

"You said it yourself. Corrupt officers. Nobody to help me."

She frowned. "So you never got any medical help, either?" I shook my head.

"Officer Bradley?" she called to the officer that brought me. "Take Miss. Rega to the hospital, please."

------blue dress or white-------

The nurse grimaced every time she saw a scar or bruise. Woman up, lady. You're a nurse, for god's sake.

Some photographer was taking pictures of my scars, as "evidence against my father for his trial".

I was told that I lost a lot of blood, and (the nurse looked like she was going to barf) I never noticed because I had grown accustomed to losing blood and feeling pain.

I was left alone in the hospital to rest, and had some time to ponder on the day and organize my thoughts.

My father was going on trial for illegal drug trafficking and abuse. He would most likely go to jail, because there were heaps of incriminating evidence against him. I'd probably never have to see him again.

There are no corrupt officers anymore. Nobody can really hurt me. Captain Aferman assured me that everyone had been thoroughly checked out. Everyone was on the same side. My side.

I had no home to go to. The house was being taken by the government or something. I hadn't been listening. I was to occupied with the thought that I had no family. I was too young to be on her own. I wouldn't turn 18 for a few more months. Would I be put in a foster care system? An orphanage?

How would I go to college? Sure, I had about $3,000 saved from work and other odd jobs, but that wasn't nearly enough. My dream was to go to college and study to be a lawyer or a writer.

My last thought before I fell asleep was that my life had changed, and the future was more uncertain then ever.

-------Yanny or Laurel-------

I awoke to shouting in the hall. Uneasily, I stood up and peaked outside the window. Standing there fighting with a police officer stationed outside my door was Jackson, Lucas, Noah, and Josh.

"What is going on?" I shouted. All 5 boys (including the officer) shut up and looked at me, then blushed and turned away.

Yup, I'm standing in a koala covered hospital nightgown.

And I make it work.

"Thank god, you're okay," Lucas sighed, hugging me softly.

He pulled away and was replaced with Josh. Josh looked into my eyes with such intensity that I looked away.

Jackson was next. He held me in his arms and whispered "You scared me" in my ear.

"FLOWER, THANK TACO BELL YOU'RE ALRIGHT." He practically crushed me in his arms.

The officer, who stood there looking bewildered at Noah's... statement.... snapped out of his trance.

"Miss. Rega, do you know these boys?"

"Unfortunately."

The officer looked alarmed and reached for his walkie talkie, but I stopped him.

"They're my friends."

"Jasmine, you're up!" Captain Aferman walked towards me. "We'll need you to come back to the station once the doctor clears you."

"Mom?" said a voice from the Boys' group.

"Honey, what are you doing here?" the Captain asked as the boy stepped up.

"Mom?!" I said staring at him incredulously.