1 Chapter 1

Saffron's p.o.v

The old tattered mattress groans under my weight as I turn over in an attempt to ease the growing discomfort of my body, but the movement only makes it worse. My teeth clench as searing pain flashes through my side. I slowly sit up despite every inch of my body protesting. My head spins, vision cutting out for a second as lightheadedness sweeps over me. A shiver runs through my body, goosebumps rising on my skin as my feet make contact with the cold hard floor. The floorboards groan under my feet as I slowly make my way to the bathroom. Locking the door behind me, I cautiously jiggling the door knob to be sure it's sealed shut. Limping slowly to the front of the dusty mirror that hangs just above the small cracked sink, I slowly shed my clothes wincing at the movement. Turning back to the mirror I grimace at the girl staring back at me. Tangled black locks, matted curls cascading down her back. Dull blue orbs staring back, swirling with hidden emotions, my secrets locked securely behind them. Pale, sickly-looking skin shows every mark from the harsh touches that have riddled my small frame with splotches of black and blue. Tears of disgust fill my eyes as I look at my protruding hip bones. My eyes focus on the bruise on my cheek, passing over the dark smudges that are permanently painted on my face, it's an angry purplish color. I flinch as I slowly run my hand over it. Grabbing a washcloth from a small cabinet in the corner of the room, I turn on the small faucet, watching the water flow. I wait a few minutes for it to heat before letting the rag soak under the warm water. I bared my teeth in pain as I gently run the rag over my face. A shaky breath escapes as I recall the unwanted memories from the story that is written on my skin.

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Fear raced through my veins as I raced home, my legs ached begging me to stop. My chest burned with the need for oxygen. I had lost track of time while cleaning up at work, now I knew I was gonna pay the "consequences". I rushed as fast as my weakened state could take me. Dread crept up in the back of my throat, suffocating me with fear. Finally I made it to the base of the driveway. My eyes filled with terror, tears pricking them, begging to be let loose. They burned with the urge to burst free but I pushed them back. I stared at the car parked at the top of the driveway, my hope that maybe he wasn't home was quickly vanquished. I trudged up the driveway, my steps heavy in trepidation. The cold metal of the doorknob met my warm skin, a shiver driving its way down my spine. I slowly turned the doorknob, my body stiffening as the door creaked open. Blinking I adjusted my gaze to the darkness, cautiously I made my way in, carefully treading the dangerous territory. My steps light, scared to make too much noise.

I cringed as the old stairs groaned under my feet. My pace quickened, eager to make it to my room, possibly out of danger. I froze, the echo of a glass shattering buzzed through my ears. I yelped in panic when someone grabbed hold of my hair tightly. The strong smell of alcohol wafted over my senses. I cried out in pain as I was roughly thrown to the floor. Without time to recover, a foot rammed into my stomach. I gagged as my mouth filled with the metallic taste of my blood. A cough rumbled through my chest as his foot made contact with my ribs. My back hit the wall harshly. The blood that had filled my mouth was now spilled to the floor from the impact. “WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN… HUH!!” His deep voice yelled in a drunken slur. He knitted his hand roughly into my raven locks before I could reply. “ANSWER ME!!" he spit out, venom dripping from his words. “ANSWER ME! WHERE YOU!? HUH!?.. SAFFRON!?.” he said my name like it was poison on his tongue. “P-p-lease d-d-dad.” I whimpered out tears brimming in my eyes. His face contorted into pure rage, he slammed me into the wall, making me double over, my stomach lurched to empty itself but it was already empty. My lungs screamed for air. “I AM NOT YOUR FATHER!...DON'T EVER CALL ME THAT AGAIN!.” he screamed. “I-im s-sor-ry.” I choked out. “Sorry's not gonna cut it this time.” he chuckles darkly. His face was painted in an unreadable expression. Before I could react, he knitted his fingers back into my hair. I flinched, wincing in pain at the harsh sting as his hand made contact with my face. My head flicked to the side harshly. He grabbed my chin roughly forcing my gaze to meet his. I watched in fear as a dark smirk covered his features. I screamed in agony as he bashed my head into the wall, until eventually I gave in to the darkness that so sweetly called me to it.

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The hot water cascades down my bruised body as I step into the old shower. A ragged breath hisses through my teeth. I cringe at the sharp pain stabbing my side, knowing he probably broke a rib. Slowly I step out of the shower and dry myself off, before carefully getting dressed. I quickly hide my paycheck for this month. Glancing around the room, I make sure everything is hidden in it's respective place. I make my way out of my room quietly, locking my door in hopes he'll stay away from my stuff. I slowly stalk down the stairs, anxiety filling my every step. As I make it down the stairs, I sigh, seeing he's nowhere in sight. Hoping to prolong the next beating, I robotically whip together his breakfast, then swiftly run out the door, not sparing another glance at the house.