The chirping of birds roused me from my sleep. I laid there for a bit, listening to Allison’s rhythmic breathing. Even asleep she was still stunning. I heard an alarm go off in another room. I brushed a hand through her hair before resting it on her cheek.

She smiled before slowly opening her eyes, “Good morning.. You have bed head.” She said, resting her head on my chest again.

“You’re one to talk. Besides, we’re not in bed. Come on, we’ve got to get ready for school.” I said, rubbing her shoulder.

She groaned, “Can’t we just stay like this? Skip school for the day.” Looking at me in askance.

I kissed her forehead and sat up, forcing her up with me. I brushed my hands through my hair in attempt to tame it.

Allison just watched me, eyes scanning my body, “You’re surprisingly comfy for someone so toned.” She tilted her head in thought, an inadvertently adorable action.

I stood up and put a hand on the back of my neck, “Um, your mom said I could borrow some of your brother’s old clothes for today?”

She stood up, “Yeah, hold on.” She said before walking over and opening some drawers, closing others, “Okay, this drawer is shirts, this one pants, this one socks, this one, well, you get the gist of it. I’m going to go change too. We’ll see you in the kitchen.” And with that, she left the room.

Once she was out, I picked out a set of clothes and changed. Her brother must’ve been skinny, because the shirts I tried were all kind of tight around my pectoral and biceps. Oh well. I thought as I went and grabbed up my hoodie, putting it on over the white Tee. Then I headed to the kitchen where I heard Allison and Mara talking.

“So you two slept together?” I heard Mara ask in a teasing tone alongside a sizzling sound.

“No! I mean, not in the way you’re implying.” Allison blurted, embarrassed and exasperated.

I walked in and sat next to Allison who had fixed her hair, “Hey, you wiped the drool off your face I see.”

Her face flushed, “I was drooling?” She was covering her fac. Not like it’d do much good now.

“Oh yeah. Huge pool all over my chest.” I smiled. She was so easy to tease I just couldn’t help myself.

Her hands covered her entire face, “You’re kidding, right?” She couldn’t even look at me.

“Yeah, I was kidding. You’re really fun to tease.” I said, resting my head on one hand, observing her.

She uncovered her face, recovering some composure. “I knew that, I don’t drool. Besides, I would’ve felt it when I woke up.” She squinted at me before smiling and holding out her hand for me to take.

The smile on her face said danger, but she also didn’t look like she would take no for an answer. I took her hand in mine, rubbing my thumb against her hand.

The dangerous smile faltered before turning genuine, “You’re lucky you know how to defuse a situation.” She held my hand up to her cheek and held it there.

Then Mara set plates of eggs, sausage, and bacon in front of us, “Alright, eat up so we can make it on time.”

They both started eating, but I hesitated. Not used to this kind of treatment yet. Everything I’d experienced in the past, what? Thirteen hours? Was so foreign to me.

Allison grabbed my fork and stabbed an egg with it, “If you don’t eat, I’ll feed you like a baby.” She said grinning, holding the fork in front of my mouth.

I ate the egg before taking the fork back and smiled, then I dug in. The food was delicious. I finished my plate first, then drained my orange juice.

“Wow, hungry huh? There’s plenty more left if you want.” Mara informed.

I shook my head, “Thank you, but I’m definitely full. I usually eat fast so I can get away from Byron and Margret quicker, it just became a habit.”

She nodded in understanding before standing and taking my plate and cup over to the sink.

“I can wash it myself.” I said quickly, standing up and quickly walking over.

She turned around to face me, “You’re a guest here, you don’t need to concern yourself with things like that.” Mara said, smiling.

Hesitantly, I nodded and went back to my seat. This feels weird. I thought to myself.

Allison brought her plate over to the sink once her mother was done, washing it herself.

I didn’t like it. Going from being forced to cleaning Byron’s messes to not even cleaning my own. It felt Wrong. I looked around. The house was so clean, no stench of alcohol or burnt food. My head started spinning. The walls closing in. I ran outside onto the porch and sat against the icy cold wall, head between my knees, letting the cold air fill, escape, and fill my lungs once more. The front door opened and two pairs of footsteps could be heard. It’s Just Allison and Mara, I thought to myself on repeat, still taking on cold air to calm myself. Then an arm wrapped around me. I flinched and stiffened, but the gesture was filled with compassion rather than malice, so I relaxed some, continuing to breathe and reassure myself. The cold keeping me grounded. I heard a pair of footsteps go back into the house. I looked up, Mara had gone in. Then I noticed that Allison was still in just a Tee, and it was in the negatives. I stood up and held a hand out to her, “It’s cold, let’s go back in.” I said, forcing a smile.

She nodded and took my hand, but instead of smiling back, she didn’t release my hand as we headed back into the house. “What happened?” Mara asked when I entered her line of sight.

An awkward smile plastered my face, “Got overwhelmed. Everything was so… What I assume to be normal, the complete opposite environment that I grew up in and-” I stopped to think, “I don’t even know. But suddenly it felt like the walls were closing in on me and I just needed some air.”

Mara nodded in understanding, “Well, if you’re not feeling up to school you can stay. I don’t have any clients today anyway, so we could just talk for a while.”

Allison lit up, “We can stay home today?” She asked excitedly, clinging to my arm a little bit more.

Mara shook her head, “You have no reason to stay home, you weren’t the one who just had a panic attack.” She raised an eyebrow at Allison.

She slumped her shoulders, “Aww, I wanted a whole day just to hang out.”

“That’s what the weekends are for Alice. Now get your coat on.” Mara chided.

I squeezed Allison’s hand before letting go and retrieving my coat, “School was always more or less a coping zone for me. An escape from Byron and Margaret for about eight hours. I’ll be fine going to school.” I glanced at Allison for a moment before decisively slipping on my coat.

Allison practically jumped at me before pulling me into a hug, “I’d be so bored at school if you stayed home.”

I hugged her back, “Don’t worry, there’s something I might have to handle today anyway.”

She pulled back enough to look into my eyes, Mara looked at me with interest as well, “What? Some missing work?” She fake gasped, “Scandalous.” Then she giggled.

Mara might have noticed the seriousness that flashed in my eyes for a brief moment before I smiled and pulled away from the hug, “Come on, we’ve gotta go.” I put on my new shoes from Ms. Riken and slung on my backpack.

Sighing, Allison put on her shoes and backpack, “I’m sitting in the back with you though.” Then she took my hand again.

“Alright, let’s go before you’re late.” Mara said after pulling on her own coat and shoes.

We exited the house first and headed to the car. Mara unlocked it from the porch before locking the front door. I opened the door and gestured for Allison to get in. She got in and scooted to the middle seat, patting the spot next to her. I smiled and sat next to her, closing the door and buckling up. She put her head on my shoulder.

Then the driver side door opened and Mara got in. She started the car and let it heat up some before pulling away from the curb.

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Allison had her arm around mine, our fingers interlocked as well as she rested her head on my shoulder. I should be happy, yet I had a bad feeling about today, and it made the voice start chattering in the back of my mind. Let’s just hope I don’t have to handle that today. I thought to myself.

We arrived at school, but Allison seemingly fell asleep, head on my shoulder. I gently shook her awake.

“C’mon, we’re here.” I said, my voice filled with reservation. There was no way today would go well.

Allison beamed at me as she unbuckled and grabbed up her backpack, “Let’s go then.”

I nodded and followed her out of the car, saying goodbye to Mara before heading towards the school.

Allison took my hand and swung it back and forth as we walked. She seemed to be in a good mood. One that I just couldn’t match for the day.

As we got closer to the entrance, the voice started cackling once more, and a smile unfit for the situation creeped onto my face.

A reassuring squeeze from Allison snapped me out of my trance, “What’s wrong?” She asked.

I shrugged, “It’s nothing, don’t worry about it.” I lied, forcing a smile. Earning a pout from her as we entered the building.

She let go of my hand and crossed her arms, stopping a few feet from the door. “Tell me Alex.” Her face was no longer pouty, she now wore a serious expression.

The cackling got louder and I felt something bubbling up in my chest. I couldn’t tell her, so I turned and started walking away when she grabbed my arm.

“I won’t let you shut me out.” She demanded, looking more serious than I’d ever seen her.

She came closer, stopping only when her face was just an inch from mine, “You know you can trust me. I know you know, so why won’t you?”

I looked away. Knowing my parents, they’d show up. They’d show up and ruin everything, but I couldn’t say it. Because as long as I don’t say it, as long as I don’t acknowledge the possibility… “Just go to class. Please.” I said, still not looking at her.

Looking defeated, she looked me in the eyes for a few seconds before letting me go and wordlessly walking away.

It hurt to watch, but I couldn’t bring myself to verbally acknowledge the possibility. I walked to class, the dark laughter ever persisting.

I made it all the way to the last class of the day without interruption. Allison slunk into the seat next to me, but didn’t say anything or look at me.

“Allison.” I tried to get her attention. She ignored me. I poked her, “Hey, I need to apologize.”

She looked at me with a stern, unforgiving gaze, “Why should I let you? I may be clingy, but I won’t just let you disregard me whenever you feel like it.”

That stung, “Look. There was a possibility of something happening today, and it scared me. I felt that if I didn’t acknowledge it, it wouldn’t come to pass. It seems like i was ri-”

The phone started ringing. My heart dropped, the cackling ensued. Mr. Flynn went and answered the phone.

My face lost all colors and Allison suddenly understood why I hadn’t said anything.

Mr. Flynn looked at me before replying to the phone, “Yes, he’s here… I’ll send him out right away.” He hung up the phone. Too loud. Everything was too loud.

“You’re being called out early. Head on down to the office and-” I didn’t give him a chance to finish.

“No.” I was smiling. It was a bone chilling smile. “I won’t.” I couldn’t. I couldn’t face them. Ever again.

He walked over to my seat, “Your parents called you out early. You don’t want to go?” My smile clearly put him on edge.

“I. Will. Not.” I dug my nails into my hands so hard I was surprised they didn’t bleed.

He backed up cautiously and headed back to the phone and dialed a number, “Yeah, this is Flynn, He said he won’t go.” He listened, nodding before recoiling from the phone. He hung up shortly after.

“Your parents are coming up to get you.” He said, trying to keep his composure.

Laughing. Everything I was suppressing started coming out, bubbling up from my chest and slowly seeping out. The laugh was slow, but it was like something out of a horror movie. Everyone in the class looked around at one another. They were scared.

Allison took my hand in her own, unclenching it and holding it close, “Alex, calm down. Please, calm down.” There was no fear in her voice, only concern.

She spoke, but I couldn’t hear her. My heartbeat, my insane laughter, the fearful breathing of those around me.

Then they arrived, “ALEXANDER BYRON MARCUS. WE’RE LEAVING! NOW!” Shouted Byron.

“Come on Alexander. Don’t be disobedient.” Margaret said sternly. Her arms crossed. “Why are you laughing? Are you mocking us?” She took a few steps into the room.

Byron pushed past her and grabbed me by the arm, “Alexander Byron Marc-”

I pulled my arm free. “Don’t call me Byron. Don’t call me Byron EVER again you narcissistic prick.” My face contorted into something sinister and enraged.

He slapped me. “What did you just say to me? Where did you get the balls? Huh? Is it because you think you have your classmates and teacher to defend you? Clearly everyone here thinks you’re some kind of freak. Just look around.”

I put a hand to my face. The last remaining echo of laughter in my mind stopped, only to continue from my own throat. I took off my shirt, revealing all the scars Byron had left on me. “You did this to me. You practically tortured me daily. And expected me to stay subservient? How conceited can you get?”

He punched me in the face, giving Mr. Flynn a glare when he attempted to interject. Instantly forcing him to back down and away from the phone.

A cracking sound resonated in my mind. “You useless waste of space.” He punched me again.

More cracking. “I kept a roof over your head, I kept food on your plate, and this is how you repay me?” He wound up for another punch.

“ENOUGH!” Allison shouted before running in front of me. “Leave him alone you parasite.” She glared.

Clearly, this pissed him off, “I’M the parasite? ME?” He laughed before slapping her out of the way. Even with all her experience in martial arts, since she was so off put that she couldn’t react before he connected.

The sight caused a final resonating snap in my mind. “You can hurt me, you’ve done it all my life, I’m used to it. But now you’ve reached my bottom line.” My smile died out completely.

“What are you going to do? Hit me?” Byron laughed, Margaret joining in like a minion following their sire.

I attempted to sucker punch him in the gut, but he batted my hand away and grabbed me by the head, then slammed his knee into my stomach. I vomited onto him, falling to my knees.

“You’re no son of mine.” he kneed me in the face. “You were a mistake, since they were already going to put me away once you revealed those scars. If I’m already going away, I might as well rectify my mistake. You pathetic waste of DNA.”

Through watery eyes, I saw Allison laying on the ground. She’d hit her head and it was bleeding. “C-call an ambulance.” I groaned, my sternum aching with each word.

“They won’t be able to save you, boy. Nobody will.” He batted me back to the ground.

Everyone was stunned silent. Even Mr. Flynn was stock still. “Save.. Allison.” I pleaded with the class.

This pissed him off even more, “You’re not going to beg for forgiveness? Why are you so focused on this girl?” He paused. A wicked grin creeping up his fat face. “Did she capture your heart? What? Was she the only person to be nice to you? Because there’s no way someone could love filth like you.” He turned to face the unconscious Allison.

A second wind came over me and I stood up, swaying. “Well, I guess filth runs through our veins.” Someone had started attempting to control Allison’s bleeding. Feeling more reassured, I grabbed the side of Byron’s head and slammed it into the floor. I could hear people on the phone with an ambulance and the police. So I let loose.

I repeatedly slammed his skull into the floor. “You won’t be incarcerated father. I’m not religious, but right now, I hope there’s a hell for me to send you to.”

Suddenly, Byron’s eyes filled with fear upon the realization that he’d created a monster far worse than himself. As he briefly looked into my eyes before his head was slammed down once more, he saw the demon he’d cultivated.

“You hurt the only person in this world that I care about.” I smiled, slamming his head into the floor again. “You won’t live to regret your decisions.” I looked up into Margaret’s eyes as I slammed his head down once more.

She squeaked and backpeadled away before falling down in a rather cliche manner.

I walked over to her and crouched down to her level before looking her dead in the eyes, still smiling. “Boo!”

She flinched and made a whining sound before curling up in a defensive position.

I laughed, “Don’t worry Margaret. Despite your shared blatant disregard for my life, you were also a victim of his abuse right?”

She quickly lowered her arms, “Y-yes, I was only following his lead because I feared what he would do if I didn’t obey him. I-I’m sorry,”

I stopped smiling, which made her freeze instantly, “While it’s true that you followed him around like a lackey in a cartoon, despite the abuse. It’s also true that you never took any measures against him or tried to protect me. In fact, even when he wasn’t home, you’d relish the feeling you got from watching me cower in fear. And unlike you..” I stood up, “I have no love for my captors.” I raised my foot as if I were going to kick her.

She squealed again before going into fetal position. Shaking violently, mumbling, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

I set my foot back down, “Oh? You never reacted this badly when dad would beat you. Now I’m a little confused.. Explain.” I ordered, my voice cold as ice.

Without looking at me, she said, “A-after it was all said and done, he’d leave me alone. B-but you, I’ve h-hurt you so much… almost as much as he has. I-..I’m afraid you’ll kill me.” She stuttered.

“Ah.” The cruel smile returned to my face, “Don’t worry mother.” I put a hand on her cheek, she flinched at my touch and started crying. “You two may have never taught me the proper way to treat people, but my teachers have. And through them, I’ve learned that it’s wrong to hit a woman.”

She suddenly looked the least bit more relieved at these words. “So you won’t kill m-”

“But at this point, I don’t even see you as human, much less a woman.” I started laughing as I thrust my hand towards her throat, stopping it just shy of contact.

She let out a blood curdling scream and flinched back again. I leaned in to whisper in her ear, “Just kidding.. Mostly.” I stepped back, her terrified eyes following me. “Now you know how it feels to be the one cowering in fear while another stands over you, enjoying watching you squirm.”

Teachers and other staff finally entered the room upon hearing her scream. “What on..” a female teacher started, but then left the room gagging upon seeing Byron and Allison both on the floor in pools of blood.

They attempted to take me out of the room, thinking I hurt Allison. “Don’t touch me.” I said with enough venom to kill a horse, batting away a hand. “That bastard attacked me, and then Allison.” I smiled again, unable to contain my laughter, “So I defended myself and got revenge for what he did to her.” I noticed sirens that had gone unnoticed in the distance were closer now, almost here.

My face was battered and bloody, but most of it was Byron’s. In more ways than one. My stomach hurt like hell. “I’ve won.” I said as everything faded to black, and I collapsed.