Chapter Two:

I jolted awake when my alarm went off. I’m covered in sweat. I tossed and turned all night. I crawled out of bed and turned on the light. I stretched and shut off my alarm. I walked to my closet and grabbed the heels from last night and a teal pair of skinny jeans. I flipped through my tops and settled on a white Disturbed band tee. I grabbed a bra and panties.

I walked to the shower. Having my own bathroom in my room is a blessing. It makes for worry-free showers. I scrubbed my body trying to avoid my bruises. I didn’t waste any time. I hurried and got out. I turned on the radio and started getting dressed.

You had to have it all – well, have you had enough?
You greedy, little bastard, you will get what you deserve.
When all is said and done,
I will be the one to leave you in your misery
And hate what you’ve become.

I rubbed some leave-in-conditioner through my hair and left it in loose waves. I put some moisturizer on my face and dabbed on some concealer on the dark bags under my eyes. I put on a little eye makeup and left them smoky. I put on some chapstick and grabbed my bag for school. I pocketed my keys and phone before opening my door.

I jumped when I came face to face with Eric. He’s never awake this early. He smirked.

“Don’t you look delicious this morning, Angel.” He took a step forward and caressed my cheek with his hand. He backed me back into my bedroom. I gulped and steadied my breathing.

“I’m gonna be late, Eric.” I reminded him.

“You can spare a couple of minutes for your daddy, can’t you?” He asked, grabbing my ass.

“You’re not my father.”

“Thank God for that. You’re too hot for me to ignore. Marrying your mother was the best thing I’ve ever done. I wouldn’t have stuck around for as long as I did if it hadn’t been for you. I knew you’d be old enough eventually.” He winked before pushing me onto the bed. He bent over me and started nuzzling my neck. “You smell so sweet. You always smell so…” He sniffed my hair and grinded his pelvis into mine. I looked away, focusing on anything but him. He moved his hand under my shirt and into my bra. I squirmed underneath him and tried to push him away. He grabbed my hands and held them above my head. I managed to wedge my leg in between his. He held me tighter and bit my neck. I gasped and head-butted him in the nose. “Bitch!” He growled.

I kneed him in the groin and fell off the bed. That’s gonna leave a mark. I hissed in pain. My keys jabbed me in the thigh. I started to get up but he grabbed my ankle and dragged me back. I kicked at him and hit nothing but air. He laughed humorlessly.

“I love when you put up a fight. It gets me all hot and bothered.” He whispered. I shivered and tried to get away. My phone started vibrating in my pocket.

I’m so sick, infected with where I live.
Let me live without this empty bliss, selfishness.

I’m so sick.
I’m so sick.

“That’s Jace. I’m late, Eric. I really have to go.” I wrestled to get free. His hand went down my pants and he shoved a finger inside. I cried out. It feels like he’s tearing me up down there. He held me so I couldn’t move.

“Scream for me, baby. You know you want to.” He sneered. I clamped my mouth shut. The sooner he gets what he wants the sooner he’ll be finished with me. “Come on, be a good sport.” He chuckled. He forced me to look at him. “I wanna see you, Angel.” He smiled. He leaned down and slammed his lips to mine. His tongue shoved its way into my mouth. I gagged. After a few minutes he got tired of me not responding and stopped. “You can go. Have a good day at school. I’ll see when you get home.” He smirked. He got off of me and offered to help me up. I pushed myself up off the ground and fixed my clothes. I grabbed a belt from the closet and left as quickly as I could.

I pulled out my cell and checked my missed calls. I dialed Jace on my way to my car. I put it to my ear while I drove.

“I see how it is. You’re too cool to take my calls.” He pretended to be hurt.

“Shut up. I’m sorry I’m late. Eric was in a mood and wouldn’t let me leave. Am I too late for breakfast?” I asked.

“Nah, you’re good. I was calling to see if you wanted coffee or tea.” He responded.

“Tea this morning. You know it’s a good thing we meet like two and a half hours before school every morning.” I told him. He laughed.

“I know it. Hurry your tiny ass up. I’m starving Gel.” He whined.

“I know – I’m sorry. I’ll be there in five.” I hung up and tried not to speed too much. I can’t wait for tonight to be over with. Eric will be gone and I’ll have solace, even if it’s for a little while. I need it. I think that Jace suspects something is going on but he’s never said anything out-right. There have been so many times when I’ve wanted to tell him but I know that would do much more harm than good. He’s so protective. He’d try to kill Eric. It’s not worth the jail time. It just isn’t. And I only have six months left. I can make it. I just hate lying to him.

I pulled into the parking lot of the breakfast joint in record time. It’s a cute café that we go to just about every morning. It’s been a tradition since we could drive. I parked and headed inside. I dropped my keys and picked them up cursing. I ran head first into someone trying to put them in my pocket.

“I’m so sorry.” I apologized, looking up to see who I bumped into. He smiled at me. He’s… let’s just say that ‘attractive’ is an understatement. I’ve seen him around school.

“No worries. I enjoyed it.” He smirked. I giggled nervously.

“I’m sure you did.”

“I’ll be here all week.”

“I’ll be sure to run into you tomorrow.” I told him.

“I’ll look forward to it.” He told me.

“I’m Angela.” I introduced myself.

“Matt.” He opened the door for me. I danced a little on the inside.

“The man has manners.” I teased. He smiled.

“Only for some people, it was nice being run into by you.” We parted ways. I found Jace and sat down.

“You okay?” He asked. I nodded. “Your eyes are a little pink.”

“I was up too late. I barely slept.” I told him. He frowned. “What can ya do?” I brushed it off. “So, Eric is going out of town tonight. He won’t be back for a few weeks. Do you wanna stay over tomorrow since we have a long weekend? I hate staying there by myself. We can have a zombie-fest.” I asked. He beamed.

“Yeah, I’m game. My mom will piss herself over it. She loves you. She’s convinced we’re getting married someday. I keep telling her that you’re my best girl.” He bumped me with his hip. I smiled. “Be prepared to spend most of the weekend at my place. You know how she is.”

“It’s fine. You know I love her.”

“Because I’m chopped liver.” He joked and took a sip of coffee.

“You’re my bestie.” I told him. He rolled his eyes.

“So, I see someone has his eyes on you.” He nodded in Matt’s direction. I shrugged.

“I’m clumsy.” I told him. He snorted.

“Yes, you are.”

We finished breakfast and headed to school. The day flew by faster than I would have liked. Apparently I have three classes with Matt, none of which I realized before. I feel so awkward around him. I’m such a spaz. It’s closer and closer until crunch time. I’m not ready to face Eric. But, I never am.

Notes

Music Credit: "Had Enough" -- Breaking Benjamin, "I'm So Sick" -- Flyleaf

I'll try to have another chapter up after I get off of work tomorrow. Until then, stay awesome. :)