3.New start (Eve's POV)

I was walking out of the store. I don't know why I ran from that boy who bumped into me - I was just so nervous because I couldn't make out what he was saying; I had turned too late. He seemed nice and he was also very handsome. Oh well - I probably won't see him again anyway.

I was walking down the road and stopped at my house. I drew a deep breath. I really hope he isn't home yet. My heart felt heavier with each step. I slowly opened the door and saw him - my father. He's very tall and muscular. He really scares me. As soon as I stepped in I was greeted with a vase flying toward my face. Luckily, over the years my instinct became almost immediate, so I only got one cut on my forehead. Then he started yelling, "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? NOTHING'S DONE AROUND HERE. YOU'RE JUST SO LAZY. I HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING." His words don't faze me anymore. It doesn't matter how much I do around the house or how much I do for Shawn and even for Father. If even one thing is out of place or isn't done up to his standards, it's the same as if I didn't do anything.

"I'm sorry - I'll go cook right now. It'll take just ten minutes; it's almost done."

"YOU SHOULD'VE DONE IT BEFORE I CAME HOME. I ONLY ASK ONE THING FROM YOU AND YOU CAN'T EVEN DO THAT!" At the end of this sentence I was met with his hand on my face; a hot, burning sensation went all over my cheek. I think it hurt even more because he did it. It's betrayal, but I was numb. I didn't feel anything. The only things I felt were the pain that became even stronger with each hit and the pain in my heart. Maybe he should just end me and it would all be over.

I suddenly heard a voice that snapped me back from my thoughts. I saw Shawn and he was raging. He stepped in front of me and started yelling at my father, "IT'S NOT LIKE YOU DO ANYTHING. SHE RAISED ME WHEN YOU WERE AT THE BAR, AND SHE DID A DAMN GOOD JOB, AND SHE WAS ONLY EIGHT AT THAT TIME. SHE GAVE UP HER CHILDHOOD TO SAVE MINE." A tear went down my cheek. I never knew I could be more proud of someone, but I know that this has to end. I think we have to escape sooner than I expected. I know that Shawn doesn't deserve this. He deserves a more stable home - but can I really provide for him?

Father finally let go of me, but I knew this was going to leave bruises. It always does. My skin is very sensitive and every hit - especially a hit that strong and repeated ten times - shows on my skin. I hurriedly grabbed Shawn and ran to my room, after hugging him and putting him in his room. After a close inspection of my body I saw that I still had some old marks on my stomach and also new marks on my hands. I guess I'll have to wear a long-sleeve shirt. It's okay - I'm used to it anyway.

I lay on my bed with purple sheets that I had just washed and picked up a book on my nightstand. Reading was something that I really enjoyed. You can pick any world you like and be whoever you want. In the book I could be brave and strong; I could fight monsters and be happy. I felt buzzing and picked up my Nokia phone. I looked who was texting and saw Lily's name.

"Hi Lily - how are you?"

"hiiii could be better but it's going alright. How about you?"

"Good. Don't forget that school starts tomorrow."

"Of course I won't. OMG I'm soooo excited."

"Yeaah me too. Can't wait to be in the same class as you. Have you got everything ready?"

"Yeah, I just have to prepare my school uniform and wash my hair."

"Okayyy good luck. I'll see you tomorrow byeeee."

"Byeee."

Lily didn't know about my situation at home. I didn't want her to know because I don't want any pity, especially from her. After I washed my hair and sorted my uniform I went to check on my brother and went to bed.

In the morning an alarm woke me. Ugh - who thought it was a good idea to start school at 7 a.m.? Like, are we for real? I got up from my bed and dressed. Today I took extra time and care with my makeup to cover up the bruise, and I was proud - it looked so flawless that if it wasn't for the pain I would almost forget it. I packed my brother's lunch and made myself a quick breakfast. My father was already out, so it was quiet and peaceful. I put my shoes on and walked ten minutes to school.

When I went in there was a teacher waiting for me. She showed me around the school and all the teachers seemed nice. The school was really huge. Luckily I have Lily or else I would get lost right away. The teacher led me to my first class and introduced me: "This is our new classmate Eve. She is deaf, so if you're talking to her make sure that she's looking at you. Be nice to her." The class didn't really react, so that calmed me a little. I honestly just want to blend in as much as possible and then one day disappear in peace.

When I looked around I saw Lily and another familiar face, but I just couldn't remember where I had seen him. I walked down the huge classroom to Lily, who was already smiling at me, and then I noticed that the boy who felt familiar had changed his seat to the table beside mine and Lily's. Weird. Maybe the teacher said that he should change his seat and I didn't catch it. I sat on the outer seat of the table and watched the teacher. I tried to keep up by reading the teacher's lips and I think I did a pretty solid job. Maybe the school won't be as bad as I thought.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***