Chapter 3
“My phone…” Liam pointed at me, then turned to my mom. []
“Auntie, I wanna play with her phone… heh heh.“[]
Aunt Karen slapped her thigh. []
“Oh, that’s right, sis–take her phone.“]
“Nowadays you can pay for everything with those things, which means she’s spending your money. Time she learned who runs this house.“]]
Mom’s eyes softened instantly when she looked at Liam. []
“You’re right.”
Before I could react, they yanked my phone right out of my hands.[]
By the time I made it to the nearest motel, it was past midnight.[]
“No cash? Then no room!“[]
“Get lost. No ID? We’re not getting sued over you.“[]
“Move along, sweetheart. The park benches are that way.“[]
I stumbled back out into the cold, no way to call for help.[]
That’s when a group of drunk lowlifes spotted me.[]
I knew, right then, I was done.[]
They took turns violating me, torturing me until the sun came up.[]
When they sobered up and realized what they’d done, they decided to drown me to hide the evidence.[]
And just like that, my life was over-
While my family was still popping champagne, talking about where to buy a house, which private school Liam should attend, and what fancy restaurant they’d celebrate in.]
I refuse to go out like that again.[]
I stared at the lottery ticket, tucking it safely into my pocket.[]
“Liam,” I cooed into the phone, “I’m gonna be home a little late ‘cause I got you a gift.“]
He yelled something in the background, but I kept my tone sweet.[]
Chapter 3
“It’s a big surprise, buddy. You’re gonna love it.“[]
Thirty minutes later, I was breathless, standing at my own front door.[]
“Amy, where the hell have you been?” Aunt Karen was already waiting. []
“School break and you’re still running around–where’d you go?“]]
Looking at her smug face, all I felt was pure hate.[]
She’d never worked a day in her life, always crying poor to my mom, threatening divorce just to get her way. []
And my mom? Ate it right up.[]
I forced a smile, set my backpack down, and waved at Liam on the couch. []
“Hey, buddy. Come see what I got you.“]
He lumbered over, all baby fat and swagger, and in passing lifted the hem of my skirt just to be a little creep.]]
He giggled.
I gritted my teeth and pulled a box from my bag.[]
“The newest iPhone!” His eyes lit up like fireworks.
“Well damn, you finally grew a brain, loser!“]
“That must’ve cost a lot…” []
Mom walked over with a plate of pork roast, picked out a lean piece, and handed it to him. []
“Amy, where’d you get that kind of money? You didn’t go selling yourself, did you?“]
Dad, silent until now, suddenly slammed the table. []
“If you disgrace this family name, I’ll break your legs myself!“[]
Oh, so this gets him worked up. []
Not the beatings, not the insults–this.[]
I held out my arm, showing the burn scars.[]
“I’m at school all day. Then I work nights at a BBQ joint till two in the morning.“]
Uncle Jake frowned at Liam playing on the floor. []
“He’s still a kid. Isn’t it a little much to buy him a phone already?“]
11
I smiled.
Mom 1 Beratar Good Could You Love Me Now?
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Liam’s smerter than most adults. Picks up on tech fast.” I ruffled his hair.
“Here’s a tip–keep it in the zipper pocket of your backpack and your teacher will never notice.“]
Watching bay epes light up. I couldn’t help but smile too–only my smile meant something else entirely.
