"Welcome home sis," Anthony says with a wicked smile and evil glint in his eyes. I feel myself instantly wanting to run out the door, but I knew that wouldn't do anything but make the situation worse.

Here we go...

I just stare at him, waiting for his next move or to at least say something. I just stand unmoved.

"So, I heard from some of my new friends that you were talking to some girl. What did dad tell you? Do I need to remind you again?" He says lowly while shaking his head as if lecturing a small child.

I shake my head and back away slowly, "No, she was just helping me pick up m-my stuff. That's it!" I say with a slight raise in my voice. My eyes widen in fear and I instantly regret it.

"Did you just raise your voice at me?! Answer me, you bitch!" He yells, grabbing me by my hair and shaking me as his grip tightens. I yelp in pain and he harshly pushes me to the ground. I fall on my already bruised arm again, causing me to cry out in pain.

"I-I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I won't do it again, I swear," I whimper from the throbbing pain in my arm. I look up at him with pleading eyes and hear him snicker.

"Oh, I know you won't," he says with a mischievous glint in his eyes as he starts taking slow steps towards me. I crawl backward soon meeting the wall behind me and whimper as I stare into is wicked filled eyes. I turn away from his intense gaze looking at the wooden floor beneath me. I hear a click of a blade and shift my gaze to the knife in his hand. I look from the blade to him, trying to swallow the lump building in my throat.

The corner of his lips turn up into a smirk, "Okay, we can do this the easy way or the hard way," he pauses for a moment swinging the blade back and forth in his hands as he stares at me intently. "Take off your clothes," he demands with the smirk growing on his face. My shoulders slump and feel the color drain from my already pale face.

I start at him, "W-What?" I utter in disbelief. He's never taken anything this far before.

He taps his foot impatiently before, "Goddamit! Did I fucking stutter?! Take off your fucking clothes you stupid whore!" he demands once again. No, no...he isn't going to...to...do that, is he? He's my brother. I sit there slightly daze from his, rage-filled, demand. "Alright, hard way it is," He tsks before walking towards me. I scream forms from the back of my throat but before I can run, he catches me, grabbing me by the waist. He pulls me towards him, then pushes me to the ground my head hitting the hardwood below, making my eyes fade out slightly from the impact.

Once I get my bearings he is straddled over my waist and I start flailing under him. I push my arms, trying to hit him anywhere so he will release me. He grabs me by my wrist, with some struggles, and pushes them above my head. He instantly slaps me on my cheek hard and a stinging sensation running through it. My head turns from the impact and feel the hot tears roll down my face. His grip on my wrist tighten and I can feel his fingers to dig into my skin, causing new bruises to form.

"P-Please...please don't..." I plead.

He chuckles darkly as he grips my chin in his free hand, looking me square in the eyes, "I love that scared look in your eyes. It's hilarious actually," He says leaning closer to my face, as I stare into his smug face. He looks down, taking the knife laying on the floor and puts it up to my shirt, cutting it all the way up, leaving me in my bra. The cold arm nips my skin and I shiver from the exposure. The tears continue streaming down my face, knowing I'm too weak. He starts tugging down my jeans and I turn my head to the side, tightly closing them wanting this to be over already. I can't overpower him.

"Please don't," I whimper in my last and final plea as the tears continue rolling down my cheeks.

He chuckles from above me for a moment before looking at me in disgust "Oh, little sis, I'm not going to fuck you if that's what you so scared of. Your ugly, fat body is something no one would want to see. A total turn-off, especially with the scars covering your body," I slightly sigh in relief but automatically tense once again. What is he gonna d-

A blood-curdling scream escapes my throat when he drags the knife against my delicate skin. I cry out in agony as I feel the blood drip down the sides of my stomach. I thrash uncontrollably in pain under his weight. God it hurts! He finally pulls the knife away my breath coming out shallow and labored from the intense pain on my stomach. Just when I think he is done he places the knife against my thigh pressing down again. I scream out again, not able to form any thoughts besides, pain...pain...pain! I try wiggling out of his grip once again but makes the pain worse. I feel myself grow lightheaded from the amount of pain coursing through me.

"It's like music to my ears hearing your screams," he laughs darkly. He continues laughing as I writhe in pain. I feel the weight lifted off my waist. I hear heavy footsteps then the door open and slam shut in the process.

I lay frozen in pain on the floor as I feel the blood drip down my body. I slowly start to sit up, hissing as a new wave of pain rushes through my body. I just have to get to the bathroom. I hopefully have some pain meds and a medkit up there. I slowly crawl over and up to the stairs, making sure not to hit my cuts so they won't get infected from the semi-dirty floor.

I finally get to the last step, finally able to stand. I sway slightly from the dizziness and throbbing headache. I open the bathroom door, opening the cabinet under the sink shuffling through to find the med kit. I open it up, only to find gauze wrap. I don't have and med or antibiotics. Dang it. I wrap up the cuts with the wrap to at least, sort of, stop the bleeding. I tightly but comfortably wrap them up and head for my bedroom. I don't want to bleed out but most importantly don't want to get blood on the floor, that just warrants another beating.

I go to my small closet grabbing a hoodie and jeans. I wince in pain when I slip the jeans on, gently tugging them on, not to irritate the cut. I lift up my arms and hiss at the movement, slipping on my baggy hoodie. I got to my dresser, grabbing my emergency money for these types of situations. I, thankful, can still walk but can't make sudden movements. I slowly head down the stairs, one step at a time.

Once I finally make it to the last step, I glance over noticing the blood on the floor. I go to the kitchen grabbing paper towels and spray, and, as quickly as I can, clean up the mess. I slightly gag from the amount of blood staining the floor. I spray it getting most of it out, the blood barely noticeable as I clean the remained of it.

I head out the door and start the 20-minute walk to the drug store, "This is gonna suck," I mumble to myself as I begin my trek.

----

I continue walking or should I say limping and finally make it to the drug store. I slowly open the door, hearing the little ding from the bell hanging by the door. I search the ails, trying to find what I'm looking for. I groan slightly. I search some more trying to find the little sign that reads what I'm looking for, but it's slightly difficult with my 5'5" height.

I eventually find what I'm looking for and head down the ail. I stop when I see the antiseptic, gauze and wrap. I grab the cheapest ones and look down the medicine ail, finding painkillers. From what I could tell, the cuts didn't look too deep to need stitches, thankfully, so that's all I need. I stand there trying to find the meds in the whole array of them. I purse my lip as I look up and down at the shelf.

"Hey Emilia," Someone whispers in my ear. Their breath fans my neck and I shiver in fear, freezing on the spot scared from all the thoughts of who it could be running through my mind. I slowly turn around, only to see Xander staring at me intently as his face forms into a confused frown. I don't know what he's capable of or what he could possibly want with me. I take a step back, putting some space between us, just in case I need to run.

"Are you okay? I didn't mean to scare you that much. You look like you're gonna pass out," He says while slightly laughing but still holds concern in them. I take a moment to look at his features once again. He has an attractive smile and has slight dimples in his cheeks. His lips look plump and-

'What the...Emilia get a hold of yourself! He's a guy! Don't get trapped in his captivating feature!' I scold myself.

I fake a laugh as I readjust the items in my arms, "Yeah. I'm fine. I just get startled easily," I say as I glance at his hand noticing a prescription in his hands. I look at them curiously, "What's the medicine for?" I blurt before even realizing it. I put my hand over my mouth and internally yell at myself. It just flew out before I could even think. I shouldn't pry into other people's business.

"I...I-"

"I could ask you the same thing," He interrupts me. I stare at him nervously, trying to come up with an excuse so he doesn't question it further.

I fake a smile, trying my best to lie. I've always been a terrible liar. My father and brother can always seem to tell, but it doesn't matter if I'm telling the truth or not. I get beat anyway.

"Okayyyy," He drawls out, not sounding very convinced by my not very smooth lie. I stand there for a moment, not knowing what to say.

"I better get going. Got to get this medicine and stuff to my brother," I simply say, point my thumb behind me. I start taking steps backward before turning and walking away.

"Bye Emilia. See you tomorrow..." he trails off. I go to the front counter paying for my items. After paying for the meds, with the little bit of money I have, I head out the door hearing the ding of the bell again as I head out. Now I have to walk all the way home. Which is another 20-minute walk, just great...

I start heading down the sidewalk bag in hand, walking slow enough so my leg doesn't hurt as much. I glance behind me, feeling slightly paranoid. I see a car in my peripheral vision, turning back around, starting to walk faster. Feeling the pain in my side from my quick pace but mostly in my leg. I continue limping down the road. I hear the car getting closer, quickly glancing beside me. I feel my nerves on end and try quickening my pace. Oh my god, I'm gonna get kidnapped. Before any more outrageous thoughts cloud my mind, the window rolls down and I sigh in relief when I see its just Xander, but still feel tense slightly. What does he want? Does he enjoy scaring the crap out of me? Wait, is he following me?

"Do you need a ride home?" He asks.

"No, I'm fine," I say, walking once again. After some more walking, I glance over and notice he is still by me. Persistent much?

"Do you need something?" I ask still walking with my head forward, getting slightly frustrated.

"Just making sure you get home safely," He says nonchalantly and I almost scoff at him. Why does he care? He doesn't even know me at all. No one ever cares. Did my brother put him up to this to test me? I he one of his friends? So, if I accept his offer I get a beating? That would give him another reason to beat the crap out of me again today? No-freaking-thanks.

"I don't need your help. I'm perfectly capable of walking myself," I say, slightly irritated not specifically at him, but more towards my brother for putting me into this situation. Don't accept his help! It's a lie! No one cares!

"How far is your house?" He asks curiously, completely ignoring me. I roll my eyes. I'm so dead.

"Why do you care?" I snap irritated without even thinking. My eyes widen in panic and quickly turn in his direction, "I didn't me-"

"It's fine. It's an honest question. I just don't think anyone should be walking home alone when its dark out," He says with a shrug, glancing my way.

"Thank you but I'll be fine," I say. Nothing has ever happened before on all my trips to the drug store.

"I'm sorry but you can't get rid of me that easy," he says. God, he's really making this difficult for me. Why can't he just go? He can't know where I live. He seems harmless but that could be a façade. My dad would probably actually kill me if he finds me getting into a car with a guy. I way the pros and cons, having an internal battle.

They might not even be home. I could get home quickly dressing my wounds faster, making sure it's not infected and also fatigued from my walk there and slightly pounding of my headache but if they are home, I get more injuries, maybe worse than I already have.

I shake my head, just giving in, "Okay," I say softly, stopping in my path home. He stops pulling to the side. I step over, hearing the unlock of the door before opening the door. I step in, feeling the instant relief from the heat running in the car. I place my bag on the floor and fasten my seatbelt. I cross my arms, hugging my stomach in comfort, still on edge slightly.

He directs his attention to me giving me a small smile, "Alright, direct me to your house," He says as he pulls from the curb. I almost regret my destination but brush it off to the back of my mind as I continue to have an internal battle. 'Should I really be trusting him?'

Another Chapter up. Tell me your thoughts. What are your thoughts of Xander?

Okay bye :)

EDIT: I hope you enjoyed!