I sighed in exhaustion as I typed on the keyboard. The sound of keys clicking away under my fingers were heard in the silent room. I was in the orphanage's library, sitting at my desk whilst working on a document of new book orders that I have to order. Just as I was about close the computer, the sound of the entrance door screeching against the floor caught my attention.

I turned myself around in my chair and saw Darcy. He was struggling to hold a tray of 2 coffee mugs in his hands and 1 parchment package that was in his mouth, preventing him from speaking. It looked as if the package contained food of some sort. He was also trying to keep the door open with his foot whilst getting inside the room.

I quickly stood up from my seat and strolled over towards Darcy. I took the tray of coffees from his grasp and the package that he held in his mouth as well. He grinned at me. "Hey, Violet." I smiled politely and waved at him in return for a 'hi'.

Darcy stepped inside the room as the door closed gently behind him. He then took the tray out of my hands and placed it on my desk. His eyes darted across my desk which was scattered with several booklists for ordering requested library books from the students in this orphanage.

"Busy, huh?" He paused as he gestured me to give him the package that was still in my hands. I passed it over as he opened it. "You must be exhausted! That's why... I got you this!" He exclaimed pulling out a sweet and salted bread from the package. My favorite pastry of all time.

I squealed and took the bread, feasting into it as I finished the goodie almost immediately. The warm texture of sweet and salted bread hit my tongue as I savoured it. It was truly a delight to eat this pastry, it was probably why I liked it so much. "Hey! What about me? Don't I get a thank you?" Darcy asked me, folding his arms across his chest grumpily, making him look like a child.

I wiped my mouth that was covered in the sugar and salt from the bread. I jumped onto Darcy and hugged him tightly. He was really like my own family. He was the only one who cared about me after my dad's death. More pure and kind hearted than anyone in this world.

I was so lucky that I not only found an amazing friend, but also a sibling. I heard him giggling when I kissed his cheeks. A coat of redness covered his cheeks, as usual. Just as I was about to pull away from the embrace, the door pushed open as a fresh gust of cold wind blew onto my skin.

I peered forward from Darcy's side to see the principal, Ms. Lexie Anally standing there with a variety of coloured files in her hands. She stood frozen and stared at Darcy and me with a shocked expression. I came to the realization that I was hugging Darcy's torso. I pulled away from the hug and gave Ms. Anally a smile.

"Oh! Ms. Anally, is there anything you need miss?..." Darcy asked confused, in his funny professional tone which had me laughing internally. I knew that Darcy had a little crush on Ms. Anally. He always denied any of my claims that he liked her, but it was so clear that he liked her. Like whenever she'd walk past us in the cafeteria he'd blush.

Ms. Anally regained herself from her frozen state and offered us a warm smile. Even though she was the principal, she was always kind and caring towards her employees. Her black heels clicked on the ground as she walked over to us. Her glistening golden hair swayed with every step she took and her green eyes twinkled as she stepped in front of Darcy and me.

Ms. Anally was the definition of beautiful. She had the features and qualities of a goddess, which would capture everyone's heart. Unlike me, of course. The plain, old and boring woman that's me. "Yeah, Darcy. I actually came here to hand in these files for Violet to fax." She handed the files carefully to me and I gladly took them.

"Thank you, Violet." She grinned at me softly to which I nodded, she then turned towards Darcy. "Now, I need you to help me arrange my documents, in alphabetical order."

Darcy groaned in annoyance as Ms. Anally frowned placing her hands on her hips. I chuckled at them.

They'd look gorgeous together.

Suddenly the vibration of my phone went off, and I hurried towards my desk. I placed the files gently on the table, then picked up my phone that was vibrating with messages from none other than, Mom. I glanced at Darcy and Ms. Anally to see them chatting away. I took this time to glance at the messages.

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. Mom never allowed me in the house when guests visit. She'd either kick me out or lock me up in my own room to avoid my agonizing existence.

After making sure she read my text, I switched off my phone. This was how conversations with my mom went, all emotionless, vague and dead. The last time she texted me was about a month ago, telling that I had to get some groceries from the market.

I glanced at my watch that was wrapped around my wrist. It was 3 pm, which meant I had 1 hour of work until I leave. I sat down on my chair and continued working after Darcy and Ms. Anally decided to leave the library.

———

I gazed at the buildings from my seat as the bus sped away from the bus stop. The buildings were tall and fancy looking, some were adorned with decorations that consisted of shining fairy lights for Christmas as they elicited a warm and festive vibe. While the others where plain.

The sky was dark. The tiny stars twinkled and the moon shun brightly as if it were a lamp in the ink colored darkness of the sky.

I couldn't help but think about my life. As in, what is my life? Or what even is the meaning of life? All I've ever experienced in my life was hatred, sorrow and tears. I feel as if life is a lie for me. Lucky people have light in their life but mine has none.

They get treated fairly, but me? I'm trapped in a world of horrors. I want to get out, free myself, but I know that's never going to happen. Not now, not ever as long as I'm caged in the devils' arms.

The bus came to a sudden halt as it reached my destination. I clutched onto my bag and walked to the doors of the bus, then stepped out after thanking the bus driver. I sighed and departed from the bus stop and walked home.

Once I had finally arrived home, I grabbed my keys, opened the front door and stepped in silently. A piece of cloth was thrown at my face as soon as I entered. I gasped softly and raised my head. I then realized who threw the cloth at me. It was Mom.

Her cold eyes glared into mine, however this time instead of a disgusted expression on her face, her face held a cruel smirk. "Wear that. I want to see you back here in 10 minutes. Your sister will help you get ready." She waltzed past me whilst knocking me over slightly in the process.

I shook my head and glanced at the piece of cloth. My eyes widened, it was a beautiful white floral dress with multiple small roses and green floral leaves attached to it. I was in awe, I hadn't been able to wear such a beautiful dress in a while.

I climbed up the stairs and headed towards my room. It was an average sized room located at the end of the corridor upstairs, not too big and not too small. The walls were painted beige color with white carpet covering the soggy wooden floor. A single bed, one small window, a desk and chair were also located in the room.

My hands shakily twisted the doorknob of my room, then creaked it open. I stepped inside my room and discovered that Christy was sitting sideways on my chair, her legs dangling on the arm rest as she was watching something on her phone whilst popping a bubblegum.

I shut the door softly behind me, then walked towards my bed and placed my dress and bag on it. I turned towards Christy, giving her my full attention. Christy rolled her eyes and chewed on her gum loudly. I grabbed the dress and then pointed at it confusedly. Christy stood up to her full height and folded her arms over her chest with a snarl on her face.

"Just wear it and then I'll do your makeup." She exasperated in an irritated voice. I nodded with no choice but to follow my family's decisions or else I'd find myself in a bad position. "Now go. I have not got all day, even I have to get dressed."

After a while, I was finally ready. My floral dress fit me perfectly and reached right above my knees. My hair was let down and my face was covered in very light makeup which consisted of mascara, red lipstick and a little blush as well.

I stood still in the kitchen, staring at the space in front of me. All I could do was think about why I was dressed or why was I being dressed. I was never allowed at any dinners with my family. Why am I told that I have to attend this one?

I flinched when I heard the sound of banging. I looked towards the source of where the sound was occurring from. It was Christy, her hair was tied up into a bun and she wore a tight fitted black body con dress that fit her like a glove. She looked pretty, but her face was caked with a lot of makeup. "Mom! The girl's in here!" She shouted and stomped her way to me, then snatched my hand in a tight grip and dragged me out of the kitchen and into the living room.

Once Christy released me from her grip, I stumbled upon my feet. I realized that my stepdad and mom were sitting down on the large brown couch with a rather relaxed and tensed expression. The lamps that were placed on the side tables gave a warm lighting set to the room. My stepdad placed his hands on either side of the couch's arms and pushed himself up to his full height. Stepdad wasn't that tall, he was maybe a couple of inches taller than me.

"You, girl, will not spoil my image of being a great parent in front the guests and show how much of a real disgrace you are." He glared at me sternly. "And I will never, I mean never tolerate any excuses if you make any mistakes tonight. Behave well and do not speak. You will pay the price if you defy my instructions and trust me, it won't end well."

I nodded my head, frightened at his words.

I didn't want another beating. This time my mom chuckled bitterly, her lips tilting up into a smirk. "Who are you kidding? She can't even speak anyway, it won't be a hassle."

My eyes stared to gloss over when she spoke those words. My own biological mother hated me and my existence. Before they could utter another word, the door bell rang. "Seems like they are here. Audrey can you get the door?" Stepdad asked my mom as to which she nodded and left the room to welcome our guests.

A hand wrapped around my hair as I was crashed into the wall behind me with force.

A hand covered my mouth and muffled a scream caused by the pain rising throughout my back.

"You better behave, bit*h. You need to act like you are not a snob and impress the guests, am I clear?" Christy whispered angrily in my ear.

I frowned and nodded my head frantically in response.

I don't understand anything. What is going on?

"Now f*cking move it." She sneered in her cold voice that had me wincing. We both walked out toward the entrance hallway of the house. And as we did, I heard hushed voices. Multiple voices. I trailed behind Christy making sure I couldn't be seen. It had been forever since I met a guest for dinner and I was a little afraid.

Christy's high pitched squeal pierced through my ears as she scurried off behind the guests, whose backs were facing me. I stayed planted to my feet as I watched my mom and stepdad greet the guests with happy and warm faces. I felt a strong tug at my left shoulder as I was pulled forward by my stepdad.

"Violet, it has been a long time since you've met Mr and Mrs. Hayes." Stepdad said cheerfully as the 2 guests turned around. My heart froze when I looked at them.

"And greet their son, Adrian." Another tall figure emerged from in between the 2 guests. My lungs stopped working. My vision blurred as memories, horrid and scary memories filled my mind.

"Adrian..." I whispered to myself for the first time in a long while, since I had spoken.

He is back. Back to ruin and hurt me.