Hey guys... I'm really sorry i didn't update anything for so long. I'm having exams next week and I'm going on a break because of my exams since these are my finals.

I'll now update in mid of march when my exams will be over

I woke up and it was 5 in the morning. I suddenly started thinking about last night. It was really a close call. I don't know how to face them again now. I have troubled them so much.

They all seem so nice but can someone really love me. I want to trust then but I can't bring myself to trust them. what should I do?

I asked while clutching the pandent that my mother gave me. Thay don't like me I guess. That's why they threw me out. I don't want to be abused again. I'm broken now.

I want to talk to someone. Someone I trust. I can't even meet or call Ivan (her best friend). I hope he's okay.

Okay now coming to the main question, 'how even I'm going to face them' I asked myself panicking.

I decided to just act normal and pretend like nothing happened. I tried to sit straight but immediately groaned feeling the pain in my back and ankle. My stomach and ribs are also bruised but the pain in back and ankle are overpowering them.

I got up taking support of the wall and door of the bathroom. I looked myself in the mirror. I....don't know who this girl was. Dull eyes, pale skin, scars all over her body and internally broken.

I'm hating myself again. I can't go in that phase again. No...no I can't. No one will save me from that mistake again.

I turned around and saw blood.

Oh Shoot..!!

I guess the wounds opened again on my back because of maybe I was thrashing and also in panic attack. Thank god nobody saw.

I immediately did my morning routine and changed my clothes to new ones and I still have to set my closet. It was 6:30 by the time I got ready.

Now it's time to go downstairs.

I slowly peeked out of my room.

Left- clear

Right- clear

Let's go.

I came out of the room and shut the door. Then I descended towards the stairs.

Now I was going to kitchen to make breakfast for everyone. I was sneakily going in kitchen avoiding making any noise.

As I was about to enter the kitchen, I first thought to check if someone was there. I peeked in kitchen and suddenly a hand came on my shoulder.

"Ahh" I freaked out suddenly and turned around.

"Haha... You almost peed your pants. Your face was so funny" It was Taylor who decided to sneak up on me.

Dad, who was in the living room came running after hearing my voice. He observed the situation and knew what would have happened.

He greeted me and I greeted back. He then left to go to living room.

I turned to Taylor who was still grinning looking at me.

"That was not funny. " I said pretending to be angry.

"By the way, how are you early today?" I asked.

"Ohh... Today we had a basketball practice." He replied while going in the kitchen and taking what I think is protein shake.

"We? " I asked.

"Me and Dustin." He answered.

"Ohh... You know I'm also good in basketball to be honest I'm a champion." I said proudly.

Before Taylor could answer a voice came from behind me.

"Ohh really... Wanna have a match Miss. champion? "

I jumped at the sudden voice and turned to see Dustin practically smirking at me. He was not believing I'm good in basketball and was mocking me.

"I can't right now because of my ankle but when this will heal, I will have a match with you and will win." I said looking at him. This confidence came in me because of basketball.

It was Ivan who taught me basketball.

"Sure...sure.. Like you can beat me. Keep dreaming." Dustin said dismissing me and went to where Taylor was to grab his protein shake.

I was in the kitchen near the door.

"Now I really want to see you play Liz. How's your ankle by the way? How much more time it will take to heal?" Taylor asked.

Oh No

"Ohh my ankle.. It's........ Umm good and will be okay soon don't worry. "

I replied nervously.

"Why don't you show it to Noah? He-"

I cut Taylor immediately at the idea.

"NO... I mean there's no need. I don't want to waste his time. It's pro..probably a small spr..sprain."

I made a mistake. I shouldn't have interrupted him in between. Because the look they were giving me was clearly showing that they were suspicious.

"Look ms. My so called sister. I don't know what you are hiding and this is now too much. You keep on lying to us and think we buy your pety lies. So you better start talking talking yourself on what's wrong or I'll make you." Dustin said almost shouting and I flinched and took two steps back.

I was so hurt on how he addressed me

Dad and Ryan came in the kitchen after hearing shouts from kitchen. They instantly felt the tension between us.

"What is happening here?" Dad asked.

"Ask this girl why she's scared to show her ankle to Noah? What happened yesterday? Because it was not clearly a normal nightmare. But no. No one asks her what she's hiding and she keeps on lying to us." Dustin said angrily.

I again flinched and tears slipped from my eyes.

Ethan also came and was standing with dad and Ryan.

Dad sighed and turned to me.

"Eliza, it's true that we're giving you time to adjust but you have to open up to us and we have to ask some things from you after breakfast."

I didn't say anything and didn't make eye contact either. My mind was on full speed thinking it's over now. They're going to throw me out now once they'll know my truth.

I didn't realize but I was on the verge of panic attack.

Ethan quickly came and distracted me.

"Sweety... Here look at me. Control your breathing with me"

All eyes right now held an emotion... concern but I refused to believe that.

INHALE

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EXHALE

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INHALE

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EXHALE

By now my breathing was controlled and Taylor came and gave me water. Dustin left angrily and I looked at his retreating figure with sadness.

'He don't want me here. '

Ryan was observing me. Like always and his eyes we're impossible to read.

Dad was looking guilty.

"I'm really sorry sweety. I didn't know yo-" I cut him.

"It's not your fault Dad. Please don't apologize." I said softly.

He looked at me for few seconds and then nod and left.

Ryan came towards me and i looked at him with scared eyes. But he just came and kept his hand on my head caressing it and me being my dumb self flinched.

This didn't go unnoticed by any of my brothers present there.

"Are you okay?" Ryan asked as softly as he could.

I was shocked.

" Y..yes. Umm.. Thank you for asking" I said and bowed a little expressing my gratitude.

He smiled a little and nodded then left .

Now it was only Taylor and Ethan.

"So what would you like to eat missy?" Ethan asked softly.

"Anything and I'll help you." I said and smiled a little.

"Yahh don't forget about the basketball because we're going to be playing once you recover" Taylor said and left and we started making breakfast for everyone.

Although right now Ethan was making me smile telling me jokes and starting a conversation now and then but i know I was not distracted.

They are going to ask me and possibilities are they somehow will get to know our truth.

This time it was calm before storm.

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Happy Birthday to our Sunshine 💜

J Hope we all love. Keep smiling and laughing.

Wishing you a very happy birthday, 🎂😄