Aurora's Point Of View

I woke up with the fuzzy blue blanket entangled around me and it still smelled Arlan's musky, woods-y smell around it. Today was the big day!

Lunging out of bed, I excitedly opened my small, rusty container which held my money purse, ready to walk to the corner to store. Only to find it...empty.

What?

I started to panic, running to my closet and chucking clothes out, the articles flying past my ears until my closet was empty.

"What?" I audibly breathed, panic setting in as I stood up and my eyes darted around the small room. All I had was my twin mattress, a closet, and small wooden desk that was empty.

I quickly made my way to the bottom of the stairs, knowing he'd be in the kitchen. I was right. Dustin sat in his Field Hockey shirt shoveling down a bowl of cereal, his upper lip bruised, most likely from practice.

"Dustin," My voice shook.

"Hm," He said, scrolling on his phone.

I clambered down the stairs and inhaled shakily, my skin feeling hot.

"Y-you..you wouldn't, like, happen to know where my purple coin purse is?"

"Oh, the one with $500?" He looked up, eyeing me. My body froze. "I don't know how you'd have that much money, Aurora, seeing as that Agatha is supposed to receive half your paychecks a week to help pay for water and electricity here. $500 is a lot for a supposed...coin purse."

I exhaled shakily.

"Dustin..."

"Yeah, I know where it is. And I spent it well."

My heart fell to my gut as I whimpered and cried, mouth flying open.

"You stole it?'

"What's the big deal, Rory?" He stood up, clicking his phone off and putting his backpack over his shoulder. He grinned. "Have your little boyfriend pay you back."

"That's why? That's why you took it?" I felt my body shut down and I was at a loss of words.

"Y-you don't own me, Dustin, and y-y-you can't steal from me!" I stammered in a panic.

He pushed his chair in and swung around his car keys.

"Well, then, Rory, like many things," He leaned over slightly, "Consider it done."

Consider it done; It was already spent. Dread pooled in me.

He whistled and swung his keys as he left the house and I choked out a sob, absolutely heartbroken, fat, hot tears flushing down my cheeks. I didn't know it was possible to feel so incredibly hurt. The long hours I worked for that money, all for this six year old girl. I had plans to get her a new stuffed animal every month and maybe even start saving up to buy myself a car. And now I was left with absolutely nothing.

I ran up to my room and quickly picked up my work apron from the floor. In the pocket was a small piece of paper with a phone number. I dialed the one voice I needed to hear. My head was foggy and I couldn't think straight. Less than a drone later, he answered.

"Auro"-

"Arlan!" I sobbed, back against the wall as I slid down to the floor, choking out sobs.

"Where are you, what's wrong?" His voice was frantic but deadly serious.

"I-I..my purse. I opened it today, was gonna go to the store to get Dacie her gift. It was empty, no m-money, it was all gone..n' he stole it," I cried sobbing hysterically.

"What? Who? Baby, please I can barely understand you.." He said, confusedly.

"Dustin!" I cried out.

"The bastard fuckin stole from you? Aurora that's illegal, tell your foster gaurdiant. I'm gonna fucking kill him."

"I-I can't, they never believe me about anything he doessss," I cried, slamming my hands over my soaked eyes and shaking my head. I choked out another broken sob.

"Where are you?"

"I-I'm in my room."

I heard the swinging of keys and a door being slammed.

"I'll be there in half an hour,"-

"WAIT!" I quickly said. "W-why? Dustin's not here. B-but, don't, like, look for him or anything. Y-you're not gonna be violent, right? Please," I whimpered, remembering him at Little Louisa's. He had had his fist curled and was ready to punch Dustin before I stepped in.

"For you darling, I won't," He promised. "I'm just picking you up, we'll hang out and I'll cheer you up. I'll be there in half an hour. Stay safe," His tone was blunt and it was hard for him to control his rage

"O-okay," I said quietly, but still felt a little afraid from his seething tone. He bluntly hung up.

I noticed that he always said stay safe before leaving me, whether it be in person or the phone, school or work. It was nice to have someone who cared about me.

He rolled up and I got inside, wiping my eyes.

"Hi."

"Hi, beautiful. I got you a lil something from CVS," He gave me the bag. "Wanna come over?"

"Sure," I nodded, sniffling. "Yeah, I...don't wanna be there right now."

"Understandable, princess. That's why I'm here."

I opened the bag and smiled, giggling softly through my tears.

"Chocolates...these look yummy."

"Help yourself."

When we arrived, he helped take off my jacket and stabilize myself on him to take off my shoes.

"So...I got a little something else from CVS, too. I think you'll like it. Come to this room." He said.

"O-okay..." I stammered, nervously putting a soft fist to my lips.

When he opened the door, my jaw fell open and a gasp left my mouth.