The moment I opened my eyes and seen the neon green numbers glaring at me, I knew it was going to be a bad day. I rushed around my room, grabbing my books and anything I may have needed for school. I hated being late, and I've only been late one other time. I had my father to thank for that. I ran down the stairs, not paying attention to where I was going- I mean, no one was home but myself. I hit something, and heard that something grunt and then glass shattering on the floor. I looked up and looked into the face of my furious father, surprised I only stared at him wide eyed. I opened my mouth to apologize, but didn't even have the chance before his hand connected with my cheek. Crying out in shock and pain, "I-I'm sorry... I d-didn't meant too, I was late-" I trailed off knowing that it didn't matter what had happened.

"You better be happy you have school, but once schools over you best get your ass back here." My father snapped out, pushing me out of his way as he walked to the kitchen, most likely to grab another beer.

Decided not to stick around for another round with the monster, I booked it out of the house. I slipped my hoodie over my head, and pulled the hood up to cover the bruises that I'd received the night before, and most likely the new one I was obtaining. My father was careless this time, and though I knew I had more than enough evidence I couldn't say anything. The only reason I didn't wasn't because I was afraid of him, it was because if I said something the state would come in and place me with another family and my last weeks in school would be disrupted.

I ran the rest of the way to school, sighing in relief as I heard what I hoped was just the warning bell. Hurrying to my locker, I grabbed my chemistry book, then rushed towards the class. The moment I stepped into class, and made it to my seat little balls of paper started hitting me. One guy, whose name I can't remember laughed, high fiving his friend when one of the balls hit me square in the forehead. I sighed, and was thankful that the teacher walked in.

After class, I tried to wait till the other's left, but obviously I couldn't get that lucky. "Hey." I looked up slowly, noticing the same guy who'd thrown the paper ball at me earlier. Deciding it best to ignore him, I continued getting my papers together. "Hey, I'm talking to you, can't you speak? Are you mute?" He asked, sounding annoyed, yet curious.

Continuing to ignore him, I grabbed my stuff up and walked past him. His grip on my elbow stopped me from walking away, and I turned and glared at him. "I'm talking to you, you don't have to be such a bitch."

I sighed, looking around the hall. Some kid's stared, and others didn't care at all. Not liking that people were staring I yanked my arm from his grip, "I can speak just fine, I choose not too. I have nothing to say to any of you." I said quietly, and turned away ignoring everyone's shocked expressions. For years I've gone to this school, and for years I've not spoken to anyone. It wasn't surprising that they seemed to think I was disabled in some way, but that just goes to show you can't judge anyone. Most of the time, you're wrong anyways.

The day flew by agonizingly slow, I knew talking was a mistake. The new rumor was that I was just a stuck up bitch who thought I was too good for the rest of them. Which wasn't true, but I wasn't going to argue with them. When the last bell rang, I didn't want to go home. I stayed in my seat thinking over exactly what I may or may not be going through when my father got his hands on me. Jerking when someone touched my arm, I looked up and seen Mr. Hodgins. Mr. Hodgins was younger than you'd expect him to be, for our principle, but he was actually really nice. He was fair in his punishments, and sometimes you almost forgot he was capable of suspending you. Relaxing, I sighed and stood up. "S-sorry." I mumbled, getting ready to leave.

"You know Elehna," Mr. Hodgins began. "If you need to talk or anything at all, you can talk to me. I'll listen and help you out."

I froze, did he know? Did he suspect? I thought I'd been careful.. "I don't need to talk about anything Mr. Hodgins." I fake laughed, like that had to be the stupidest idea.

"I'm serious." And, I knew he was. He very rarely got that serious edge in his voice. "I've seen the bruises. Other teachers have seen them as well."

I swallowed harshly, and looked up at him. My face blank. "I'm very clumsy sir. I don't know what you're implying, but you have it all wrong. I'm sorry that you or anybody was worried, but I'm fine." I didn't stick around, holding my stuff close to me I nearly ran out of the school. Of course I knew that one day someone would pick up on the marks, but I didn't think it would be years later and at the end of my school year. I walked around the block, not having the courage to walk into the house yet. I didn't want to feel the pain anymore. I didn't want to deal with my father's idiotic behavior. I looked around the woodsy area, and frowned. I swore I saw something, but it must have been my imagination. Too much stress was making me see things.

I breathed deeply and walked into the house, tip toeing. The room seemed dark, and I breathed a sigh of relief as I realized my father wasn't home. I made quick work of my shower and retreated to my room. I didn't want to change running into my father.