Prolouge:

December 15, 2004

The woods surrounded me, the night enveloping me like a black cloak.

My breath came in short gasps, the cold air clogging up my air way. I stumbled, falling on my hands and knees.

I could feel blood seeping down my legs, sharp branches scratching my hands but I paid little attention to the pain.

And still I continued to run...

and run...

and run!

I had to get as far away from him as possible, if he caught me...I shook my head not wanting to think about it.

Tears streamed down my face as I heard the familiar howl, he was getting near.

But I had nowhere to go.

The realization yet again hit me, causing me to falter.

Where would I go?

I had no money.

I had no relatives.

I was just a little girl and I was alone.... so alone.

As I stood there, the cold seeped through my jeans and jacket, sending a bone shattering chill through my body,

I heard the approaching footsteps.

I froze before I came to my senses and ran.

I stumbled and stumbled, unable to see the tree roots and low branches.

Finally after what felt like hours, I couldn't continue on.

I was cold, and my limbs were going numb due to the December winter.

I fell to the ground, too tired to push away the stick poking at my ribs.

I closed my eyes, letting sleep take me.

I faintly heard a twig snap near my head then everything went black.

10 Years Later...

August 25, 2014

I woke up to the sound of the alarm clock.

My eyes snapped open and I instantly shut it off knowing he had a hangover and the noise would only infuriate him.

I sat up in my pull out couch bed and stretched my sore muscles.

The first day of Senior year at Middleton High.

I couldn't wait! No sarcasm there.

I headed into the bathroom, taking a quick shower and brushing my teeth.

Walking into my small room I shoved on the first thing I saw a pair of jeans, a plain black v neck and a black leather jacket with a hoodie. It was all I could pretty much wear, or a long sleeve shirt.

Frankly, the hoodie hid things better.

I didn't bother with make—up, I wasn't the type of girl who tried to stand out much.

I put on my black boots, grabbed my backpack then quietly made my way down the small hallway.

I winced as the board creaked beneath my weight.

I had forgotten about that.

Hopefully he had not heard.

I had almost made it to the front door when his voice boomed out.

"Samantha!"

The door handle in my hand, I stared at it longingly before making my way to the door.

I waited, knowing he didn't like me to talk without him saying so.

"Where are you going?"He demanded, his speech slurred from the hangover the night before. "To school" I said softly.

I peeked in his room when I heard a shuffle.

He still wore his mechanic uniform, the blue of it stained with various oil stains. His black hair in tangles, and two day whiskers covering his face.

"Come here!" He rasped.

Cautiously I made my way inside, side stepping the brown bottles of what I supposed was moonshine. It was all he ever drank.

I stood before him, staring at the far wall and wishing I were anywhere but here.

Suddenly he grabbed my hand and jerked me closer to him.

He gave me a hard kiss on the cheek then let me go.

"You can leave now" He said yawning and putting the covers over his head.