This book will contain triggers for, abuse, self-harm, foster care, suicidal thoughts and well a lot more. Stay safe. Don't say I didn't warn you xx

Abigale**)
The cool spring air blew into the otherwise muggy complex. Sweat dripping off the walls, The stench of alcohol and smoke filled the small corridors of the place I've grown to call 'home'

The smoke swirled around in the air, causing me to occasionally let out choked coughs. That's the only noise I made though...

I knew well enough not to scream, Or even make any other noise for that matter. I didn't even move. Nor did I flinch at the sound of my mothers and fathers screams... If you could even consider them my parents.

It was routine by now. They would both get high off of God knows what. They would start fighting and it would end in a dispute. I heard the familiar sound of a fist connecting with skin and the sickening blood-curdling scream that followed it. My father was relentless. And my mother wasn't much different.

I tried my best to ignore the pleading screams erupting from my mother's throat as I fiddled with a small string poking out of my worn out sweater.

I sat with my knees tucked to my chest and pushed up against the wall of the dingy apartment, Mold spreading half way up the wall, The ceiling dripping from the pouring rain from previous storms that my father never cared to fix.

My mothers screaming ceased. and the only thought crossing my mind was Im next... But moving would only make it worse... So I stayed put. Panic rising in my chest.

I heard heavy footsteps coming down the hallway and I flinched. Only slightly when my door slammed open. But I knew better than to make a noise. That would result in a more painful beating. So I sat there, still as ever, Locking eyes with the man I was forced to call dad.

I never lost eye contact as he stumbled towards me in his drunken, fucked up state, Something I had learned at a young age. It was disrespectful to look away.
I made no noise as my frail body was thrown roughly towards the dirty carpet. Nor did I fight back. I was nothing more than his punching bag.
I sat up quickly, knowing if I was down for too long it'd be worse. But I couldn't help but let out a squeak as the toe of his boot came into contact with my stomach. Stripping me of breath upon impact, I gasped attempting to suck in oxygen that I was just deprived of. Trying to stand up only resulted in the next kick to connect to my face.

The pain was unbearable as I felt my nose crack and the blood pool into my mouth. I cried out, too loudly, And I sobbed loudly as my father kicked me in the stomach once again. Making me feel instantly sick.

"I'm going to fucking kill you!" he threatened darkly "You're no better than that scum I call a wife, you mean nothing to me" His words hurt more than any beating thrown at me

I felt the tears rush down my face as I went to apologize, But a knock at the door stopped me from doing so.
My father's heavy footsteps left my room briefly, And the words that were shouted from the outside door "Baltimore Police, Open up!" my father re-entered my room and lifted me by the collar of my shirt, before throwing me roughly into the closet "Don't make a fucking sound" he spat before shutting me inside the dark closet.

Despite my fear, I did what I was told, Hearing the front door opening.

I let the numbness envelop me as I stay silently hidden. Closing my eyes I rested my head against the wall as yelling filled the moldy apartment again. I didn't move though... There was no use in saving me.

I blinked slowly as footsteps were heard in my room. Pain was near unbearable at this point and I definitely had a broken rib. I silently let the tears drip down off my face.

"Police... Is anyone in here?" A feminine voice filled the deafening silence.

I made no move to respond though, I don't know why... She was only here to help, Right? But then again, How could I trust her.

The sudden movement of my closet door opening cause me to jump and cower further into the corner, The cop, who held her gun threateningly, Lowered the weapon tentatively before pulling the two way radio on her shoulder "Adolescent female in the front room of the house" She spoke quickly "Copy that, Both suspects are in custody" A voice cracked over the small speaker "Copy that"

She slowly crouched down in front of me and smiled, He hand was placed on my shoulder and I flinched, She viably frowned "Whats your name, sweetie?" I looked at her not wanting to answer, Why should she know?

"Why" My voice was dry and scratchy "I wan't to help, I'm going to take you somewhere safe to sleep tonight" I laughed bitterly at her comment "There is no such thing" her eyes glossed over "My names May Barakat, I only want to help" I nodded "Abigaile" she nodded, holding out her hand which I slowly took.

I let her lead me out to her car. The night air was brisk and chilly. The starts danced across the black sky. I looked to my left to see one of the officers attempting to push my father into the back of the car, He caught sight of me and fought harder, resulting in him getting Tasered.

"Come on, get in the car" She smiled at me. Which made me feel, only slightly, safe.

Notes

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