FALLING FOR MY BOYFRIEND'S DAD

ALYSSA'S POV

"You stupid bitch! You're so fucking useless!" Miranda yelled as she raised her hand high above her head and slapped me hard.

My head whipped to the side, a loud crack echoing through the room. I fell hard to the ground and grabbed my head.

I felt like my head was about to explode or fall off my neck. I looked up at her through tear filled eyes.

Shock and pain had me frozen to the ground. I couldn't believe she raised her hand on me for the first time ever.

She used to be so kind, loving and the sweetest person I ever met. She never made me feel like my mother was truly gone.

She would always sing me a lullaby when I was having a nightmare and having a hard time falling asleep.

Had that all been an act? Was she only pretending? And why? What for?

"Mom..." I called out weakly, my voice filled with pain as I stared up at her, my eyes pleading with her.

She glared at me and leaning down she grabbed me up by the hair and pulled me up roughly.

"Don't you ever call me your mom, you stupid thing. Your mom is rotting in her grave." She spat.

I gasped, my eyes widening in disbelief. How could she say that to me?

She had never said anything painful to me...how could...

Before I could process anything else, she pushed me to the floor again.

She pointed a finger at me, her eyes burning with anger and hatred.

"You'll have to work to pay me for taking care of your orphan ass. Your father left nothing behind." She said.

I frowned as I tried to get up, "But Dad always talked about leaving me a trust fund..."

She lashed out with her leg and kicked me aggressively. The kick landed on my stomach and I screamed in pain.

But she didn't stop, she kept kicking me, until I was barely conscious.

"Are you calling me a liar, you useless orphan? You better find something to do or I'll kick you out!" She yelled.

But her voice sounded faraway as I was slowly losing consciousness.

As my eyes fluttered close, I wondered if this was the end.

'Mom, Dad...why would you leave me?' The final thought in my head as I passed out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That was years ago. I was only fifteen when my stepmom turned on me and made my life a living nightmare.

My father's death was still very much fresh in my head when I was tossed into the cold hands of the world.

My name is Alyssa Brown and this is my story.

PRESENT DAY

I groaned as I woke up to the sound of my alarm. I stretched lazily as I reached for the table and put the alarm off.

I rolled out of bed and landed on the floor with a thud.

"Ouch." I moaned as I pulled myself up as slowly as I could. My muscles ached and my bones screamed with every step I took.

Yesterday's shift had been punishing. I was on my feet for several hours stretch, serving tables.

Apparently, some event took place around there and the organizers fucked up and guests had to find a way to get fed.

Well, good for us then...I mean our manager. Greedy little thing he was.

I dragged my feet to the bathroom to shower. I groaned as I ran my hands through my hair.

The thought of washing my hair was agonizing. I've always had annoyingly long hair.

It stopped a little past my waist and I didn't like how dark it was either. But I kept cutting it and kept growing out way too fast.

I hated my hair, period. Brittany on the other hand always said she would kill to have my hair.

Why? Because she thought it was fun because during sex, having really long hair for the guy to pull on was sexy.

I chuckled now as I remembered her. Brittany was definitely crazy but I loved her all the same.

Without her, I never would have been able to survive for as long as I had.

After about an hour, I was done, even with my dress. I had nothing nice, courtesy of Miranda so I don't bother about dressing up nicely.

I threw on a faded shirt and loose pants and black boots. I stared down at the boots that I've been with for years and bit down on my lips.

I couldn't buy anything new without Miranda taking them away. I forced a smile as I determined not to let anything ruin my day today.

I was officially starting college today after fighting to convince Miranda for months.

Starting college was literally the best thing that could happen to me and no matter what happened now, I could work harder towards a better life for myself.

I could finally pay Miranda off and leave this house for good.

It no longer held any good memories for me. My parents died here and my stepmom turned against me.

And my life and joy was stolen completely from me, shattering whatever shred of peace and quiet left in me.

I shook my head to dispel the thought. Not today...I couldn't let myself remember that incident...that dreadful memory...

"Today's a good day." I repeated in a whisper as I forced a smile at my reflection.

I went to my closet and grabbed my worn out bag, the one I wore to work.

I had nothing else. It would have to do. I had to go to the restaurant after classes.

Thankfully, I had no deliveries for cupcakes today. Today would definitely be hectic.

After grabbing all the essentials, I left my room making sure to lock the door and leave with the key.

As I walked past Miranda's door, I heard a man's voice and scoffed.

Of course, she brought a man over last night. I halted suddenly in my steps.

That voice...all the blood drained from my face and my breath caught in my throat.

It was him. I never thought I would hear that voice again.

It's been two years but the voice still haunted my dreams. His breath, his cruel laughter, his...his...hands...

Oh God no! My knees started to buckle underneath me and I stumbled, almost falling to the ground.

Suddenly, the door started to open and the creak of the door snapped me out of my shock.

No, I couldn't face him... I couldn't let him see me...I wasn't ready.

As I ran out of the house and out of the door, tears falling down my cheeks, I realized.

I could never outrun my demons. I could never rid myself of the prints of humiliation and shame stamped boldly on my skin.

The only relief was, I was the only one who saw them. And I would make sure no one ever did.