The clock was the most interesting thing in the room, even with the evening rumors starting as students head to their friend groups. The teacher who decided that he's too good to do his job leaned up against his desk reading some kind of men's fantasy novel, it's sad really. I sat alone in my seat, the chatter from the other students mocking me as my loneliness held me captive; I was happier alone, it's better to have no friends then all the fake bitches here.

The loud ring of the bell blessed my ears as the students raced out with their so-called "friends" most likely to have plans. I slip on my hoodie, put my headphones in, and avoid anyone trying to talk to me, it's the last thing I need.

Stumbling in my backpack I found my keys and put them in the keyhole, hearing a satisfying 'click' telling me that the lock decided I deserved to enter. Of course, the first thing I smell is the stench of alcohol filling the air in a light fog, so strong it could make you choke on your breath.

Softly, I close the door just enough to not creak, if it did; I was screwed. The fresh air outside was no longer evident with the intoxicating smell of a drunken man.

My father.

I open the zipper of my backpack quietly, trying to hide my appearance from him. My knife. I always carried one in case I needed it, tonight was no different. It wasn't anything special, just an average kitchen knife. I sneak behind the couch, my heart beating in my throat like it was trying to escape my body. I wouldn't blame it. Once I got past the beast of a man, I started up the stairs, clutching my knife as if my life depended on it.

I was finally in a safe zone, but that was only the first obstacle.

My brother.

Not the kind of person you wanna be living with, but I didn't have much of a choice. I tiptoed across the hall and into the other half of the house, making sure I moved swiftly. "Well look who finally decided to say hello to her brother." Shit. I crouch at a defensive state, knowing what's coming next. "Do you think you deserve to talk to me you insect." His anger seething on the last word, I steadied myself prepared for him to lash out on me.

I was right.

Harsh kicks to my stomach and punches to the face followed, making a crimson red flash between each one. At this point, I was on the ground holding on to consciousness.

My thoughts clashing in my head, 'I had to get the fuck away.' 'He's gonna kill me.' 'I'm weak.' When my final thought came to my mouth, I almost screamed out, but a whisper was all that could escape "Randall, please..." I knew begging would only make him madder. I was gonna die tonight.

A crackling scream came from upstairs, stopping my brother in his tracks.

My mother.

"Stupid bitch, why can't she keep her mouth shut?!" I looked up to see her peering over the railing as tears formed in her eyes, a silent one trailing down her cheek, dropping onto my face. She closed her eyes and ran off, knowing she couldn't do anything.

While Randall was distracted by my mother's appearance, I took my chance to save myself. I got up, ran the best I could to my room, and locked the door. "Hey! Where do you think your going you Fucker" Pushing my chair in front of my door, I run to my backpack, packing clothes, my phone, and a charger.

Quickly, I put it on my back and made my way to the window, but I was too late. "Well, well. I heard someones been a bad girl lately." My father was banging at the door, cracking it. When he got his arm through, he shoved the chair out of the way and turned the knob. "I think bad girls need punishment. Don't you?"

I was almost out the window when he grabbed my leg and slung me inside. "Don't resist now, your only making it worse for yourself." He pulled off his belt and wrapped my arms around my back, tieing them with it. I wanted to scream, but he put his hand over my mouth. I bit him. "Agh! You Bitch.

My mother ran into the room, "Anton, she's your daughter! Stop this madness!" He turned and looked at her pissed. "Not my fault she's a Slut." I shut my eyes, scared of what he was going to do next. My whole body shook, it's all happened before. He'll rape me, and then beat me, and I can't stop him.

He got up and walked to the doorframe, "Well Eli, why don't you take her place then. Since you seem to care so much." My mother pointed at my window and mouthed a simple "go" before she was dragged away. Time seemed to freeze as I walked to the frame, hearing my mothers screams in the background. As much I wanted to help, she wants me to go. She wants me to be safe. This is what she would have wanted.

I hopped out the window, a rough growl coming from my lips. The injuries from before causing pain to erupt in my veins, trailing up my legs. My elbows hit the ground with a thump and I hear the front door open. "Hey, sissy~ did you come to hang with your big bro?" I jerked up, ignoring the pain, I'd be in more if I didn't move.

"I'm sorry about hurting you, I was just messing around and went too far. Could you forgive me?" I stopped for a moment, the sincereness in his voice caught me off guard, but he's said it all before. I shook it off and kept moving, he hadn't seen me yet.

Shit.

My legs started to give out, causing me to fall back to elbows. I started crawling for dear life, I didn't care about the pain, my brother, or the fact I was barely getting anywhere.

I just wanted to be happy.

Behind the house was an old bomb shelter that hadn't been used in years, it was made in case of tornados. It most likely was supplied so I just kept going. When I got to the handle, I had to use all my strength to get it open. When I finally did, I slipped down the stairs and sat in the dark open room. Where's the damn light?

I was lucky enough to at least grab my backpack before I jumped. Pulling out my phone, I turned on the flashlight, but the room was so big it just absorbed the bright white. I could only see things close up, but enough to not be blind in the dark.

There it is! I flicked the light switch on, a single click followed. It came to no surprise when only a faint yellow came into view. This bunker was old, no doubt.

The one small bed that was still in decent condition, was coved in so much dust that when I sat down, it puffed up like flour. Yeah, I'll take the floor. I grabbed a big shirt that I brought and set in down, making a small semi-comfy place to sit. I sat down, took out my headphones, and sunk into the wall. "Freak" by Sub Urban blasted in my ears, making me slowly go numb to the pain.

"Welcome to our freakshow"

"Come meet my monsters."

"Oh, such a fine collection,"

"of stranger things."

I laid back drifting into a world of dreams, the lyrics ringing in my mind. The darkness surrousing my vision.

* * * * *

My eyes flash open when the cool air hit my face, all around me was a vibrant green forest. I took a step forward enjoying the view and loving the feeling of no pain, so sadness, and most amazingly. Happiness. 

  Taking a deep breath, the air smelt like cotton candy and sugar, reminding me of when I used to go to the fair with my ex-best friend. Before I could take another step, the floor seemed to cave in, throwing me down and smacking my head against a gray concrete floor, but somehow. It didn't hurt. 

  I saw a small bars and a rusted bed sitting in the room, looking slowly more like a cell the more I analyze it. The more I gawked at the small room, I could see a small woman sitting crisis crossed in front of the bars, just stareing at me. Her eyes in a black dull brown, and her face stone cold. I stared back until she decided to speak, "Are you ready to come home." she said in the most stodic voice. Home? "What do you mean home, I don't even know you?!" I backed away from the bars as she touched them, they slowly fell apart and dust hit the ground. "Your new home, we're waiting for you," she gave me the softest, most tired smile I've ever been given. 

  "How can I find you?" She came closer to me and hugged me, I stumbled back, but she didn't release her grip. Get off get off get off.... She closed her eyes and her smile brightened. "Follow the path of the wise, look for the things that call out to you." She let go of me and the scene started to become white, "But what do you mean I-" Before I could finish my question, she started walking away, slowly turning her head to look over her shoulder. "We'll see you soon." And that's all that was said.

I shoot up from the dream, trying to get my bearings. 'was that real?' I bet im just being to hopeful again. As I looked at my surroundings, I saw I was in a forest full of green and the chirps of the birds blessed my ears with the peaceful sound. I get up, prepared for the pain to hit me, but it didn't. Looking over my legs and elbows, ever scratch, bruise, cut, and even dirt was gone. All I could do was stand in shock.

What the hell just happened?