As I drove home, I wasn't afraid anymore of being in trouble with my dad. I was so incredibly thrilled! I mean, I got the raise! How awesome was that? Donna was really nice about it too and congratulated me along with my boss, Shelly. It wouldn't be enough, obviously. It would help though, and it would make me feel much more secure at home now that my dad is getting what he wanted.

When I walked in the front door that night, he was there, sitting on the couch and waiting. I wasn't nervous or afraid, or at least, not like I usually was around him. After I closed the front door with a click and met his eyes, he waited for me to speak.

"Um, I got the raise," I said, biting my lip and watching him carefully. With how late it was, it was common sense to assume he has been drinking. Validation came in the form of the number of beer cans that sat on the coffee table.

However, he seemed fairly focused on me. A smile broke out across his face, and it only made me cringe. I was safe from a beating and his harassment. I could handle his creepiness I suppose. Dad stood up and walked over to me, wrapping an arm around me. Oddly enough... he gave me a hug. It was a hug that actually made me want to cry.

It reminded me of how he use to hug me. Lovingly almost. It just made me want to shake my head. How could he turn from my caring dad to this monster? The signs were always there, and we had our differences. I suppose just too many things built up until he broke. Therefore, it hurt terribly to have him hug me right now. I had to force my arms down and to not return what felt like a real fatherly hug. I knew it wasn't, even when he spoke. "I'm so proud of you," he said.

I'm not proud... That's all I could think to myself. Because even though I was happy with the raise and the fact that I felt safe, it was for a terrible cause. After all, this is to bail my brother out. If I'm honest with myself, my brother could be worse than my dad in some ways.

My brother was a perverted sicko and always has been screwed up in that way. Like I said, there were signs that this could happen, that this family could fall apart. Some of those signs were from my dad that I remember from an early age. His drinking, angry physical outbursts, and how he seemed bipolar at times. However, when it came to my brother... he didn't exactly show 'signs.' That implies that his state of mind wasn't clearly displayed. But my brother was always weird. Always laughing at things that didn't make sense to laugh at. He had a very unhealthy deep interest in anything relating to sex. I hated the memories of the way he would sometimes look at me too. I was just grateful my father wasn't like him in that way. That didn't make dad better. It was my dad's idea to kill my mother.

He looked up and stepped back after a minute. After such a strange and affectionate hug from him that put me on edge, I was very tense. He hasn't hugged me like that in a long time. I was sure it was because I never contributed so much towards helping him.

That's why I was just a little less surprised when he raised his hand in a fast motion, swinging it towards my face. I flinched and looked away, waiting for him to hit me. Instead, he laughed and caressed my cheek. "Good night, bitch."

He walked and stumbled up the stairs a moment later. When I heard him shut his bedroom door behind him, I wasn't sure how long I stood there for. I knew that even though I got a raise, there was still the fact that I was stuck in a house with an abusive dad.

I really thought about running away before. The issue was he was too smart for me to try that. He lets me leave the house, like a normal kid. He allows me freedom. If he were worried about me revealing the truth, he would keep me on a very short leash. He knew that if I run, I will be caught; that's why he offered me the freedom I want. I was trapped no matter what and he knows I knew that.

My dad is a smart man despite how it seems. He knew the cops were still searching for more evidence and were probably listening into our calls. So, that's why we text each other. My father knew the risk when he and my brother killed her. He was prepared and knew how to cover his tracks. That is clearly something my brother failed at and didn't plan out well enough.

The day before the trip, Mr. Rush asked me to stay after class. The previous few days, I rushed out of class before he could stop me or ask anything. I knew he longed for more news and information. He was curious about what else was going on under my roof, and I saw it in his eyes every day since we first talked about it.

Today, though, he was ready. He figured out I was trying to avoid him so he made sure to meet me at the door I was trying to quickly leave through. "Miss Reeves, could I see you for a minute?"

I sighed. I couldn't run out like yesterday, and I couldn't pretend I didn't hear him like the day before that. His stern gaze helped keep me in place too. It gave me a chance to take in his black button up shirt and khakis. It annoyed me how he looked even more perfect today than usual.

"Are you doing okay? Did you get the raise?" he asked after the last student left the room. Standing before me, staring down at me, he raised a thick and fine eyebrow and waited for an answer. Jesus, his eyebrows looked perfect too... What was wrong with him?

I nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. And yes, I got the raise," I said and pursed my lips over the matter.

"You don't seem too happy about it."

I just shrugged. "I am doing fine, sir. Please just forget about all of it. It would be so much easier."

We stood there for a minute in awkward silence. He searched my eyes for a long second, his lips gradually pursing as mine did a moment ago. He changed the subject as his gaze dropped. "Are you ready for tomorrow's trip?"

I nodded. "Yeah, it will be fun. I'm really excited. Why do you care?" I really didn't want to be mean, but I felt I had to be somewhat rude; I couldn't get close to him. I didn't need him involved.

He just shook his head and scowled. "More mouth. There is still time for detention. I did not forget your inappropriate behavior when you slapped me." I could see that he wouldn't forget that anytime soon.

I scoffed. "You can't give me a detention. The trip is tomorrow."

"Oh, I could give you a detention," he said in an intimidating voice until his tone turned softer. "But I won't. I don't want you staying here any more than you have to."

His words, they were kind. I couldn't have that. "So I can say any damn word I fucking want? And you won't send me to the shit-hole detention center? Is that right, asshole?" I smirked.

I was shocked — shocked — at what I saw before me. His expression transformed from blank to one of amusement. He even smiled at my remark! "Only in front of me before the trip, Janice."

I frowned. "Well, that gives me like less than a minute."

He kept that smile up, surprisingly. The strict and occasionally mean teacher suddenly seemed caring and open with me. It was very strange.

After I had told him goodbye with a few cusses thrown in, I left and headed home to pack. I was glad dad was passed out and sleeping by the time I got home. I wasted no time. I went upstairs and started packing. I dug my dark blue suitcase out from the back of the closet and set it on my bed where I unzipped it.

I packed a few cute and elegant outfits as suggested, knowing we had to dress up for certain places and occasions. So that included packing a yellow and white striped sundress; it hugged my bust and flowed gracefully out from there, stopping just above my kneecaps. I also packed a scarlet button-up short-sleeve shirt along with some jean shorts. I threw in a few other skirts and dressy shirts. The rest of my clothes consisted of cotton shorts, tee-shirts, tank tops, and light pajamas. After all, the weather is going to be really hot.

On my carry-on bag, I packed with me a few things that I wanted close by me. So, it consisted of my book, my digital camera, money, a few pairs of shoes, toiletries, along with a picture of my mom. When I was done, I looked around my room for anything else I needed.

When I was sure I was ready and good for tomorrow morning, I headed downstairs and made myself dinner as quietly as I could. I wouldn't forgive myself if I woke my father. So, I took my dinner up to my room, and I laid my outfit out for tomorrow: A peach V-neck tee-shirt and black jean shorts. All that was left was to get some rest.

However, when I woke up at dawn the next morning, nothing was solid in my head. I don't remember ever feeling so excited! It's not like this happened every day. My happiness even increased when I went downstairs and saw my dad was still sleeping as I ate a quick breakfast.

I didn't waste much time. I changed into the clothes I set out last night, slipped on my black sandals, and tucked my phone into my pocket. Then, I grabbed my bags and left the house as quickly as I could. About an hour later, the junior class was in the airport. I felt so much glee flowing through me as the time came closer to boarding the flight.

After I had gone through security, I took my seat among the rows of chairs in the area people waited before boarding. The juniors were still filing in, along with a specific teacher I noticed. It was hard to ignore the loud beeping alarm that came from behind me.

When I turned around towards the loud noise, Mr. Rush caught my eyes going through security. He was wearing a white tank top under a blue plaid shirt. Along with that, he wore tan cargo shorts that cut off at his kneecaps as well as tennis shoes. At the moment, though, he also wore an annoyed face. The loud noise that alarmed made him groan as he turned back around towards security where he just came through.

A few men in uniform came over to him, and Mr. Rush nodded at their words. He gave them his black camera bag from around his neck. They ended up looking through it before pulling out an impressive camera. They looked it over and then nodded, approving it before giving it back to him. Getting the approval to move along, he started heading towards where the rest of us were waiting.

Some of the students sat in groups, talking excitedly. Some got coffee and sipped it with droopy eyes and conversed quietly. I felt somewhat jealous seeing my classmates, smiling and laughing. It was nice to see they were obviously excited for the trip. I was too; it sucked not having someone to talk to, though.

After my mom had died, I isolated myself from the friends I had, and it honestly didn't bother me at the time. It was impossible talking to my friends over my issue because I could not talk about it. I let them slip away from me, and it hurt. It was better than them figuring out what really happened, that was for sure. Mr. Rush knowing my problem was a big enough risk, but I wasn't letting that take me down. I was going to be away from my dad for more than a week. That was something to be thankful for.

I was sitting alone until I saw from the corner of my eye someone sit in the seat next to mine. When I looked over to him, I quickly looked away. I sighed.

"Are you okay?" he asked me casually.

I could not believe him. He was always so serious and kept to himself, never showing anything but a dead face. Now, he wouldn't drop it. I turned more towards him and spoke in a slow voice. "Mr. Rush, I am very fine. I am going on a vacation from my life. So I would not like to be reminded of it." I paused, thinking something over before continuing. "I have no idea why you care. You never seemed to care about anything other than your precious hair and your job. So no offense... but please cut the act and leave me alone."

I didn't mean it, even though it was a little true. I knew sooner or later, I would cave and tell him my whole life story if he stuck around me for too long. He held such a powerful presence, and it was dangerous for someone who had nobody to talk to like me especially when he already knew bits and pieces.

He didn't say anything but instead got up and left, a slight scowl on his face. It wasn't long after that when we boarded our plane and took our seats. I sat on the right side of the plane and got the window seat. Next to me, a girl I knew, Emma, smiled and sat down. She put her carry-on bag above our heads in the compartment where I placed mine.

Emma was a really nice and sweet girl. I was lucky to have her sitting next to me for so many hours. It was much better than others sitting by me who didn't like me. I guess, I still had friends if you count occasional polite chatter and smiles when passing through the halls. Emma was one of those who would smile and talk a bit with me here and there.

"Are you excited?" she asked me.

I looked at her as the others took their seats ahead of us, walking through the tight aisle. I offered her a smile with my answer. "Yeah. I'm a little nervous, though. I've never been on a plane before," I said.

"Oh don't worry. It's really fun. Plus, I always keep in mind that flying is safer than driving."

I nodded and understood what she meant. I was too excited to let a little worry get in my way.

The flight attendant stood at the front, next to the principal, Mr. Howard. I knew that in previous years, he couldn't go. The rest of the staff at school told him they would take care of everything this year for him though if he wanted to go. So he was pretty excited too.

"Can we have your attention, please?" the flight attendant announced over the speaker. Her blonde hair was bound up behind her in a bun I noticed. It complemented her professional attire as well as her soft eyes that scanned over everyone.

Everyone became quiet immediately, wanting to leave as soon as possible. It was a little silly since the flight has a scheduled time for departure and arrival.

Mr. Howard, a man on the shorter side with short hair, took her place. "Okay everyone, we are leaving in a few minutes. First, we need to take attendance."

That took up a lot of time. This wasn't just a few kids. This was a large part of the junior class. As it turns out, everyone was here. Surprise, surprise.

He went over a few others things that we needed to know. When he briefed us on what was to happen when we land, he paused for a moment. My attention peaked when he pointed and addressed Mr. Rush, who was sitting up front with some of the other teachers.

"Mr. Rush has agreed to help us with the yearbook on this trip. So if you don't have a camera and just want a group picture for yourselves, he will be willing to help."

Even though I couldn't see him or his face, I knew he was heating up. He didn't appreciate the principal throwing in that he was basically willing to help anyone. It made me chuckle and recall his very 'excited' announcement to the class a few days ago about that.

Soon after that, we were instructed to buckle up. I had trouble with mine because it was hard to snap together for whatever reason. When it did, my attention stayed on the plane. It started moving and turned the corner of the runway. Then, we picked up speed.

My eyes grew at the quickness as well as how much I was shaking too (whether from my fear or the plane, I did not know). I felt Emma pat my hand gently, and when I met her eyes, she gave me a reassuring smile. I returned her smile just as a lifting sensation swept through me. When I looked out of the small window, we were rising off the ground. Talk about a freaky feeling.

Goodbye, for now, Craftridge, Ohio! The airport looked further away, but I was surprised how it didn't scare me. Subdivisions looked like stitches with the driveways and houses branching off from the road. The rivers were small blue spirals with lakes appearing as small puddles. Highways were ant colonies and the crop fields were the squares sewed into quilts. When we were at the highest point, I looked out to see the blue and green surface of the Earth and clusters of cities below.

My head was pressed up against the window, watching the sight below with a large smile. All I could wonder was how could a world so beautiful be so cruel?

The surface was beyond fascinating. And a few hours later, my mind was still stuck on the glorious view. Until a man came down the aisle and offered us a small snack and cold drink, which both Emma and I accepted. After he left and Emma saw my face, she chuckled.

"Wonderful, isn't it?"

I nodded and turned back to the window. Only to finally see the green disappear and the dark blue of the ocean set in. It was a beautiful yet daunting sight. Being over water was more unnerving than land. I knew though the flight wouldn't last much longer. Being over the water meant we were close to the Bahamas. I figured the last part of my flight would be well spent getting some reading in.

However, enjoying my book was short lived. Not fifteen minutes later, the plane started to rock a little. It was quickly followed by the flight attendant's voice coming over the speaker. "Only slight turbulence, ladies and gentlemen. It should be over in a minute. Please remain in your seats," she said in a calm voice.

It was a long minute. By the end of that minute, the turbulence didn't subside. The plane continued to rock and tip to the right then to the left. Then, it got worse.

The plane suddenly tilted sharply to the right, making everyone exclaim in surprise. Including me. I grunted hard when my head was whipped to the right and hit the window. My cheek hit the cool glass hard, causing pain to move through my head. The pain lasted for a millisecond with my fear taking over. It got rougher.

The plane tilted more to the right and demanded a sick feeling to raise in me. Even more, it caused Emma to unintentionally lean into me. Everyone was leaning to the right too. Then the plane went to the left sharply... only to tilt to the right again. This time, nearly completely sideways. The shouts echoed through the plane and cut off the announcement made by the flight attendant.

What was happening?! I felt myself gasp, unsure of everything! What was happening, why was it happening?! We were not crashing, we are not crashing, we are not crashing. I kept telling myself it was only turbulence though clearly it wasn't. It was all chaos, so much so, I can't remember much of what I was thinking at that point. My mind went blurry with the shaking.

The woman over the speaker tried again, but soon, it didn't matter. She ended up abandoning it and stumbling to the floor roughly. I could see her sliding and being forced against the seats before my eyes were pulled elsewhere. Like the passengers on the left that literally would have been thrown from their seats if their belts didn't secure them.

It was hard to see anything clearly. The plane was shaking so violently, I couldn't see much. I couldn't think either! Couldn't comprehend what the hell was happening. All that registered were the screams that rose to a louder level. And why?

"Oh god, oh shit!" was the only thing audible that left my mouth. Everything shifted... and we started to descend. Not tilt left or right, but nose dive down.

With how awful my life seemed, I still knew I wanted to continue living it. But a hard and fast reality was living its course — and it was out of control! With the fast rate and how my heart reacted in an unhealthy manner, I just wanted to close my eyes. It was completely impossible, though. I was so scared! I could see loose carry-on bags flying back. Then again, everything besides the passengers was flying around.

My eyes somehow found their way to the window, and I felt my eyes widen at seeing the water. More than that, even with how unstable my vision was, I could see the texture and ripples – something you can only see if you get closer to the damn water! This wasn't fucking happening! Closer, closer, clos—

A loud crash penetrated my ears. That same second, for only a second, I could see perfectly. The plane plummeted into the water, and I saw that water rushing towards me. It hit us faster than I could describe. It forced my eyes shut in pure agony. It inflicted the most intense pain I have ever experienced.

It was as if my entire body hit concrete! Oh god! It felt like the water was solid and just ripped through me. I felt sick, broken, and my shattering scream — like everyone else's — did not help. The water that hit us as the plane descended took more air from my screaming classmates (the few that were still screaming after we hit the water and went under) and me.

It only took a second for me to shut my mouth and keep in as much air as I could, despite how deeply I wanted to scream my lungs out. I couldn't say the same occurred for some others that were still screaming. The pain was so engulfing and thriving, it demanded a few muffled screams and cries to reach my ears through the water.

That didn't include Emma; her shrieking stopped when we hit the water. After a long minute, the few screams I heard under the water were gone too. The water took it all and left no more room to scream. No more air for them. That's all I could tell myself. To keep holding my breath and not scream. Otherwise, I would go quietly with nothing left in me. It was hard to do, especially when the plane vibrated hard and I could feel it slow. Like we were skidding on sharp rocks before abruptly stopping.

I couldn't keep my eyes shut. The pain was just so overwhelming, opening my eyes didn't matter. My body felt almost gone, and I couldn't feel it. Eyes wandering mindlessly, my dead gaze found Emma and it wasn't a pretty sight. Her head was tilted to the side unnaturally, and there was no life or movement in her. Her hair floated around her face now that we were completely stopped.

I blinked as I took her in. I didn't want to end up like her, even if I didn't understand how she died and I didn't. It moved my heart to a bad place, and it made me feel even sicker. But I couldn't think about that now, I was still here or so I felt as if I was. That's all I should need to be willing to try.

The first step of possibly living meant taking off my belt. I looked down to myself, and suddenly, I could feel my body again. It hurt so terribly! I could only afford to wince as I tried to see my belt. The issue was I could hardly see at this point with the salt water and the pain. Not to mention... I started to panic.

My hands flew all over the damn belt that kept me in place, looking to unlatch it. I pulled at it and tried clicking it open. For whatever reason, it didn't work! I even bucked against it as I tried, anything to take it off! The latch wasn't working! Simply attempting to get a grip to unlatch the belt didn't work for me either. It was just stuck. With time, my panic grew as did my terrible need for air.

I was fighting an impossible battle right now. Most of it rested in my own physical state. It was something I didn't have much control of right now. I felt this could be it...

The life I knew would end. The one with my father and being trapped. It was a welcoming thought, to be honest, to die and end up with my mother in heaven. I wanted to go to her and leave my dad behind and my brother; they could rot in hell. At the same time, it was such a shame... I wanted to live, and I still had hope for my life. I, as well as all these others, could have had such great futures.

Through the water, something moved and caught my attention. I cleared my head and blurred vision as best as I could, and when I did, I saw a man. Mr. Rush.

As he moved closer, I could see him more clearly. He looked around to all the students frantically as he swam over everyone's seats. He was free and alive! I was happy he might have a chance.

However, I noticed his frantic looking stopped when he hovered over my row. I looked up to see him just over my head. His eyes were panicked, but he didn't pause. He grabbed down and onto my belt, pulling himself until he was in front of me, bubbles floating from his abrupt movement over to me. With everything, I guess I could still be surprised.

The first thing he did was wrestle with the seatbelt like I did, trying to unlatch it and get me free. After trying enough times, I concluded that wasn't going to work. Then, he shocked me a moment later after reaching down into his pocket. He had a knife.

Mr. Rush pulled the sharp weapon out. With his other hand, he slid his finger under my belt and away from me. The hand with the knife made a back and forth motion over the belt. He was saving me, trying to cut me out!

All this happened in a matter of seconds, from the crash to now. Time was ticking fast, though. I had no air, and I knew he didn't either. He kept looking up at me as I started to fade away; I could feel it. The need for air was building in me as was the pressure on my chest. I couldn't make it. There was no way.

I rested my hand on his hand that was working to cut the belt. Meeting his eyes, I did my best to smile through the overwhelming panic of having no air. He was stunned for a second, which made it easier to push his arms away. I was showing him he needed to go, and it was too late for me.

Instantly, he shook his head, understanding my gesture. However, he didn't seem to fight it either. Suddenly, he grabbed the back of Emma's seat and pushed his way out, swimming out of view.

I was happy, just glad he had a chance now that he left me. It was at that point that I finally felt myself slipping. Then I heard a noise and almost out of nowhere, Mr. Rush was back in front of me again. I had no idea what he was doing as he came down to me, pulling himself closer so he was even with me. He slid his hands up to my face and brought his lips to mine.

At first, I thought he was trying to answer some dying wish of mine I never knew I made. Maybe he just wanted to kiss me goodbye from this world. I realized that was not his goal.

He opened my lips with his and breathed air into my lungs, giving me more time. He let go and looked at my face, checking if his idea worked. The bastard just couldn't go and leave me. I would forever thank him for trying but knew it had to be too late, right?

Yet, I think he saw my eyes flutter more than before, and that's the only good sign he needed. He moved back to cutting the strap until it finally broke and floated. I was still fading and even more, he was fading fast too. His breath didn't give me much, but it was enough to stay alive.

He wrapped his arm around me, pulling me up with him until he dragged me over the bodies under us. I tried to pull my own weight, but the black spots were blocking out reality. He guided and dragged me... then all I could feel was that my lips were given access to more air someway. I breathed in what I could, and he was back to towing me.

For however I got the air that time, it wasn't enough for long. It was like a dizzy dream and all I remember is just pushing. Swimming and pushing with him guiding me. The air I got wasn't enough; my eyes shut as he still pulled me through the water. I could feel the sensation of climbing, being lifted through the water after that. Then, just as that feeling of rising entered me, I felt a very deep and painful sensation cross me. Along with a lack of air, it was that sensation that made me finally black out.