Barely Lethal

four.

He heard Finns voice, an echo through the entire room, "Don't ever fight angry. That's not what the games about."

The man charged the other man, fists flailing. He was ready. One fast straight punch to the other mans unprotected jaw and his head whipped back, his body arched backward, all of his momentum snapping back on him like a broken rubber band. He lifted right up off his toes, clearing the ground.

For one long moment his body hung in the air. Then he landed with a thud that shook the ropes on the ring.

"That man's name is Billy". Zach whispered into my ear, pointing at the winner. "And the loser is Ray."

We moved on walking to the next two men who were sparring. I saw a man who looked like the 63 bully or might I say beast, mounted on top of the other man in a spar. Everyone stood around cheering and watching the fight as his guts seemingly spilled out to the floor. Okay, more like his lunch.

"Yeah!" the other man said in a joyous tone, enjoying his victory. Usually, a man would fight back. I'm guessing that man who had lost was a punching bag for these men.

I couldn't stop myself from cringing as his blood oozed out and I looked around waiting for someone to stop this but no one did. I wanted to step in but I knew I was too much of a coward. I kept my hand on my face but my eyes were glued to the scene in front of me. I knew I had to get used to it as this is the life Ill be living from now on.

Its better than living with my father!

"Be on time tomorrow." Finn turned to me, his voice cold as ice.

I nodded, too scared to say anything.

"Good." Then he walked away. I released a breath that I didn't know I was holding until he left.

"Same old Finn." Zach's voice behind made me jump, almost giving me a heart attack. I totally forgot that he was standing behind me the whole time. I hit him playfully and he laughed, amused by my priceless reaction.

Saying goodnight, we walked back to our beds. I laid down, so many thoughts consuming my brain. I sighed, wondering what awaits me tomorrow. I eventually fell asleep.

⇄

The next thing I knew, my dad brought his foot quickly to the bottom of my jaw. Blood was spilling from the inside of my mouth, but I got up. Anger filled his fist and quickly his knuckles met my cheekbone. He hit me so hard, my own hand stung for a little bit. There was blood all over the red carpet. There was no way of telling whom the blood belonged to.

I picked her up from the ground and threw her onto the couch. He was on top of her and his hands wrapped themselves around my neck.

"You don't tell me what to do and then try to beat me up!" his body was bursting with rage, and it didn't look like he was going to stop anytime soon.

"I could barely breathe, Stop! Please stop! Ill do anything, just please stop! Don't kill me, please."

He swiftly got up and pushed me away, probably not in the mood today.

Oh boy, how wrong was I.

He had gone to get his favorite toy; his whip. As soon as I saw it, I started yelling, hoping anyone could hear me.

No! I screamed, running away from him.

He managed to get a hold of me and tackled me down. I was wearing jeans but now it was forced down my knees because he wants to whip me until I pass out.

He raised his arms and I waited for the impact.

The first sensation was numbness, followed by a slow growing itch. The itch grows to a burn as if Ive been touched by a hot stove and then I could feel the expansion of the skin due to the splitting of skin.

I want you to count as I whip you. He said, not stopping.

The pain started from my ass and spread to the rest of my body He let out an evil laugh and whipped me again. Tears had started to form in my eyes but I didn't let them fall.

A faint whisper saying be strong. And that's what I'll do. The whip cracked again. I won't let myself cry. No matter how much it hurts.

After tenth whip, he started to punch me. A punch to my stomach knocked the air out of me and threw me into the wall.

"You're the reason your mother left you!" he yelled.

Another punch. My stomach was hurting but I wont show it. I let out a whimper as he punched me again, and again, and again. I clenched my stomach and my fists in pain. He pulled me up by hair and turned me to face away from him.

I woke up with a violent shake, I screamed noticing the cold swear pouring down my face. My hands were shaking. Panting heavily, sheets drenched with sweat, dazed, and dizzy that I sit up. There have been times when I've had to struggle to get my eyes open and emerge from the nightmares.

It was another nightmare. It seemed so real like he was just there. I hate the fact that he has left such impact on me.

I sighed, realizing it was just a nightmare and there's nothing to worry about. That was until I saw a dark figure in my bedroom. I was beyond terrified, gripping my sheets tight thinking it was my father.

When I am spooked by someone creeping up on me or when I believe someone is watching me, my heart also beats fast but I get a tight congestion build up in my chest like I cant breathe.

"You okay?" I knew that voice. Cold as ice. It must be Finn. He must have heard me screaming and decided to check on me.

"I'm fine." I whispered. "Sorry for bothering you at this hour."

He didn't reply, just kept on looking at me. I didn't make eye contact with him but I could feel his icy gaze on me. He crept closer until he stopped at the chair next to my bed, gesturing if he could sit down.

I nodded. I was curious on what he was trying to do.

He sat down, just kept on looking at me. I'm starting to think he barely blinks. He just sat there, not saying a word. The silence wasn't uncomfortable. Strangely, it made me feel safe because the thought of him sitting there.

He finally spoke, "Sleep. I'll wait until you fall asleep."

"Thank you." I smiled at him.

I lie back down on my bed, twisting and turning but nowhere I lay, I couldn't sleep. I turned to the side, and faced Finn.

"I know you're not much of a talker, but can you say something?" I pleaded.

He blinked, and he spoke, "Okay, how about a joke?"

"Why did the coffee file a police report?" he asked.

I wondered for a while and shrugged not knowing the answer. I gestured to him with my hands to tell me.

"Because it was mugged." I laughed only because the joke was so lame. He kept his face void of any emotion like always. My laughing had cause his lips to turn up from the corner but I didn't comment on it. He simply just rolled his eyes.

I mumbled another thank you, grateful for being so patient. He nodded.

Sleep slipped out of my grasp because of that nightmare but slowly sleep was coming back to me. I shut my eyes, enjoying the softness of the bed, the smoothness of his blanket.

Before I knew it, I drifted off to sleep. I was so tired that as soon as my head touched the pillow, sleep overcame me. My breathing became even, slow and deep.