Chapter One... A New Beginning
*Emma POV*
*Flashback two years ago*
**Possible Triggers**
"Emma. Emma. Emma. Why must I repeat myself constantly with you? Hmmm..." Sean said with a dangerous tone. I was cowering in fear, because he was mad again. "I-I didn't do anything.... I swear-" I stuttered out but was interrupted with a sharp slap to my face. I grabbed my face in pain and whimpered painfully. "Why must you lie. I saw you talking to him myself. You know better than to talk to another man. It is prohibited." he snarled. He leaned down and I instantly felt pain radiating from my scalp as he held my hair tightly around his fist as he forced me to look in his eyes. "This is the last time I expect to say this to you. Your obedience is expected. Do I make myself clear Emma?" Sean said with a venomous tone so close to my face. When I didn't respond right away he tightened his hold. I whimpered and nodded my head. "Yes, I..... understand. I'm... sorry." I cried out. I had nothing to be sorry for, because I didn't do anything wrong. I worked at a small diner and I had no choice but to talk to men and women. Sean didn't understand that in the slightest. "I am going to go take a shower. I expect you to be ready for me when I get back." Sean said sternly as he let me go and left the room. I sat there on the floor with tears flowing down my face wondering what I did wrong to be in a place like this, with a boyfriend like this. I had to get out of this situation and never look back, but how. I looked up and noticed that the door wasn't closed all the way. I gasped softly and stood up. This might be my only chance at getting away. I ran to my closet and pulled out the small bag I had hidden. It had all my belongings I would need to start a new life. I grabbed my hoodie, then snuck out of the room I could still hear the shower running and Sean humming inside. I rushed to the door and seen it was unlocked. I opened it quietly and then I ran. I kept running and never looked back. I knew I had to keep going, because if I didn't, he would find me.
*Flashback Ends* *Trigger End*
Two Years Later
I groaned and then got out of bed. I had to get ready for work. I couldn't afford to lose any hours. I was barely making it as it was. I took a quick shower and then got dressed. My stomach grumbled loudly. I went to the kitchen and opened the fridge. I winced slightly. Dammit! I had maybe half a glass of milk with two small donuts from the other day. I hadn't went shopping for food, because rent was coming up and I could barely afford it as it was. I grabbed the glass of milk and gulped it down rapidly, then snatched the donuts and shoved them in my mouth. I chewed in a rush and then swallowed them. I looked at my clock on the wall. F**k! I am going to be late if I don't hurry. I got my sneakers on, grabbed my purse and ran to the bus stop. I worked at a local bar, but I knew that I couldn't walk there in time. I couldn't afford a car, so I always took the bus. When the bus stopped I got in and placed my few coins in the machine and then sat down.
Once I got to work, I rushed inside, only to see Hank pointing to his watch. "I know.. I know.. I'm sorry Hank. You know I don't have a car and I was trying to hurry." I said trying to diffuse the situation. Hank opened his mouth to speak when my stomach growled loudly interrupting him. My face blushed bright red and I wanted the ground to swallow me whole. How f*****g embarrassing! I quickly turned away and placed my belongings in my locker. I tensed when I felt Hank place his hand on my shoulder. "Emma? Is everything okay? How long has it been since you ate?" he said with concern. I didn't really like to tell anyone my personal life. I just shrugged it off. "I had some donuts on the way to work, must of upset my stomach." I said nonchalantly. I was starving, but I wasn't about to see pity in his eyes and accept a handout. I was going to make it and I was going to work my ass off no matter what it took. He just shook his head and put his arm back by his side. "Emma, we are all family here. I hope you know that. We look after one another here. You still have about twenty minutes before a lot of people come in. Go tell Jackson in the kitchen to get you something." he said sternly. I was about to open my mouth and object when my stomach grumbled again. "Not one word missy. Now off with you." Hank said pointing his finger at me. I just chuckled softly and placed my hand on my forehead to salute him. He laughed out loud and then I headed for the kitchen.
Jackson was sitting there eating happily when he saw me. "What's up, Buttercup?" he said with smile. "Hank told me to have you make me something to eat before my shift, but you really don't have too. I can grab something small." I say trying to get out of this situation. He scoffed, then got up. "What do you take me for? I have a gift to cook! Why WOULDN'T you want me to cook for you." He said laughing. I sat down defeated and then clicked my tongue. "Very well, but I only have fifteen minutes before my shift. Chop! Chop!" I said giggling. He just shakes his head and chuckles as he makes me something yummy.
