text: Zarah Smith Opened Sores I'd like to dedicate this to the people of Booksie.com They are amazing in support. 
   
   
     
   
   Prologue: Anywhere but here! 
   
   
  The sand was warm and the water was cold and the sun was slowly setting. The sky was decorated with pink and purple lights, Alyssa sat there admiring the image that would only be projected for a few more minutes. She dug her toes through the sand enjoying the only warmth left. She was wearing black gym shorts, an olive green shirt covered by a white and gray hoodie. At the end of the sleeves was a small hole that she slid her thumbs through. She loved that jacket and almost always wore it. 
  Alyssa flipped open her cell phone and read the time, 7:05 p.m. She had to get going soon before her parents found another reason to flip out on her, not that they had a perfectly good one. Alyssa quickly got up taking one last look around the beach. She loved it there and wish she could never leave. Quickly spinning around, Alyssa started to walk home, her feet dragging along the cemented sidewalk and her hands dug in her jacket pockets. 
  Fifteen minutes later Alyssa walked through her front door and seen her father sprint pass her, loudly slamming the door as he left. She looked at her mother and seen that her eyes were red and puffy as she held a bottle of Spanish Rum in her hand. She glared at Alyssa for a long minute and opened her mouth to give her orders, "I want this place clean within the next hour you hear?" She demanded. "Cleaned from corner to corner, and if it's not done there is going to be hell to pay." With that, her mother walked off into her bedroom and slammed the door. Every Time something went wrong, Alyssa's mom gave her ridiculous orders. Alyssa looked around the house and seen that it was fairly clean so there wasn't much to do. She could have it done in the next half hour, but she knew that she'd have to go a little slower. If her mother came out in the next hour and didn't see her cleaning the house, she would assume that Alyssa didn't do anything and start throwing glass bottles everywhere giving her something to actually clean. 
  An hour later Mrs. Cameron came out of her room and glanced around the house searching for something to yell at Alyssa for. She couldn't find anything and was mildly satisfied. She decided to let it go but still called Alyssa down. "Alyssa! Get your but down here right now!" She yelled angrily so she didn't have to wait too long for Alyssa to come. Almost instantly, Alyssa came flying down the stairs and looked straight at her mother. "What do you plan on doing for dinner?" Mrs. Cameron asked. "I don't know yet." Alyssa answered softly. "Well you better figure it out soon or starve to death. I'm leaving and I won't be back for awhile." "Okay." Alyssa muttered. 
  It didn't matter to Alyssa that her mom was leaving, whenever she said awhile she came back the next day more drunk than when she left. She never did anything for Alyssa and could care less about what she did with her life. Alyssa could be running around having sex all day and her mom wouldn't give a damn about it. Alyssa's dad was never home and when he was he was either yelling or beating Alyssa. The weekdays were Alyssa's favorite time, she could go to school and not think about those things she was forced to call parents. 
  ****** 
  "Alyssa Paige Cameron!" Mr. Cameron yelled as he walked through the front door. Alyssa stepped down the stairs in a matter of seconds. She tripped on the last step and fell to the floor catching herself with her hands. She felt a sharp pain against her hand and she instantly knew she was cut by something sharp. Alyssa looked down at her hand and seen a small amount of blood seeping out onto the ground. She wondered where the glass came from. She looked to her left and seen liquid dripping down the wall and glass shattered at the bottom of the stairs. She knew her father must have thrown a bottle of liquor against the wall. The smell of the liquor invaded her nose as she slowly got up from the floor. 
  "Where is your mother?" Mr. Cameron snapped. "She said she was leaving and wouldn't be back for awhile." Alyssa answered through gritted teeth trying not to show signs of pain. Mr. Cameron's blood instantly began to boil with anger, he looked like he was going to explode. He was always angry and took it out on the first person he saw, meaning Mrs. Cameron or Alyssa. Angry, Mr. Cameron took off the belt he was wearing and yanked Alyssa up from the ground. Alyssa held her bloody hand to her head trying to somehow ease the pain that she was now feeling from her scalp. Her father quickly whipped the belt across Alyssa's back multiple times. The first few times Alyssa was able to hold her screams in. With every continuous whip, she no longer was able to hold it in and let out a loud yell. Tears streamed down her face as she stood there being controlled by her drunken father. Mr. Cameron let go of her and Alyssa fell to the ground with a loud thumping noise. Mr. Cameron felt relieved that he was able to get all that anger out of his body. As soon as he let go of Alyssa he headed for the door and took off again. 
  Alyssa watched him walk away leaving her feeling like her back was on fire. Tears slowly fell from her eyes, she couldn't move so she just stayed there. Alyssa soon got up feeling only a slight bit better. Alyssa looked down at the big pieces of glass left on the floor. She walked up the steps with a huge chunk off glass hanging from her hands, wincing with every step she took. As soon as she got to the bathroom, she started cutting herself in her wrist. He whole arms were marked up scars and she felt relief as she watched the blood seep out of her. She stepped into the bathtub fully clothed and watch the water fill. The water was becoming a bloody red. She set her arms down into the water and felt her cuts sting. She sat there all not watching the tub overflow and flood the entire room wishing she was anywhere but here. Chapter 1: School is my playground when 
  I'm not speaking of an issue! 
   
  The moon was up, the stars were out and Alyssa had just woken up. She opened her eyes to the darkness that was illuminated around her room. Only a small light shone on her rainbow colored walls, and that light came from the moon. Alyssa turned around looked straight out the window and up at the stars. The moon was full and gave off a bright light that Alyssa was drawn to. She thought of the moon as another person stuck in the sky who's only duty was to push and pull the tides. She'd rather do that than be here with her drunk parents.Thinking of her parents, she remembered the beating her father had gave her and thought of how much her back still burned. She pictured her father throwing his arm back and forth as the belt whipped her. She could still feel the burn, and she knew the marks would be clearly visible if she were to pull up her shirt. 
  Alyssa got out of bed and threw on a long sleeved white shirt to hide the marks on her arms. She pulled on a black Beatles t-shirt over it. It had each beatle member, John Lennon on the upper left, Paul McCartney on the upper right, Ringo Starr on the bottom left, and George Harrison on the bottom right. She put on dark blue jeans and black converse. She loved the Beatles music and each movie they have ever done, her favorite was called Help! 
  After a few more minutes Alyssa went across the hall and into the bathroom. She dimmed the lights and stood in front of the mirror and brushed her black hair that came just beneath her shoulder blades. She stood there and looked at herself. Her face showed that she was calm but her brown eyes begged for help. 
  Almost immediately after making sure that she looked almost presentable, Alyssa flew out the front door wanting to get away from this hell hole that she called home. She made her way down the sidewalk and started walking towards her school. Alyssa knew that this was going to be a long walk considering she did it almost every week. She took out her Ipod and stuck her headphones in her ears. She listened to one of her favorite songs and gladly had it blasting through her ears; Afterlife by Avenged Sevenfold. 
  Like walking into a dream, so unlike what you've seen. 
  So unsure but it seems, 'cause we've been waiting for you. 
  Fallen into this place, just giving you a small taste. 
  Of your afterlife here so stay, you'll be back here soon anyway. 
  I see a distant light, but girl this can't be right. 
  Such a surreal place to see so how did this come to be, 
  Arrived too early. 
  And when I think of all the places I just don't belong, 
  I've come to grips with life and realize this is going too far. 
  I don't belong here, we gotta move on dear, escape from this afterlife. 
  'Cause this time I'm right to move on and on, far away from here. 
  A place of hope and no pain, perfect skies with no rain. 
  Can leave this place but refrain, 'cause we've been waiting for you. 
  Fallen into this place, just giving you a small taste. 
  Of your afterlife here so stay, you'll be back here soon anyway. 
  This peace on earth's not right (with my back against the wall). 
  No pain or sign of time (I'm much too young to fall). 
  So out of place don't wanna stay, I feel wrong and that's my sign. 
  I've made up my mind. 
  Give me your hand but realize I just wanna say goodbye. 
  Please understand I have to leave and carry on my own life. I don't belong here, I gotta move on dear escape from this afterlife. 
  'Cause this time I'm right to move on and on, far away from here. 
  Got nothing against you and surely I'll miss you. 
  This place full of peace and light, and I'd hoped you might, 
  Take me back inside, when the time is right. 
  Loved ones back home all crying 'cause they're already missing me. 
  I pray by the grace of God that there's somebody listening. 
  Give me a chance to be that person I wanna be. 
  (I am unbroken, I'm choking on this ecstasy.) 
  Oh Lord I'll try so hard but you gotta let go of me 
  (Unbreak me, unchain me, I need another chance to live.) 
   
  "Hey, Alyssa." Gavin said as he approached Alyssa. He noticed that she looked hurt and distant away from this place. Like she wasn't even on earth anymore. It was probably because she was listening to her Ipod again, he thought. "Hey." Alyssa smiled softly. "What's wrong?" Gavin asked curiously. He knew he shouldn't have asked because she probably wasn't going to answer, but he couldn't help himself, curiosity just got the best of him. "Everything." Alyssa muttered. Her voice showed sorrow and Gavin felt just...sad. "What?" Gavin asked pretending not to hear hoping she'd give him more detail. Gavin was one of the very few people that Alyssa had actually talked to but she still didn't say to much. "Nothing." Alyssa looked down at the ground as she continued to walk away leaving Gavin standing there confused. 
  Alyssa sat down alone at cookie break. Cookie break was a half hour long period in the middle of the school day where they could just relax and be alone much like Alyssa was doing now. Alyssa closed her eyes and say under the sun trying to think about happy thoughts. An Image of Gavin came to her mind. She felt like it was always easy to talk to Gavin and sometime she knew no matter what act she put on, he could tell when there was something seriously wrong. If he didn't think it was too serious he wouldn't bother and let Alyssa come to him. Earlier she wanted to tell Gavin everything that was happening. How her parents were drunk twenty four seven, how her father beats her everyday, and how she cuts herself to relieve the pain. But it was too hard to put it in words and she didn't even know how Gavin could help let alone react. Alyssa figured that he would be horrified but upset and filled with rage at the same time. It was just like Gavin, and that's one of the many things she loved about him. He was like the brother she never had. Trying to forget about Gavin and pouring out her feelings to him, she found the only other way she could think of. She sat on a brick ledge and pulled out her Ipod enjoying the warmth of the sun on her skin. Alyssa opened her backpack and pulled out one of her favorite books to read; A child called It. It was the only other thing that relaxed her as much as soft music and a tragic novel. 
  ******** 
  At lunch Alyssa sat alone, or so she hoped. A few minutes had passed when she looked up from her book and seen Gavin approaching her with a tray covered with a sandwich, an apple, and a small carton of milk. His shaggy black hair bounced slightly with ever step he took and his muscles seemed to flex just a little the tighter he gripped his tray. Gavin sat down and offered Alyssa a bit of his lunch but she just refused. Gavin chomped on his sandwich and Alyssa could of sworn that was the biggest bit she's every seen, he bit off half the sandwich. She just looked at him with her mouth hanging open in awe. 
  "So I'm not convinced." Gavin stated as he looked upwards at Alyssa. She looked straight into Gavin's eyes and noticed for the first time that there was one green and one blue one. "Your a husky." She said. "What are you talking about?" Gavin questioned not forgetting about the statement he made earlier. "Your eyes. And what's there not to be convinced about?" She replied. "You're not okay, just tell me what's wrong? I guess that's one way of putting it." Gavin said, the both of them having two conversations at once. "Well everyone has issues and I just happened to look like hell." Alyssa said a little irritated getting up to walk outside. Gavin got up and threw his tray in the garbage before following Alyssa outside. 
  "And what's that suppose to mean?" Gavin pushed. "Well there's two meanings. One meaning get the hell away from me and I don't want to talk about it," She continued not even glancing his way, "And the second meaning i'm a bit frustrated so I wouldn't get in my face if I were you." Alyssa sped up her walking pace trying to get away from Gavin. She knew that she was soon going to start going off about how horrible her life was and didn't want to cry in front of anyone, especially if that person was Gavin. "Look, I didn't mean to push it on you," Gavin said slurring his words a little lightly grabbing Alyssa's arm so she could stop and face him. "Ow." Alyssa jumped facing Gavin's way. It hurt for anyone or anything to even touch her in her arms because of her cutting, but she didn't want to stop. It was like alcohol, it took away the pain. 
  "Are you okay? I barely touched you." Gavin said softly noticing Alyssa's pain. His hand was still placed around her forearm loosened. "It's nothing," Alyssa whispered looking down trying to hide the tears. "Hey, Alyssa look at me." Alyssa refused and tried to pull away but Gavin wouldn't let her, every time she tried his arm was there restraining her or she would feel the pain. Gavin let out his arm and tilted Alyssa's face towards her. He seen her eyes filled with water and knew she was on the verge of tears but couldn't understand why. Gavin decided to let it go and figured that maybe she'd tell him when she's ready. "I'm sorry," Gavin said remorseful. He couldn't help but wonder why she was crying but he didn't want to push her even more. "It's fine," Alyssa muttered turning around and sprinting off in the opposite direction. Chapter 2: Because he's the only one that cares... 
   
  After the incident with Gavin, Alyssa wanted to get as far away from him as possible. She wasn't able to leave school, it's not like she wanted to, but she had to get away. She didn't want to look him in the eye and lie, exactly like she was doing a few minutes ago. After that, Alyssa just ran off. There wasn't much places to go, so she went inside the bathroom until she was stable enough to walk around school like there was no problem. She heard the bell ring and she knew she was late for class but didn't care. 
  Fifteen Minutes late, Alyssa walks into her honors class. "Alyssa, you're late." Mr. Bates exclaimed as she walked through the door. "Fifteen minutes late." Alyssa stood there and looked him straight in the eye, not even attempting to say a word. "Why?" Mr. Bates said as if she couldn't already take a hint. "No reason," She whispered. "Just take a seat." Mr.Bates sighed. Alyssa did as she was told and took the first seat closest to the door. Glancing back, she seen Gavin's blue and green eye studying her body, she could just never get away from him could she? 
  Her honors class was the last class of the day and when the bell rang, Alyssa was quick to get out of there. She got up and walked out the door as quickly as possible. Pulling out her Ipod, Alyssa trips and everything falls on the floor. Her body quickly flipped around and her backpack broke her fall. She closed her eyes and rested her head back on the ground too frustrated to get up. "Need some help?" Gavin asked kneeing right beside Alyssa. She took a large breath of air before opening her eyes. "No..." She muttered softly standing up to collect her books. Gavin picks up her Ipod from the ground and scrolls through a few of her songs. "Nice play list." "Thanks. Now can I have it back?" Alyssa asks extending her arm. "Sure." She puts all her items inside her bag and leaves immediately. 
  She walked off into the woods in broad daylight. Alyssa had her earphones dangling from her ears and her hands in her jacket pocket. She walked all the way to the end of the woods which took about a half hour. No one ever went as far as she did when it came to the woods. They barely even went near it. A few months back Alyssa discovered a lake at the end. It was a place that was just there, it didn't even connect to it. There was a small area of green grass with a few trees that were fully leaved. The blue lake spread wide and if you looked far out, you could see multiple buildings out in the distance. 
  "It's a nice view isn't it?" A voice came from behind her, apparently she wasn't the only one that knew the lake was back here. Alyssa looked behind her and seen Gavin approaching to sit next to her. "What, did you follow me?" She asked a bit rude. "Not at all." Gavin answered. "Then what are you doing here?" " I could ask you that same question myself." He smirks. Gavin looks straight into Alyssa's eyes trying to figure out what she was thinking but knew she wouldn't let him. He always noticed that he only saw the things that Alyssa would allow him to see and the things she wouldn't. "What? Someone can't come to a lake without having a reason?" "Not without a perfectly good one." "Well I do have a reason." He says. "And what's that?" Alyssa asks. Gavin stands up and extends his hand for Alyssa to take. "Canoeing." Alyssa was confused, and a bit taken aback. You could even say she was a little afraid. "I have never went canoeing before." She says hesitantly. "Well can you swim?" Gavin asks. "Yea." "Well then you're coming." He smiles. "A-alright. But where are you going to get a canoe?" Gavin just smiles. 
  Alyssa and Gavin both get on the boat and float off onto the water. They float far out to the middle of nowhere. "Do you even know where we are?" Alyssa asks. "No." He answers. "Then how will we get back?" "I don't know. We'll manage." Gavin replies smiling. Truth was, he didn't want to go back, he just wanted to stay with Alyssa and pretend like they were the only two people left on earth. Gavin stands up in the canoe slightly making it wobble. "What are you doing?" Alyssa asks a bit scared. "Come on get up." He demands, she looks at him with a questioning look. "What if I fall?" "You wont." He smiles warmly assuring her safety. Alyssa slowly stands up holding onto Gavin. "Okay now do what I do, at the same time. Don't be afraid...." Gavin lifts his feet on the edges of the canoe balancing so he doesn't fall. Alyssa follows slow but steady. "...Because I'll always catch you when you fall." Alyssa smiles as she holds the both of his hands trying not to shake and wobble. She loved that Gavin said that. She knew that it wasn't just the whole falling in the water thing. Gavin was always there for her, way before her family started becoming a mess. Alyssa just sort of shut him out, she never really bothered to talk to him about anything anymore. Her parents practically sucked everything that was fun out of her life when they started drinking again. Gavin just happened to be the one thing that didn't fully drift away. 
  Alyssa looks up at a smiling Gavin. He had that mischievous look in his eyes. "What?" Alyssa blushed. Before she knew it, the both of them were flying off the canoe. The both of their bodies hit the water at the same time. For a brief moment, Alyssa panicked trying to process her thoughts. Alyssa swam to the surface to take a large breath. She lifted her hands and wiped her hair and extra water out of her eyes. She looked around and spotted Gavin's his once floppy hair, now wet and damp from the water. His head was turned around scanning for Alyssa's familiar face. Alyssa saw this as an opportunity. Alyssa dug her body underwater and swam towards Gavin. She resurfaced and saw him trying to get back onto the boat. Smiling to herself, Alyssa quickly took hold of Gavin's shirt and yanked him back into the water. Gavin grabbed hold of Alyssa's waist to bring her with him, the both of them going about two feet from surface. When they both surfaced Alyssa held onto Gavin to avoid anymore serious down holds. Alyssa spewed all the excess water from her mouth and face. She heard Gavin's laugh and looked towards him. "If I go down, you go down with me." "I've noticed," Alyssa replied with a laugh. "You know there's gators in the pond?" Gavin smiles. Alyssa's face suddenly goes solemn and her eyes become wide with fear. "What?" Gavin explodes with laughter at the sight of Alyssa's scared face. "I'm joking, if there was I wouldn't even be here." There was a long pause, Alyssa pushed the top of the water in Gavin's face. "Hey!" He yelled playfully. "Don't mess with me like that! I'm terrified of those things!" Alyssa scolded. "Okay, jeesh." They both laughed as Gavin got up in the canoe. "Come on, I gotta get you home." 
  As Alyssa arrives through the front door she skips off up the stairs with a smile glued to her face. It was the first time in a long time since she's had that much fun with anyone and she was glad that out of all people it was with Gavin. He made her feel comfortable, it was rare when Alyssa felt awkward talking to Gavin. 
  She hops into the the shower and lets the warm water trickle its way down her body. The steam filled the room and fog surrounded clouding up the thin glassed mirror. Alyssa looked down at her arms and noticed that the scars were fading away, they were now barely visible. She was happy that they were going away, but upset that she made those marks. She was more upset about how she knew she was going to do it again. 
  "When you're upset, you should practice smiling." She once heard that saying and knew how difficult it was to do that. Alyssa's smile was slowly fading away and she re-thought about that saying. She reattached that smile to her face. It was easy to put on that smile because joy already filled her body, it was more overwhelming than the sad and it was all because of one afternoon with Gavin. 
  When Alyssa got out of the shower, she gently brushed her hair and walked straight towards her room. She noticed that the people she called parents weren't home and that made her even more relaxed than she already was. Alyssa plunged herself backwards onto her soft fluffy bed sheets. Her mind was filled with thoughts about everything. The one thing that Alyssa stopped to actually think about, was Gavin. Alyssa couldn't figure out why Gavin cared so much. It's not that she doesn't want him to care, but she didn't understand his motive or even if he actually had a motive. Although she didn't know why, Alyssa liked the fact that Gavin cared so much. It made her feel...special. Alyssa looked towards the clock standing on her auburn colored nightstand. It was nine o'clock and she felt her eyes start to droop. For once in a long time, Alyssa would go to sleep happy. Her eyes fell completely shut and she mumbled the words, "Goodnight Gavin." and fell into a blissful dream. 
  ***** 
  Alyssa woke to the screams of her parents argument. She checked the time and saw that it was three a.m. At least I know they're home, she thought. "That has nothing to do with this!" Her mother yelled. "It has everything to do with it!" She heard the screams from her father and knew that he was at the point where he wouldn't hesitate to hit her mom. Every word came out more slurred than the other and Alyssa knew the both of them were drunk, or at least her father was. 
  There was a loud shatter that came from against the wall down the stairs. Alyssa heard all sorts of things being thrown around and somehow knew that her mom didn't get hit with not one item that was thrown. Everything got silent and then she heard a loud whip. It was the same kind that she always heard when the cold leather belt hit her skin when her father knocked her down. Her mothers whimpers were too painful to hear. Alyssa put her pillow over the side of her face and tried to block out the pain of her mothers screams. Tears flood out of Alyssa's eyes and onto the bottom sheet of her bed. Alyssa got up wanting to help her mom from that horrible beating she had just received. She got close to the door and reached out her hand ready to open it. A tear fell from her left cheek as she stood there with her hand on the knob frozen. She knew she wasn't going to help her mom no matter how much she wanted to. 
  All the screams stopped and she heard a door slam. Alyssa always wondered how her mother slept at night, how her father did especially. How could her father sleep knowing he beat the only family he has? All she managed to hear was her mom trudging up the stairs and down to her room in pain. 
  Mrs. Cameron silently cried her way to her bedroom holding her back with one hand. Her tears were now dry but the pain was still burning. Mrs. Cameron felt guilty for her whole life. She was nineteen turning twenty when she was pregnant with Alyssa. A long time before that she knew she should have left Mr. Cameron before anything like that happened, but it was too late. She only wished that Alyssa wasn't even born for her own selfish reasons, but she thought she had a good cause. Chapter 3: Witness to an action... 
   
  School passed by and Gavin occasionally seen Alyssa. It seemed like today she was sort of hiding and Gavin knew that something must have happened but didn't know what. Alyssa came up to Gavin only sometimes, she didn't want him to start to get suspicious about why she was acting so weird after one of the most best days that she's had in awhile. Alyssa tried to shield the pain she was feeling but she just couldn't. She felt like when she talked to Gavin that day, that he saw right through her, he saw what was really there and no doubt he would want to know what was wrong. For practically the whole day Alyssa avoided him, but not too much. The bell rang and Alyssa had her last class with Gavin. She walked off, almost running, out of school. Alyssa wanted to go home and get away to give her some time to think, not that there was much to think about, but at the same time she wanted to be with Gavin. 
  It was around nine o'clock and Alyssa sat at her desk doing her honors homework. She didn't like homework much, she couldn't imagine who actually did, it was just annoying. She put her pencil down and was about to shove her earphones in her ears when she heard a knock on the door followed by the doorbell. Alyssa walked down stairs wondering who it could be. Just as she took her last step she wondered why she didn't just look out the window first. She could clearly see anyone who would be at her front door through her window. She opened the door and seen a guy with black shaggy hair turned around. The guy turned around and she seen that it was Gavin. What was Gavin doing here? 
  "Um, hey?" Alyssa greeted. 
  "Hey," Gavin smiled. "Can I come in?" 
  "Sure...I guess." Alyssa stepped aside and let Gavin in. "I was kinda doing something in my room so follow me." Alyssa said turning around and stepping back upstairs. Gavin followed her glad she wasn't interrogating him about why he was there. He plainly wanted to see her, and maybe find out a little more. 
  They both walked into Alyssa's room and Alyssa took her papers off her desk and placed them on her bed. She jumped on the bed and crossed her legs to hold her books. She looked up and motioned for Gavin to sit anywhere. She kind of hoped he would come sit next to her. It almost seemed like Gavin was reading Alyssa's mind, he walked over to her and sat next to her. Gavin was a couple inches taller than Alyssa so when he sat down it felt like he was hovering over her. "What are you doing?" He asked looking over her shoulder. "OUR homework." Alyssa said emphasizing our. "Let me guess, you didn't do it." "Not at all," Gavin smiled. "But I will." "Uh-huh." The room got silent but it wasn't that awkward silent, it was sort of calm. "So what's up?" Alyssa said looking down at her lined paper. "Just thought we could hang out again. I had fun yesterday." Gavin said getting up and walking around Alyssa's room. "This is a very interesting look for your room, " He commented. "Thanks...I guess. I had it custom made." 
  Alyssa's room was wide and square. Her walls we different shades of all the colors of the rainbow. The main color was black, it was used as a background. There were lines of different colors all over the wall. Blue, red, yellow, and purple were the semi-main colors. It all went in patterns, line after line after line. There were four walls, Two striped horizontally and two striped vertically. It all seemed to mesh together in a neat way. Multi-colored hand prints were covering the wall also and the stripes were used as a background just like the black. Some of the other stuff looked like she drew it on there herself. "Whose hand prints are these?" Gavin ask touching his hand to the wall. "Mine," Alyssa laughed. Alyssa walked over to Gavin and put her right hand on the hand next on the right of his, her hand fit perfectly. Gavin took Alyssa's' hand and his eyes grew wide. "What?" Alyssa smiled. Gavin stretched out his long fingers and placed on Alyssa's. This clearly showed that his fingers were way longer than hers. His eyes were still wide and her slowly opened his mouth. "What?" Alyssa laughed a bit confused. "Me Tarzan, you Jane." He said taking his other hand and pointing one long finger towards her. Alyssa laughed, she loved that movie. "That's nice. But there's one problem. You don't wear an old diaper that you had since you were a kid and you wasn't born in the jungle." She laughed. "You don't know that." Gavin smiled. "Oh I know more than you think." Alyssa said turning around and walking towards her bed. Gavin's long arms wrapped around her small waist and pulled her close to him. "Oh do you?" He whispered softly in her ear. Alyssa's face was turned sideways slightly as she listened to Gavin's voice. The both of them leaned into each other, their lips almost meeting. 
  A door slammed shut and the sound of an angry man stomped across the floor. A bunch of glasses were shattered against walls and the marble tile. Mr. Cameron grunted as he checked around for anyone. He was furious and he didn't know why but he could careless. He just wanted all of his fury out of his body. His mind instantly thought of Alyssa. She was the perfect target, so weak and scrawny, she would never fight back. Just thinking about it made Mr. Cameron a bit upset, she would never fight back. Everyday he enjoyed whooping the living daylights out of her and made it seem like he didn't give a flying fa doodle about it. Truth was he did feel bad about it, but he only wished she was never born. He would have been better off, him and his wife. He knew that Mrs. Cameron wished the same thing but didn't really know what her reasons were. 
  Gavin walked towards the door wondering what that noise was. He was standing there confused and seen that Alyssa looked scared. Gavin was kind of scared himself but didn't know why she wasn't panicking, he just sorta assumed she would do that much. Alyssa looked at Gavin and wondered what she should do. She needed to do something and needed to do it fast. She wasn't suppose to have anyone with her, especially if it was Gavin. Right when she heard the door slam she knew it was her father. The shattering glasses only made Alyssa certain that it was him. Alyssa heard angry footsteps slowly stomp up the stairs and knew she only had about thirty seconds to hide Gavin. "You're not suppose to be here, you have to hide!" Alyssa exclaimed softly. Gavin looked confused but was interrupted by Alyssa's pushing. She quickly pushed him into her closet, "Wait here! Be quiet, don't make a move no matter what happens!" Alyssa shoved the door shut and plopped herself onto her bed. She put her papers on her lap to make her appear busy. Her door burst open and Alyssa's heart stopped. 
  "Who's here?" Her father demanded. "No-No one." Alyssa's voice came out a bit hoarse and she knew her father could tell that she was frightened. The smell of Vodka filled her nose, she wished that her parents would just stop drinking, maybe they'd make smarter decisions. "Don't lie to me," Mr. Cameron spat. "There's no one here." She said after clearing her throat. Mr. Cameron was a little shocked. Alyssa barely said two words to him when he spoke to her and when she did, it was barely even a whisper. He was quite pleased. Mr. Cameron thought for a minute, deciding if he wanted to inflict some physical pain upon his only daughter. This time Mr. Cameron felt like using something more powerful than his leather belt. He looked at the side of Alyssa's bed and spotted a metal hanger on the ground. He walked over to it slowly and then picked it up. He gave Alyssa a menacing glare and she knew exactly what was bound to happen, what was about to happen in a few seconds. She stood up freezing in her spot. It was bad enough that she was going to get hit with something metal, but Gavin had to be hiding in her closet about to be a witness. 
  Gavin peeks through the blinds of the closet door wondering what the heck was going on out there. Why was her father carrying a metal hanger? Why did Alyssa look like she was about to burst into tears? He watched as Mr. Cameron lifted his arm up in the air with the hanger gripped tightly around his hand. Mr. Cameron whacked Alyssa across the back and Alyssa fell to the ground. Her nails dug into the tile but didn't make a dent. Her nails scratched against the marble as her dad whacked her again. The metal felt cold and rusty and it sent a greater pain dashing through her nerves. Tears slowly fell from Alyssa's eyes as she hung her head down, her hair flipped over the sides of her face. She didn't make a sound as she cried, she held in all her screams just because Gavin was watching. Gavin grew angry inside. He placed his hand on the door ready to put a stop to Alyssa's pain, but thought against it. He didn't want to do anything that would provoke her father to hit her more when he was forcibly kicked out of the house. Gavin stood there watching every hit and every tear fall onto the ground. His heart sunk while he stood there watching it and his blood boiled. A few moments later the sound of the whipping noises stopped. Mr. Cameron, satisfied, left the room smiling. He knew for a fact that there was someone there with Alyssa, or was. Either way he didn't care. He walked down the stairs and left. It was late at night and he wanted to give Alyssa some time to mourn over her pain. 
  As soon as Gavin heard Mr. Cameron leave the house, he left the closet. Alyssa didn't move, her fist was still clenched tightly and she closed her eyes letting her tears fall to the ground. She felt a hand wrap around her and bring her to her bed. The room was dark and she kept her head to prevent Gavin from seeing her face. Gavin didn't want to see her face because of the pain that would surely be displayed on it. Gavin knew he didn't need to say a word, nor did he want to. There wasn't a word in the world that could make this better. He held Alyssa close to him, he didn't know what to do, but he wasn't going to leave her side. Chapter 4: What the real story is? 
   
  The halls were loud and noisy, and everyone was happy. Friends laughed, Teachers giggled, and strangers smiled. All was well except for two people; Alyssa and Gavin. After the night they had last night, they barely even spoke. Alyssa felt foolish and embarrassed, Gavin was infuriated and upset. The both of them passed through the hallways without a word and awkward glances. More than anything, Gavin wanted to know the whole story, from every last detail. 
  The night before, Gavin had stayed with Alyssa at risk of her father coming back home. To both of their luck, neither one of her parents came back home. Alyssa cried and cried until she couldn't cry anymore, until she cried herself to sleep. Alyssa was grateful to Gavin for staying with her, she was really happy that he did although he wouldn't be able to tell. 
  After school Alyssa goes to the lake and sees Gavin already sitting there. She breathed in a big breath of air and went to sit next to Gavin. She knew that she was going to have to tell him the story. It wasn't so much that she had to, it was that she needed to, she wanted to. Alyssa sat down slowly and didn't say a word. The grass was soft and had a comfortable feeling under Alyssa's bottom. 
  As she sat there, she looked straight ahead and out into the lake thinking about how she wanted to word what she was going to say. Gavin turned his head slightly and looked towards Alyssa. He patiently waited for her to open her mouth and speak. The longer he stared at her the more concerned he became. He knew this was going to be extremely hard but didn't know how to react to it. 
  "My mom was pregnant with me when she was nineteen years old." She started. "Her and my father had been dating for about a year but they weren't ready for anything like this, anything like me. While I was still in her stomach there were multiple times where she tried to kill the baby, tried to kill me before I was even born." Alyssa swallowed hard as she thought about the time her mother told this story to her. Mrs. Cameron showed no remorse, no regret as she spoke those words to her daughter. "My mother would drink and drink and drink until she would literally pass out. She even had my father try to beat her so I would die. No matter what they tried, it wouldn't work. Somehow the police found out and sent her to a hospital where she was no longer able to try and harm herself for the remainder of her pregnancy. 
  'They decided that for a little while they'd stop all that nonsense that they were doing and actually take care of me. But only until I was old enough to take care of myself. Once I reached that age, they did as they pleased." Her voice started to shake and a tear ran down her left cheek. "And now that the drinking has started again they beat me. He beats me. 'I like the feel,' he says. 'Your screams are the sound of my pleasure,' he says, 'Nothing brings me more joy,' he says..... 
  And my mom, she---she just stands there and watches. 'You're nothing to me,' They say..." 
  Alyssa silently cries as she stares of into the lake. Gavin turns his head to follow her gaze. He wasn't looking at anything, but his thoughts raced through his mind. Gavin, himself felt like he could just sit there and cry with her. He hated seeing her like this, it formed an extreme amount of pain in his heart and he knew that there wasn't much that he could do. 
  "The beatings use to be rare, they were still painful, but rare. Now it happens almost everyday. The days I don't get beat are the lucky ones, but they don't come too often..." Alyssa takes a big breath of air and clears her throat. "Everyday it's something new." For that brief moment, she sounded relaxed, like she was over it. Silence slowly flew around them. Alyssa used it as a sign as a way of saying that she refused to say anything else. There was only one thing left to say, but she knew she wasn't going to say it anytime soon. She was a little afraid of how he would react when she told him that last little detail, or in this case, the last big detail. 
  Gavin looked at Alyssa and knew she was done speaking. He was impressed at how she was able to act like she just hadn't been crying a few seconds ago. He could tell that Alyssa was still thinking about the whole thing, her face scrunched up and she quickly threw both hands over her face. Warm tears started flowing out of Alyssa's eyes and onto her hands. She just couldn't hold it in any longer, she couldn't hold in that pain. Gavin pulled Alyssa into his warm embrace much like he did the night before. 
  As she let the tears stream down her face, Alyssa felt kind of relieved that Gavin knew. Now he wouldn't be wondering all too much. It wasn't just that fact, it was the fact that she finally brought herself to tell an actual person instead of the rainbow colored walls she looked at everyday of her life. 
  The sun was slowly setting and all that was left to keep Alyssa warm, was the warmth of Gavin's body pressed against hers. Alyssa didn't want to go back home, and she didn't necessarily have to either. Gavin and Alyssa both laid back against the grass and Alyssa rested her head on Gavin's chest. She held on tight to Gavin's body and closed her eyes to fall asleep. Gavin heard Alyssa's breathing start to get into a steady motion. He held onto her just as she held onto him. He liked that the were able to be with each other again but he didn't like the reason why. Gavin cleared the thoughts out of his mind and thought about only being with Alyssa. That was all that mattered right now so he closed his eyes and let himself fall into a restless sleep. Everything was quite and the only two things being heard was the sound of music that the both of them made as they slept through the night. It was a perfect melody... 
  Chapter 5: Gone for the Weekend! 
   
  The leaves on the trees rustled softly as it blew a steady breeze. Gavin and Alyssa laid there breathing in rhythm with each other. Alyssa's arm wrapped around Gavin's waist as she rested her head upon Gavin's chest. Gavin tied his arm around Alyssa protectively as he slept. The both of them had fell asleep in their spots after Alyssa explained everything to Gavin. At the time, Gavin couldn't Imagine why her parents would feel that way about a child, especially when that child was Alyssa. 
  Gavin slowly stirred in his spot as he caught the light beaming down in his eyes. He opened his eyes to see Alyssa still sound asleep. He reached into his side pocket with his free hand and pulled out his cell phone. He had 3 missed calls and 4 unread text messages. He figured that it was his parents probably concerned about him being out all night without telling them, or in this case, her. He looked at his screen and read 8:07 a.m. He was surprised that he was awake so early. Had Gavin been asleep in his bed, he'd probably be waking up around one p.m. 
  Gavin shuffled as he tried to push his phone into his pocket without waking Alyssa. It seemed that Alyssa was slowly waking too. He felt her move around as she mumbled a few words he couldn't quite make out. Gavin instantly stopped moving to hear nothing but Alyssa's breathing. A smile slowly formed across his face. Her breathing was so steady and soft, he could listen to her for the whole day if he had the chance. 
  Alyssa moved around and looked up at the blue sky. She struggled to remember how she got outside. She felt herself pressed against another body and knew it was Gavin that she was mushed to. She looked up and saw his ,"  smiling face. "Good Morning," she mumbled. "Morning love," Gavin smiled. Alyssa sat up and moved her hands through her hair straightening it out. Alyssa turned her head to get a better look at Gavin. He soon sat up as well. There was a hint of concern in his eyes but then she saw him get  relaxed. She looked around and seen the blue lake around and the green leaves surrounding them. Had I really stayed here all night? She wondered. And with Gavin? She smiled softly at the thought. Yes, it had been an uncomfortable night but near the end of it, everything seemed to get better. 
  Gavin looked at Alyssa with love in his eyes, even though she had just woke up and had some serious bed head, she still looked like the most beautiful person he's ever laid eyes on. Alyssa looked at Gavin and he patted for her to come sit with him. She didn't argue, and went to go sit in his lap like he wanted. Without thinking, Gavin wrapped his arms around Alyssa's waist and tucked his head into the nape of her neck. Alyssa placed her hands on his making sure he wouldn't remove himself from that particular position. She felt protected, like no one was able to get to her. Gavin could feel Alyssa loosen up and felt a smile rise upon her face. The both of them barely said two words to each other but somehow knew what the other was saying. 
  Alyssa felt the warmth of Gavin's body being passed onto her. Here they were sitting with each other like they'd been dating for years. It was as if something just took over the booth of them. They stayed there silently in each others embrace. Alyssa turned her head and looked into Gavin's eyes.  It was as if their eyes had said it all. Gavin leaned forward ready to press his lips against hers. Just as their mouths were about to touch, Alyssa's phone rang causing both of them to jump sending them both back into reality. 
  Alyssa flips open her cell phone and reads the first and only text message sent by her mother. It read, YOU BETTER HOME WHEN I GET BACK! Alyssa's facial expression changed and became a little worried. No doubt she had forgotten to go back home. She'd be in major trouble for NOT coming back. 
  "What's wrong?" Gavin asked. 
  "I-I shouldn't have stayed here. I"m-I'm suppose to be home. I'm gonna get in so much trouble....." She says getting up from Gavin's lap ready to leave. Gavin holds onto Alyssa's hand not ready to let her leave. 
  "How about you stay with me for the weekend?" Gavin asks with pleading eyes. 
  "I'm sorry, I can't. It'll probably get me into more trouble than I'm already in." 
  "You'll be fine. All of you guys could use a break." He pushes. 
  "I can't" She says softly. More than anything  Alyssa wanted to go with him, but she's too afraid of her parents. Specifically her father. 
  Alyssa stares at Gavin's pleading eyes. It's like they were shouting at her, PLEASE ALYSSA, PLEASE STAY WITH ME!! Gavin stood up and faced Alyssa's already stiff body. "Please," He whispers. "Okay..." Gavin smiles and pulls Alyssa into a big hug. "Come on," Alyssa says grabbing his hand and leading him home. 
  ********* 
  Alyssa walks up to her front door with Gavin slowly trudging behind her. He really should be going faster, Alyssa thought. She pulled out a key from her jean pocket and started to unlock the door. Alyssa stopped and let the key hang from the door. She spotted a yellow piece of paper with a note written on it.  ALYSSA, WE'VE GONE AWAY FOR THE MONTH. WE NEED A BREAK AWAY FROM YOU! DON'T WORRY, WE MOST DEFINITELY WILL NOT MISS YOU! YOU BETTER BE HOME WHEN WE GET BACK! -MOM 
  "What happened?" Gavin asked as he approached Alyssa's side. 
  "Absolutely nothing," Alyssa muttered. She breathed a sigh of relief knowing that she was saved. A smile slowly crept across Alyssa's face. 
  "They're gone." She said just above a whisper. 
  "What do you mean?" Gavin asked with concern. Alyssa let out a small laugh. 
  "They left for the entire month! Freedom from a month!" She exclaimed Alyssa stared at the yellow paper in her hand and jumped up an down. 
  "That's great. I told you it'll be okay." Gavin smiled. Alyssa threw her arms over Gavins neck and hugged him tight. Gavin placed his arms around Alyssa's waist and smiled warmly. He felt a burst of excitement surge through his veins. Without Alyssa's parents there for a month, everything would be fine. He was happy for the month, he could already see it now. 
  "So I guess this means you don't have to come with me." Gavin says pulling away from Alyssa. "You could stay home." 
  "I could...." She started. " But I don't want to." She pauses for a moment thinking. These words weren't exactly suppose to come out of her mouth, it sorta just slipped. But she meant it, she didn't want to stay in her house, or at least not alone. "I still want to be with you." Alyssa said after clearing her throat. Gavin softly smiled, hearing Alyssa say those words made him happy. It kinda reminded him of one of those corny romance movies where the couple broke up and the girl is saying that she still wants to be with the guy. 
  "How about I stay with you here." Gavin suggest. 
  "That's fine, as long as you're by my side." Alyssa said. 
  "Good." Gavin  pulled Alyssa into a warm hug. 
  "Come on, let's go inside." He says taking Alyssa's hand and pulling her inside the house. When alls said and done 
   
  Alyssa slouched down onto her couch and clicked on the television. The screen was all black  and had soft music coming from the speakers. She had Direct TV so there were multiple channel that looked exactly like this one but had different generes of music. Alyssa decided to lay back and relax while she waited for Gavin to come back from his home. He had to go tell his mom where he had been all night and that he was okay. She's been really paranoid ever since Gavin's father died years ago, which to Alyssa, was pretty much understanable. Gavin's mother was afraid that Gavin would soon leave her too. While Alyssa sat there, she flipped on her side and closed her eyes to fall asleep. 
  About half an hour later, Gavin made his way back to Alyssa's house. He thought about his mom the whole way while he was driving. It's been seven years since the death of his father and he only wished that some of that tension would slowly cease. Gavin had told his mom that for the next month he'd ne with Alyssa so he wouldn't be around all too much. He wasn't necessarily lying to her, actually now that he thought about it, he wasn't lying to her at all. 
  Gavin stepped out of his car and walked inside the house. He put his keys into his pocket and looked up searching for Alyssa. He spotted her sleeping peacefully on the sofa. He smiled at the sight; strands of her long black hair was tangled over her face and her body was cuddled up into a small ball. Gavin felt his stomach growl as he lifted up his arm to check the time on his silver Rolex watch, 4:58. Gavin walked over to the kitchen and looked around i the cabinets. He searched for all different spices and different types of food. He carefully studied the kitchen and where everything was. Within a matter of minutes, he was throwing things together to make a wonderful aroma that drifted through the house. 
  ****************** 
  Alyssa awoke to one of her favorite songs playing, You shook me all night long by ac/dc. She sat up and looked around. She seen a light that came from the kitchen. It was then that she smelt a pleasant smell tickle through her nose. She rose up from the couch and walked over to the kitchen. Alyssa peered over the counter top and saw Gavin working at the stove. She silently stood there watching him move,stir, and mix the ingredients inside the pan. "Mhhhm, smells good."  She said with her eyes closed, slowly breathing in the smell. Gavin jumps a little and smiles. 
  "I know," He winks. 
  "Looks like someone doesn't know how to take a compliment." Alyssa smirked. Gavin laughs ignoring her comment. 
  "Does this mean you're not hungry?" He asks. 
  "Oh no, not at all. In fact, I'm starving." Alyssa's says licking her lips, 
  "Great." 
  "Well what did you make?" She ask, her curiosity radiating off of her body. 
  "Just your everyday rice with chicken. But better than average." He answers with another wink. Alyssa laughs, walking over and sitting down at the round glass table. Gavin walks over and places one of the two plates right in front of Alyssa. He takes a seat across from her and starts to eat. Alyssa takes a big forkful of food and puts it into her mouth. 
  "Holy smokes!" She exclaims, "This is amazing!" Gavin laughs showing his pearly white teeth. "Thanks." 
  "Where did you learn how to cook like that?" Alyssa questions. 
  "My parents. They both use to own a restaurant; they were great chefs." Gavin answered smiling at the memory of how excited his parents were when they first got the restaurant. 
  "Amazing" She smiled 
  Alyssa looked down and started to concentrate on the magnificent plate of food that was thoughtfully prepared for her. Gavin watched her for a moment and thought back a few years ago. He was only eleven when his parents owned the restaurant. His mother and father used to always take him there and tell him all their secrets and show him how to prepare different dishes with just that "right touch." As smile rose upon Gavin's face as her remembered these times. He also remembered of how his mom gave up the restaurant when his father had died. She said there was no point in having the restaurant without the whole family and his father was a big part of it; they all were. Just thinking about it made Gavin a little teary eyed. Gavin blinked a few times and took a slow, steady deep breath, being sure to not let Alyssa hear him. He stood up from the table and looked at Alyssa. Alyssa took her focus from eating and looked up at Gavin with confused eyes. 
  "Excuse me," Gavin calmly with an assuring smile. 
  ************ 
  "Gavin! No! Gavin! Stop!" Alyssa playfully squealed as she felt Gavin trying to pull her into the salty ocean water below. Wiggling and laughing, Alyssa falls into the water bringing Gavin with her. They both resurfaced and quickly caught their breaths. "Just to let you know, I never go down alone." She scolded. "One day I'll be successful," Gavin promises. "Wooh!" Alyssa yelps jumping up and immediately clinging to Gavin's body. "I STEPPED ON ONE OF THOSE.....those....Well I forgot what they are called." She says tightly hugging Gavin. "It's okay, It won't kill you or anything like that." Gavin laughs. "Come on let's get out of this water." Alyssa's says trying to tug Gavin to shore. They stand up on the sand and Gavin lifts Alyssa onto his back while walking over to his beach towel. 
  "Gosh Alyssa!" You're fat!" Gavin says wobbling. 
  "No I'm not!" She scoffs playfully. "Besides, if I was wouldn't you-----!" Alyssa squeals as Gavin's knees purposefully give out. Gavin falls on his back as Alyssa topples over him. 
  "Uh, I think I beg to differ." Gavin laughs. 
  "Pfft..." Alyssa says looking away. "I am not." She whispers. "Am I?" She asks knowing his answer. 
  "No. Of course not." Gavin says his smile slightly fading. " Has anyone ever told you otherwise?" He asked. 
  "Only every other day of my life." She muttered under her breath. 
  "Well I think you're beautiful. I like you just the way you are." He says looking into her eyes and she smiles. 
  ******************* 
  Night falls and Alyssa just got out of the shower. She walks out of the bathroom and throws her clothes into a hamper in her room. She walks around and finds Gavin outside on the balcony. Gavin stars up at the stars and Alyssa could tell that Gavin was thinking of something really important. She took a minute and thought back to dinner; Gavin suddenly got up and left excusing himself. She remembered looking at his face and his eyes were slightly watery. She wondered if it was something that she said but couldn't remember her saying anything offensively. Her curiosity got the best of her and she stepped into the balcony space next to him. 
  "Hey," She spoke softly. 
  "What's up?" Gavin said looking at her smiling softly. She seen that his eyes were slightly red. 
  "It's your father isn't it?" She asked whispering without thinking. She hoped it wouldn't offend him. 
  "What?" Gavin asked slightly embarrassed that he's been caught. 
  "It's why you left the dinner table so immediately. And it's why your eyes our red, isn't it? You're thinking about your father?" She softly stated. 
  "Uh, yea." He softly laughed. 
  "I'm sorry, Gavin."  
  "Don't sweat it. It's not your fault." He assured. 
  "Yea..." Alyssa looked down. "I hope it doesn't....well..." She stopped. 
  "No, it's fine. I'm glad you cared enough to ask." He softly smiled. Alyssa stepped closer to Gavin and gave him a hug. "Thanks." He said. Gavin looked down at Alyssa smiling softly and laced his fingers through hers. Without thinking, Gavin leaned down and placed a kiss right upon her lips. "A lot." He said. Chapter 7: Alone 
   
  Alyssa woke up and searched the house for Gavin. He was no where in sight and hasn't been for the past two weeks. Alyssa tried calling him but he never answered. She became worried, scared even. What if something had happened to him? What if he never came back? Alyssa knew that she was probably being paranoid but with her it seemed to be a natural reaction. As Alyssa came down the stairs, she heard a knock on the door and stopped moving instantly. Who could it be? She thought. 
  "Alyssa, It's me! Gavin!" He yelled. 
  "Gavin?" She whispered to herself. "Wait, It's Gavin!" She quickly sped to the door and opened it. Alyssa ran into Gavins arms and gave him a hug. 
  "Gavin," She mumbled. She pulled away and squinted with her eyes. 
  "Where have you been? I was worried and seeing as how you weren't in school didn't make it any better." 
  "I'm sorry." He answered. "I was...well...sick. I didn't want you to see me like that." 
  "Well," She started but thought against it. "Come in." 
  Later that day Gavin left and promised to come back. He went home to see his mom. 
  "Are you feeling better?" She asked him. 
  "I'm fine, mom." He sighed. 
  "The doctors said they finished the test. They also said that you'd be fine. It's a good thing it's Friday, you get to relax. Now do me a favor and go back to that girl you have been spending so much time with lately." Gavin opened his mouth to say something but his mom held up her hands to silent him. Seeing the look of bewilderment on his face, she threw her head back and started laughing. 
  "Good-bye son." She said getting up and walking out of the room. 
  ***** 
  That night after dinner, Gavin and Alyssa sat down for a movie. After minutes of deciding which one they should watch, they settled on Last Holiday. It was about a girl who got the wrong diagnosis from a doctor and was told she had a number of weeks to live. Alyssa cuddled up in Gavin's arms on the sofa. About halfwat through the movie, the two of them fell asleep. 
  ****** 
  "Gavin?" Alyssa called. 
  Alyssa turns around and sees a hospital right behind her. Her phone vibrated and she viewed a text message from an unknown number. Gavin's at the hospital. After reading, Alyssa rann into the hospital and looked around for some help. 
  "M'am. I'm looking for Gavin, Gavin Reed. I was told that he was here." 
  "Just a minute." The lady said. "He's in the room down the hall. Make a left and he's the first door on the right. The lady watched Alyssa leave and frowned. She knew that she was the one the he has been asking for. She wished that she could keep her from going into that room, from finding out what was happening. To keep it from happening. 
  Alyssa ran to his room; her heart beating through her ears. She spotted Gavin laying on the hospital bed looking at the doctor as he explained some things. His mom stood by his side with eyes that were blood shot. Alyssa's heart nearly broke as she watched Gavin's mom sob. She knew the news wasn't going to be good. It took her a few minutes to walk inside the room. The doctor had already left and it was just her, Gavin, and Mrs. Reed. Alyssa looked from Gavin to his mom and his mom silently left the room. Tears welled up in Alyssa eyes as she heard the door close. She walked over to Gavin's side grabbing his hand in hers. 
  "Why didn't you tell me?" She asked. 
  "I don't like you to worry." He replied weakly. 
  "Either way, I was going to worry." She said, her voice now breaking. A tear fell down her face as she stared into her boyfriends eyes. Alyssa didn't want Gavin to leave her, ever. She would be so alone without him. 
  "Don't cry over me." He whispered, wearily wiping a tear from her face. 
  "How could I not? I care about you too much." She said through short breaths. 
  "I'm sorry." Gavin said touching his hand to Alyssa's cheek. It almost angered Alyssa to hear Gavin say I'm sorry. It assured her that this wasn't going to end well. 
  "Kiss me," Gavin whispered. 
  "What?" Alyssa asked confused; Gavin gave a faint laugh. 
  "I want you to kiss me, Alyssa." Gavin feared he only had a few more minutes left and wanted Alyssa to be the last thing he felt. She kissed him softly with tears still rolling down her cheeks. She pulled away and slid her hand through his soft hair. Gavin smile and moaned softly, treasuring the feeling. Alyssa gave a quiet laugh, a laugh that almost sounded like a whimper. 
  "I love you." Gavin says. Alyssa looks at Gavin in shock. She didn't want to hear those words. She knew it was his way of telling her good-bye without actually saying it. 
  "No, don't say that." She cried, her voice hoarse. "Not now, not like this. 
  "It's okay, Alyssa. Everything will be alright." Gavin was lying through his teeth, but he didn't know what else to say. 
  "I love you," Gavin gave one last smile and squeezedd Alyssa's hand gently. Tears streamed down Alyssa's face as she heard the sound that told her Gavin wasn't coming back. 
  "No! No!" She cried. "Gavin! I'm sorry! I love you! Come back! Please! Gavin, come back!" 
  ***** 
  Alyssa's eyes shot open and she found herself staring at the blank t.v screen. She could see her arm draped over Gavin's body as he slept. He looked so serene and peaceful to her; a smile smile playing on her lips. She felt Gavin move under her and heard him taking a deep breath. Gavin moved his hand across Alyssa's back slowly and cleared his throat. 
  "What's wrong?" He asked. Gavin could feel Alyssa tense up. 
  "Nothing," She whispered. "Bad dream." Gavin kissed Alyssa's forehead as she squeezed him tighter, holding her in his grasp making her feel warm and secure. 
  "It's just a dream." He said after a moment. "Come on, let's go upstairs. You'll need more rest than a two hour nap." He softly smiled. 
  "Okay," She whispered reluctantly. She was afraid of another horrible dream about Gavin. 
  Gavin watched her walk upstairs and waited until he heard the click of the bedroom door closing. He felt a sharp pain in his chest and clutched the area over his heart. He sat there unable to move for a brief moment. Soon he fot up and went to the bathroom. He coughed a few times and spewed up small amounts of blood into his hands. He didn't know what was happening to him but didn't want to tell Alyssa. He didn't like her to worry so much, he hated her to worry. Gavin didn't want to be another burden in her life. He decided to take a shower to fully cleanse himself. 
  About twenty minutes passed when Gavin got out of the shower. He came into Alyssa's bedroom and lay beside her with his back facing her. Gavin inhaled deeply as he felt Alyssa scoot towards him. He felt his heart jump as Alyssa touched him; him almost cried right then and there. Gavin shifted his body to his side and wrapped his arm around Alyssa's waist. Alyssa put her hand over his signalling for him to not move it. 
  ******* 
  "Sorry about your boyfriend," Mr. Cameron said sarcastically with a smirk on his face. Alyssa stared at him for a long minute before saying, "That's not funny." Her voice was cold and bitter, her nose runny, eyes red. Mr. Cameron stepped towards her bringing them face to face. 
  "It's hilarious," He said slowly, the smell of alcohol heavy on his breath. "Death is hilarious." Alyssa's anger grew at new lengths as she clutched her fist turning away from her father. 
  "Aw, did I hurt your feelings?" He mocked. 
  A tear ran down Alyssa's cheek as she left through the front door. She ran outside running towards the school. As the day passed by she instinctively searcheed for Gavin at every hallway, at every class, refusing to believe the reality of the situation. After school she ran to the lake where he first took her on the canoe. After, she went to the beachm and then she went home. Her parents weren't home so she ran upstairs, slamming her bedroom door shut. Alyssa thought about the last moment in the hospital. She thought about how he was still concerned for her when he was the one that needed the concern. She thought about how he had asked her to kiss him, she thought about him saying I love you. She remembered how she didn't get to say it back. Alyssa plopped onto her bed laying in the spot that Gavin always laid in. She sobbed into her pillow as she thought of him; his voice, his face, his smile, his eyes, his touch, everything. She was shattered. 
  "I love you too, Gavin." 
  ******* 
  Alyssa got up from her bed removing Gavins arm from around her. She watched him sleep for a couple seconds before grabbing a jacket and leaving the house. She went behind the woods and to the vacant lake. The sun wasn't up completely; the sky was dark, light barely present. Alyssa sat down and brung her knees to her chest crossing her arms over them. She couldn't seem to shake the though of Gavin dying from her mind; the thought of being alone...again. 
  Gavin awoke to Alyssa gone and found himself sweating. He had a fever and was sick as a dog. He wondered where Alyssa was and decided to go look for her; his concern for her greater than his for himself. He couldn't go to sleep without knowing she was okay and by his side. He went to the bathroom and washed his face with cold water. He thought of the lake, where he and Alyssa first talked; where they first had a real conversation. He went as fast as he could without becoming too overwhelmed. he was worried about her. 
  When Gavin arrived at the lake he seen Alyssa crying into her hackey. His heart ached for her, just seeing he upset. He quickly walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her protectively. 
  "Hey, Alyssa, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" He asked just above a whisper, his voice soft. When she didn't reply, Gavin kissed her forehead and told her it'll be alright. 
  "I'm afraid," She mumbled into his shirt. 
  "Afraid of what?" 
  "Of you leaving me alone. I'm afraid to be stuck here with them again, stuck alone. I'm scared, Gavin." She stopped speaking and cried. Gavin's heart broke to pieces. He didn't know what was happening to him. All he knew was that it wasn't good. He had a high fever well above one hundred, chest pains, and now he was coughing up blood. He didn't know what to expect next. 
  "I'm not going anywhere." He said. The truth was, that he was scared too. 
  Chapter 8: What's love is love 
  "Come home," Gavin whispered into Alyssa's ear. "Come with me," He tried to stiffle a cough while holding Alyssa; his hands slowly quivering. Gavin loosened his grip on her in attempt to keep from feeling him shake. Alyssa looked up and saw Gavin quickly avert his gaze. 
  "Gavin," She whispered. "Look at me." Gavin took a couple seconds before looking into ALyssa's eyes/ She saw that his eyes were red and saw sweat glistening from his forehead. She pulled away feeling his hands shake. 
  "You're sick, what's wrong?" She asked. "We have to get you home." She put a hand to his forehead and felt heat race to the surface. "Gavin, you're burning up!" We have to get you to a hos-" 
  "No, no. I'm fine." He interrupted. 
  "Well at least come home." 
  Alyssa stood up and held out her hands, helping Gavin to his feet. He staggered up, wrapping his arm around Alyssa's shoulder to support himself. On the way to Alyssa's house, Gavin stumbled over small leaves and buts of broken branches. 
  Alyssa layed Gavin on the couch and ran to get a cold rag. When she came back she saw Gavin clutching his chest in pain. Flashbacks of her previous dreams flashed through her mind. In an instant tears started to form in her eyes. She folded the rag and layed it across his forehed as she sat next to him running her fingers through his hair. Gavin reached up to grab her free hand and mumbled a "thank you" when he found it. He rolled over on his side and positioned his head onto Alyssa's lap. 
  As Alyssa ran her hand through his curly black locks, she found herself staring into a blank wall. She saw Gavin on his death bed, she saw him slowly dying. She heard her father's voice making fun of his death and she watched Gavin's mom yell screams of pain. Alyssa blinked a gew times and look down at Gavin. He was shaking and beginning to cough. Gavin tried to stand but Alyssa pulled him back. He kept trying until Alyssa gave in. 
  Gavin grunted as he stood, bending over and covering his mouth as he coughed. When he took his hand away from his mouth, he spotted buts of blood. He closed his hands in attempt to hide it from sight. He uncontrollably coughed as blood poured from his lips. Alyssa jumped to her feet frightened and ran over to him with the small hand towel in her hand. "Oh my god," She said as she wiped the blood witht the damp towel. "Oh my god," She kept repeating. 
  Gavin clutched his stomach as he watched a stream of blood pour onto the floor. It was becoming too much and Alyssa found her hands covered in his blood. She ran to fetch her cell phone to call an ambulance. She didn't want him to go in fear of him dying like in her dream but she had no choice. The blood that was pouring onto the floor was now light and thin, slowly descending. 
  In a matter of minutes the ambulance came and took gavin in. During the drive to the hospital, Alyssa held Gavins hand, his blood still stained onto them. Tears slid from her eyes as she looked at his now pale and colorless face. As they arrived at the hospital. The doctor took Gavin to the E.R to stop the bleeding completely. Alyssa immediately took out and called Mrs. Reed. 
  Alyssa was waiting with Mrs. Reed when the doctor came out of the room. Mrs. Reed stood up and waited for the doctor to come over. 
  "Hello, My name is Dr. Parker, I was just evaluating your son, Gavin Reed." 
  "Yes, yes, will he be alright?" Mrs. Reed asked worriedly. 
  "That's what I'm here to talk about." He started. "Your son has what is called a Pulmonary Embolism." 
  "What's that?" Alyssa blurted. 
  " A Pulmonary Embolism is a blockage of a main artery of the lungs or one of its branches by a substance that has travelled from elsewhere in the body through the bloodstream. In this case, a severe blood clot. This blood clot is blocking the circulation of his blood stream and he will need an embolectomy." 
  "A-an embolectomy? What is that some type of surgery?" Mrs. Reed nervously asked. 
  "It's a surgical procedure in which we usually perform under anesthia and in some cases we use sedatives. However, this is highly risky. This can cause tissue death or loss of the leg." 
  "And if we don't do this?" Mrs. Reed asked slowly. 
  "I'm afraid that his lungs will collapse and cause death." 
  "We'll do it..." Mrs. Reed says just below a whisper, frowning. 
  "Can we see him? Quickly? Before the procedure?" Mrs. Reed asked. 
  "We need to perform the embolectom...." Dr. Parker started but stotpped short. "Um...Only for a few minutes. I will submit your decision and then call him into surgery. But please, one at a time." 
  ********* 
  Mrs. Reed went in first to see him. When she came out of the room Alyssa sped past her. She stopped short of her footsteps taking a deep breath before appearing at his bedside. She blinked a few times and wiped the tears from her eyes. She walked towards him painting a small smile onto her face. She watched as he smile weakly. 
  "I don't like you to worry." Gavin said reading her mind. 
  "Either way, I was going to worry." She said slowly trying to keep her voice steady. 
  "Don't cry over me." He whispered, wearily wiping a tear from her face. Alyssa averted her gaze as she realised the replay of her dream. 
  "How could I not? I care about you too much." She said hesitantly through short breaths. 
  "I'm sorry." Gavin said touching his hand to Alyssa's cheek. 
  "Kiss me," Gavin whispered. Alyssa didn't question or argue this time, she just obeyed. Gavin moaned softly as he felt her lips against his. Alyssa gave a quiet laugh the sounded close to a whimper. She pulled away replaying the end of her dream in her mind, tears rolling faster across her cheeks. 
  "Don't say it," Alyssa whispered. 
  "Don't say what?" Gavin asked wearily. 
  "Don't say I Love You." She said her voice dry and hoarse. 
  "But I do, I do Love you." Gavin said forcing a small smile making her look away again. 
  "No, don't say it now, Gavin." She said meeting his gaze. "You're afraid of what's happening to you so you're saying this as a good-bye, just in case." 
  "I love you, really I do," Gavin said his voice shaking just a little. "Don't you believe me?" 
  "I do, I really do, but I just...." 
  "I know." He said interrupting her. Gavin squeezed her hand softly mentally urging her to say I love you back. 
  "I love you too." 
  ****** 
  A few hours later Gavin came out of surgery and Alyssa and Mrs. Reed was relieved to see him live and well. Dr. Parker started to walk towards the two with a soft smile playing at her lips. 
  "Surgery was a success." She said smiling. Alyssa and Mrs. Reed sighed in relief and hugged eachother. "He's sleeping now, but you can see him." 
  "Thank you so so much." Alyssa said motioning towards Mrs. Reed. "From the both of us." 
  The doctor lead the both of them into Gavin's room. Alyssa smiled in relief, happiness filling her body. She gently took hold of Gavin's hand as a tear of happiness ran down her cheek. She gazed at the man she loved smiling. She was relieved that everything was going to be okay again. 
  Chapter 9: Parents acting like Parents? 
  "I'll walk you home." Gavin said smiling at Alyssa as the school bell rang. 
  "Sure." She smiled. 
  Gavin stood up from his seat and helped Alyssa with her stuff. They walked out of school and down the street with their hands tied together. Gavin watched Alyssa stare at her feet as she dragged them against the cement. He stopped walking, pulling Alyssa towards him so that she was facing him. When Alyssa failed to meet his gaze, Gavin became concerned. 
  "Hey," He said softly putting a finger under her chin gently tugging upwards. "What's wrong?" 
  "I'm just not too thrilled to go home." She said staring into his eyes, hoping he'd rescue her. 
  "Why?" He started to ask but stopped remembering the date. "Well do you want to do something before you go? Stall?" 
  "No, I might as well just go. It won't make a difference." She said averting her gaze again. Gavin frowned wanting to help her but knowing there wasn't much he could do. 
  "Should I come with you?" He asked hopefully. 
  "No, not really." Alyssa muttered turning to walk. Gavin grabbed her hand, slowing her down so he could walk alongside her. 
  "Well i'm coming over later." Gavin stated watching Alyssa's reaction. 
  "But..." 
  "And I won't take no for an answer." He smiled softly, squeezing her hand. 
  "Okay," She smiled as they arrived to her house. 
  "I'll see you tonight," He said leaning in to kiss her. 
  Alyssa threw her arms over Gavins neck as he felt his lips touch her. She felt as if time had stopped in that moment. A smiled played on Gavins lips as he felt her arms tighten around him. When he started to pull away he felt Alyssa groan and started to laugh. He held on to her hands as he kissed her on the cheek before whispering an 'I love you' to her. 
  "I love you too." She whispered back. 
  Alyssa walked inside her house, briefly turning back to see Gavin walking away. She closed the door and turned to see her mother sitting on the couch. She was reading a book and wearing her glasses. Alyssa hadn't seen her mother do that since she was six and it freaked her out to find her doing that now. 
  "Hey sweetie, how was school?" Mrs. Cameron asked in a warm motherly voice, peering up from her book, only for a brief moment. 
  "It was...okay." Alyssa replied wondering what was making her mom so cheery. 
  "Where's dad?" Alyssa asked hesitantly. 
  "Oh he's in the kitchen." Mrs. Cameron smiled. "Hun! Alyssa's home!" She yelled almost instantly. Alyssa winced at the sound of her moms yelling. It wasn't angry and piercing like usual, but loud and high pitched. Nothing like Alyssa has been used too. 
  "Hey hun," Mr. Cameron said smiling as he peered into the room. He walked over and gave her a small hug. "How was school?" 
  "Good." Alyssa muttered. 
  Alyssa took the time to study the people sitting in front of her. She noticed her fathers clean shave and his silver rimmed glasses. His hair was combed and neat. As he spoke, she took the liberty of taking a whiff of his usual maladorous odor only to find out that he smelled quite pleasant. His eyes didn't have horrid bags under them and he looked happy. Mrs. Cameron's hair was nicely parted and fell over her shoulders. Her blue eyes were smiling and neatly lined with eyeliner and mascara. They were glowing. 
  "Oh, hun, guess what?" Mrs. Cameron said excitingly as she set her book onto the wooden coffee table. 
  "What happened?" Mr. Cameron laughed. 
  "Alyssa has gotten a boyfriend!" Mrs. Cameron yelped, almost sounding like a squeal. 
  "What?!?" Alyssa and her father both said in shock. 
  "Did you not see it?" Mrs. Cameron smiled. "I saw them holding hands and he kissed her! Right out the window." She pointed towards the direction where she seen them. Alyssa looked down to her feet and blushed a bright pink. 
  "Alyssa, is this true?" Mr. Cameron asked in almost disbelief. 
  "Guilty," Alyssa muttered. 
  "Well, why don't we meet the boy?" Mr. Cameron suggested. 
  "What?!?" Alyssa blurted, her eyes practically bugging out of her head. 
  "Come on Alyssa, I insist." Mr. Cameron said, daring her to say otherwise. 
  "W-when?" She asked nervously. 
  "Tomorrow's fine." Mrs. Cameron practically sang. 
  "Alright." She said before turning to walk to her room. "I'm going to do some homework. Then maybe take a nap." She said slowly so they didn't question her, hoping they wouldn't. 
  "Okay!" Mrs. Cameron called. "We'll be going out tonight anyways! You'll be fine wont you?" 
  "Y-yea," Alyssa stuttered, stopping short of herself. She glanced at her parents in disbelief, realizing the fun may just be over. 
  ******* 
  Around nine o'clock, after Mr. and Mrs. Cameron left, Gavin arrived at Alyssa's front door. She opened it almost immediately letting him in. She crossed her arms and started to pace back and forth mumbling to herself. 
  "Alyssa?" Gavin said softly. 
  "I just don't get it!" Alyssa said frustrated while throwing her hands in the air and plopping down onto the couch. 
  "You don't get what?" Gavin asked trying to calm her. 
  "My parents." Alyssa said her voice muffled as she pressed her face into a cushion. 
  "Did they do something?" Gavin asked; voice serious, his eyes narrowed. 
  "Oh they did something," Alyssa sat up looking into Gavin's eyes. "But nothing horrible. Far from it." 
  "Then what was it?" Gavin asked confused. Alyssa told him what happened just minutes after he left. 
  "They want to meet me?" Gavin asked in disbelief. Alyssa nods. 
  "And then tonoight they went out and when they come home I don't know what to do because usually when they go out and then come back..." She rambled. 
  "It'll be fine," Gavin said softly. 
  "How do you know that?" Alyssa pouted throwing her hands on her face bowing her head. 
  "I just do." Gavin said taking her hands in his, willing her to look at him. "Besides, I'll be by your side the whole time." 
  ******* 
  Alyssa awoke to the soft yells of her parents arguments. It was two o'clock in the morning and she was the least bit surprised to be woken up. She got up from her bed and walked over to the door. She placed a hand on the wooden frame and pressed her ear against it. 
  "What if she questions us?" Mrs. Cameron yelled quietly. 
  "She won't." Mr. Cameron said. 
  "And how can you be so sure?" 
  "Because she's Alyssa!" Mr. Cameron yelled furiously. "Name one time she has questioned us!" Mrs. Cameron didn't say anything and averted her gaze. 
  "Exactly," Mr. Cameron said simmering down. "Now, just go to bed." 
  "Gladly," Mrs. Cameron muttered pulling the covers over her body. 
  **** 
  Gavin came over to Alyssa's house right on time. He was a little nervous but only because of Mr. Cameron. He knew that the slightest thing would make him furious. He simply couldn't stand the sight of him, let alone being in his presence but he didn't dare tell Alyssa. 
  Alyssa opened the door and instinctively peered over his shoulder. She stepped aside playing all of the nights events through here mind. Imagining every way possible that this could go wrong. She turned around after shutting the door waiting for her parents to come down the stairs. After moments of waiting, Mrs. Cameron practically ran down the stairs. 
  "Well look at you," She said with a smile from ear to ear. "You are even cuter in person." 
  "Back off mom, he's mine." Alyssa joked trying to lift some of the tension she could tell Gavin was feeling. Alyssa's mom burst into a fit of laughter. 
  "You must be...." Mrs. Cameron said waiting extending her arm letting Gavin finish the sentence. 
  "Gavin Reed." He said taking her hand. 
  "Oh that's a cute name," Mrs. Cameron giggled. "Just think, Alyssa Paige Cameron-Reed. Oh how cute." 
  Alyssa looked away before sneaking a peek at Gavin's amused face. She was sure she was blushing hard. She had no idea her mom would have said that. She looked into her mom's brown eyes and searched for some kind of answer. Usually when Mrs. Cameron had a smile on her face and in her eyes, there was some sort of hint that she was still as sour as she has ever been. As Alyssa looked, she couldn't find anything other than pure happiness. Mrs. Cameron was genuinely happy to see someone taking such good care of her daughter. 
  "Oh how cute, your blushing hun. I see no reason." Mrs. Cameron pointed out slightly laughing. 
  Gavin looked at Alyssa and seen her blushing a dark crimson. He thought it was so cute of her to be blushing over him. Alyssa Paige Cameron-Reed sounded like music to his ears. He loved it and he loved her. Gavin smiled at the both of them with a huge grin on his face. He thought Mrs. Cameron was very amusing. 
  "What do you think, Gavin?" Mrs. Cameron asked. 
  "The cutest." He smiled grabbing onto Alyssa's hand. 
  "What's the cutest?" Mr.Cameron asked walking down the stairs with a small smile on his face. 
  "Our daughter," Mrs. Cameron answers. 
  "I'll say," Mr. Cameron said calmly. Gavin tried his hardest to not narrow his eyes in hatred while looking at Mr. Cameron. He was the one person he despised most. He looked away trying to calm his mind letting go of Alyssa's hand and gently rubbing his neck. 
  "Shall we eat? I made dinner," Mrs. Cameron announced breaking the awkward silence that had briefly came amongst them. 
  "Oh yes," Mr. Cameron said motioning everyone towards the dinning room. 
  The four of them ate dinner in anything but silence. It never came near silent with Mrs. Cameron there. She was practically glowing. She lifted the mood with her stories and amusing jokes. Mr. Cameron sat and listened and laughed only at rare times. His eyes were focused on Gavin the whole time and noticed that Gavin never looked his way, not even once. 
  As dinner was coming to an end, Alyssa looked around the table. The night came nowhere near the disastrous events that played in her head hours before. She was pleased with this night but there was one problem. Her father. She could tell her father was trying to bring the mood down with his death glares and mind shattering laughs. Whatever it was that he did or said, Mrs. Cameron simply wouldn't allow it. She simply ignored him and gave all her attention to Alyssa and Gavin. 
  "While they're in the kitchen, I suppose we should have a little talk." Mr. Cameron said lowering his voice motion to Mrs. Cameron and Alyssa cleaning up a few things. 
  "About what." Gavin said, gaze fixed on Mr. Cameron. 
  "About my daughter." Mr. Cameron said slowly. 
  "Clearly we don't. There's nothing to talk about anyways." Gavin said coldly. 
  "You better not hurt her." Mr. Cameron threatened. 
  "Or what?" Gavin said narrowing his eyes into small slits. 
  "You don't want to know." Mr. Cameron said, a smirk playing at his lips. 
  "Yea," Gavin scoffed. "Besides, i'm not the one who's been hurting her." 
  "What did you say?" Mr. Cameron hissed, hands tightly gripping the edge of his table. 
  "You heard me," Gavin spat glancing towards the two women walking into the room. 
  "I think I better go," Gavin said turning towards Alyssa, his face softening. 
  "Okay," Alyssa whispered. 
  "Well, Gavin, it was so nice having you here. We'll have to do this again. You're just a pleasure to be around." Mrs. Cameron said hugging him as if he was her son. Mr. Cameron narrowed his eyes and almost exploded with rage. 
  "Thanks a lot for having me." Gavin smiled at her softly. 
  "Well, I suppose you should walk him out Alyssa," Mrs. Cameron said squeezing her hand gently. 
  "Alright," Alyssa walked Gavin out of her home and down the drive way where she was sure her parents couldn't hear them. 
  "What did you think?" Alyssa asked holding on to Gavins hand. 
  "It was fun," He smiled. "Your mom is totally cool." 
  "Yeah, she was awesome tonight." Alyssa laughed thinking back on it. 
  "Definitely," Gavin sighed. "Well I better be going. What are you doing tomorrow?" He asked quickly. 
  " I don't know yet. I have to see what's up with them," Alyssa smiled hoping she'd be able to spend it with him. 
  "Okay, well i'll call you." Gavin said squeezing her hand. Her kissed her slowly before letting go. 
  "I love you," He said softly. 
  "I love you too." 
  ***** 
  As soon as Alyssa walked into her house Mr. Cameron sped right out the door. She gulped and looked towards her mother. She was smiling softly while humming a tune that Alyssa wasn't familiar with. She took a deep breath before walking over to her. 
  "Where's dad going?" She asked. 
  "I don't know. He was having a fit." Mrs. Cameron sighed, still smiling. "He was being sour." 
  "Oh," Alyssa muttered. 
  "Listen," Mrs. Cameron started. "Tomorrow I have nothing to do, so I planned a girls day out. I know you'd much rather spend your Saturday with Gavin, but we need some time together don't you think? Besides, you have all day Sunday." 
  "What about dad," Alyssa questioned. 
  "You and I both know we don't want him to tag along." Mrs. Cameron said calmly. " Besides, he would make the mood drop. Much like he tried to do tonight. Such a prick he was being." Alyssa laughed at her mother. She never heard her mother talk about her dad like that. Or even talk about her dad period. 
  "That boy you have there is wonderful by the way," Mrs. Cameron stated turning towards Alyssa. 
  "He really is," Alyssa smiled. 
  "Lucky you," Mrs. Cameron said pulling her daughter into a hug. "Lucky him. 
  Lucky us, Alyssa thought. 
  Chapter 10: Dirty Little secrets 
  "Alyssa, Get up sweetie! We're going out!" Alyssa's mom yelled throwing a pillow at her. 
  Alyssa lifted her head up from under her pillow and glanced at her mother. Mrs. Cameron started laughing as she stared at her daughter. Her hair was touseled and tangled into a black mess. Her eyes were squinted as she tried to keep most of the light away. Alyssa quickly sat up and rubbed her eyes. 
  "Come on dear, you need a shower. After, come down stairs and we'll head out. Alright?" Mrs. Cameron smiled and hopped down stairs. She met Mr. Cameron with a smile and watched as he drank his coffee. 
  "I'm going to go soon." He said looking straight at Mrs. Cameron. 
  "Okay," Mrs. Cameron said turning to give him a quick and reluctant kiss on his cheek. She didn't want him getting suspicous about what she planned on revealing to Alyssa. Something she knows he wouldn't approve of. 
  "Going out today?" He asked. 
  "Yep," She replied warmly. 
  "Where are you going?" Mr. Cameron asked concerned. 
  "Taking her out. Trying to get her to earn my trust." Mrs. Cameron said turning to walk to the sink. Mr. Cameron gets up and stands behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. His lips at her ear when he whispers, 
  "She won't find out, it's only a matter of time before she trust you fully. Don't worry about it," 
  His voice sent chills down her spine and Mrs. Cameron did her best not to shiver under his touch. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath thinking about all she planned to finally reveal to Alyssa. She wanted to be a real family, she always wanted to be. Now that Gavin came into the picture, she hoped that maybe they actually could be a family. She saw something in Gavin that made her feel like things were bound to change for the better. 
  Mr. Cameron took one look at his wife and almost instantly remembered why he fell in love with her. How he felt for her was simple, but the way he feels when he looks at Alyssa brings him to shame. When they had Alyssa they were too young to be real parents. It's the main reason why he resented Mrs. Cameron's decision to keep Alyssa. He never wanted kids, it was too much of a responsibility for him. The only way he deals with it is to bring fear upon his daughter and wife. Mr.Cameron gave his wife one last peck on the cheek before leaving. 
  Alyssa walked downstairs and seen her mother cleaning up the kitchen. She stopped in her tracks and watched for a minute. She lifted an eyebrow and wondered why her mother was being so kind. She hated to say it, but she didn't know that she had it in her. She tried to figure out the conundrum of the day; what her mother could possibly want to tell her. What was serious enough that she couldn't just tell her at home? 
  Alyssa's phone rang and she jumped at the sound of the sound of Leona Lewis' voice singing happy. Mrs. Cameron quickly turned around and saw her daughter reading what appeared to be a text message. She gave a her a small smile even though she knew Alyssa wasn't looking. She wasn't sure about how Alyssa was going to take the news. 
  "You ready?" Mrs. Cameron asked. 
  "Yeah," Alyssa said looking up from her phone. 
  "Okay, let's go." Mrs. Cameron said leading her daughter away from home. 
  ******* 
  Mrs. Cameron and Alyssa went out and bought whatever clothes they felt like for a first few hours they were together. Around four o'clock Mrs. Cameron went to take Alyssa to an ice cream shop. She decided that she was going to tell her what she's been waiting to tell her all day. She was procrastinating from the moment she got up this morning but she decided she couldn't wait any longer. 
  As they sat down, Alyssa looked at her mother with suspicous eyes. As she saw Mrs. Cameron looking her way, she forced her face to soften. Instead, she looked at her questioningly before taking a deep breath. Alyssa decided to finally ask the question she has been worrying about the whole morning and was worried about the reaction she would get. She was worried about the ramification her question would bring. 
  "Mom," Alyssa said shakily. 
  "Yes," Mrs. Cameron said smiling warmly. 
  "Um, why d-did." She stopped short and cleared her throat before steading her voice to speak again. 
  "What happened? Why have you ch-changed?" Mrs. Cameron frowned and took a deep breath of her own. 
  "That's what I wanted to talk to you about." Mrs. Cameron started. "But that comes later. First I wanted to talk about the way your father and I have.....raised you." Alyssa nods and readied herself for the worst. 
  "Alyssa, I'm sorry. Over these past years i've treated you like something you scrape off of your shoe and it wasn't right." She began. "I'm not sure about your father, but i'm sure he's sorry too. I only wanted you to become stronger and I was too weak to do anything. I sort of hoped you would someday gain courage to stand up to your father. Now I have a different idea. A different form of hope." 
  "What changed?" Alyssa questioned. 
  "Gavin." Mrs. Cameron said simply. 
  "W-What?" Alyssa stuttered. "What does he have to do with anything?" 
  "Before, I officially lost all hope. Last month when we left, I was hanging onto the sliver of hope I had left in my heart. Then, when I seen you out there with Gavin, it made me happy. I have a feeling that things will change with him. I can see it already, Alyssa. I can see it in you. You are more happy, you are positively radiant and I know just a bit of that ceases everytime you step foot into this house. I don't want it to be like that." 
  Alyssa sat there stunned at the information her mom was giving her. She had a feeling that her mother was far from done. Gavin brought happiness and peace to Alyssa's mind. Gavin was Alyssa's hope and now she was finding out, after a day of meeting him, that it was her mother's too. She had so many questions but waited for her mother to continue. 
  "There's more." Mrs. Cameron closed her eyes and took another deep breath. "I'm sorry for telling you that I wish you'd never been born. I was trying to tear you down until....until you hopefully decided that you couldn't take it anymore. That maybe you would run off somewhere or finally stand your ground to one of us. At first I had hope for you, but now I found it in Gavin. He's the change i've been waiting for, Alyssa." 
  "But there's something else isn't there?" Alyssa asked. Mrs. Cameron nodded. 
  "There's one more thing....and it's the biggest one of all." Mrs. Cameron said nervously. "I-I-I'm not sure how you'll react. It's about where your father and I went last month. Where we went." Alyssa nods calmly. 
  "Where did you go?" Alyssa asked. 
  "I went to see...." Mrs. Camerons started. "I went to see your sister." 
  "You what?" Alyssa gasped. "M-My sister?" 
  Chapter 11: The truth 
  Mrs. Cameron nods and looks away avoiding her daughter's gaze. She waited for the question that was coming next and was worried about what Alyssa would think of her. She must of think of her as a horrid parent and this only adds to it. Mrs. Cameron was determined to change though, she wanted to change. 
  "But why? Why did you give her away? Why didn't you tell me about her?" Alyssa asked in disbelief. 
  "When I was pregnant, your father didn't want a child but he knew that he just couldn't drop you off at any random doorstep. When we find out that we were having twins-" 
  "Wait, you said twins?" Alyssa interrupted. Mrs. Cameron nodded. 
  "Anyways, your father of course was even more upset. I told him I wanted to keep both of you guys but he just kept saying no. I tried to negociate with him and eventually he said that we could only keep one." Mrs. Cameron frowned. 
  "And you chose me." Alyssa whispered. "What's her name?" 
  "Aly. Allison Cameron." She paused."Alyssa, I'm sorry for everything, really I am. You have to believe me, I don't want to go on like this anymore. I'm sorry." Mrs. Cameron looked into her daughters eyes hoping that she'd forgive her. 
  Alyssa looked at her mother and took in everything she had just said. Did she want the same thing? Did she want to forgive her? Does she trust her mom? Does she even want to trust her mom? Is she lying just to get sympathy? Countless amounts of questions ran through Alyssa's mind before making her decision. 
  Alyssa looked at Mrs. Cameron pausing for a moment. She let her hand fall over hers and looked her straight in the eyes. She squeezed her hand a little tighter, tears welling up in her eyes. She smiled softly hoping to relieve her mother's pain. 
  " It's okay, mom." She paused. " I forgive you." 
  Mrs. Cameron exhaled and a smile appeared on her face. She wondered how her daughter could be so forgiving. She knew that if it was her in Alyssa's position she would have been furious. She was lucky to have her as a daughter. She was lucky to get a second chance. 
  "But why?" Mrs. Cameron whispered. 
  "Because I believe you." Alyssa said blinking a few times trying to keep the tears from falling. Maybe her mom was right. Maybe things can change. Maybe things will finally get better. 
  ****** 
  Mrs. Cameron and Alyssa went home after their day around four o'clock. Alyssa was still trying to take it in. She still had a lot of questions. Questions like if Aly even knew about her and where did Aly even live? How did Aly feel about her parents? Did she think that they were horrid? Did she think they were the sweetest people? Did Aly even like them? 
  "Hey, Alyssa! I'm going out! I'll be home late! Don't wait up!" Mrs. Cameron yelled from downstairs. 
  "Alright! But Gavin's coming over!" Alyssa yelled back. 
  "That's fine!" 
  "Thankyou!" 
  About fifteen minutes later Gavin knocked on the front door. Alyssa yelled a "Come in!" and watched as Gavin walked through the door. The moment she seen him, her heart jumped. She greeted him with a hug and smiled. 
  "Hey," He said hugging her tight. "How'd it go?" 
  "It was....not as I expected." Alyssa mumbled into his shirt." But then again, I didn't know what to expect." 
  "Do you want to elaborate on that?" Gavin asked laughing slightly. 
  "Well." Alyssa started but then stopped. She wasn't sure what she wanted to tell him. 
  "Well?" Gavin pressed slightly squeezing her hand to let her know that it would be okay. 
  "She basically told me that she was sorry. That she was trying to make up for it and that she never wanted it to be like this." Alyssa said quickly. 
  "What changed?" Gavin asked softly. 
  "You." Alyssa said slowly. 
  "Me?" Gavin asked shocked. He pulled away from Alyssa and looked into her eyes. "What do I have to do with this?" 
  "She said that she sees hope in you. That you have been the hope she's been waiting for. That you are the change she's been looking for." Alyssa explains. 
  "But how?" Gavin asked. 
  "I don't know," Alyssa lied. She knew exactly why. It was for the same reasons that she saw in Gavin. She didn't know how to explain it be she knew that Gavin was her saviour. 
  "Did she say anything else?" Gavin asked slowly. 
  "Just something. She said," Alyssa paused taking a deep breath. "She told me that I had a sister named Aly. A twin sister." 
  "You have a what?" Gavin gaped. "And you believe her?" 
  "Yes, I do actually." Alyssa paused. " I don't know how to explain it but I do. I could tell she wasn't lying. But after that she just kept saying that she was sorry for everything." 
  "And what did you do?" He asked. 
  "I told her I forgave her. That I believed her." Alyssa answered. 
  "And you're sure about that?" Gavin asked softly, stepping closer to Alyssa and taking her hands in his. 
  "I am," She whispered. 
  ***** 
  Alyssa woke up to a loud crash that sounded like glass hitting the floor. Her eyes flew open and she looked around seeing that it was still dark. She looked at the clock and seen that it was eleven at night. She saw her bedroom door crack open and the light peer in. She expected it to be her mother but saw her father walk through. 
  Alyssa squinted her eyes and watched her father edge closer. He stepped slowly towards her bed careful not to make noise. Alyssa tried to read the expression on his face, hoping to find an answer but to no avail. It was too dark for her to see anything. 
  "I know you're awake. Get up." He demanded. 
  "Where's mom?" Alyssa asked sitting up. 
  "She's not home. She's with a friend. And I said get up." Mr. Cameron hissed. 
  Alyssa got up and felt the cold floor beneath her feet. She took a small step near her night stand and held onto it for support. She groggily moved, still tired from waking up so abruptly. She looked at her father and waited for him to say something. 
  "What did your mother tell you?" He questioned. 
  "Nothing too important." Alyssa mumbled. 
  "She told you something, what was it?" Mr. Cameron asked growing impatient. 
  "She just said that you guys were sorry for how you treated me over the years and you were trying to make up for it." Alyssa said quickly, her words almost muffled. 
  "She said it was from both of us?" He asked. 
  "Yea," Alyssa answered. Mr. Cameron laughed a devious laugh and inched closer to Alyssa. 
  "She must have meant just her. Because I am NOT part of that category." Mr. Cameron cocked his head to the side. " What else did she say?" Alyssa stayed silently for a moment. 
  "What did she say!" Mr. Cameron yelled. 
  "Nothing. That was all." Alyssa said bringing her hands to her face and rubbing her eyes. 
  Alyssa felt two cold hands touching her and throwing her to the wall. Her eyes immediately flew open and she seen her father pressed against her, pinning her against the wall behind her. Alyssa felt the back of her head throb as she struggled to keep her focus. Mr. Cameron brings his arm around and hits alyssa in her stomach knocking all the air out of her body. He stepped back and watched as Alyssa hunched over and held her stomach. 
  Alyssa tried to cry but couldn't. She couldn't speak, she couldn't breath. All she could do was clutch her stomach and gasp for air. It hurt so much and Alyssa desperately tried to take in air but the air wouldn't come. Alyssa's eyes watered and tears slowly streamed down her face. As she caught her breath, Alyssa let out a small yelp. She breathed deeply, panting and taking all the air in as quickly as she could. 
  "You better not be lying to me," Mr. Cameron said venomously as he walked out of her room slamming the door. 
  Tears slowly streaked down Alyssa's face as she was still struggling to catch her breath. She sat on her knees hunched over and clutching her stomach. She burried her face into the ground and cried into it. Her head was spinning and she didn't know what to do. She just cried. She couldn't believe her father. For the slightest moment, she hoped he had changed too. But she was wrong, he hasn't and never will. 
  Alyssa seen the door inch open and she held her breath. She didn't want her father to catch her crying. He'd only hurt her more. When she seen her mother walk in she looked back to the ground. Mrs. Cameron ran over to her and wrapped her arms around her. 
  "Alyssa, what happened?" Mrs. Cameron said. Alyssa didn't answer. "Was it him?" Alyssa nodded. 
  "It's okay, Alyssa. It'll be okay." Mrs. Cameron comforted. "Shh...." Alyssa cried and to her mothers shoulder and held onto her tightly. She didn't want to be here, she didn't want to stay here anymore. She was going to go insane. She cried into her mother's shoulder until she fell asleep. Mrs.Cameron rested her back against Alyssa's bed and put her head on top of hers. She was exhausted, but this time she wasn't leaving her side. 
  Chapter 12: Anniversaries 
  Alyssa felt hot breath tickling the side of her neck. She squirmed under her sheets and opened her eyes. She saw her father hovering over her; watching her. Frightened, she jumped, up falling off of her bed and hitting her arm on the nightstand. Mr. Cameron laughed and stared at her. Alyssa's heart was racing and she didn't know what her father was up to. 
  "Seventeen years ago, this was the day that I found out we were having you." He said just above a whisper. 
  Mr. Cameron picked Alyssa up squeezing her arms tight and throwing her onto the bed. He climbed over her laughing a laugh that sent chills down her spine. He took in her scent and smirked. Alyssa shut her eyes tight hoping this was all a dream, that none of this was happening. 
  "You know," Mr.Cameron started. "You're going to go through hell before death do me part." 
  Mr. Cameron got up and laughed while walking to the door. He opened it and turned around before muttering, "Happy Anniversary, Alyssa." 
  * 
  Alyssa looked around the hallways hoping to spot Gavin. He hasn't been at school all day and she didn't know where he was. She wondered why he didn't bother calling her and hoped he was okay. Alyssa walked down the steps outside of her school and started to head for Gavins house. She knocked on the door but there was no answer. 
  Alyssa took out her phone and dialed Gavins number but it went straight to voicemail. She put her phone away and tried to not be paranoid. But she couldn't help herself, today was a day when she really needed a shoulder to lean on. After what happened last night and this morning, all she wanted to do is be with Gavin. She felt her phone vibrate and saw that her mom was calling. Alyssa ignored it and started heading for the lake. 
  * 
  Gavin closed his eyes and took deep breaths, feeling the wind slowly blow through his hair. His mouth slowly formed into a small smile as he remembered the memories of his father. His mind went through a series of events, tears slowly streaking down his face on this dreadful day. It was the anniversary of his father's death and he hated it everytime it came around.All of those wonderful memories were taken away when that horrid moment played through his mind. 
  Gavin sat in the back seat of his Father's silver honda civic. He sat there patiently waiting to finally be home after a long day with his parents. 
  "Gavin, did you have fun today?" Mrs. Reed asked. 
  "Yea, mom. It was cool." Gavin answered smiling. 
  "That's good, Gavin. Really good. We'll do this another time if you'd like." Mr. Reed smiled. 
  "Maybe," Gavin mumbled. 
  "I'm going to drop by the restaurant if you guys don't mind," Mr. Reed stated. 
  "Of course not," Mrs. Reed laughed. 
  Mr. Reed took his eyes from the road for a moment to glimpse towards Mrs. Reed. Within seconds, a fast moving vehicle rammed into the side of the car. The small car flipped over a few times before remaining immobile in the middle of the road. Gavin tried to move but found that he couldn't. He looked around and saw both of his parents lying unconcious in the front of the car. He wanted so desperately to move, to go to them but he couldn't. The pain was too much for him to handle; he felt better just lying there. 
  The sound of the two cars colliding made Gavin cringe a little; as much as he could in the position he was in. The sound of his father's bones breaking replayed in his mind and he knew that he was dead on direct impact. Gavin could smell the Gasoline seeping out of the car. He tried to call for help but his voice came out dry and hoarse. 
  Gavin's vision became blurry as his head began to throb in pain. Before he wasn't aware of it but it was becoming worse by the minute. He could feel the warm blood slowly spilling out of his body. Gavin's eyes drooped closed as he heard the sound of the police sirens get louder. 
  The sound of crackling leaves ripped Gavin from his thoughts. Gavin jumped up and spun around looking for the person that was there. He didn't see anyone at first and figured it was just an animal. Alyssa appeared in front of him and Gavin quickly turned around to hide his bloodshot eyes. 
  "Gavin?" Alyssa said slowly. She walked towards Gavin and took his hand. She could tell something was wrong, he would have looked at her by now. 
  "Are you okay?" She asked.Gavin cleared his throat. 
  "Yea, I"m fine," He said squeezing her hand a little. He quickly wrapped his arms around Alyssa and hugged her. He rested his chin on top of her head and shut his eyes. 
  Alyssa didn't object to Gavin's unexpected hug. For a moment, she wondered if he actually knew that she was hurting but thought against it. There was no way Gavin could have known unless her mom told him. But Alyssa knew she wouldn't do that. Would she? 
  Gavin's arms were wrapped tightly around Alyssa's body and he tried to loosen up a bit. He knew she was going to worry and ask him what's wrong so he just let the moment pass. Alyssa squirmed under his touch and tried to look up at him but could barely move. 
  "Gavin." She said in a muffled tone. "Gavin, where were you today?" 
  "Here all day?" She asked when he didn't answer. 
  "Yep." Gavin whispered. 
  "But why?" Alyssa asked pulling away from him. She saw him deliberately avert his gaze and tried to get a good look at his eyes. 
  "I---" Gavin started but stopped and closed his eyes again. Alysaa seen a tear fall from his eye and wiped it off with her thumb. 
  "Gavin, what happened?' She spoke softly, her voice nearly breaking. She didn't want to see Gavin cry, it was heartbreaking. "Gavin...." 
  "I'm sorry." Gavin whispered clearing his throat. 
  "For what?" Alyssa asked worried. She didn't know what he'd have to be sorry about. Usually when some says I'm sorry bad news comes right after and in this case, was Gavin breaking up with her? 
  "For me. For acting this way," He said sniffling and sitting on the ground. 
  "Gavin, I'm confused." Alyssa said sitting next to him. "What's wrong Gavin?" 
  "Remember that day when I was out in your balcony? After dinner?" Gavin asked softly. 
  "When you were---" 
  "Yes," He interrupted. 
  "And today is---" 
  "Yea." Gavin interrupted again. "I really didn't want you to see me like this." 
  "Gavin, I'm sorry and it's okay. There's nothing wrong with you being like this. Especially on this day." Alyssa comforted taking his hand. 
  "It makes me look really weak. I don't mean to sound shallow but it's just----" Alyssa shook her head motioning him to stop. 
  "No it doesn't." She whispered. "You are not weak, nor do you look like you are." 
  "Thank you," Gavin whispered leaning his head on her shoulders. "I love you." 
  Chapter 13: The gateway to hell 
  There was five minutes left of class until the weekend was here. Alyssa couldn't be any happier. She just wanted to go home and relax, and if she was lucky, her father wouldn't be anywhere within range. Alyssa glanced in Gavin's direction and gave him a small smile. As soon as the bell rang, she was out of her seat and heading for the door; going slow enough for Gavin to catch up with her. 
  Gavin raced up to her and draped his arm over her shoulder. He kissed small kisses all over her face and laughing. Alyssa turned around and hooked her arms over Gavins neck and kissed him on the nose. 
  "I think I like your nose better," She laughs. 
  "Really?" Gavin asks playfully. "Are you sure you don't like these better?" Gavin leans down and gives her a long caressing kiss and pressing her body to his. 
  "Well I take that back." Alyssa smiles. 
  "Alyssa," He whispers as he pulls away. "Guess what?" 
  "What?" She whispers playfully, giggling like a little girl. 
  "I love you," He whispers in her ear. "Shh...Don't tell." 
  "Don't worry," Alyssa laughs. " I won't." 
  "Good," He says as they leave the school campus. 
  "So tonight," Gavin starts. "If you need anything, please call me." 
  "Of course I will," 
  *** 
  "Hey Alyssa, I'm going out." Mrs. Cameron says, peering her head into Alyssa's bedroom. 
  "Going where?" Alyssa asked. 
  "With some new friends I made at work," Mrs. Cameron smiles. 
  "Friends?" Alyssa questions. "No offense, but I didn't know you had any friends." 
  "Well I do," Mrs.Cameron laughs. "But then again there's not a lot of things you don't know yet." 
  "And I'm hoping to know more." 
  "Indeed. Love you hun," Mrs. Cameron winks at her and hops off down the stairs. 
  Alyssa lays back on her bed and looks at her clock reading 9:43 p.m. She turns to her side and her eyes start to droop close. Her phone rings playing whatever it takes by lifehouse. She flips open her phone and smiles. 
  "Hey love," She answers in a fake english accent. 
  "Just having a cup of tea," Gavin laughs playing along. 
  "Aw, and you didn't invite me?" Alyssa wines. 
  "Sorry love, I don't know wot I was thinking," He apologizes smiling. Alyssa hears a door downstairs shut and looks at the time. She's back already, she questions. 
  "You're forgiven, but I must go now. My owners have arrived," She smiles. 
  "If you shall," Gavin says. 
  "I must," Alyssa states. "But i'll be thinking of you the whole time." 
  "Tis why I love thee," Gavin laughs. "Aw man, I so wish I was there." 
  "Me too," Alyssa says fiddling with her blanket. 
  "Do you know what i'd be doing?" Gavin says. 
  "I have an idea, but why don't you tell me," Alyssa insists. 
  "I'd be kissing you like a madman," He says. "But i'd only be pretending I was mad." 
  "No, no," Alyssa starts. "I'm pretty sure you have the crazy part down." 
  "That hurts love," Gavin plays. 
  "You'll be okay," Alyssa laughs. "But I do love you dearly." 
  "Oh I love you too." Gavin smiles. 
  "Good." Alyssa sighs. "Well I'll talk to you tomorrow." 
  "Are you sure you don't want me to come over?" Gavin wines. 
  "I do, but we'll be okay." Alyssa says softly. 
  "You suck, Cameron. Did I ever tell you that?" He asks. 
  "Nope." Alyssa smiles. "But that's okay too." 
  "I love you," Gavin says. 
  "I love you too," 
  "Sweet dreams, my angel," Gavin says. "Night." 
  "Good night," 
  Alyssa shuts her phone and hops out of her bed. She steps out into the hallway and doesn't see anything. Every light in the house is turned off. Alyssa slowly feels around with her feet, careful not to step on anything. She trips over something in her way. As she falls, she finds herself rolling down the stairs with someone next to her. 
  Alyssa brings her head up and starts to feel around on the person beneath her. She hears a laugh that always sends chills down her spine and she instantly knew who it was. The light turns on and she sees her father underneath her. Alyssa jumps and stumbles to her feet. 
  "You should watch your step," Mr. Cameron says with a dark glint in his eyes. He steps towards her smiling; his eyes softening but still cold. 
  "It was dark," Alyssa says after a pause, stepping away from him. 
  She bumps into a wall and her father inches closer, almost closing the space between them. He takes her in, looking her up and down hungrily. Alyssa turns her face to the side and closes her eyes; her heart beating faster. Mr. Cameron puts his arms against the walls, preventing her escape. His cold fingers touches her cheeks and he turns her face to his. 
  "Open your eyes," He mumbles. Alyssa could smell the alcohol on his breath and obeyed his request. 
  "You have a pretty face," He says in a gruff, hoarse voice. 
  Mr.Cameron here's a click on the door and knew Mrs. Cameron was seconds away from walking in. He turns off the light and yanks Alyssa towards him. His hand cuffs her mouth to keep her from screaming. He brings the both of them to the couch and sits there quietly. 
  The front door opens and Mrs. Cameron walks through sighing to herself. She walks up the stairs silently and Mr. Cameron waited until he heard the door click shut. His grip on Alyssa becomes a little tighter. 
  "Remember when I said you were going to go to hell before you get rid of me?" Mr. Cameron starts. 
  "Welcome to hell and back." 
  Chapter 14: Back at square one 
  "Hello?" Alyssa answers as she picks up her cell phone. 
  "Hey, where have you been stranger?" Gavin asks as he walks out of his house. 
  "At home," Alyssa mumbles. 
  "What's wrong?" He questions. "I haven't heard from you all day." 
  "Nothing," She objects. "I have been tired." 
  "Does that mean I shouldn't come over?" Gavin asks with a frown."So you can get some rest." 
  "No!" Alyssa replies quickly."No, I want you to come. I'm just kind of alone here. Besides I really want to see you." 
  "Okay," He smiles. "I'll be there in a few." 
  "Alright. Just let yourself in, i'll be in my room." 
  "Kay, see ya." 
  Despite the fact that Alyssa was scared out of her mind by her father, she was hoping Gavin could somehow ease the pain. She didn't want to tell Gavin about it, so she wasn't going to. She figured that Gavin would blow a fuse if he heard about what her father did. She just wanted to enjoy the time she had with Gavin. 
  Hearing the door to her house open, Alyssa smiled to herself. She almost jumped up and ran downstairs just so she could be with Gavin faster. The door to her room opened and she was about to say something when she seen her father walk through. Mr. Cameron shut the door and leaned against it. 
  "Where's your mother?" He hissed. 
  "I don't know. I haven't seen her all day," Alyssa replied softly, looking down at her pillow. Mr. Cameron stayed silent for a moment before continuing. 
  "What did she say?" He asked. 
  "About what?" She asked innocently. 
  "About the day she took you out," He started. "You're hiding more than you're letting on, Alyssa. What did she tell you?!" 
  "What does it matter anyway?" Alyssa muttered under her breath; her eyes narrowed. 
  "What did you say?" Mr. Cameron spat stepping closer. 
  "Was I not speaking clearly enough?" Alyssa asked standing up. She knew that it was one of the worst decisions she could make at this moment but deep down she hoped that maybe he would back off just a little. 
  "No, you weren't!" Mr. Cameron yelled reaching for her as she dodged out of the way. 
  "Leave me alone!" She screamed as she tried to jump over the bed and onto the other side of the room. 
  "That damn boyfriend of yours is messing with your fucking head!" He screamed in anger still reaching for her. 
  Mr. Cameron caught her foot and she fell onto the floor face first. He heard someone outside of the house and wondered who was here. He looked at her daughter with a smirk on his face. She was holding her nose, trying to stop the bleeding. She got up and ran past her father and down the stairs. Mr. Cameron heard a knock on the door and went to open it. On his way down the stairs, he could hear Alyssa in the bathroom. 
  He opened the door with a devious smirk on his face. He looked Gavin up and down and almost slammed the door shut on his face. Mr. Cameron smiled softly putting on the fake charade that he knew Gavin could see right through. He almost jumped up in happiness when he seen the smile on Gavin's face turn into a death glare. 
  "Gavin!" Mr. Cameron spoke, making sure he was loud enough for Alyssa to hear. "How can I help you on this lovely day?" 
  "Is Alyssa home?" He asked clenching his fist tightly. It took all the strength in his body to not hit Mr. Cameron. 
  "She's," He started, smirking to himself. "In the bathroom cleaning herself up. But please, let yourself in." 
  Alyssa came out of the bathroom hoping to find her father gone. She watched Gavin carefully navigate his way around her dad and cursed herself for coming out of the bathroom with her hand still to her nose. The tissue was becoming bloodier the longer she stayed and stared at the two of them. Gavin's eyes grew wide when he spotted the blood. He walked over to her and reached for her nose. 
  "Alyssa, what happened?" He asked with concern in his voice. 
  "Oh, you know her," Mr. Cameron started. "She's such a klutz. But that's okay. I'm sure you'll watch her so she doesn't hurt herself even more." 
  Gavin glared at Mr. Cameron in disbelief, he wouldn't buy his story for the world. He saw a dark glint in Mr. Cameron's eyes as he watched him turn around and head out the door humming. He turned his attention back to Alyssa and his face softened. 
  "Really, Alyssa, what happened?" He asked hoping to get the truth. 
  "I fell," She answered looking down at her feet. 
  "Now you know I don't believe that," Gavin pleaded. "What happened?" 
  "Well, why not? It's what happened," She said raising her voice. She didn't mean to be rude about it but she didn't want to talk about it. "Never mind that. Please, can we just go upstairs and forget about the cause and take care of the effect?" 
  "Sure," Gavin whispered frowning. 
  Alyssa lay her head in Gavin's lap as she held a clean tissue to her nose. She closed her eyes and felt Gavin run his fingers through her hair. After what seemed like ten minutes she threw the tissue away and her nose finally stopped bleeding. She lay quietly in her bed slowly drifting asleep. Gavin waited until she was sleeping to get up. He kissed her on the forehead and whispered a silent goodnight before seeing Alyssa fidget. 
  She moved around trying to find something next to her but only felt the covers underneath her. Her eyes shot open and she quickly sat up. She looked at the door and wondered if Gavin had already left. She scrambled to her feet and ran towards the door before feeling a hand on her wrist. She quickly turned around and hit whoever was holding her as first instinct. She heard someone groan and looked at the person who was hunched over in pain. 
  "Gavin!" She yelped. "I-I'm sorry!" 
  "Shit, Alyssa," He mumbled. "That hurt." 
  "I-I'm sorry, really I am," She said quickly running to his side, her eyes tearing up. 
  "Don't worry about it," He said. "But that's some punch you got there." 
  "Yeah," She slightly laughed. "God, Gavin. I'm so sorry." 
  "It's alright, Alyssa. Seriously," He comforted. "Are you okay?" 
  Alyssa walked over to the bed and sat down. She took a deep breath and felt tears trying to escape her eyes. She put her hands over her face so Gavin wouldn't see her cry. Gavin wrapped his arms around her and let her lean on him. He was so confused but he didn't want to push his luck. 
  "Alyssa, what's wrong?" He asked. "Why are you crying?" 
  "I-I'm sorry," She mumbled repeatedly. 
  "No, Alyssa it's okay! Honestly, please don't cry." He said holding her. 
  "Please, don't go," She sobbed. "I'm so scared. Just don't go." 
  "I won't, don't worry." He kissed her on the forehead again and lay down with her still in his arms. He didn't know what was wrong but there has to be a reason for it and for some reason he had the feeling it was because of her father. 
  **** 
  "Alyssa!!" Mr. Cameron yelled storming up the stairs. 
  Alyssa jumped up from her bed making Gavin jump too. She stood up as she seen the door fly open making her heart jump. As soon as Gavin was able to reach his composure he glared at Mr. Cameron. Alyssa wobbled on her two legs, still groggy from sleeping. She watched her father smirk as Gavin took her hand. 
  "What're you still doing here?" Mr. Cameron asked Gavin. 
  "What does it look like?" Gavin spat. 
  "Don't get smart with me boy," Mr. Cameron said. 
  "Whatever," Gavin said looking towards Alyssa. 
  "Now, if you don't mind you need to leave." Mr. Cameron said stepping away from the doorway. 
  "Actually, I do mind," Gavin says remaining stationary. "I'm not leaving here without Alyssa." 
  "Well, it's not like you have a choice." Mr. Cameron smiled. 
  "Go," Alyssa whispered letting go of Gavin's hand. 
  "What?" Gavin said surprised. 
  "I'll be okay, just go." She whispered. 
  "But, Alyss—" 
  "You heard her, now go!" Mr. Cameron said almost yelling, growing impatient by the second. He watched as Alyssa kissed him and rolled his eyes. 
  "Is this love fest over yet? I mean it's cute and all but you gotta go," He pretended to yawn. 
  Gavin reluctantly walked out of the house. Alyssa watched him go and was tempted to run after him. When he left her father was staring at her like a madman. 
  "How was it?" He asked smirking. "You know, the kiss." 
  "Fine," Alyssa mumbled looking down. 
  She heard the bedroom door click shut and her head instantly shot up. Before she could react her father was already pinning her to the bed. He laughed a menacing laugh sending chills down her spine. Alyssa was sure the little hairs on her neck was sticking up as tall as they could. She got a whiff of his breath and noticed that there wasn't the usual smell of alcohol. He was totally sober and this scared her even more. She almost understood if he was dead drunk but not if he was flat out sober. 
  Mr. Cameron kissed Alyssa on her cheek and laughed. He ran is fingers through her hair quickly pulling the locks and making it hurt. He bit down on her earlobe hard and listened to Alyssa whimper. 
  "Don't worry, you can make all the noise in the world you want, " He said. "No one will hear you." 
  Alyssa tried to fight back, hitting him as hard as she could but it didn't even bother him. She struggled so hard for an escape, hoping that some miracle could happen. She felt her father start to rip of her clothes and she screamed. He covered her mouth with his hand and yelling a "be quiet" to her. Her cries were muffled and faint as she kept fighting. 
  After what seemed like hours of fighting, she finally gave up and let her father have his fun. It lasted for hours and she cried and cried until she couldn't cry anymore. When it was all over her father crushed his lips to hers one last time before laughing as he left the house. 
  Alyssa's body was shaking as tears slowly spilled from her face. She didn't move at first and just laid there on her bed. When she stepped of her bed she tripped over a shoe that was left on the floor. She fell on something sharp and her eyes teared up a little. She looked at the ground and saw it covered in glass by her bed. She hadn't even notice it was there. 
  Alyssa noticed the blood slowly seeping out of her hand. She looked at the pieces of glass on the ground and touched a huge chunk of it with her bloody hand. She almost forgot how it felt to be cut open. She stayed there and stared at the glass like she was in a trance. Alyssa picked up the largest piece of glass that had her blood on it. She forgot. How could she possibly forget?  Chapter 15: After Shock 
   
   
   
   
  "Alyssa Hun, are you okay?" Mrs. Cameron asked from the other side of the locked bedroom door. 
  Hearing her mothers voice unexpectedly made Alyssa jump. She wasn't going to say anything hoping she'd go away. It was six-thirty and Alyssa wasn't up to part for going to school. She cleared her throat before speaking after changing her mind about talking. 
  "Yea, I'm fine mom." She said. "I'm just feeling a little sick." 
  "Do you want to go to school?" Mrs. Cameron asked. 
  "No, not really," She replied. 
  "Okay," Mrs. Cameron said. "I'll be home around eight. I'm working a little late today." 
  "Okay," Alyssa said as she stood next to her bedroom door. She put her hand on the door knob slightly twisting it open so that she could whisper. 
  "M-mom?" She said hesitantly. 
  "Yes," Mrs. Cameron said knitting her eyebrows together in confusion. 
  "W-where were you?" Alyssa asked replaying the memory of her and her father. "L-last night." 
  "I went," Mrs. Cameron started, looking to her left and seeing her husband watch her. "To hang out with my friends." 
  She stared at Alyssa intently as if to say that she could not tell her right now but she'll tell her later. She gave a quick smile before hopping down the stairs. 
  **** 
  Gavin looked around wondering where Alyssa was. She hasn't been to school for the past three days. She wouldn't answer any of his calls or reply to any of his text messages and he became filled with concern and worry. 
  After school that Wednesday afternoon, Gavin immediately went to Alyssa's house. He knocked on the door anxiously waiting for someone to answer him. A few short minutes later Mrs. Cameron greeted Gavin with a smiling face. 
  "Gavin!" She exclaimed. "What a nice surprise. Please, come in." 
  "Thank you." Gavin said giving her a soft smile. "Is Alyssa here? 
  "She's in her room," Mrs. Cameron answered frowning. "Um, Gavin?" 
  "Yeah?" He asked nervously. 
  "Is, is she okay?" Mrs. Cameron asked hesitantly. 
  "Um," He paused debating on if he should say yes and lie or no and tell the truth. "I don't know." 
  "She's been a little," Mrs. Cameron paused, searching for a word. "Different." 
  "How so?" He asked. 
  "She's been unusually quiet," She said slowly. "Her door is always locked and I haven't seen her out of her room all week. Much less in it. I mean I know I'm not home much because of work, but I should be able to see her sometimes." 
  "That's...Um," He sighed. " I really couldn't tell you, even if I wanted to. I just don't know anything." 
  "Maybe she'll talk to you," She frowned. "Please stay with her." She paused. 
  "As a matter of fact, I want you to bring her with you." She said sternly. "Before you go home, persuade her to come with you. I don't want her here with him alone. Not right now, not when she's like this. Okay?" 
  "Has he done something to her?" Gavin asked after a moments pause, anger slightly building up. 
  "Not that I know of," Mrs. Cameron answered walking towards the door. "Make sure he doesn't. 
  "I will." He said nodding and going upstairs.' 
  Alyssa heard footsteps coming up the stairs and she knew someone was coming for her. She sat in the darkest corner of her room fidgeting with her fingers. She was mumbling under her breath, trying to blink back her tears. She crawled a few inches away from the wall trying to figure out who was coming. She heard a knock on the door and she felt her throat tighten. Alyssa looked at the piece of glass on the floor and then to her arms. She saw the cuts and scrapes and quickly pulled a jacket over herself. She pushed the pieces of glass under her bed and slightly cut her hand cursing under her breath. A small amount of blood seeped out of her hand and Alyssa closed her palm tightly, applying whatever pressure she could. 
  "Alyssa," Gavin called. "Alyssa, are you there?" 
  "Ye-yes," She whispered instinctively. 
  "Alyssa?" He called again twisting the door knob and opening the door. 
  Alyssa froze and stared at Gavin. She was on her knees and she didn't know what to say. She wanted to move, to go back into her corner, isolated from everyone. Her fingers started to tap the ground nervously and she started to mumble again. 
  "Alyssa, are you okay?" Gavin asked in confusion. 
  "I made you leave, I had no control, I couldn't do anything," She mumbled repeatedly. 
  "Alyssa," Gavin said reaching for her. Alyssa jumped back and scrambled into the corner bringing her knees to her chest. 
  "N-no," She mumbled quickly. "Don't come, leave me alone." 
  "Alyssa what happened?" Gavin asked slowly walking towards her. "I don't get it, Alyssa. I'm confused." 
  Gavin tried to reach for her again but she kept shaking her head and mumbling no. He got on his knees and slipped his fingers through hers. He tried to stand up, helping her do the same. He put his hand on her arm, gently tugging her upwards. Alyssa resisted, twisting and turning in his arms. 
  "Alyssa, it's okay. Look at me," He said assuringly, noticing she was closing her eyes. "Remember?" 
  He cradled her into his arms trying to hug her and ease her pain. Alyssa twisted and turned in his arms, bring her hands to his chest and trying to push him away. Gavin wouldn't let her leave and struggled to get her to stay still and calm down. 
  "Stop! Don't touch me! Leave me alone! Get off, get off!" Alyssa screamed, tears streaming down her face. "Not again, don't do it again!" 
  "Do what again," Gavin asked a little scared, letting go of her and watching her crawl back into the corner, her body rocking back and forth. 
  "Don't, don't touch me," She cried again, the words muffled as she laid her head into her arms. 
  "Alyssa," Gavin said feeling his throat tighten and hearing his voice falter a little. "Come with me, please. Come home with me." 
  "I c-can't. He's going to get me," She cried. "He's going to take me. I know it, I know he is." 
  "No he won't," Gavin said clearing his throat as best as he could. "You'll be safe with me." 
  Gavin held out his hand and hoped she would take it. He didn't want to make he any more distraught than she already was but he surely wasn't going to leave her here. He stared at her and waited for Alyssa to take it. She was really scaring him and he couldn't have been any more concerned even if he wanted to be. 
  Alyssa looked at Gavin's hand, tears still spilling from her eyes. She tried to get the memory of her father out of her mind but was failing miserably. She wanted Gavin to comfort her but she was too scared to let him do anything. She didn't want anyone to touch her in fear that someone was going to rape her again. She couldn't go through that again, not with anyone else. 
  Alyssa wiped the tears off of her face and took a few deep breaths. She could feel her eyes start to droop close and she didn't want to fall asleep here. She looked at Gavin's sad eyes and then to his outstretched hand. She shakily took it and waited for his arms to wrap around her comfortably. Her breathing was shaky as she forced her self to not whimper and cry. Alyssa closed her eyes and felt warm tears slide down her cheek. She didn't mean to cry, she didn't mean to freak out on Gavin, but she was scared. 
  ***** 
  Alyssa sat up on the bed and notice she was at Gavin's house but Gavin wasn't next to her. She looked around and said Gavin's name hoping he'd respond. She turned on the bedside light and looked around once more. She spotted Gavin in a chair in the corner of his room tied up. Her heart started to race and she started to go near him. She noticed blood trickling down the side of his face as he struggled to move. She saw him look into her eyes and never saw so much pain and agony in a person. 
  The room was still dark as she scrambled off the bed and towards Gavin. She felt a hand wrap around her waist and cover her mouth. She punched and kicked about but she still couldn't see the person who was holding her. She tried to scream but only muffled sounds escaped her lips. She heard the sound of a chair hitting the ground. Alyssa glanced towards Gavin's direction and saw him try to fight his way out of the rope he was tied in. 
  "It's not over yet," She heard a deep voice tell her. He laughed a laugh that she'd recognize anywhere. It was her fathers.  
  Chapter 16: Argument 
   
  Alyssa woke up screaming and kicking. She sat up on Gavin's bed realizing where she was. She saw Gavin look at her with a confused and weary expression. She watched him move towards her causing her to jump and fall off the bed with a loud thump. She reached up to touch the spot on her head where it hurt. 
  "Alyssa," Gavin exclaimed while running towards her. "Are you okay?" 
  Alyssa looking into Gavin's blue and green eyes and felt her brown ones start to water. She kept her hand on her wounded head as Gavin helped her up. She blinked a few times to keep the tears from streaming down her face. 
  "No, I'm not," She whined. " I had a stupid nightmare." 
  "What was it about," Gavin asked. 
  "Um," Alyssa gulped nervously. She still couldn't bring herself to tell Gavin that her nightmare was similar to what actually happened in reality. "I, uh." 
  "Alyssa," Gavin pleaded. 
  "I was alone," She lied. "I was the only one left and e everyone left because of me." 
  "Alyssa," Gavin sighed. "What happened?" 
  "I just told you," Alyssa replied shakily. 
  "Not about that," Gavin said."Earlier today you scared the hell out of me." 
  "I-I," Alyssa spoke feeling her throat tighten. "I was, um." 
  "Please," He whispered. "Tell me what happened." 
  Alyssa felt a warm tear slide down her cheek and she felt her chest clench. She wasn't exactly ready to tell Gavin what her father had done to her. She was sure that he would call the police and have him arrested and for some odd reason she didn't want him to go to jail. Alyssa felt like she had a need to protect him. She felt like she had no other choice, that it was how it is supposed to be. 
  "H-he did it, Gavin," Alyssa whispered. 
  "Did what," Gavin asked. 
  "He raped me," She whispered while looking down at the ground. Her voice was low and shaky, it was almost inaudible. 
  "He what," Gavin exclaimed furiously. "Who?" 
  Alyssa looked at Gavin with blood shot eyes. She was scared and Gavin being angry wasn't going to help anything. She hoped that by her not saying anything he would know who it was. 
  "Oh no," He said. "But that's—It couldn't---when---it was when I left wasn't it?" 
  "Yes," She whispered nodding. 
  "You have to turn him in. You can't let him get away with this. You'll be away from him for good," Gavin insisted. 
  "No! No, you can't," Alyssa cried grabbing onto him. 
  "Why? You have to," Gavin demanded angrily. 
  "Because you just can't," Alyssa mumbled. 
  "That is not even close to a reason," He said. 
  "I'll deny it anyway," She said turning away from him. 
  "What? You can't," He said. 
  "It's my choice Gavin," Alyssa said wiping a tear off of her cheek. 
  "Alyssa," Gavin said peeved. 
  "Gavin," She said mocking him. "You know it doesn't make it any better when you are angry." 
  "Alyssa, please do not try and turn this around to make it seem like I'm the bad guy," Gavin said crossing his arms. 
  "That's not what I am doing," She exclaimed. 
  "The hell you aren't," Gavin said practically yelling. 
  Alyssa sat on Gavin's bed avoiding eye contact. She didn't like the yelling and the fighting. She had always hated it because it never did any good to people. It only separated people and she couldn't bare be apart from Gavin. Not at a time like this. 
  "Gavin? Alyssa," Mrs. Reed said walking through Gavin's door. "Is everything alright in here?" 
  "Yeah mom, we're fine," Gavin lied, looking towards his mom then back at Alyssa. 
  "Just peachy," Alyssa said giving a small smile before standing up and walking out the door. 
  "Alyssa," Gavin said sighing. 
  Alyssa ignored Gavin and kept walking. She knew it wasn't the best thing to do but she didn't want to argue anymore. She knew that Gavin was right but she did not intentionally make him seem like the bad guy. She hoped that maybe while she was gone that it would give him enough time to cool off and then she'll be able to discuss he reasons calmly. It was too much of a fantasy but it was worth a shot. 
  Alyssa started to walk towards her house out of habit. She quickly turned away and started to walk towards the lake. She sat at the edge and listened to all of the nature around her. At this time at night, it was no surprise that she could here all the crickets and some of the birds chirping. 
  Alyssa heard the sound of twigs breaking and crumbling and she quickly turned her attention to where the noise was coming from. She didn't see anyone and she began to stand, ready to take off if anyone was there. She heard a faint snicker and began to back up. She bumped into something and turned around and saw a big man standing behind her. 
  Leaving no time to scream, Alyssa jolted off into the opposite direction, running as fast as she could. She could hear the man chasing after her and she turned around to see how close he was. She turned her attention back to the path in front of her and failed to see the roots of the trees sticking out of the ground. Alyssa tripped over the large roots and stumbled to get back up, her heart racing. She felt the mans hands start to pick her small body up. She squirmed and tried to break out of his grips. 
  "Alyssa, sweetie," Mr. Cameron whispered into her ear. "You can run, but you can't hide." 
  ***** 
  "Come on Alyssa, Please pick up," Gavin said to himself while dialing Alyssa's number for the third time. 
  "Where are you?"  Chapter 17: Her whereabouts 
   
  It's been a little over a couple days and Gavin's concern for Alyssa grows larger. He sits down onto his bed and places his face in his hands angrily. He was sorry that he argued with Alyssa and he couldn't help but think that if he did not argue with her, then she'd be here with him right now. 
  Gavin was really worried and frustrated. He barely ate any of his meals and he barely slept. He looked like a mess but he did not care, all he wanted was Alyssa. 
  **** 
  Alyssa woke up in an old house. She looked around and saw the house built with old wood that was withering away. It was dark and she could not see a thing, no matter how wide she opened her eyes. She listened to the room and it sounded like it was empty. She started to crawl on her hands and feet to try and get a visual of where she was and what was in there for her. The floor creaked under her every move and she cringed at every sound. Hearing something from behind her, Alyssa stopped dead in her tracks. She slowly sat on her but and turned around, trying not to make any noise. 
  "So you are awake," A voice all too familiar spoke. 
  "D-dad," Alyssa stuttered. 
  "If not me, than who else would it be," He stepped next to the window, the moonlight slightly hitting his face. 
  "Don't worry," He said. "I'm not going to force you to have sex with me again. At least not now, anyway." 
  "But I don't understand. Why are—" 
  "Because I want to," He moved closer to Alyssa and grabbed her by the arm. 
  Alyssa felt a warm tear slide down her cheek and her heart sped up. Something was going to happen to her in a few seconds but she did not know what to brace herself for. Was it going to be another beating? Was he going to rape her again? She felt something shove her back and she found herself lying onto the floor. 
  "Don't you see," He said crawling over her. "I enjoy it." 
  Mr. Cameron grabbed Alyssa's head in both of his hands. He picked it up and quickly slammed it against the ground. He listened to Alyssa cry in pain and laughed. He felt no remorse for his actions and couldn't care less if he went to jail after he's done with her. He wouldn't be surprised if the police rammed the door down any second. He didn't pick the best place to keep her, it was just an old abandoned house. It wasn't in the middle of no where, it was in the middle of everywhere. It is hard to miss. 
  Mr. Cameron gets up and smirks as he watches her hold her throbbing head in pain. He wasn't going to say anything because he did not want to ruin this glorious moment but he decided against it. 
  "Alyssa, did your mother tell you about your sister," He leans against the wall behind him. Alyssa shakes her head no. 
  "Her names Allison," He said smiling at the memory. "I didn't want her, just like I didn't want you. It was you are her. I made a random decisions so don't go and feel special." 
  "Is it just me," She mumbles sitting up. 
  "What," He asks. 
  "Do you beat her too," She asks a little louder, dragging her body to the opposite end of the room with her hands. 
  "No. But that's because I can't," He mumbled. 
  **** 
  Gavin heard a knock on his bedroom door and woke up from his hazy sleep. He jumped out of bed and ran to the door hoping it was Alyssa. His heart sunk when he saw his mom standing on the other side. He stepped aside and let her in, watching her walk over to his bed. Mrs. Reed sat down onto Gavin's bed, placing her hands into her lap. 
  "Gavin, how are you," She asks worriedly. 
  "I'm fine," He sits next to her. 
  "And Alyssa," She asks. 
  "She's," Gavin paused thinking about what he should say."Okay." 
  "Look," Mrs. Reed started. "I know you guys are having trouble." 
  "We got into a little argument, that's all," He mumbled averting his gaze. 
  "You look a mess Gavin," She frowns. 
  "Gee, thanks," He mumbled. 
  "Has she been at school," Mrs. Reed asks. 
  "Yeah, we just haven't been talking," Gavin lied. 
  "But why," 
  "It's complicated, mom." 
  Gavin looks away feeling his eyes water. He didn't like to lie to his mom and he didn't like the fact that he didn't know where Alyssa was. He had no control over anything, no say in anything and he didn't know what to do. Gavin felt his mom's soft hand on his and he forced himself to look at her. He felt a tear fall from his eye and he closed them. Mrs. Reed pressed his head into her shoulders and held him. 
  "You can't be strong all the time." She said. 
  "But everything will be okay." Chapter 18: Looking for Alyssa 
   
  Early in the morning Gavin heads over to Alyssa's house. He knocks on the door and patiently waits for an answer. Thinking of Mr. Cameron, Gavin straightened up and braced himself for the worse. He saw Mrs. Cameron open the door and loosened up. Mrs. Cameron looks relieved and motions for Gavin to come inside. 
  "Gavin," She paces back and forth. "I'm worried." 
  "Is it about Alyssa," He asked sitting down on the couch. 
  "Yes, Have you seen her? I'm worried." 
  "No," Gavin puts his face in both of his hands. "I'm sorry." 
  "For what," Mrs. Cameron asks. 
  "I was supposed to protect her, I didn't," He mumbled. 
  "Oh honey," Mrs. Cameron said sitting next to him. "It is not your fault." 
  "We had an argument. I really shouldn't have, especially after what she had said," He stood up and started to walk around. 
  Gavin looked at Mrs. Cameron and frowned. Alyssa looked so much like her mother and it almost hurt him to look at her. He didn't know what to do. Was he supposed to call the cops? He knew Alyssa wouldn't like that but he had to do something. Did her father kidnap her? Is her father going to rape her again? 
  "What were you guys fighting about," Mrs. Cameron frowns and looks at Gavin with sad eyes. 
  "Um," He pauses and tries to carefully select his words. 
  Gavin did not want to tell Mrs. Cameron that Alyssa was raped by her father. What would she think? Would she blame him for the rape? After all, Gavin was supposed to protect her and she ended up getting raped. He knew he was the worst at protecting Alyssa. What was he supposed to do? How could he help bring her back? She's out there and there is no doubt that Alyssa is with her father. 
  "About her dad," He said. "He hurts her. A lot, more than you know." 
  "I know," Mrs. Cameron said after a long moment. "I don't know what to do Gavin." 
  "Me too," He looked at her and felt the need to comfort Mrs. Cameron. He started to walk towards her but stopped, knowing she wasn't finished. 
  "He has her Gavin," She stood up and walked over to him. "He hasn't been home in weeks and neither has Alyssa." 
  "Maybe," He paused. "Maybe we should call the police." 
  "No!" Mrs. Cameron exclaimed. "We can't!" 
  "But why," Gavin threw up his hands in disappointment. "What is wrong with that? When I suggested that idea to Alyssa she said the same. After what she told me, how could I not want to call them." 
  "Because we just can't," Mrs. Cameron said. "Wait." 
  "What," Gavin knitted his eyebrows together in confusion and waited for an answer. 
  "What did Alyssa tell you," She asked. 
  Gavin swore under his breath. That part about Alyssa slipped out. What was he supposed to tell Mrs. Cameron now? Gavin stared at her and tried to buy enough time to think. He could tell she was getting impatient and decided to just tell her the truth. 
  "He raped her," He looked down at his feet. 
  "What," Mrs. Cameron whispered. "Oh no. I didn't think he would ever do that again, not to her anyway." 
  Mrs. Cameron took a deep breath and sat back down. She could not believe her husband would do such a thing. She knew he was a monster, but raping his own daughter? Who does that? Mrs. Cameron shook her head and disbelief. She couldn't help but feel like this whole thing was her fault. 
  "What do you mean again?" Gavin asked suddenly. 
  "I—" She looked around searching for words. "He did that to me too." 
  "What!" Gavin exclaimed, he's eyes practically popping out of his head. 
  "Oh my gosh," She stood up and paced back and forth. "Gavin this is all my fault!" 
  "What? How? I don't—" 
  "I knew marrying him was a bad idea! I shouldn't have, I really shouldn't have!" She exclaimed. "I could have had Alyssa and Allison on my own. I would have been just fine. I didn't want to abort them but what if I had? None of this would have ever happened." 
  "What? No!" Gavin said frustratingly. "That would have been a terrible idea! I'm so ecstatic that you had both of them! It isn't your fault! It's that asshole of a father's fault!" 
  "What are we going to do," Mrs. Cameron asked, her voice slightly cracking. 
  "I don't know." 
  Gavin looked at her and remembered what happened with him and his mother. He walked over to Mrs. Cameron and wrapped his arms around her. He remembered crying on his mom's shoulder about this whole situation. Now it was his turn to be smart about everything. It was his turn to be strong. It was his turn to lend a shoulder to lean on. 
  "But it'll all be okay." 
  ****** 
  Mrs. Reed sat down at the diner table with a mug filled with tea in her hands. She stared off out of the kitchen window and contemplated her decisions. She wondered what was wrong with Gavin. Where was Alyssa? Why were they arguing? She wanted to help Gavin, she was worried. 
  "What am I going to do," She asked herself. 
  She heard a knock on the front door and she quickly turned her head to the direction where it came from. She hesitated for a moment and hoped it was Alyssa. If it was Alyssa then this madness could all disappear and everything could be back to normal. Right? 
  Mrs. Reed placed her mug onto the wooden coffee table as she passed the living room. She walked slowly and straightened up her clothes and made sure she looked almost decent. She opened the door and saw a man standing in front of her. He had brown eyes that looked strangely familiar. He was tall and had black hair. 
  "Can I help you," She asked curiously. 
  "Is there a," He paused looking at a white envelope with small letters printed onto it. "Gavin Reed here?" 
  "Yes, he's my son," Mrs. Reed answered. "He's not here right now." 
  "My name is John." He smiled. " I found this letter while I was walking my dog. It was addressed to this address so I thought I would just hand deliver it." 
  "Does it have a name from where it came from," Mrs. Reed asked. 
  "No. It just says Gavin Reed and then the address." 
  "Okay," Mrs. Reed takes the envelope and begins to shut the door. 
  She watches the stranger walk away and questions him. As she shuts the door, she took another look at the envelope. Mrs. Reed walks all the way over to Gavin's room and places the envelope onto his pillow. She wanted to read it and see who it was from. Her curiosity grew stronger but she had to have some faith in her son. 
  She shook her head and tore open the letter. There wasn't much words printed on it. All it said was, "Dear Gavin, good-bye. Signed, Alyssa." She would never leave him, Mrs. Cameron thought. Who was that man, John? Why did he look so familiar? 
  She walked over to the window and saw a figure in the distance and felt her heart jump. It was that stranger, John. He was staring at the window and he was smirking. Mrs. Reed got a weird feeling in the pit of her stomach and quickly shut the door. She ran downstairs and made sure all of the windows and doors were locked. What was going on here? 
  ***** 
  Mr. Cameron walked through the old bedroom door and looked at Alyssa. He smirked and laughed at the thought of Mrs. Reed. He walked towards Alyssa and watched her cringe in fear. He laughed again and sat next to her, taking a deep breath. 
  "Dear Gavin," Alyssa said. "What else did it say." 
  "Good-bye," Mr. Cameron grinned. 
  "Has forever come yet," Alyssa looks away and squeezes her eyes shut. "You couldn't have possibly handed it to him." 
  "Oh don't worry," He laughed. "They both got the message." 
  "Both?" Alyssa said, quickly looking at him. 
  "I'm sure his mother got the message too."  Chapter 19 
   
  Alyssa opened her eyes awaking from a hazey sleep. She rubbed her eyes and blinked a few times, trying to acquire a good vision of the room around her. The room was dark but not too dark as to where she couldn't see. For a moment, Alyssa forgot where she was. She looked to her left and saw a laptop on a computer desk. She looked towards her chained ankle and hoped that the chain would reach far enough. She crawled towards the desk and extended her arm as much as she could. Her fingers moved over the keyboard and slipped off, pushing the laptop away. She cursed under her breath and tried again. Once she got a good grip, she pulled it towards her and flipped it open. 
  She clicked on her fathers e-mail and clicked on compose new message. She quickly typed in Gavin's e-mail hoping that he would get the message instantly from his cell phone. If he came fast enough, then she could make an escape. She clicked on the body and started to type her message: 
  Gavin, it's Alyssa. DO NOT reply to this message. I somehow found access to a computer but I am starting to think that it wasn't on accident. Anyway, I don't have much time. I need your help, I'm scared and I don't know what my father is going to do. I'm at the old abandoned house on Gracie avenue. Please hurry. I miss you. I love you.... -Alyssa. 
  Alyssa started to delete the message from the sent folder. She heard footsteps coming down the hallway towards her room. Her eyes flickered to the door and she paused for a moment. She shut the laptop and placed it back onto the desk, quickly moving into the corner she was previously in. The doorknob started to flick up and down and Alyssa's eyes were instantly drawn to it. Her heart began to race and as she watched the door open, she held her breath. 
  ********* 
  "What's this?" Gavin mumbled as he picked up the little white envelope off of his pillow. 
  Gavin squinted his eyes, unsure if he was reading the words correctly. There was no way Alyssa could have written any of these words. Plus, he knew she had better penmanship than this. Gavin looked around the room for any other signs of Alyssa's presence. Was it possible that Alyssa was actually there? She couldn't have been, he thought. He saw that the drapes over his window was closed. Gavin thought that it was weird, he never closed his drapes. 
  Gavin felt something moving in his pocket and looked down. He pulled out his cell phone and saw that he had one new message. It was an email. He looked at the address and read MystoMr.C1243@aol.com.  He started to read the e-mail and he suddenly felt somewhat relieved. It was from Alyssa. 
  "Mom!" Gavin yelled turning on his feet. "Mom, where are you?" 
  Gavin walked through his entire house looking back and forth and didn't spot his mom anywhere. He started to walk out the door and looked back. Something was different but he didn't know what it was. 
  ***** 
  Alyssa watched the wooden door slowly start to creep open before slamming open. 
  "What the hell is this?" Mr. Cameron spat as he entered the room enraged. 
  "What are you talking about?"  
  Alyssa looks at the strands of hair that his clutched between her father's fist. She knew it wasn't her hair and she let her eyes travel down and saw a body. It wasn't just anyone's body, it was Mrs. Reed. She watched her father drag Mrs. Reed into the room by her hair. She saw her face and spotted small amounts of blood on her clothes. Alyssa's mouth twitched as if she was going to speak. 
  "W-what did you do to her?" Alyssa whispered struggling to find her voice.  
  Mr. Cameron dropped Mrs. Reed's nearly lifeless body onto the floor and glared at Alyssa with a smirk on his face. 
  "It's not what I did," Mr. Cameron's face started to soften. "It's what she did to herself." Chapter 20: 
   
  Mrs. Cameron looks out of her window thinking about Alyssa. How could her father do such a thing? He was a horrid man. Mrs. Cameron always heard that sick things happened but she never would have imagined that it could ever happen to her and revolve around her life. She tried to think of the places that her father could have taken Alyssa. There wasn't too many places but there was only one that came across her mind. She squinted her eyes and saw Gavin making his way down the side walk. 
  "Gavin!" She yelled sprinting out of her house. "I know where she is!!" 
  "Me too," Gavin smiles softly. 
  "The old house on Gracie," They both said. 
  "How did you know?" Mrs. Cameron asked. 
  "No time," Gavin pulled her along and took out his cell phone. "She sent me this." 
  "C'mon," Gavin said heading towards the house. 
  ***** 
  "She needs help!" Alyssa cried. "She needs a hospital!" 
  "Forget about it," Mr. Cameron hissed. 
  "Gavin didn't do anything! Mrs. Reed did not do a thing!" She yelled. "Why does he have to pay! Why does Mrs. Reed have to atone? It makes NO sense!" 
  "The world revolves around you, Alyssa." Mr. Cameron smiled pleadingly. 
  "That's all fine and dandy but what does that have to do with me? Just leave them alone! Why won't you leave them alone?" Alyssa begged and pleaded.. 
  "You still don't get it do you?" Mr. Cameron laughed venomously. "You're so stupid." 
  "Then explain it to me!" Alyssa said, her voice growing hoarse. 
  "It all is part of my plan to break you," He says. 
  "Haven't you broken me enough?" She asks, ignoring her hurting throat. 
  "Not quite," He smiles. "All that's left is Gavin." 
  "I don't understand," Alyssa shakes her head wishing that this was all just a dream. 
  "You're weak!" Mr. Cameron yells angrily. "You have always been weak! It's time to be strong Alyssa!" 
  "How the hell am I supposed to do that? You've got me locked in chains!"  Alyssa exploded. 
  "Figure it out," Mr. Cameron turned to walk away but heard faint laughter growing louder behind him. It was a sick laugh, one who belonged to someone who was going crazy. "What's so funny?" 
  "And you call me weak," Alyssa says above a whisper, laughing with pity. 
  "What is that supposed to mean?" Mr. Cameron eyed her angrily, slowly taking steps closer to her. 
  "It means that I am not the weak one," Alyssa voice gets louder and louder intul she finds herself yelling. "When in reality, you're the weak one. You prey on the weaker kind! You attack who you know will not challenge you! That is not strength, father!" That is pure and utter weakness!!" 
  Mr. Cameron glares at Alyssa angrily. She's learning, he thought.  He couldn't have been more proud of Alyssa. She was finally standing up to him and he underestimated her. Though, she wasn't ready, that wasn't enough. 
  "I'll show you who the weak one is." 
  ***** 
  Mrs. Cameron and Gavin opens the door belonging to an old abandoned house. Gavin walks in cautiously, observing the rooms carefully.  
  "Alyssa," He yelled. "Where are you?" He opened the door and spotted a body in the far corner. His heart jumped in fear and his throat started to tighten, his eyes becoming watery. 
  "Alyssa," He muttered running towards the corner and overturning the body. He saw the pale face of his mom and instantly came to tears. 
  "Mom," Gavin said. "Mom, mom, please wake up!" 
  "Gavin," Mrs. Cameron said walking into the room. "Oh, Gavin I'm sorry." 
  "He killed her," He cried. "She didn't do anything and he killed her."  
  He felt her phone vibrate and answered out of instinct. 
  "Hello," He sniffled. 
  "Gavin," Alyssa said. 
  "Alyssa?" He started to stand up. "Where are you?" 
  "Gavin, please help." She cried. "I'm home, he brought me home." 
  The line went dead and Gavin dropped his cell phone. He started to walk out of the room determined not to let anyone else get hurt, not like his mom did.  
  "Gavin!" Mrs. Cameron called after him. "Gavin please, don't act with rage!" Gavin stopped walking and faced Mrs. Cameron. 
  "He killed my mother and if I don't do something now, he'll do the same to Alyssa and I am not going to let that happen. I can't lose her too!" Gavin yelled angrily.  
  "Fine," Mrs. Cameron's voice became stern. "Do whatever the hell you want but do not act out of anger! You know damn well that your mom would not want it that way!" 
  Gavin's mouth nearly dropped open. He was shocked, even more than shocked. He was hurt, heartbroken, and afraid.  Gavin fell to his nears, his tears spilling out of her eyes. He cried into Mrs. Cameron. 
  "She didn't do anything," He mumbled. 
  "I know honey," Mrs. Cameron said softly. "Neither of us did." 
  Chapter 21: 
  Mrs. Cameron and Gavin walked into Alyssa's home with caution. The house was dark and silent. Where could they be? Gavin thought. As the two of them walked up the stairs, their vision started to waver, everything was becoming harder to see. Gavin held his hand in front of his body as he checked for obstacles in front of him. Out of instinct, Mrs. Cameron held onto Gavin. 
  "I can't see a thing," She practically exclaimed.  
  "Me neither," Gavin agreed. 
  "I guess I forgot to mention that the house gets pretty dark sometimes," She gave a hesitant laugh. 
  "You don't say," Gavin mumbled sarcastically. 
  "No, no! I do say." 
  Despite all that was happening, Gavin was surprised, though happy, that Mrs. Cameron could make him laugh. Gavin looked behind him at Mrs. Cameron knowing he couldn't see and smiled. He started to take a few steps, hanging onto the wall next to him. He squinted his eyes and tried to peer his way through the dark. Down the hallway he spotted a glimpse of light that flickered on and off. He stopped in his tracks and waited for sudden movement. The sound of screams were finally heard and Gavin rushed towards the sound. He tried to open up the door but it wouldn't buge. 
  "Alyssa!" He  yelled. "Alyssa!" 
  "Gavin!" She screamed between her own cries of terror. 
  Gavin tried to get the door to open but something was blocking it. He heard a glass shatter and became scared. He looked towards Mrs. Cameron and then back at the door. 
  "May I?" He asked. 
  "Break away," Mrs. Cameron chuckled nervously. 
  As Gavin broke into the room he quickly looked around and called Alyssa's name. He heard a shriek and his eyes darted towards the closet. He walked cautiously to the closet and began to open it. He heard the clanking noise of a chair hitting the floor. He saw Alyssa' struggling to get out of the chair she was tied to. She tried to speak but had tape over her mouth. Gavin quickly untied her and took the tape off of her mouth.  
  Alyssa hugged Gavin tight when she was free. She began to chuckle at the thought of her father. He was so silly and not in a good way. 
  "That was so cliche," She slightly giggled. 
  "What?" Gavin said confused.  
  "That was so cliche," She repeated. "As soon as you came to bust me out, he tied my up to this chair. Who does that anymore?" 
  "I don't understand," Alyssa looked down at her hands. "Where is he?" 
  "I don't know," She mumbled. 
  "Why are you so, so-" 
  "Not freaked out?" She interrupted. 
  "Well, yea." Gavin averted his gaze. 
  "I am," Alyssa mumbled. "I just thought that...I don't know." 
  "I'm still confused," Gavin said.  
  Alyssa stood up and laughed. She looked at Gavin and gave him a quick kiss and hugged him again. 
  "I missed you so much," She said. 
  "Me too," Gavin hugged her back but felt her pull away. 
  "Well to answer your question," She started. "I'm not sure where my father is but if I know anything about him he'll appear any second so it would be best if we get out of here."  
  "Alyssa," Mrs. Cameron said stepping into the room. "Alyssa!" 
  "Mom," She ran to her and gave her a hug. 
  "Oh I was so worried," Mrs. Cameron said. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?" 
  "Not anymore," She answered. She saw something move in the reflection behind her and pushed her mom out of the door. "Come on, we have to go!" 
  The three of them started to run down the steps. They heard a noise and stopped moving. Mr. Cameron laughed as he sat on the couch knowing they couldn't see him. He watched them look around as he patted his side to make sure his weapon was there. He stepped a little closer to them and flicked the light switch up, reaveling everything in the room. There was shattered glass all over the floor. 
  "You people are so stupid," He laughed. "You could have turned on a light." 
  "Right, I should have thought of that," Mrs. Cameron whispered to herself.  
  "Really?" Alyssa nudged her with her elbow.  
  "Well it's true," Mrs. Cameron said. 
  "Precisely," Mr. Cameron smiled. He looked towards the person next to them and glared amusingly at Gavin. "Hey there son. Happy to be reunited?" 
  Gavin stepped towards him taking precaution. "Seriously, what do you want?" 
  "If I were to put that in words," Mr. Cameron said. "It would be too inappropriate for little Alyssa's ears." Alyssa's mouth gaped open in shock. 
  "Since when was I little Alyssa?" She asked stepping forward. 
  "Stay," Mrs. Cameron said watching Gavin nod in agreement. 
  "Alright," Mr. Cameron yawned. "Is the small talk over?" 
  Everyone stood still and waited for someone to make a move. Mr. Cameron lunged at Gavin with a smirk glued to his face. Gavin dodged and conteracted with a punch. Alyssa stared at the two of them with fear in her eyes. Fist were flying everywhere and she didn't know what to do. She spotted something black hanging from her fathers pants. It was small and metal. She stared at it and saw that it was a gun. She wanted to help but didn't know what to do. If she made a wrong move Gavin could die. If she made a wrong move, anyone could die. 
  Alyssa's eyes looked to the large shattered pieces of glass on the floor. It was like she was hypnotized. She stared at it and all the memories from the previous year flooded back to her. She remembered the countless times the she deliberately inflicted pain on herself and she remembered all the terrible beatings her father gave her. It was all so painful but if they never happened, maybe she would have never got together with Gavin. She looked at Gavin and her father as if everything was slowing down, as if the world was waiting for her to decide. It was her father, her own flesh and blood, or Gavin, the love of her life. Alyssa picked up a sharp piece of glass, handling it carefully so she wouldn't cut herself. 
  "Alyssa," Mrs. Cameron whispered. "Don't." 
  "I have to do something," She said. 
  "Not like this," Her mom said. 
  "Then how? Beg dady to stop?" Alyssa asked. "Really, mom? He was so cruel to rape me and beat me. Do you really believe that he won't hurt Gavin in an even worse way?" 
  Mrs. Cameron looked sad and she pressed her lips together knowing Alyssa was right. She knew that she wasn't going to do anything herself.  
  Alyssa looked away towards Gavin and her father. Her father was craddled on top of Gavin pinning him down. She saw him reach for his gun and quickly lunged at him driving the shard of glass into his side. She heard her father grunt and fall to his side and watched as the gun slid across the living room. She started towards the gun but felt something catch her ankle. She fell onto some glass and winced as little specks cut into her hands. She looked at Gavin and saw him slowly getting up. He looked badly beat up. 
  She rolled onto her back and ignored the crunching of glass. Her father pulled the glass out of his side like it was a splinter. She started to crawl backwards and watched her father get closer. Her hands were shaking and slowly crumbling under her weight. She watched her father lunge towards her and she cringed, closing her eyes. Noticing she wasn't tackled, she looked at Gavin and her father fighting again. 
  Alyssa scrambled towards the gun and picked it up. It felt heavy and cold. She checked how many bullets it was supplied with and saw only one. She had one shot. She held up the gun, her hands shaking and tears slowly falling out. She hoped she wouldn't miss. Alyssa took a deep breath and slowly started to pull the trigger. 
  After the bullet had left, she dropped the gun, her body shaking. All the comotion stopped and she prayed that she didn't hit Gavin. She looked towards him and saw shock and terror in her eyes. Her eyes fled towards her father and she saw him on the ground holding his wound. He was bleeding and gasping for air. Alyssa fell to her knees. She watched her father's head tilt upwards and saw him look at her. 
  "I-I am proud of you," He said between breaths.  
  "W-what?" Alyssa stuttered. 
  "You did it," He gave one last, loving smile before closing his eyes forever. 
  Mrs. Cameron ran to Alyssa and wrapped her arms around her daughter in a comforting mannor. Her eyes were slightly puffy and they started to tear up. She rocked back and forth with her daughter in her arms and said "shhh" to quiet her. Mrs. Cameron looked across the room curiously and saw Gavin sitting next to the wall shocked and exhausted. It's finally over, she thought. Epilogue: 
   
  Alyssa sat at her father's grave reading the note that she had found. It was in his hand writing but she couldn't believe the words that she was reading. It sounded nothing like him. He was so sincere and nice, nothing that he has ever shown her. Dear Alyssa, 
  I know that you probably don't understand my actions. What I have done and why I had done it. As crazy as it sounds, I did it for you. A lot of parents would not approve of my actions and my decisions but as It was MY choice and no one else's. Through out your life, you have lived believing that I disliked you. It seemed as though that I hated you. I, for one, am not great at showing feelings and that's partly why I have treated you the way I have. I have thought about my choice. It wasn't a matter of one day I rolled out of bed and thought, "Hey, maybe I don't like my daughter anymore."  
  I imagine that your mother told you that I never wanted to have kids. That was not entirely true. Yes, I did not plan to have you but it doesn't mean that it makes me upset and disgusted. I know that your mother told you about your sister and I don't exactly blame her. In order for me to persue my decision, I had to get your mother to believe the same as you.  
  I'm sorry, Alyssa, for all of the pain I put you and your mother through all of these years. This was my "sick" way of preparing you for life. No one could ever fully understand me and I don't want them to. All that really counts to me is that you grow up to be strong. I know that you probably hate me and if I know anything, I know that if you were raised correctly then you don't hate me because no matter what, you couldn't even hate something as small as a fly. 
   I really do love you and I am proud of you, Alyssa. You have grown to be such a lovely woman. Since I know you're reading this, that means that I probably am not alive. That was my intention. I planned everything out from the day you were born. Assuming that I am dead, I left you because I knew that you did not need me anymore. You have the love of your boyfriend and your mother. 
  Live your life and don't be afraid. That was the whole point of my "lesson." Don't be afraid of the world, don't be weak. You may have not noticed, but I noticed how you would go into your little "cocoon" and you cut off your whole social life. That's not right. I knew that eventually you'd have to open up and when you did, it was time for me to make the final moves. So I did and I ended up exactly where I wanted to end up: right where I am. 
  Do me a favor will you? Don't forget your father. 
  Love, 
  Your dad. 
   
  Alyssa read the note over and over again. He was right, she didn't hate her. There was no way that she could hate him. The truth was, she loved him even though she didn't understand him. A tear fell from her eye. These words that she held in her hands were the only nice things that he has ever said to her and she held it close to her heart. She thought that she must be crazy as well. Had it been anyone else, they would never forgive such a person for doing things like my father did and although he thought that she couldn't understand, she really did understand. 
  Alyssa peered over her shoulder and watched her mother and sister wait for her. Alyssa stood up and held a bouquet of flowers in her hands. She stepped towards his grave and neatly placed it next to the gravestone. She wiped her face with the back of her hand and muttered her last words. 
  "I love you too, dad." 
   
   
   Publication Date: June 26th 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-insanemindfreak