Pain radiates through my body as the sun shines over me through the window, awaking me. Bruises cover my right side as a reminder of yesterday; however, a smile is still on my lips. I will see Ashley soon. Hopefully, I will be able to talk more to her today.

In true 007 fashion, I make my way down the stairs. Running into him now would keep me from school and Ashley.

Avoiding the squeaky steps, I finally make it to the bottom. I look around quickly as I undo the locks. My heart is pounding at each click. Please don’t let him hear me.

A voice breaks me away from my goal, he heard me. Turning around, I visibly begin to shake uncontrollably at the forth coming blows. "He’s not here." At Nancy’s voice, my tremors lessen. "He went away on business for a few days. He said something about a screw up at work; he had to personally take care of." Nancy limps back into the kitchen to finish cleaning.

At least two whole days without him. No beatings, no hiding, and most importantly no… I don’t even want to think about that.

For the first time, I walk out of the house with a smile on my face that is not fake for appearance sake of our neighbors. Sometimes, I wonder if they hear the screams at night and chose to ignore them. No, I’m not going to think any negative thoughts today. I’m going to enjoy my two days of freedom. Maybe Ashley can show me around the town today after school.

Coming up on the bus stop, I notice a black Porsche sitting on the corner. Ashley came to pick me up for school. Reaching the car, I see Ash’s outfit for the day. A pair of light colored jeans and a tank-top that exposes her mid-drift. My eyes rake further up her body to her hair which is pulled up into a loose ponytail. Black aviator sunglasses cover her beautiful whisky eyes; Lips permanently fixed into a smirk.

"See something you like?" She chuckles out. My cheeks turn a deep crimson colored at being caught. "Get in Spence. Let’s get to school." I nod my head before getting in. She takes off before I can even get my seatbelt on. "Sorry, I wanted to get away from those kids so we could talk some more." Her face erupts into a nose crinkling smile causing me to smile brightly for the first time.