Beta: Helen Banner: Helen Proof: G.M. Note: This chapter is graphic…warning. After the tears dried I laid awake, watching the shadows of the darkness play against the street light. How could I expect to sleep; of course I never could. Sundays were my death but the rest of the week was my hell. I wish I could stop him from hurting Molly, but I know if I tried, he would kill her. I love her too much for that.
Molly
I lie awake and hear my father’s footsteps walk towards Justin’s room. I know he will block it out like he always does. I found out what he was doing when I was 6, I think. I heard some noise from Justin’s room one night, I thought he was having a nightmare so I walked down the hallway where his door was slightly opened. That’s when I saw my father on top of Justin. Justin’s eyes made contact with mine and he started to tear up and I went to my room and hid. I hated Craig for doing that but I know Justin’s tears were from the fact that I saw it; what that bastard was doing to Justin. Justin was 10 and I could tell he wasn’t the person he appeared to be. 3 weeks later was the first time my dad raped me. The only reason I am not dead like my brother, is because of Justin, every time I wanted to die, hide the pain, become numb… he wouldn’t let me. He said he doesn’t want me to end up like him. One day about two years ago I came home, the house unusually quiet I walked up to Justin’s room and I found him with a razor blade, a bottle of vodka and pills…he was going to kill himself but I begged him not to leave me. I didn’t know how I would be able to survive without him. It’s almost dawn, we have school, which means for 8 hours we are free but not really, we must play a part; that’s all our lives are, an act. I want to be free.
Justin
I know she knows. We are each others safe haven. She has saved me and I haven’t let her die on the inside; I refuse to. Justin’s alarm clock goes off. It maybe summer but they still have work. Everyone is up at 7 in the morning, do chores, have lunch, then bible study, depending on Craig’s mood. I’m sure people wonder about my mother; but how could she be my mother if she lets him do this? How could she not notice her husband leaving their bedroom every night? I look at her with disgust, resent her even more. Never love. Love doesn’t exist. I love my sister and how I wish I could stop ‘it’ and him.
Brian
I sit in my car outside of the new house that belongs to my parents. I didn’t have a great childhood, but it was descent, at least that’s what I think. I am the new Youth teacher at Lighthouse. I can’t believe at 24 I have my own house. Undoubtedly, I never wanted to move back to Harrisburg, but what can you do when your father is dying and your mother ask for your help? My parents are the typical Irish family; yes, my father was born Catholic but my mother was a Baptist. I was raised being taught both religions but felt that I would be better suited here. The church is run by Craig Taylor and I must say I am anxious to see what he’s like. I know he has a son who is 17 and a daughter who is 13. Thankfully, I will be teaching the older teens and young adults. I guess I should head down to church since it’s after 9. I look at my neighbor and see the most beautiful blue eyes. He smiles shyly and heads in the house as I drive to the church.