The final bell of the day rang and he watched everyone jump to their feet as if they were on fire. They raced out the door and he slowly got to his feet. When he reached the door, he saw the girl from his first period talking to Mags and he kept unnoticed. He let his mind capture her image for future use. Her short blonde hair hung neatly next to her light brown skin and her eyes were dark green, marking her as a southern.

He remembered her accent well and labeled her from around Texas. She was wearing a black t-shirt with a nike symbol and a pair of dirty type jeans that fit perfectly. He noticed a small mark on the side of her neck and tried to figure where it originate from. Thoughts of many possible options came and he shoved them all aside. He saw the two looking at him and he quickly headed to his locker.

When he entered the combination he saw them walking up to him. He quickly picked out his homework and packed the books into his bag. Then he closed his locker, but found them standing next to him.

Mags smiled and said, "Good to see ya, Ter."

He leaned against his locker and said, "Yeah."

He watched the girl glance to Mags and said, "I'm out of here."

Then he pulled his jacket tighter and walked away from the two. He walked to the door and made his way down the steps. When he saw his ride on the other side of the parking lot, he took a deep breath and walked over to the sharp mustang. He put his bag in the trunk and climbed into the passenger seat. Then he fastened his seatbelt and they left the parking lot.

The drive was quiet until the woman asked, "Anyone ask questions?"

He looked out the window and said, "Only if I had spent the summer at the Home."

Her lips twisted upwards and she said, "Glad we passed inspection then."

He leaned his head back into the seat and listened to the engine. As they neared the country road, he let his mind wander over the day's events. When they pulled into the drive, he opened his eyes and climbed out of the car. He grabbed his bag and made his way into the house. The minute he entered the place, a hit to his head made him stumble and he looked to the right.

Of course it was his stepfather who would hit him with something besides his hands. This time it was a piece of wood and he picked up his bag. He made his way up to his room and dropped his bag into the chair. Then he removed his jacket and laid it over the bag. When he heard the footsteps coming upstairs, he sat down on his bed and waited.

She stepped into the room with his stepfather and he knew this was going to be worse. The two stood in front of him and a punch to his gut left him without a breath. He waited and blow after blow irritated his old injuries. Then he received the merciful blow that hit him on the side of the head and he was knocked unconscious.

PGS