I ran to my house and fixed dinner for Father. I ran to my room. I looked out the window and watched Father storm into the house like a drunk man, holding an empty gallon of wine. Oh my god. Father is drunk. Shit. He's drunk. He will beat me worse than ever before. Oh my god.

"Allison!" Father yelled, with a drowsy voice, "Salute!"

I ran downstairs and saluted him with the salute that he likes. No emotion at all. Oh no. I know I will get hurt. I flinch as Father's favorite belt digs into my skin. I look up at the dusty ceiling.

"Only if I..." I mumbled right before the belt strikes me for the second time.

"Shut up, Allison!" Father yelled.

I looked up at the ceiling, like I was desperate for something. I am desperate. I need something badly. I need a person who loves me. Nobody loves me. Nobody will ever love me. I'm the loneliest person in the world. I want Dara to see this. She will stop it. I know she will. Laura doesn't know what's going on. She never will. I know she will. I know Laura will eventually know what has happened. I ran away from Father, running to my bedroom, just to be alone. I started sobbing like a maniac. My phone buzzed. Joe texted me.

Joe- Alli?

Me- Hi, Joe.

Joe- How's it going?

Me- Good.

Joe- Are you sure?

Me- Of course I am.

I looked up at the ceiling. I bit my lip. I had to lie. I can't tell Joe the truth. He's only my friend. I hope Mom's proud of me. I'm doing everything I'm supposed to do. My phone buzzed again.

Joe- Alli!

I didn't answer. It buzzed again.

Joe- Alli!!!!

My phone rang like the chimes in my neighbors backyard. I answered it.

"Alli!" Joe yelled.

"Hi, Joe." I replied.

"Are you okay?!" Joe asked/yelled at the speakers in his phone.

"Yes." I replied.

"Are you sure?!" Joe asked/yelled again, but more concerned this time.

"Yes." I replied, "Do you have the science fair project?"

"Yes, but I'm more concerned about you than the science project." Joe replied.

"Bye." I mumbled.

"Alli!" Joe yelled as I hung up.