Ellie pov.

I put on a light pair of jeans and a tank hàng đầu, đầu trang after taking a short but comforting hot shower. I should enjoy it while it lasts at least. I gave up on trying to dry my damp hair and went to sit at the tiny phòng bếp, nhà bếp table. I started sorting through the mail but stopped. I stood up after quickly đọc through and rushed into the hall as the front door opened.

"What's this?" I shouted at my mom, waving the paper in my hands.

"What's what?" The words were slurred.

I knew she was drunk again bởi the way she blinked and held on to the wall.

"Mom, how could you!?" I shouted horrified. "Five hundred and thirty seven dollars? Charged on the one credit card we have that was supposed to be for emergences only! The rent for this beat up apartment is one hundred and seventy five dollars and we can hardly pay that!"

I couldn't believe this was happening. On một giây thought, I take that back. I should have known something like this was bound to happen.

"What is all the commotion going on in hear?"

I stiffened when the sound of my mother's new boy toy walked in. I took one glance at the six pack of bia in his hand and felt furious. Right then I knew it was his fault.

"You did this! bạn have no business spending our money that we need to keep a roof over our heads! I spend most of my time busting my đít, mông, ass at work instead of being in school just to get us by!" I yelled.

"Now, bạn better lower your voice before I teach bạn another lesson bạn won't forget." He đã đưa ý kiến in a threatening tone.

bởi now he had closed the door and my mom was sitting passed out on the floor.

"Ha," I mocked. "Like you'll ever hit me again. I won't let bạn hurt me hoặc my mom anymore. Get the hell out!" I shouted at him.

He chuckled under his breath. "And what are bạn going to do about it if I don't?"

I jumped out of the way as he ran at me. I heard the bia hit the floor but didn't think about it as I grabbed the wooden bat from it's usual place. I lifted the bat and swung at his head. As I swung again, I felt his hand go around my ankle. The breath was knocked out of me as I fell to the floor. I yelped in pain as he got a good hold on my hair.

"Now you're really gonna get it." He told.

He reached for something in his back pocket. The blood in my veins must have went cold when the small click of the gun rang through my ears, signaling it was now ready.

"No." I whispered, feeling the cold metal against the side of my head.

"Now I have your attention." He was amused. "To bad it won't matter." He said.

I shut my eyes tight but the trigger was never pulled. Something rammed into us. I sat up to see my mom wrestling with him for the gun.

"Elaine run!" She shouted. "Run and don't stop running!"

Quickly registering the words, I got up and was out the door. I reached the first floor of the building when a loud shot rang. The footsteps of someone following echoed.

"Get back here now!"

It was Him. That meant my mom-she might be, but I couldn't think about that. I ran a few blocks and soon the crowds of people began to thicken.

"I'll find you!" He shouted, his foot steps reseeded. "If bạn tell anyone, I'll find you!"

I new he could. He had connections so it was possible. I just kept pushing past people, ignoring the crazy looks that were được trao in return. It must have been past 9 o'clock. The streets of Volterra, Italy were never this crowded at night. I didn't stop running for about 20 minutes. I soon stopped to catch my breath and hide in one of the alleyways, leaning against the stone wall. I sniffled and felt the hot tears run down and stain my cheeks, putting my head in my hands. The situation sunk in. I was in a messed up position with no house, no money, heck I didn't even have shoes on, just socks. And my mom, she was probably dead. Murdered trying to protect me. And the only thing I did was shout at her. I wiped away the last tear and stepped out into the moonlight. The streets were starting to thin out.

"Excuse me Ms." I turned to see a lady tiếp theo to me. She must have been there for a few minutes. "Are bạn here with the tour?"

Tour? I looked to see a group of people, most likely tourists. The ages ranged from infants to old men and women. I didn't think there would be such a tour this late and I didn't have money, but the friendly looking lady thought I was already with the group.

"Are bạn here with the tour?" She asked again politely.

"Yea." I replied. "Yea, I'm here with the tour."

"Ok, don't stray off from the group now." Her smile widened.

"I won't." I reassured, moving to the back of the line as she started guiding again.

I just needed to get away from my life. Away from all the danger. Besides, the tour seemed harmless enough.