Fight Like a Girl
Lindsey Owens
This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real locales are used factiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
A publication of Lindsey Owens
Copyright 2015 by Lindsey Owens
All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in
whole or in part in any form.
Text of this book is set in Garamond text size 13.
Manufactured in the United States of America
All rights reserved.
Summary: Everything about this story is made up, a complete work of my imagination. I do not agree with abuse in any way shape or form. This story is just one that popped into my thoughts
This is a story about a girl and her struggle to free herself from an abusive step-father. Will enough ever be enough for her... or will her step- father kill her before she breaks free. Finally, at witts end and nowhere else to turn Lilly tries enlists the help of a unique and unlikely person who may just hold the key to her freedom in his hands.
[1. New Adult – Fiction 2. Romance ]
Lindsey Owens
Copyright 2015 by Lindsey Owens
All rights reserved.
DEDICATION
Be Kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. ~ author unknown.
Hell at home
Chapter 1
The day Lilly’s older brother, Will, died, was the day the sun stopped shining. “Liliana, get your useless butt over here” screamed Frank, Lilly’s stepfather. She hated him and she hated when he used her whole name, it was what her brother called her and nobody else.
Lilly ran down the hall as quickly as her feet would carry her; praying the entire time, that she would be fast enough for him. Smoke boiled out of the kitchen and she tried desperately not to cough as it filled her lungs. “Yes Frank.” She choked.
“I told you to call me dad,” he bellowed. “I married your mother.” He laughed bitterly. It had been years since Lilly’s mother had been around. She had died when Lilly was little during childbirth of another baby. Frank reached up and his palm slapped Lilly hard across the cheek.
Lilly’s head snapped to the right and a tear slipped from her eye “Sorry Dad.” She said softly.
“Bobby wants a beer.” He smiled evilly. Lilly looked over at Bobby Whit and cringed. She knew he was already drunker than a dog, but she did as her stepfather said. As Lilly made her way across the kitchen, Bobby spoke “You sure have a looker, Frank.” Bobby said.
“Look at the ass on that one,” George Fickle smirked.
“How old is she now?” Bobby questioned with an eerie look in his eye.
“Seventeen right Lilly?” Frank asked.
Most normal people would know the age of their only surviving child but not Frank. He didn’t care; he was nothing but an abusive stepfather who got stuck with a child once his wife passed away.
Lilly glared at the fridge before her. “Too bad” George sighed. “I’d pay big to get my hands on that. Such an exotic beauty with an exotic name.”
“I’ll have to call you on her birthday and you can come pay her a visit.” Frank snickered. He had never thought about putting her out there on display, but the idea did really appeal to him.
Lilly gagged in disgust at the purposed thought. She slammed the beer down on the table. As she began to turn away someone grabbed her wrist “Sounds like fun right sugar?” Bobby smiled with a toothy lopsided evil grin. He held firmly onto her wrist while George groped her butt.
“Hand off the merchandise.” Frank scoffed.
“I’ll pass.” She answered with a snarl.
“Shut up you trash.” Frank snapped as he jumped to his feet.
His hand reached out and yanked her long red hair as he began to drag her down the hall.
“Don’t embarrass me,” he growled.
Lilly swallowed hard as Frank’s fist slammed into her stomach. He had been too drunk to realize his mistake a few minutes ago. He never usually left a mark on her face but any part Lilly could have covered was full game. His hit was hard and she crumpled over in pain.
“For that you can go to school naked as far as I care. I’m taking all your cash.” He sneered as he grabbed hold of the small bank which Lilly had on her dresser. With one last push he slammed the door to her room and stomped down the hall.
She was thankful that she had only kept a few dollars in the bank because she knew better than to leave it where Frank could find it. When his loud footsteps finally stopped she had become alone with her tears.
Lilly’s body ached, but at least he hadn’t given her a black eye for the first day of school. She could deal with a broken rib or two but people would ask questions at the sight of a messed up face. His hand print was clearly visible across her cheek, inflamed and angry, but it would cover with some concealer she was sure.
As slowly as she could, Lilly pulled her tee shirt off. She examined the black and blue marks, which were across her ribs, determining they were definitely cracked. With as much care as she could she slowly slid a button up shirt over her arms and across her back then buttoned it.
She couldn’t go back out there. Her only hope for relief was a washcloth and cool water. She went into her bathroom, pulled out a washcloth, and turned the water on as cold as she could get it. Frank would be drinking all night with his friends so no ice for her pain.
Lilly pulled out a plastic baggie she had tucked in her drawer from last time and shoved the cool washcloth inside. She set her alarm and prayed as she closed her eyes that Frank would be at work by the time she got up in the morning.
Hell at School
Chapter 2
When the alarm went off, Lilly moved too quickly and nearly screeched in pain. Her ribs had become swollen overnight and were extra tender. Tears fell from her eyes as she dressed. She didn’t have time to waste the bus would be here soon and she didn’t want to walk the five miles to school.
She pulled on a new set of underwear and miss-matching bra then tugged on jeans which fit loosely against her frail body. She had hoped she wouldn’t look anorexic by the time she started school, but it couldn’t be helped if you weren’t allowed to eat meals regularly.
Lilly sighed as she tried to button up an old blouse she had borrowed from a friend before she moved last year. She quickly tugged on her socks and scruffy old tennis shoes before making her way out to the kitchen.
Thankful that her step father’s car was no longer in the drive, Lilly raced back to her room. She grabbed her old backpack and ran back to the kitchen. She was the usual cook so Frank wouldn’t know she was stealing food unless he caught her.
Lilly eagerly shoved a banana into her bag and a piece of bread into her mouth. She was starving; but that wouldn’t stop Frank from beating her.
Racing out the door; she chewed greedily on the piece of bread. Even though she was seventeen; Lilly rode the bus. Frank wouldn’t let her drive any of his cars or the one her brother had left behind in fear she would leave. So here she stood while anxious kids pushed and shoved her around.
“I never get a break” Lilly mumbled to herself as she was pushed to the ground.
“Watch it!” Screeched some random girl.
“Sorry,” Lilly mumbled and pushed herself up from the ground.
Hitting the ground sure hurt; she fought the urge to scream out in pain but bit her lip and trudged on.
“Hey gorgeous,” chuckled one of the boys and tried to grab her as she passed.
“Sexy come sit with me” l
aughed another. “What’s your name?”
This one was in her grade; one of the only seniors on the bus besides Lilly. Lilly knew that Jake always got his way; being one of the most popular guys, it was a perk. He might not have recognized her with her newly developed chest, extremely skinny body, or long wavy red hair, but she knew him well. “I said, what’s your name?” Jake growled. She had sat down at the only open seat she could find, but he followed pushing her aside and sat down with her.
“Lilly, you know that Jake.” She said angrily.
“No way” Jake laughed.
“Just leave.” She sighed.
“Chunky little Lilly. Will’s little sister” he looked at her wide eyed. Lilly’s head was down and she hid her face from his view. Jake tilted his head slightly grasping hold of her chin and tilted her face to look up at him. Staring at her green eyes, he said, “So how is Will?” Jake had been friends with her brother. Jake hadn’t come to the funeral and that angered her “why didn’t he drive you?”
“He died, Jake,” She whispered.
How had Jake not heard that nearly every student had been at his funeral only two months ago, “Oh.” Jake said softly “Uh… I’ve been away.”
“Well, you should have been there.” Lilly snapped.
“Sorry Lilly, I should have” Jake mumbled as he slid from the seat. “You look good Lillianna,” he smiled “really good.”
Lilly nodded and looked down at the dingy floor of the bus. Hoping it arrived at school quickly. “Please don’t call me that.” She mumbled. “It’s Lilly.”
“Sure.” Jake nodded.
The torture didn’t stop at school. When Lilly walked down the halls of the school boys cat-called while girls glared, “Move it bitch” screeched Ashley as she pushed Lilly aside and wrapped her arm around Jake, her boyfriend.
Lilly shook her head; Jake always had a thing for snobs; Ashley was by far the biggest one in the school. Jake whispered into Ashley’s ear and she giggled. “Now look at what the cat dragged in.” She said reaching over and flicking Lilly’s bag from her shoulder.
“What do you want Ashley?” Lilly snorted as she picked up her bag.
“What did you do get fake breasts over the summer Lilly?” She questioned.
“Ash!” Jake exclaimed.
“No, Jake look she’s had to get fake ones!” She screeched. “And hair extensions and lipo too.” She cried. “We can’t let her just walk around trying to get all the attention, they need to know she’s fake.” Ashley was one to talk. She had all those and certainly her parents could afford them as well. Lilly rolled her eyes.
“Leave her alone.” Jake sighed.
‘But.” Ashley began.
“Ashley let’s go, we can make out, come on.” He smirked and dragged Ashley away.
It was too late; Ashley’s words had caused enough attention already. The guys were staring at Lilly with lust while the girls just glared angrily at her. If only they knew. Even if she wanted to do such things, Frank wouldn’t allow her to get surgery unless it benefited him.
Tears pricked at her eyes as people began to whisper and point at her. “What happen to her brother…” one would say.
“You didn’t hear?” another would answer “He had a hunting accident.”
She couldn’t stand the looks they gave her. Before her first class even started Lilly ran to the bathroom and cried in its safety until the bell rang. When the first bell went off she scurried from the stall, patted cold water onto her face and raced down the hall to math.
“Miss Walker” Mrs. Smith, the math teacher snapped. “You’re late. Hurry and take your seat.” She scolded pointing toward the back of the room where Lilly never sat.
“Hey.” She mumbled as she slid into a chair beside Grayson O’Conner. He was a quite bad boy, who made her nervous but she felt the urge to greet the person she would be sitting next to.
He nodded and turned his head away ignoring her. Grayson didn’t have time for girls that were so complicated. He wanted the girls that were easy one-night stands and didn’t mind being so. This girl was by far not his type. Lilly frowned and pulled her book out.
The school day dragged by slowly and by the time lunch came around Lilly felt weak from lack of nutrition. The banana and bread slice didn’t do much for her and she had nothing left. Instead of sitting with the eyes of the entire senior class on her she decided to make her way to the library and read.
When school finally ended, Lilly was relived and terrified. High school for her was torture but home was even worse. She looked at the clock and cringed. “Crap” She muttered and raced out the door as the bus was pulling away. “Shit” she screamed kicking a small rock across the cement of the sidewalk out of anger.
She had missed the bus and now she wouldn’t make it home in time to cook dinner before Frank arrived. He would beat her senseless tonight. Her energy spent, but she tried her best to run toward home. When she came to the short cut through the O’Conner’s yard, she turned and raced past their house.
She paused for a moment when she heard giggling and looked over to the pool where Grayson had a bubbly, big breasted, brunette pinned up against the edge. She cocked her head slightly and watched as he whispered into her ear before making her scream as he tickled her. As the girl swam to the far side of the pool, Grayson looked up and glared at her. She sucked in a breath before running off.
Lilly skidded to a stop at the back door to her house and froze. There was Frank, fuming in the kitchen. She thought to turn around and run but as she backed away she tripped over a stick and fell to the ground with a thud. “Lilly!” he yelled.
“No.” She whimpered as he swung the door open. The depths of hell rose into his eyes and he was furious.
“You stupid girl, where’s my dinner?” Frank yelled.
“I’m sorry, I missed the school bus,” she said softly as he reached down the ground and grabbed a fist full of her fury red hair.
“Get up and make me food,” He said tossing her like a rag doll into the kitchen. Lilly moved as quickly as possible to scurry to her feet but she wasn’t fast enough for Frank. He took his belt off and whipped her back with it making her scream. Even through her clothing it hurt.
The thick leather tore her shirt and bit into her skin in the process. She screamed and Frank smiled. “You will not be running late again will you” he huffed. “Now get up you tramp,” he said yanking her head back before his fist came crashing down to her face.
“I’m sorry Dad” she whimpered.
“I’m not your dad; you only call me that when the guys are over!” He screamed and kicked her hard. His foot connected with her arm and she yelped.
Once Frank had enough, he went to the fridge and grabbed another beer before heading to his chair in front of the TV. Lilly held tightly to the counter as she pulled herself from the floor. She wiped her hand across her face and cringed. Blood had gushed from her nose or was it her lip? Where ever it was coming from she didn’t know. She washed her hands quickly before pulling some hamburger from the fridge. Hamburgers would be done quickly enough that hopefully Frank would leave her alone.
She couldn’t risk making herself a hamburger, Frank was too close by. Instead she shoved a piece of cheese into her mouth and swallowed it quickly before she put another onto Frank’s burger. Even if the cheese was the only thing she would have for dinner, she wasn’t going to take her time and risk getting caught. Lilly plated the buns and then dropped a hamburger onto each one before putting the entire thing onto a tray.
She pulled the ketchup, mustard, and lettuce from the fridge and put them on the tray too. Just as she expected Frank screamed as she entered the room “Where’s my food?”
“Right here, sir,” She sighed and handed him the tray along with another unopened beer.
“Good girl now get to your room.” His laughter was evil and eerie.
Lilly nodded and hurried away. She had stowed some ice in her backpack and eagerly pulled it out as sh
e shut the door. Shoving one cube in between her lips Lilly groaned at the pain he had caused her.
She dug into her drawer and pulled the hidden plastic bag and dropped the remaining cubes into it. “Will, why did you have to leave me here alone?” She cried as she wrapped her arm with the ice.
If Frank’s steal toed boot didn’t break a bone she was lucky. Lilly didn’t even have the chance to change her clothes because when her head hit her bed she drifted off from exhaustion.
Visible Bruises
Chapter 3
When Lilly awoke the sun was up and she felt something caked along her cheek. Blankets wrapped around her legs and she stumbled falling to the floor as she tried to get out of bed. She untangled the mess of blankets and hurried to the bathroom. “Crap” she muttered as she looked in the mirror. Blood was caked across her cheek from her swollen bloodied lip.
She softly wiped the blood away with a wash cloth then drizzled water across her face to help her wake up. That’s when she realized she had forgotten to set the alarm. Her words were inaudible as she scurried across the floor to look at the clock. Fifteen minutes to dress and get out to the bus; she would never make it.
Lilly hurried quickly dropping her clothes to the floor and pulling on clean ones. She had accidently chosen a pair of more fitting clothes but she would have to not worry about that now. She grabbed her bag and ran down the hall toward the kitchen. Without thinking she opened the fridge and grabbed an apple. “What do you think you’re doing?” Frank yelled.
“Ah…” she mumbled.
“Stealing food” He questioned.
“No Frank. I’m sorry, I am just…” She began.
Frank’s hand swung out and punched her. He was a big guy compared to the weak and malnourished girl. The full force of the punch into Lilly’s face knocked her head back and she could feel the hit all the way to her toes. Her eyes watered.
When she didn’t fall to the floor he grabbed her wrist and slammed her into the wall. “I leave for work and you raid my cupboards. You should be grateful I give you as much as I do.” He hissed into her ear as he pressed his body against her and yanked her head back with a fist full of red hair.
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