The Ones Who Failed Us

Chapter 15

I knew it was a mistake looking at myself in the mirror. Every scar, every imperfection was visible, and I couldn't stop tracing my fingers over every inch of my bare skin. I had scars from stab wounds, whip lashes, and burns, and every single one reminded me that I would never be free from the horrors of my past. Even though my imperfections showed me all that I had overcome, they also reminded me of memories that haunted me every second of every day and night.

My hand stopped when I reached the bottom of my rib cage. I remembered the day he marked me like it was yesterday. The day he claimed me as his property. It served as a constant reminder that my future was not something I had control over as long as he was still alive. Once he caught me, I would be nothing more than a piece of meat being passed around the dinner table.

I was brought out of my thoughts by knocking on the door. "Aves? Are you okay? You've been in the bathroom for a while, and your breakfast is getting cold," Elijah said.

"I'm fine," I choked out. "I'll be down in a few minutes."

I heard Elijah leave my room as I put on my school uniform. When I went downstairs, I was greeted by Emilio, Matteo, Elijah, and Teddy.

"Morning, Aves. Your breakfast is over there," he said, pointing to the plate of pancakes next to Teddy. "And eat quickly. You have to leave for school in ten minutes."

"Thanks," I said.

I quickly sat next to Teddy and gave him a quick side hug as I ruffled his hair, causing him to giggle. "Stop it, Ava. I combed my hair this morning, and now I have to do it again," he pouted. I shook my head, letting out a small laugh. It was nice to hear my little brother talking again.

I faced forward in my seat and faced the twins. "Good morning, Emilio, Matteo." When they looked up from their plates, I covered my laugh with a cough. Emilio and Matteo were both sporting large bruises on their face from my punches yesterday. I'm impressed with myself.

"Morning," they said, looking down ashamed of their bruises.

Elijah looked at me and smirked, "You've got a strong punch, Aves. Hopefully it'll make your brothers think twice before crossing you again." Emilio and Matteo groaned at that. I guess they didn't want a repeat of yesterday.

I ate two pancakes and washed my plate. "I think it's time for the four of you to go to school. Please behave yourself," Elijah said, looking at me. "Remember, you have therapy afterwards. Your therapist said she would come to the house for your first session so you would feel more comfortable."

"Whatever," I answered, rolling my eyes.

"Give it a chance, bambina," Elijah said. "You might not like it right now, but it will help you in the long-term."

I shoved past Elijah with my backpack on my shoulder and Teddy behind me. I might have agreed to therapy, but I would fight it every second of the way. There was too much at risk for me to open up to a complete stranger.

The twins met us outside on the driveway after a few minutes but not without shooting us a sympathetic smile. We got in the car and drove in silence. When we got to school, I tried getting out, but the doors were locked. I tried unlocking the door, but every time I unlocked it, my brothers would lock it again.

"Ava-" Matteo started.

"I don't want to talk about it," I interrupted. "Please unlock the doors."

"You know, we didn't want to go to therapy at first either, but it helped telling someone else who wasn't related to us what we were feeling," Emilio said.

"Look, I don't want to go to therapy, and I don't think it's right that all of you are ganging up against us and making us go," I retorted.

"I don't want to go to therapy, either. This is stupid. Let us go," Teddy stated as he rattle the door handle.