He kicked my side one last time before sauntering out of the room. I tried to sit up, I really did, but it was almost impossible. My body was so weak from not having food in almost five days. I can't live like this, I'm going to die. I was slowly losing consciousness. Soon everything was black.
-
I awoke with my whole body feeling like a thousand needles are puncturing my skin. I could barely breathe, but I knew I needed to finish cleaning the kitchen so he actually doesn't kill me. "He" is my step dad. My mom married him because she felt like I needed a father figure growing up. She died because of a heart attack when I was six.
My life was like Cinderella's. I did my chores, of course, but my life was just much worse. My step father beats me often, two or three times a week, while my step brothers sit there and watch, or help him. Don't forget about the bullying at school. I have absolutely no friends because of the rumors Jase and Miles spread. The boys laugh while the girls try to get away from me as fast as they can. I've yet to find my princess, but that's all that keeps me going. What did a fifteen-year old Ace do to deserve this?
I groaned when I bent down to finish washing the floors. Luckily I didn't have much left to do or else I may pass out. After I was done, I quickly walked-or limped-back to my room to get my bag. Today was a Saturday, but I desperately needed a job for food. No one would even think of hiring a broken boy in the rich side of town, so I headed towards the Valley. Valley is the dirty side of town where the robbers, druggies, prostitutes, and all around bad guys are. I figured I'd fit in, ratty clothes, bruises and cuts, and don't forget my limp that I'm sporting.
I wasn't sure who or what I was looking for really. I could become a drug dealer, but I wouldn't be much good, so I kept walking.
"Hey, kid." I turned around trying to identify who the voices belongs to, before spotting a man at the entrance of an alley.
"Y-yeah?" Curse my damn stutter.
"What's a boy like you doing in this part of town?"
"I-I need a job. Or food."
"You know how to drive?"
"I just started taking drivers ed."
"Good, follow me. You interested in racing, yeah?"
That was how I earned my job. I am a street racer. Devin is my only friend. He's my manager/boss/best friend, and is the only one who knows about my uh... family life. He hooks me up with races every week, often six a week. They're all in the middle of the night, so I'm not caught or missing chores, but my grades are suffering. Grades don't really matter honestly, I'm making my living off of races. People bid thousands for me because I'm the best racer in my town. It just came naturally. Though it's a dangerous job because of gangs, I still love it. I earned at least 5,000 dollars a race, so I got food, clothes, and everything else I needed. The car? Yeah, well, Devin stole a Ferrari Laferrari from some rich guy, so I was all good. At first I was against the stealing and bad stuff, but eventually warmed up to it. I'd never do drugs or drink though. My mom wouldn't be proud.
I didn't have a good name yet. I was just "the new kid" to everyone else. That changed soon, too.
It was the same day, well night by now, and I was walking home, past all of the alleyways. I thought I was dreaming at first, but I could definitely hear the muffled cries and screams for help in the alley. Quick to react, I took out my pocket knife and advanced towards the figure hunched over a smaller frame, a girl. Her mouth was tied and her shirt was torn open. He was unbuckling his belt. He was going to rape her. I was the product of rape, that's why I didn't have a dad. I would save her.
I ran up, wasting no time at pulling his left arm behind his back and pushing the cool blade against his throat. "You're going to run away, and never, ever, come back here. Got it?" My voice was ice-cold, and this grown man, around thirty maybe, was quivering in fear because of a fifteen-year old. I guess he couldn't tell that I was fifteen because of this ski mask I had on. Devin gave it to me so the cops couldn't identify me if the racers were to get caught. He meekly nodded before sprinting out of the alley.
I almost fell over because I was hugged, more like tackled, by the girl. Wherever my skin was showing felt on-fire because of her touch. She was new to the city, obviously because she came into this part of town.
"Holy shit! Thank you so much! I would've been raped and killed if it wasn't for you! My dad would flip, he's the new mayor. What can I do to repay you?" The girl was talking so fast I could barely understand her.
"Uhh... n-nothing. W-what's your name?" Did I mention I get really nervous in front of pretty girls? Especially her, because of her long legs, tan complexion, brown/dirty blonde hair, and gorgeous honey-like eyes.
"Oh! I'm Rylie Cassiano. What's yours, mystery man?"
I couldn't get attached to her. She would hear all of the lies and hate me. I started thinking of a nickname. Maybe... no. I had Eminem's song stuck in my head. I loved it honestly. Cinderella Man. I'm Cinderella Man.
"Call me Cinderella Man, Rylie." Before she could reply I was walking away, after handing her my sweatshirt, because of her shirt. The thing I didn't notice was the last piece of my mother coming off with it. My dog tag. "Here, I don't want you getting raped for real this time. Oh, Rylie, stay away from this side of town."
"Wait!" I stopped walking but didn't turn around. "Where are you going, Cinderella Man?" Keep walking, Ace. Don't get attached. I never looked back.
I couldn't help but marvel over her though. I mean, she almost get's raped, but then acts completely normal afterwards. I never saw her around school, anyway. We had different schedules. Over time though, I fell for her from hearing all of the spontaneous things she does or about her sarcastic and hyper personality. Once Devin got my iPhone, I was able to see how she acted online too. I'm not a stalker though, don't worry.
Rylie Cassiano stole my sweatshirt and the last piece of my mother I owned. Oh, don't forget my heart too.
-
OMG YAAAAAS
The prologue is up! I'm honestly so excited for this book. The title is inspired by Eminem's "Cinderella Man", but I obviously made a storyline completely different to the song. Check the song out!! In case you were wondering, Eminem is my absolute FAVORITE musical artist. Just... arg!!! Yeah well if you liked it make sure to comment and vote so I know you're enjoying it! The story is gonna get good. ;)
-zoe
