Thirty-nine

Everything was coming back to me. Every single memory my mind had managed to block for the past six months was coming back, shredding my sanity into pieces. Not a single memory was pleasant. Nights I had spent without food made my stomach twist in pain. Charlene’s and Oriana’s abuse wasn't easy. Every slap, kick, and hair pull pained me. Every time my parents slapped me, busted my lips, or threw me in the cells for a mistake I didn't mean to make burned my soul.

“Think of Loana. Come on. She was your best friend. You must have had great memories with her,” Xander's voice paved its way to my ears, trying to push through the darkness I was drowning in.

“It hurts!” I screamed, digging my nails in his forearm. I didn't want to hurt him, but I couldn't control my actions.

“I know. I know, but you can do it, yeah? Think of Loana. Think of her,” he kept repeating. It was so hard to find any source of light in that darkness. Just breathing was an effort I was not wil