The room was pitch black but it was a far cry from silence. Mother *****, where is that bottle of whiskey! The sound of glass breaking made it way into the small chamber. Shane lied in bed looking at the door nervously, praying that the ***** Jake would pass out and leave her alone tonight.

The door crashed open causing Shane to jump involuntarily. She knew what was coming and tried to steel her small frame. She squeezed her eyes shut, but there was only silence. Shane finally found enough courage to crack her eyes open. Surely enough Jake was unconscious on the floor. ‘Saved for now,’ Shane thought.

Shane? a voice whispered from the opposite side of the room.

Shane looked across the room at the small figure balled on a bed much like her own. Yeah Ron? Shane too whispered not wanting to disturb Jake in anyway.

Can I sleep with you? Im scared.

Shane did not even hesitate and said, Of course. Even though Ron is one year older than her, Shane still felt very protective of Ron. Unlike Shane, Ron has just entered this life when both of her parents died in a car crash leaving her without any living relative.

Before Ron could make a move, they could hear more noises from outside. Ron and Shane quickly ducked beneath their blankets awaiting the worst. ***** Jake, passed out already? Shane peaked over her cover and saw Jake being dragged out. The door closed again, and Shane let out a sigh of relief. Shane thought, ‘Maybe tonight is my lucky night after all.’

Seeing that the coast is clear, Ron tiptoed to Shanes bed. ‘How could the lives of a 15-and 14-years old be so fucked up?’ Shane couldn’t help but think as she scooted over giving Ron some room in her tiny bed. Are you okay, Ron?

Ron looked at Shane and gave her a sad tentative smile. Im fine Shane. I was more scared for you than anything. ‘How has this dark haired girl become so important to me in such a short time?’ Ron thought. Ron slowly brushed Shanes hair away from her eyes making sure as not to disturb her still bruised cheek. Ron leaned over and gave that slightly swollen spot a kiss.