The tears came fast, hot, and uncontrollable. I tried to stop them, but it was like holding back a flood.
Everything hurt.
And then, I heard her voice.
Ginny.
She was standing there in the shadows. Her eyes glinted with that smug look she always had when she knew she'd won.
"Betty," she said softly, her voice dripping with false sweetness, "pretty soon, your dad, mom, and brother? They're all gonna be mine."
Her words hit me like a slap. I blinked at her, my mind reeling.
"Why should a fat girl like you get all their love while I'm an orphan?" she sneered, taking a step closer.
I couldn't move. I couldn't even cry anymore. I just stared at her, numb and confused.
Why? Why did she hate me this much? What had I ever done to her?
Before I could even process it, her hand shot out, grabbing a fistful of my hair. She yanked me down hard, slamming my head against the floor with a sickening crack.
I gasped. The shock of pain spread through my skull as blood started to trickle down my face.
But Ginny was merciless! She kept hitting me, over and over, her grip as brutal as her words!
I tried to fight back, but she was stronger than I imagined.
My arms felt weak. I was powerless against the monster she unleashed.
All I could do was lie there, broken and bruised, wondering how it had all come to this.
Then I heard slow footsteps on the stairs.
Mom!
"What happened? Did someone fall?" she asked.
For a brief, desperate moment, I thought I was saved.
I could barely get the words out, my voice shaky. But I called, "Mom! Mom, help! Please!"
The footsteps quickened, and I let myself hope—just for a sec—that she'd finally see what was really happening. That she'd save me, too.
But Ginny's hand released my hair just before Mom opened the door.
In one horrifying moment, Ginny messed up her own hair, and then, with terrifying precision, she grabbed my hand and scratched her neck with it. Deep, angry red marks appeared instantly.
When Mom burst through the door, everything slowed.
Ginny was on the floor—her eyes wide and tearful, her face bruised and pitiful.
"Ginny!" Mom screamed, rushing to her side, arms wrapping around her like she was the one in danger. "Oh, sweetie, don't be scared. I'm here, I'm here..."
And then, she turned to me, her eyes full of fury.
She didn't hesitate. Her hand flew across my face before I even saw it coming.