Chapter 2

Adrianna's pov 

Yesterday's job offer was still like a dream -. I can't believe I'll have  a new life, a fresh start, and most importantly, I'll be free from Uncle Luca's shackles.

Of course, I had my doubts and checked the company's website to ensure this was no scam. Turns out it wasn't a prank call. The position for Administrative Assistant was filled. By me! 

I went to double-check my suitcase while dancing around the room. I wonder what kind of face Uncle Luca would make when I tell him I was leaving for Chicago. He'd go raging mad and I'd be glad.

“You won't be able to control me anymore, you old pig” I muttered gleefully to myself.

Downstairs, Uncle Luca had prepared breakfast – scrambled eggs, crispy bacon and warm toast. My stomach growled in anticipation but I knew I'd never get a taste of that. 

“Good morning, uncle Luca.” I beamed him a warm smile and as usual, he'd ignored me.

When I walked to the fridge, he cleared his throat. “What the hell are you doing touching that?”

My fingers lingered on the fridge handle. “Getting myself a bottle of water?” 

That came out like a question. 

“Do that quickly and get out.” His eyebrows furrowed. He did clean up nice today like he does every other weekday. Just yesterday, his hair was disheveled and oily, there were stubbles on his chin and his clothes reeked of alcohol and cigarettes. Now, he looked like a totally different person. His brown hair was clean and brushed back neatly. His stubbles and facial hair were gone, exposing his strong jawline and features. When I first saw him like this, I thought he was someone else. My pride won't let me call him a handsome man but the single neighbors do. Too bad, he chose to whore around rather than settle.

“You done checking me out?” He declared sarcastically, reaching a cup of coffee. 

“Sorry.” I returned my gaze to the fridge. 

It was nearly empty - the eggs on the crate were down to 4, the bottles of water - my breakfast, lunch and dinner were down to 2. The rest were bottles of booze and alcohol. 

“Dude, come on! Out!” Uncle Luca barked.

I felt a sharp pain lanced through my back. He had hurled his cup of coffee at me. It stung but only for a moment. When you've lived with a deadbeat drunk for 13 years, you're used to pain.

I curl my fingers around the bottle of water and close the fridge.

Turning around to look at him. It'll only take hours. Just a few hours till I'm out of your life, you asshole. I wanted to say that but I didn't.

I took the chilled bottle to the ironing table where I had laid out my school uniform when I heard Uncle Luca yell.

“Adrianna!” He said my name like some kind of curse.

Trying to not roll my eyes, I turn around slowly. “Yes, uncle?”

I watched him pour himself a glass of orange juice, looking oddly dignified in his police uniform. 

He pointed at the coffee stained floor. “Who do you think is gonna mop that? Me?”

“I'm sorry.” I raced to the kitchen and knelt down to wipe it with a rag.

He came up behind me and stepped his boot on my back, making me crash to the floor. “Use your school uniform.”

“What?” I tried to look at him but he slammed his boot into my face and my eyes blurred.

“Are you complaining, you wench?” He yelled.

“N - No!” I stuttered, the familiar coppery taste of blood filling my mouth.

“Good. Do that and go get dressed and don't forget to wear your uniform. The one you used to wipe the floor.” he passed me a grin that sent a shiver down my spine.

I squeezed the shirt in my hand and shot him a glare. Just a few hours and I'll be gone.

After dressing up in my coffee stained shirt, I stared at my reflection in the small, grimy mirror hanging on the wall. My reflection horrified me - black hair that needs moisture, sunken honey-brown eyes, hollowed cheeks and a frail frame. I'm 5 '6 but I look like a shortbread. No one believes I'm in highschool even though I, sometimes, am surprised.

“Adrianna! Hurry your ass up! Unlike you, I've got a life!” Uncle Luca barked from downstairs.

I turned away and my gaze fell on a faded photograph on the dresser. My parent's smiling faces beamed back at me. My heart ached again. I miss their love and warmth. 

With a heavy sigh, I grabbed the door and pulled it open. Welcome to hell.

*****

It's a little after 2 in the afternoon. 

I got home early. 

Well, my homeroom teacher let me off when I asked for permission to go home. She had this look of pity on her face. I knew she'd give her consent. All the teachers do. Uncle Luca had told them I intentionally dress in stained uniforms and bedraggled looks because my parent's death still traumatized me. It had its disadvantages with the horrid stares but hey, I'm always let off early.

I stood tall in the kitchen, my heart racing with excitement, as I waited for Uncle Luca to return home. My bags were packed, and my offer letter clutched tightly in my hand. Today was the day I'd finally escape.

I waited for 6 hours. Damn him.

“Welcome home, Uncle Luca,” I announced as he walked through the door. 

“Bitch, what's for dinner?” he growled, slamming the door behind him and peeling off his jacket.

I bit back my smile. Asshole!

After his dinner of grilled cheese, I decided to let out with it.

“I got a job offer in BlackRock in Chicago. I'm leaving tomorrow.” I said aloud. 

The beer bottle slipped from his grip and crashed to the floor. His face twisted in a snarl. “You're going where?”

His expression was as I expected. I had hit a nerve. All I had to do was wait for him to hit me.

I stood up, a firm look on my face. “I’ve made up my mind.”

“We'll see about that,” he dragged himself upstairs.

I dismissed the threat, confident in my newfound freedom. 10 more hours till my freedom flight. I've got sleep to catch.

But the next morning, reality hit me like cold water was splashed on my face

The door to my bedroom  was locked, and my phone was missing from the bedstand . Someone locked me in!