CHAPTER
ONE
KATE
What has become of me? I stare into the mirror, not recognizing myself while wondering how I ended up here. A few months ago, I was in a whole other country, away at school. I'd been fairly neutral about boarding school but only because I went back and forth on the reasons for it. At times I'd ask myself if they shipped me off because I was so much of a bother, and other times I'd convince myself it was for the better. I was getting an education that most people only dreamed of, so I tried to focus on that.
Besides, if I was at home, I’d likely be just as lonely. My parents were always busy. My mother was fully invested in charity work, which always seemed to be more about the parties than any actual charity. I guess the appearance of it was what mattered to her the most.
My father is one of the best lawyers in the city, but when he decided to take a shot at running for senator, that’s when everything went wrong. Or was it when my mother died? I'm not so sure anymore since it's all still a blur. The last few months went by in a blink, but the days hadn't felt that way. They'd felt long.
I reach up to touch my black eye and wince. It's worse today. Part of my cheek has a bruise that formed overnight. My father always had a temper. My parents could be volatile toward each other, but I guess now that my mom is gone, he chose to take it out on me.
When I was told my mother had fallen down the stairs, at first I was shocked. But it hadn’t taken long for my mind to wander. The toxicologist report said she was drunk, but who knows what happened to make her fall. I’ll never have the answers because my father has far too many friends in high places. He’ll soon be a person in high places as well.
The grieving widower image was selling well for him too. Despite seeing him upset a few times, he’s moved past it quickly. Maybe his guilty conscience is what had him upset in the first place. Either way, it’s been six months, and he seems fine. He might not be going out with women publicly, but he’s been inviting them back to the house.
When I found out my mother died, I came home, but he hasn’t let me go back to finish out my semester at school. Thankfully it was close to the end, and of course they let me finish up online. My father simply had to ask, and they were quick to agree.
At first I thought he wanted me home because it was a big change. It didn't take me long to realize I was now a prop for him to use in his bid to become senator. It’s only the two of us now, and he tried prancing me around like a pony.
With my mother gone, I believe all the anger he kept bottled up is now aimed at me. There’s nothing that I can do correctly in his eyes. However, to the rest of the world, he appears to be a loving father that’s helping his daughter through this tragic time.
Things came to a head when he tried to get me to go on a date with one of the partners in his firm. The man was fifty years old. I told my father that going on a date with a man so much older than me would look horrible to the public, but he didn’t care. He told me that if I didn’t comply, the consequence would be his daughter having a mental breakdown and needing to be committed.
A knock at the door jolts me back to reality. Yesterday, while my father was preoccupied with a woman he brought home, I snuck out. I don't know if he's noticed I'm gone yet, but it's not as though he'd be able to take me out in public. Not with how badly my face is bruised. It would be horrible for his image and start all kinds of rumors.
I smooth out my hair to make myself presentable, but it's stupid. I'm in Farrow Haven, so it’s not like I have anyone to impress. They’ve already seen my black eye, and thankfully they didn’t push for more details when I'd gotten here yesterday. The main thing they wanted to know was if I was an adult. Apparently, they have a separate haven for teens on the run.
Years ago, I met a female officer that was working at an event my mother hosted. In a bold move, I reached out and confided in her because I knew she'd understand. She knew who my father was and that there wasn't going to be much the police could do.
My father could easily pull strings and have me right back under his roof. Or, based on his threat, in a place far worse. Officer Niks told me to come to Farrow Haven and to lay low until she or the women who work here could think of a long-term plan. I'm not really sure what my options are. My father has a lot of power, so leaving the state might be the only solution, and even then I’m not sure that’s far enough.
When I open the door, I see Cora standing there. She runs Farrow Haven and lives here full-time. The house is a beautiful mansion that a woman decided to open to women needing an escape. It was once her childhood home, but now it’s a safe place for women in need. There are a handful of other girls here whom I saw at dinner last night.
"How are you feeling this morning?” Cora asks. She reminds me of an older eccentric aunt that was probably a hippie back in the day.
"Better," I lie. I'm still filled with anxiety, and I could hardly sleep last night. What else can I tell her, though?
“It will get better,” she says with a soft smile like she’s trying to reassure me. “But right now the doctor is in the house. Are you still okay with him checking on you?”
“Yes, it’s fine.” I didn't want to, but they have all been so kind and have respected my privacy. I could tell they really wanted me to be checked over. If it helps them feel more at ease with me being here, it's the least I can do.
"Didn't sleep well, did you?” she asks and motions for me to follow her.
"Do I look that terrible?" A small laugh leaves me.
"No, it's not that. It's a new place, and I'm sure there are a million things running through your mind."
"You’re right, I didn't sleep great," I admit.
"It gets easier, but remember that right now, there isn't a rush to do anything. No one knows you're here. When you settle in and get more comfortable, we'll go from there."
"Yeah, I'm just not sure how much time I'll have,” I say as we make our way down the stairs and through the kitchen. There are a few girls cooking together, and they all give me warm smiles as we pass.
"Why do you say that?" Cora asks.
"Sooner or later my face is going to be plastered everywhere."
