The Mafia's little pet

Mila.

It was my birthday today, and man, I was over the moon. Finally, at 18, I could pack up and leave this nightmare behind. No more dealing with my drunk, abusive dad or that wicked stepmom of mine.

I had no clue how they even got married in the first place. All I knew was that my real mom had bailed on the house because she couldn't take him anymore. She hated his guts so much she just up and left.

Turns out, she never even divorced the jerk. But honestly? I didn't give a damn about their messy marriage drama. All I cared about was breaking free from this hellhole and starting fresh somewhere new.

A whole new life, you know? I had big plans: finish my senior year of high school, then use the college money my mom stashed away for me, plus whatever help I could get from my grandma.

Thank God my dad had no idea about that cash. Way back when she left, she snuck into my room one night, tears in her eyes. "Mila, baby, forgive me for leaving you here with him," she whispered, hugging me tight.

"He's no good, but I can't fight anymore. Use the money I saved-it's for your future." Then she was gone, just like that.

If I'm being real, I didn't blame her one bit. She was sick, dying from some awful illness, and he still beat her senseless. Mental abuse, emotional torture, punches that left her black and blue-he did it all.

I always thought I was tougher than her, that I could stand up to him without crumbling. But nah, that was just wishful thinking. After she left, he turned all that rage on me. I became his punching bag, his easy target.

Deep down, though, I missed her like crazy. Part of me hoped we'd reunite someday, if she was still out there fighting. But today? It was just another day in my crazy world, except now I was legal. Free to do whatever. I decided to head to school early, beat the rush.

School was a million times better than home. Staying there meant slaving away like a maid-cleaning, cooking, taking hits. My stepmom was a nightmare, always bossing me around, but she was nothing compared to my dad. That was the worst part of it all.

At school, things were different. Sure, repeating classes got boring as hell, but I busted my butt for straight A's. I needed those good grades for a top college or a scholarship.

Mom's money wasn't some huge fortune-not even a million bucks. So, I was hunting for a part-time job too, something to cover rent if the dorms were full. I had it all mapped out, especially after the way my dad started getting too touchy lately.

Beating? I could handle that. But the thought of him... yeah, no way. I wasn't sticking around for that.

I scanned the hallway for Helen, my best friend. She