Paying the Price

Chapter 13: Janae

Last chapter recap - June

I felt my heart start beating more and more as the officer got closer to the door.

He walked around for a long time and I thought maybe he would skip over us.

Of course, I was incorrect because then he pulled open the closet door.

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I was terrified.

They can't find out.

They shouldn't need to worry about me over something like that.

It wasn't fair to them.

"Please Janae stop crying" I whispered to myself.

I had already kept June up last night and now this.

She's going to hate me.

All three of them were.

I can't lose them.

I can't tell them.

I was shaking so badly in my brother's arms.

I couldn't do this.

I needed to get out of this closet right now or I'm going to lose it.

"Janae, It's okay I've got you" Oliver kept whispering into my ear.

I know he was trying to help but it wasn't working.

Then the flashback happened.

I was 9 years old.

Mother was teaching me and June to cook and I had spilled some of the hot food on my dress.

"JANAE!" My mother screamed in my face. "What are you doing? Look at the mess you made!"

"I-I'm sorry ma'am," I said in a shaky voice.

"Mama it's okay, Janae didn't mean to, it was an accident." My sister tried to appeal her.

It didn't work because she then roughly grabbed my arm and pulled me into her room.

"Maybe this will teach you your place. A good, quiet, and obedient little girl who does not make mistakes. Look at your sister, she never messes up like you, you need to be more like her."

"No mama, please! I'll be good!" I pleaded.

She took her hand and put it over my mouth.

Shut your mouth up right now. I don't want your father or siblings to hear you. If you tell anyone I'll lock you up for good."

She then pushed me into her closet, shut the door, and locked it.

It was pitch black and I couldn't see a thing.

"Don't you make a peep you little brat! If you make any sound I will keep you in there for the next week!"

I started to cry.

I was so scared. I just wanted to be let out.

I wanted to go play with my brothers and sister.

"Mama? Please let me out," I whispered through the door.

There was silence.