13

ISABELLA

I stood stunned as the slap resonated around the house. For the first time in my life, my mother hit me.

Damien tried to move forth but I stopped him. It was a reflex reaction. There had to be a reason for this slap. My mother would never slap me.

"I am sorry," She apologized with remorse across her face.

"I couldn't control myself, I'm terribly sorry," She apologized at the brink of tears.

I moved towards her and wrapped my hands around ...