Chapter 6

My earliest memory held no image of a mother, only my father. I learned he’d left with someone else when I was a year old. He was an alcoholic. When sober, I sensed his love; he’d buy me yogurt. But when he drank, he’d throw the yogurt in my face and assault me. Fatherly affection existed only in those fleeting moments of sobriety. I endured the abuse, clinging to those rare displays of warmth, stubbornly refusing to leave.

It wasn't until my second year of junior high that I realized things could only get worse. My father developed a gambling addiction, losing our home and even gambling me away. Heavily tattooed men stormed my classroom, demanding Jaqueline Pennington. Security couldn't deter them. Before the police arrived, the school knew: my father had gambled me away. Fingers pointed, classmates shunned me, rumors spread, and everyone avoided me. Their malice shattered me. My father intended to give me up for adoption.

I resorted to prostitution, working at night, attending school by day. I hid in the playground, covering my ears, overwhelmed by tears and despair. At fourteen, I stood on the precipice of oblivion.

Chapter 6

What had I done to deserve this? I’d harmed no one. Why did everyone want to hurt me?

Then, a gentle tap on my shoulder. I wiped my tears and turned. Sunlight streamed through the clouds, illuminating a young boy who seemed to have stepped from a dream. Soft, fluffy hair danced in the wind, revealing extraordinarily kind eyes. He extended his hand, starlight in his gaze.

“Jaqueline, don’t cry. Tonight, I’ll take you home, and from now on, my home will be yours.”

That night, he brought me home, persuading his parents to let me stay. I moved into their guest room. They resolved my situation legally. I silently accepted their kindness, vowing to work harder. My efforts paid off; I gained admission to a prestigious high school. I had to work even harder, but I persevered. Alvin and I consistently ranked first and second in our class—his natural intelligence complemented my diligent efforts.