"Why do we have to do this again? It's been like, three hours!" This was the second time Jacob brushed my hair today, the second being so much worse than the first. It wasn't even that bad! My hair had a mind of its own, only staying put for a few minutes. Not everybody can have nice hair like some people!"

Shush and let me do my work," He quietly replied, lightly hitting my hand with the brush. "And it's only been two minutes."I pouted and flicked him with my tail. I didn't see why he couldn't just leave me be, it's just hair. Not a big deal...not to me anyway. It just wasted my time and made me feel worse about myself more than I already did. The whole beauty thing made me feel inadequate compared to everyone else..."Can I go to bed now? It's late and I need to...wake up early to...feed my pet rock?" I asked him, scratching my ear. Jacob grabbed my hand and stood up, taking me with him. I really couldn't see anything; 6'3 versus 5'6, remember? I call it unfair to be that tall. I'd kill for that height! But at least I'm not 5'3 or something, then he'd be a whole foot taller...I'm just a little over it."Stop scratching it, you'll tear it. If you do that, you'll need stitches..." He explained to me, taking something out of a drawer. "You might have fleas..."I scoff and pushed away, rubbing my ears. How could he say that to me...right to my face? That's not something you should say to someone like me...I was told to be defensive and get angry at anyone who came near me.

"I don't have damn fleas...it's just a cut that I got from a fight...I'm fine." I told him, trying to walk away."Don't make me wash your mouth out with soap." He said, walking away. Anger boiled inside my stomach...he had no right to say that to me! What if I swallowed it and died? Or what if I choked on it and died? Is he trying to kill me! Like really, I know I'm not the best person in the world, but that doesn't mean I should just drop dead!

"You're not my dad, you know that right! You can't just say things like that and expect me to listen!" I yelled, clenching my fists. "I would have been better off in the orphanage than here with you.."I instantly closed my mouth, I didn't mean for that last part to slip out. I-It was an accident, and I didn't know what I was saying or doing...I can't believe I said that to him. He didn't deserve that...I needed to apologize."I know..." He quietly said. "And I would've been better off if I hadn't even met you...brat." He said...brat. I was...a brat to him. Why did I even bother trying to make this work? He could have had an amazing life. A real family instead of of...me. After meeting him I thought we wouldn't have any major fights like this, but...I was so very wrong..."Take me back...I don't want to stay here anymore." I demanded, hearing my voice quiver. Jacob stood there, not facing or acknowledging me in the slightest. He was probably happy that I wanted to leave. He probably never liked me in the first place...it was probably a pity that brought me here. Everyone was right...I looked like a sad puppy with nothing to give. I huffed and walked away, casually strolling upstairs to grab my stuff; I'll just hide out until I'm eighteen, then I'll be able to start my own life', I thought to myself. Then I'll have nothing to worry about, no people, no rules, no...Jacob? I wouldn't see him again...that made me sad. I know I'll miss him, but he won't miss me back.

"No. They won't even think of taking you back..." He said, stopping me in my tracks. "I don't want you...so who else would?"

"Fine, I'll just walk there. It's not too far..." I said back, finally going upstairs. This was now my life, and I knew how to act on my own. I'll get a job, pay for a new home, and I will thank myself! I wanted to escape this world, the place where people pity and look down on you...it's not fair. Who said my breed consisted of cute, fluffy, small, submissive people? How did anyone decide whether we had to stay inside all day instead of roaming the streets? And who said I would follow that path...

"Elis? Didn't you leave a few days ago?" My friend Artemis asked, pushing up his glasses. "Ha, you're lucky you even were allowed to leave..."I shushed him and led us to the bathroom, where no one could see me. I didn't want Lisa to find out and call Jacob; then she'd know everything! I didn't want to go back, I'll stay here with Artemis until he leaves, I thought.

"Okay, here's the deal...I sorta ran away because of of...of of things. Don't let Lisa know I'm here; I'll leave when you leave. Got it?" I quickly explained..."We both know I won't leave this place...who wants someone with a major personality disorder and cuts along there body?" He sadly said, looking around. "But, I will help you. Just promise me...someone will come for me, one day?" I nodded and smiled, who couldn't resist that adorable little fourteen-year-old face! But I knew for sure he would get home someday; maybe not today, or next week...but someday. If I were capable of taking care of him, I definitely would. But I can't, and I'm not even old enough to adopt a child."Kay, now let's go! Miss Lisa is distracted with paperwork for some of the new ones who came here. There's about three or four of them. Mostly girls I think..." He told me while guiding us away to his room.

[LAPSE]

This was it! The day I finally-"I'm here to pick up Elis, again."Crap! We gotta go, and fast! I rush Artemis out and up the stairs, into his room. How in the hell did he find me? Thing is...why did he even come looking for me? Maybe to sell me to some low and filthy trader...or maybe to someone who'll take my fur! Both were bad...but standing there and thinking wouldn't have helped. I needed to think fast...

What if they came in here and took me back!