************** FLASHBACK *****************
MAX'S POV
I tried opening my eyes but it feels too heavy... I can hear Alex and his Mom's sound arguing about something... I tried to move but pain shot through my body.... My whole body hurts.... I tried to open my eyes again and this time I did.... It was blurry but I saw them and they did too...
They came towards me calling my name... They called the Doctor and he checked me and told I am out of danger but weak that's when I realised that I am in the hospital...
I blacked out again and after a while I woke up but this time I was feeling a bit better... I saw Alex's mother the moment I opened my eyes...
Tears streamed down from her eyes... Looking at me like I am so precious.... She gently caressed my cheeks.... I smiled and she helped me sit up and gave me water...
I asked her how did I end up in the hospital and for how long I was unconscious....
She said " You didn't went for class and you were not picking up the phone so Alex got worried, he told us and went to your home that's when we get to know that you were locked up in the basement as punishment.... You were in a really bad shape so we bought you the hospital... You have been unconscious for 2 days...."
Her eyes which were already filled with tears started tearing up again non stop as she continued " Your condition was so bad.... The doctor said you might not make it....I thought we will lose you this time.... I...."
Her words started breaking... Seeing her cry... My heart broken... I hugged her.... She just kept crying...
" Mom..." I looked at the door and saw Alex standing... He came towards us... He brushed my hair behind my ear and kissed my forehead....
" Don't you dare scare me like that again..." Said Alex... I looked at both of them... and just smiled...
Mom looked at me asked me what happened this time.... I looked at both of them I knew they won't stop asking until I tell them.....
" On my way back from school with Erik he said he needs to go somewhere and told me to come with him.... He took me to one of those illegal underground wrestling place... He told me to fight a guy... I refused so he beated me up and threw me to the ring to fight and placed bet on that guy saying I will lose the fight..... No just him everyone did... Because he was thrice my size.... The fight started and I got badly injured but in the end I won... Erik was furious because I won... He beated me up again and dragged me back to the car and bought me home to the dungeon.... And as always Dad and Mom got angery knowing that I made Erik lose his face.... So I got punished again.... Last thing I remember is Dad kicking on my chest with his boots and after that I blacked out...."
I could see the anger in both of there faces.... " How could they do this you are also their child!!! " Said Alex....
Only in name Alex....
" No matter what they adopted you as their child and are abusing you all these years I wish I could just kill them!!!"
His Mom held my hand and said " The papers will get ready in a few months... Then you will be free from them... Till then stay with us...."
" I can't Mom... You know what happened last time I can't let them hurt you guys because of me.... Like you said just a few months more after that I will be free...."
AUTHOR'S POV
Both Alex and his Mom agreed with Max because they knew she won't change her mind... Just then Alex Dad came his eyes scaned her whole and a tear left his eye... He hugged her and told her to take good care of herself..... He bought food with him and after having food both Alex's Mom and Dad left telling Alex to take good care of Max...
" Mom looked so tired was she with me all this time? " Alex nodded his head and said " She didn't leave even when I told her to not just her dad too.... You don't know how they looked when they saw you in that state.... They were broken Max so was I...We really thought we will lose you this time..."
Max asked if anyone called.... Alex understood whom she was talking about....
" Do you really think they will care after what they did? Your asshole of a brother Erik didn't call but your younger brother called asking about you.... Atleast one of the members in the family is sane..." Said Alex...
Max chuckled at his words... And asked about school....
" They called me I told them you had to go abroad with you Dad for something So you won't coming for classes and you won't be able to answer their calls or texts...."
Max nodded her head feeling relieved... Alex saw the small smile that formed on her face... Alex sat beside her and said....
" Are you sure?" Max asked what he was talking about...
" About Marcus.... When are you doing to tell him?" Said Alex
Max just replied "Soon.."
Alex held both of her hands in his and said
" Maxi I know you love him so much... So does he... He is my cousin brother and my best friend.... I am happy for both of you... You brought him back from the darkness Max and I wish he will do the same for you not just him all your friends... So instead of making me lie to him and your friends let them know what's happening to you...."
" I will tell him... My birthday is in 2 weeks..
I'll tell all of them the truth... But I am scared what if after knowing everything he chooses leave me?" Said Max...
" I don't think he will not will your friends... As far as I know They love you too much to leave and hurt you Max..." Said Alex..