Crossing the River
Chapter One: Survive
My name is Iren Flames
I’ve been in the foster system since I was nine.
I am now 15.
Every day I get up at four a.m.
Every day HE beats the **** out of me.
Every day I grab my satchel and leave at exactly five a.m.
Every day I walk six blocks to the blood fighting arena known as the BattleBridge.
Everyday I meet the manager of BattleBridge arena at the door.
His name is Kyle.
I am his champion.
I am the best fighter the BattleBridge has.
I am also the youngest.
When I walk through the doors I change.
I become sharper.
I become more confident.
I become dangerous.
I become The Whisper.
The death you never hear coming.
Everyday Kyle hands me my breakfast and we start training.
Everyday the lunch bell rings.
Everyday Kyle hands me my lunch.
Everyday at one o’ clock sharp the blood fights begin.
Every fight is the same:
I always win.
Everyday Kyle hands me my dinner as I leave.
Everyday I walk out that door.
As I walk out I go back to being Iren Flames: foster kid.
I walk into the house just in time for HIM to beat me up.
After he’s done I dust myself of and walk upstairs to my bedroom.
Everyday I cry myself to sleep.
Wash.
Rinse.
Repeat.
My name is Iren Flames.
This is my life.