Pushing My Limits

The ride home was silent after I told Dad that she was just scared about what would happen to her family financially. He claimed he understood, and assured me that we were okay and we wouldn't have to worry about a thing.

"Zacky even has a clothing line outside of the band. How come they're having problems and we're not?" I asked. I knew he would tell me. Dad believes he can talk to me about these sort of things, because I'm older and I understand.

"Well, to be honest, Kat, they spent a million dollars for two years of modeling school. Gena doesn't work at the salon anymore and Zacky is paying medical bills for the baby," He explained.

"They won't get a foreclosure, will they?" I asked. A soft feeling had come over me at the thought of Alex not having a place to live.

"I'm paying their house payment until we get back from our summer tour and he'll have money then. Gena would have had her baby already and Alex doesn't plan on returning to that school, so they'll be alright by next year."

"Why do you pay so much for my school?" I asked and he sighed.

"I went to a public school, and to be honest, I didn't learn much. I want you to be more than a rock star's daughter. I want you to make something of yourself, Kathrine," He told me before reaching over and taking my hand, "I love you, Kat."

"Love you too, Dad."

Friday after school, Dad drove me home quickly for me to pack. I pulled out my suitcase and started to delicately place undergarments and tops inside. I organized everything by outfits, and packed a few bathing suits in case Mom wanted to go to the beach.

"Almost ready?" Dad was leaning against my doorway, arms crossed and sunglasses on.

"Almost," I replied.

"It'll be lonely without you here," He smiled and I zipped the suitcase shut.

"I'm sure you'll find something to do," I sighed and before I could pick up my bag, Dad took it and headed down the stairs.

Dad always got in these weird moods whenever I left to Mom's. I felt bad for leaving him, because he would be alone for a whole weekend without me. However, Mom's alone for most of the year without me. He really shouldn't be complaining, but I know it's hard whenever I leave his life for a while- even if it is for a few days.

We pulled up to her driveway after a long two-hour drive. Mom's house was elaborate and perched on the shore of the San Diego beach. She drove a Mercedes on weekdays and a BMW on the weekends. She had a gardener, a pool-boy, and a house maid.

"You walking me in?" I asked as we sat in the car together. He glanced sadly at the house and turned the other way.

"Do I ever, Kathrine?" He asked back and I sighed.

"It would be much better if you two got along," I snapped and he took in a deep breath.

"We're not ready for that," He replied and I rolled my eyes.

"It's been almost nine years, Dad," I informed him and he shook his head.

"Are you going or not? Because I'll just take you home," He snapped and I leaned over to give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"Love you, Dad. Don't miss me too much," I told him and he sighed.

"I love you too. I'll try," He kissed my cheek before unlocking the doors and I climbed out of the truck, grabbing my suitcase and waving him off before walking up to Mom's house. I rung the bell and I heard my mom's voice through the small speaker box, "Kathrine?" She asked.

"Yeah, it's me, Mom," I replied, pushing the small button on the box.

The door opened and Mom's wide smile was in front of me. At the sight of her happiness, I couldn't help but smile back, "Kathrine!" She pulled me into her arms and I gave her a hug.

She still looked the same. Thin, blonde hair, and beautiful face. I had taken her figure, lips, and facial structure. I had Dad's eyes, hair color, and dimples.

"I've missed you so much," She whispered before pulling away and leading me inside. I followed her up the stairs to me room. It had changed from the last time I had been here. The original plain walls were painted a soft blue, and the bedding was white and small seashells had decorated the walls.

"How's school?" Mom asked as I sat down on the bed.

"Fine," I replied.

"You'll have to sing for me before you leave," She smiled and I nodded, "Are you hungry?" She asked and I nodded again, "Rosa!" She called and I rolled my eyes.

Rosa was the house maid who was there for Mom's every need, as long as it was between the hours of five in the morning and ten at night. I felt bad for the woman, because Mom was a bit harsh when it came to how she runs her house.

"Yes?" Rosa's thick Spanish accent echoed across the large room.

"Rosa, will you please fix us some sandwiches and salads? Thank you," Mom ordered before quickly turning to me, "While she's fixing that, you want to walk on the beach and catch up?"

I didn't argue with Mom, even if she simply asks. I listen to what ever Mom wants, because Mom always gets her way.

As the sand slightly burned my feet, Mom linked her arm with mine, "It's nice to have my daughter back," She sighed, looking out to the ocean.

"I'm glad I could visit you," I told her and she put her head against mine.

"You should visit more often, Kathrine. I haven't seen you since Thanksgiving. Is everything alright with you and Matt?" She asked.

"Of course. We're fine, Mom," I replied and she nodded.

"How is he?" I sighed and looked at her.

"He's fine, Mom. Isn't dating."

"Why not? I just went out on a wonderful date last weekend," She smiled.

"He doesn't want to try to get married again until I've graduated. He thinks I'll feel like he's putting someone else before me," I explained.

"Would you feel that way?"

"Of course!" I exclaimed and she laughed.

"I heard you're going to a few shows with them in two weeks," She said.

"Michelle told you?" I asked and she nodded, "Yeah. I think Alex is going, so I don't want her to be alone," I lied and she smiled.

"You've always been so thoughtful," She leaned over and kissed my forehead.

Fifteen minutes later, we were sitting on the back porch leading to the beach, eating sandwiches with a Caesar salad.

What was happening? Through my blurred vision I could only see faint pictures of what was happening before me. I sat up, head spinning, and opened my eyes wide to try to see what was happening.

I could hear muffled screams, and it sent shivers down my spine. By the time my vision had come back, I could see Elizabeth, leaned up against a tree, screaming at what Elliot was doing to her. It had taken me a while to realize that this pants were down, I couldn't see the front of him, and that Elizabeth was bent over.

I couldn't find my voice to scream, so I jumped up to run instead. I felt nauseous at the fast movement, and I stop to collect myself. In that split moment, long nails dug into my shoulder and slammed me back into the ground. Dirt collected in my hair and tears rimmed my eyes, "And where do you think you're going, Princess?" Danielle hissed, binding my hands together with a zip-tie.

I couldn't take my eyes off of Elizabeth. As much as it hurt me, I couldn't look away. A few moments ago, she was trying to protect me and get me back home. Here she is now, being raped in the middle of a forest where no one will find her.

Elliot pulled out of the sobbing girl and tossed her aside, slipping his boxers back on. She lay there, naked under the chilling Denver sky, bleeding over dried leaves and twigs. I cried for her, as she lay face down into the dirt. Bruises scattered her body, and blood was smeared over her stomach and cheek. She was breathing faintly, and I could hear her soft sniffles from where I sat, "What are you looking at, Kid?" Elliot yelled at me.

I tried to run away, but Danielle held me down tightly. I could understand a guy helping out, Elliot, but not a girl. No matter how mean and nasty Danielle was, I just couldn't picture hurting someone, "Have at it, Dan," Elliot nodded to the girl.

They switched places, him taking grasp of me, and Danielle standing over Elizabeth. She raised her leg, and swung it into the poor girl's hip. A cry erupted from her lips and I whimpered. His grip tightened on me, and Danielle continued to kick helpless Elizabeth, "She didn't even do anything to you!" I screamed suddenly, sobbing as I saw Elizabeth roll over on her side, eyes slammed shut.

"Shut your mouth, or you'll get it next," Danielle threatened.

"P-Please," Elizabeth choked, blood dripping down the corner of her mouth, "Let her go. She doesn't deserve this," She pleaded and I could feel nothing but compassion for the broken woman who lay before me.

Danielle answered her plea with a kick in the jaw and a jab in the rib.