Chapter 10: How Can There Be a Mother Like Her
Just then, Edward stepped forward, his expression grave. "Mom, let me explain."
"Carrie's mother is an extreme religious fanatic. In her twisted worldview, women are born sinful. She believes that sex and pregnancy—perfectly normal biological processes—are all God's punishment for women."
Edward paused slightly, his eyes filled with sorrow. "She constantly drilled these completely insane ideas into Carrie's head, using strict and perverted religious doctrine to exercise absolute control over her."
"Poor Carrie has lived with this undeserved guilt for years, suffering terribly. And her mother never taught her anything—not even basic information about periods or anything girls need to know growing up."
Edward clenched his fists, his voice thick with anger. "Whenever Carrie did something that displeased her, she'd grab the Bible and beat Carrie until she couldn't stand."
"Then she'd throw Carrie into a prayer closet filled with terrifying religious statues and lock her in there, calling it 'time to reflect on her sins.'"
"And whenever Carrie even slightly expressed her own thoughts or wishes, her mother Margaret would throw her back into that hellish closet as punishment."
Carrie's breathing grew more rapid, her eyes filled with pain and terror. As her emotions spiraled out of control, the air around her seemed to crackle with tension.
Suddenly, with a loud BANG, the living room light exploded without warning, sending glass shards flying everywhere. Carrie screamed in terror, curling into a tight ball as if the world were ending.
Sarah was startled by the sudden explosion, but she quickly composed herself, holding Carrie tightly and gently soothing her. "It's okay, Carrie, don't be afraid. I'm right here."
"None of this is your fault, sweetheart. Don't be scared." But Carrie continued trembling, her eyes filled with despair and helplessness, as if the exploding light was just another terrifying incident in her dark life, and she didn't know when she'd ever escape this endless fear and torment.
Sarah hugged Carrie even tighter, trying to drive away the darkness with her warmth, while silently vowing to help this poor girl escape her suffering.
Sarah looked at Carrie with heartbroken eyes, then raised her head and said to Edward with fierce determination. "Edward, Carrie's staying with us tonight."
"This girl has suffered enough. We can't let her go back to that place. First thing tomorrow morning, we're calling the police. We absolutely cannot let her mother keep doing this to her."
The night pressed down like a heavy blanket over the entire house. Carrie was given Lily's room to sleep in. Everything felt unfamiliar, yet somehow warm—a stark contrast to her cold and terrifying home.
Mrs. Sarah tiptoed into the room, her steps careful not to disturb Carrie. She carried a glass of warm water and set it gently on the nightstand.
Carrie lay in bed, eyes wide open, still holding the fear and anxiety from earlier, watching Mrs. Sarah's every movement.
Mrs. Sarah bent down slightly, a gentle smile on her face. "Get some sleep, sweetheart. Everything's going to be better tomorrow."
As she spoke, she reached out and carefully smoothed Carrie's disheveled hair, her touch as gentle as a whisper. Then she straightened up, gave Carrie one last look, and quietly left the room.
Carrie shifted slightly, slowly pulling the covers up to her chin, leaving only her eyes visible—still holding a hint of fear.
Just then, Edward walked in. Seeing Carrie like this, he gently reassured her. "Don't worry. My mom's one of the best lawyers in town. She'll definitely help you get out of this situation."
Carrie nodded slightly and softly replied, "Okay."
Edward continued, "I'll call the school tomorrow and let them know you're sick. You can stay here and rest."
Carrie blinked. "Goodnight."
Edward smiled. "Goodnight." He turned and closed the door, heading back to his own room.
The next morning, pale sunlight filtered through thin clouds, casting soft rays across the neighborhood.
Edward woke up early. After a quick shower, he briefed his mother about Carrie's situation, then hurried to the school bus stop.
He climbed onto the somewhat worn yellow school bus. The students already on board all turned to look at him, as if he'd stepped into a spotlight, and each one greeted him enthusiastically.
After all, Edward was undeniably one of the school's stars—straight-A student, all-star athlete, and he had that natural charisma that made him incredibly popular.
Edward smiled politely, returning each greeting one by one, then took a seat by the window.
The school bus rumbled to life, rolling along the familiar route. As the wheels turned, the scenery outside the window flew past in a blur.
Soon, the bus came to another stop. The doors hissed open, and a dark-haired girl stepped aboard with hesitant steps.
It was Maria. Her face was strikingly beautiful—almost ethereal—with deep, soulful eyes and a slender, graceful figure that seemed almost fragile, inspiring a protective instinct.
However, right now Maria's expression was full of fear. She kept her eyes down, seemingly terrified of the other passengers.
What she feared most came true. As she cautiously tried to make her way to the back of the bus, a leg suddenly stretched across the aisle, blocking her path.
Maria froze, the fear on her face intensifying. Seeing this, the students on the bus burst into laughter, the cruel sound echoing through the cramped space.
"Mark, if you want to keep that leg, you'd better move it." Just as all the students were openly mocking Maria, a firm voice cut through the noise.
Mark, who had extended his leg, looked toward the voice and saw it was Edward. His face flushed with anger. "What? What's it to you where I put my leg, Mr. Perfect?"
"Hey, someone's playing white knight for Maria! Did you guys see that? Ha!" Mark's buddy chimed in, and the other guys joined in with snickering laughter.
But when their eyes met Edward's cold stare, their laughter died in their throats. They didn't dare say another word, just glanced at each other nervously as an awkward silence fell over the bus.
In this school, Maria seemed to be everyone's favorite punching bag, a constant target for bullying. If anyone thought that being beautiful would spare her from torment, they were dead wrong.
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