As I stepped out of the car, I couldn't contain my excitement. It was a dream come true - I had finally gained admission into Olivewood University, my top-choice school. I had even rejected two other admissions offers because I was determined to attend this prestigious university. The car door slammed shut behind me with a loud "boom" as I hurriedly paid the cab driver.

Without wasting any time, I rushed towards the flat where my family lived, eager to share my exciting news with my parents. I didn't even stop to greet anyone along the way. My heart was pounding with anticipation as I envisioned their reactions.

As I approached the house, I noticed an expensive car parked outside. I couldn't help but wonder who it belonged to, but my excitement overpowered any curiosity I had. I quickly made my way inside, barely acknowledging the people I passed by.

All that mattered was breaking the news to my parents, I couldn't wait to see the look of pride on their faces when I told them that I had been accepted into Olivewood University.

As I approached our house, I noticed an expensive car parked outside. I assumed it belonged to my uncle Senior Alex, my father's elder brother, but I couldn't understand why he would visit us since he never cared about us. As I walked towards the vehicle, I peered through the tinted windows, but I couldn't see anything.

Then I heard voices coming from inside our house, even though the door was shut. The voices sounded chaotic, and I recognized my parents' voices, but who was there with them? I placed my ear on the door to listen.

"I promise you, sir, once I have the money, I'll give it to you. Trade has been bad recently, and I've tried other means to get the money, but all to no avail," my mother said.

"No way! I've given you enough time to run around for my money, and still, you fail to pay me. You'll have to compensate me with something as valuable as my money," the harsh voice replied.

My parents had borrowed money? Suddenly, it all clicked. My parents suddenly had money to send my elder brother abroad, but we didn't even bother asking them how they got the money.

"Please, sir, we'll try even harder this time. I promise your money will be complete," my mother pleaded.

"I didn't come all the way here to accept pleadings. I've made up my mind. I hear you have a daughter. She will be used as collateral for the money you owe me," the voice said, sounding even harsher.

My eyes widened, and my mouth fell open. What did I just hear?

"Please, sir, I promise we'll pay you back. Just give us some more time," my mother begged.

"Cassius, please, you should trust me when I say I will pay your money back in full. Just give me some time to raise it," my dad added.

"I'll be back here by tomorrow. My money better be ready, or else no one will be able to stop me from taking your daughter away from you," the man said, heading for the door.

I ran as fast as I could behind the house so that I wouldn't be spotted eavesdropping. I stayed there until I heard the sound of the car being driven away and waited until the sound had faded before going inside.

I pushed the door wide open, catching my parents' attention. I just stood at the door, staring at both of them.

"Welcome baby come in you look tired" My mum tried to bring me in but I pushed her hand down.

" why won't you stop pretending like everything is alright "

She took back her hand slowly and turned to my dad.

"When were you even going to tell me that I'm going to be used as collateral? maybe when that man comes back and forcefully drags me away? "

Both of them became silent and I kept staring at them, what was I expecting? it had always been this way, my parents only do things that favour my brother and keep me far off.

I hastily walked in, headed to my room and banged the door so loudly I'm sure they heard it.

I stood in front of my dressing mirror and watched as my self-respect slowly degraded to nothing, am I worthless?

all my life I've endured being second choice of my parents and now I would be used as collateral for the money used to send him to a different country.

Tears welled up I'm my eyes as I fell to the floor and realized I was still holding on to the admission letter I received from my dream university oakwood, I laughed mockingly at myself and the tears also didn't stop pouring.

"I cannot be used by the people I call my own family, they've never really supported me in anything I do and now I'm supposed to be used as a sacrificial lamb " I carried myself up from the floor and cleaned my eyes.

"I'll leave this house " I muttered.

I started packing a few items I would need to escape with, I couldn't just be taken away like that.

I took out one of my favourite crocheted bags I made in high school and started picking up important things I needed, honestly, I didn't know where or who I would be running to but one thing was certain, I wouldn't be used as collateral.

A loud knock came from the door and I shook,

"Who is it?"

"It's me baby open up please we need to talk"

"No Mum, please go away "

My mother and I have never had a close relationship so why was she trying to force one now, I'm sure she'll probably just try to convince me to accept to be taken.

" open up please let's talk, and you also need to come down for dinner "

"don't worry I'm not hungry and I want to be alone so please leave me alone "

She knocked for a while and eventually left.

"I'll leave here and never come back " I muttered.

I just needed to wait for everyone to fall asleep, for now, I'll just stay up planning.

After a while I heard my father on a call, he was asking his brother senior Alex and asking for some money to pay Cassius but as usual he refused and it only strengthened my resolve.

I needed to leave because no one could save me from what was coming.