Oakley

## History

A crack of the whip, the sharp pain of their back splitting open over and over. They’d learned long ago to never cry out. To grit their teeth and accept their beating. Hands gripped the wooden poled they’d been tied to. Forehead pressed against the wood as they tried to distance themselves. But each crack of the whip brought a new wave of hot fire that licked their back.

“Rebuke the devil child.” Their tormentor cursed and flicked the whip once again. “Repent!”

Oakley had been five when they received their first beating. They arrived at their foster home full of innocence and wonder. A small child gripping the small suitcase that held all of their possessions. They’d hugged their foster parents and thanked them for accepting them. It was later in the night when Oakley lay in their small bed that they’d learned the truth of it. Their foster father, Daniel, crawled into their bed and whispered reassurances. He’d bade Oakley remain quiet as the confused child only wanted to shy away. They’d whimpered as he’d reached into their pajamas. Then jumped as Daniel’s hand found something he wasn’t expecting. Their foster father cursed and tore their clothes away, revealing the truth. Between the small child’s legs lay both sexes.

“Blasphemy,” Daniel his and dragged Oakley from their bed. He dragged the child down the hall to the basement door. Opened it then threw Oakley down the flight of stairs. “Devilspawn.” Daniel accused, Oakley crying out in pain on the cement floor. He stomped down the stairs and proceeded to beat the child with his fists. All the while quoting bible verses and praying for Oakley’s salvation. Daniel left Oakley confused, broken, and bleeding in the cold basement overnight. The next morning their foster mother, Pam, cleaned them up, fed them breakfast, and didn’t mention the large bruise that covered their face.

This had continued almost nightly. Daniel would pull Oakley from their bed and beat them. Each time praying for the child’s salvation. A week had passed and Oakley tried to get help. They’d snuck out and went to the neighbor, crying and cradling a broken arm. The neighbor only crossed themselves, called Daniel, and sent the child back home. Broken mentally and physically, Oakley had curled up on the porch and wept. The beating they received when Daniel came home was the worst one yet.

Oakley had one bit of silver lining being raised in the hell hole. Because of their unique sex, Daniel never tried to touch them down there again. They’d been spared that abuse. But Oakley had been starved, beaten, whipped, and just neglected all of their childhood. The outsider in the religious sect their foster parents belonged to.

Shortly after their fifteenth birthday, Oakley couldn’t take it anymore. They’d stolen some rope and snuck out late one night. They trekked into the woods that bordered their home. Feet dragging, shivering in the cold night, Oakley hiked deep into the woods until they found a suitable tree. Tears streaking down their cheeks, Oakley tied the rope, threw it over a branch, then secured it to the trunk. Giving the world a middle finger, Oakley stepped out and fell, eyes closed.

The rope had been rotten, snapping under their weight. Oakley slammed into the frozen ground and gasped for air. Fingers digging into the ground as they sucked down precious breath. They cried and cursed. Even death had been denied them. Curled into a ball, Oakley shivered and awaited morning and the coming beating. It didn’t come. The sun peeking through the tree branches to wake the teen. Alone, Oakley looked around and realized two things at once. One, they were lost. Two, they were lost.

Light snow had fallen in the night, hiding Oakley’s tracks. Daniel couldn’t follow them to their current location. They were free. Jumping to their feet, Oakley rubbed their face hard and spun around. Practically gleeful at the thought of being free. They picked a random direction and ran.

The next month had been a desperate attempt to survive and put more distance behind them. Oakley had stolen, begged, and bartered for food and shelter. Constantly on the move and looking over their shoulder. Always afraid Daniel would suddenly show up and drag them from their bed once again. Skittish and tired, Oakley huddled in their thin clothing on the street. A cup and a sign beside them begging for a dollar.

The sight had proven too much for Sarah Moriarity’s soft heart. She’d approached the teen with an open hand and a warm smile. A place to crash, get cleaned up, and possibly a fresh start. She didn’t ask questions only showed Oakley the first bit of kindness they’d seen in a long time.

Oakley hadn’t planned to stay long. Just a few nights to fill their belly, sleep and steal what they could before moving on. But Sarah had proven more persistent than the teen could ever understand. On the day they were going to leave, Oakley stepped into the apartment to find that Sarah had bought them a bedroom set and wardrobe. Stunned, Oakley stayed for a few more nights.

Then Sarah surprised them with school books and study guides. “Everyone needs a high school education.” She chided them, pushing them to be better.

A few months had passed and Oakley clutched their GED tight in their hands. Shaking slightly as they couldn’t believe it. Tears on their cheek. And now? Sarah handed them an acceptance letter to a college. “Now to get your degree.” She chuckled and ruffled their hair.

Before Oakley knew it, they lived with Sarah for several years. They held an associate in performing arts. An internship at a movie studio as a stunt double. The tall lanky eighteen year old had a home and someone that cared for them.

Oakley stood to the side, a cup of coffee in hand as they waited for their scene. The movie was a fantasy romance. A handsome prince meant to save the damsel in distress. It almost made Oakley gag thinking about it. But work was work, They finished their coffee, grabbed the dagger from their belt, and stepped onto set. A wave of nausea hit them, the world tilted, and suddenly they were in a skull.

## Appearance

Oakley is of moderate height with a lanky build. Malnourished as a child, they hadn't built much muscle or fat on their frame. Hazel eyes are heavy-lidded and tend to just stare into empty space. Chestnut hair more often pulled up in a loose bun than down. Their ears are pierced multiple times with a large tattoo on their back to help hide the numerous scars.

Oakley tends to wear loose clothing that hides their frame. Still hiding and brainwashed to believe they are a monster and a freak.

## Personality

Dark, quiet, and stoic. Oakley takes their work seriously but tends to be a little rough on the edges. More content to keep to themselves than entertain others. "What's wrong Princess? Spotlight not bright enough on your issues?"

## Relationships

Sarah Moriarity- "This woman saved my life in ways I could never express. Gave me hope when I had none. I would die for her."