𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 | ✓

𝐗𝐗𝐗𝐈 - 𝐖𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚

(edited)

Two days had passed since Valeria left, and I already missed her more than I could bear. The moment she boarded that plane was the most emotional one I had ever experienced. I was on the verge of letting her go, my heart tightening with every step she took away from me. She would have missed her flight if Aiden and Chris hadn't pulled me away. But what were we supposed to do in only three days? I had so much left to tell her, so much left unsaid.

Cole, on the other hand, was no longer the same. The dye on his hair had already faded, its vibrant red reduced to a dull memory after only three showers. He hadn't looked me in the eye since that outburst on Friday, and I couldn't blame him. His little sister, his own flesh and blood, had been terrified of him. And I knew that hurt him.

But I also knew Cole was nothing like mum and dad. He was sweet and caring. He could never hurt me. I was sure of that. And still, the thought of what happened haunted me. He had looked exactly like dad that night, his anger so raw and intense. It had frightened me more than I wanted to admit.

Now, as I lay in my bed, curled under the warmth of my duvet, I tried to push those thoughts aside. It was 3.00, and sleep had finally found me. I dreamed of a concert I had always wanted to attend, the music pulsing in my veins. But then, something jerked me awake. Something terrifying.

A scream. Not just any scream. A scream filled with pain and pure torture. It was a sound I knew all too well. I had screamed like that every time dad punched me, every time mum kicked me, every time glass pierced my skin, or a fist bruised my face. Every time my ribs cracked or blood poured from my mouth. When dad slammed my head into the wall, and mum just watched, her eyes gleaming with something dangerous, something almost manic.

The scream that tore through the house was too familiar, too haunting. It ripped me from my dreams, and fear surged through my veins. I shot out of bed, rushing toward the door, heart hammering in my chest. I was panicked, breathless, terrified. Before I could even touch the handle, Aiden burst into my room, slamming the door behind him.

"What in the world is going on? Who's hurt? Is it any of you?!" I shouted, panic thick in my voice.

Aiden looked like he had seen a ghost, his face drenched in sweat, his body tight with anxiety. I had never seen him like this before. He wasn't just stressed, he was terrified! "Nothing, carissimo. It's nothing. Cole's just watching a horror movie!" he lied through his teeth, his voice a little too smooth, too calm. (Dearest)

My eyes narrowed for a brief second "I'm not stupid, Aiden!" I yelled, frustration bubbling over. "I know the difference between a scream of fear and a scream of pain! I've lived through both! What's happening? Why is everyone lying to me?"

Aiden stared at me, his eyes wide, as if I had just spoken another language. That was when I knew something was terribly wrong, and no one was telling me the truth!

He sighed, rubbing his forehead in frustration. "Look, I understand you have questions my love, and I promise you, you'll get your answers soon. But right now, I need you to-"

I couldn't take it anymore. My emotions were teetering on the edge, and I was already at breaking point. I had had enough of secrets, of being in the dark.

"No!" I shouted, cutting him off. "I want them now! I need to know! I have the right to know! Someone is screaming in my house, and you think I'm just supposed to sit here and not know?! I have to know, Aiden!"

I could feel my blood boiling, my body trembling with a mixture of fear and fury. I grabbed my pillow, clutching it to my chest, my eyes locked on his. My heart raced, and all I wanted was the truth. Was that too much to ask for?