Clato: Cuts Beneath the Surface

Chapter 18

The walk home takes a second and eternity. I am home too quick and too slow at the same time. Light February snow flutters around me as I walk. I am so cold. I reach the porch where Favian and I used to sit and drink lemonade. It's hard to hold onto the memory through the snow. I freeze on the icy steps. I don't want to go in. The door opens and my choice is made for me.

Favian yanks me into the icy house. I am slammed against the wall as the door snaps shut.
"I'm sorry Favian." I whisper.
"You should be."
He creeps closer and pulls me off the ground. Next thing I know Favian is punching me over and over and over. I can't fight him. I still love him.

I curl into myself but he holds me against the wall. Stars spin in my vision and I feel something wet and hot dripping down my forehead. Favian releases me and I crash to the ground. He kicks me hard in the chest and I hear a loud snap. He bends down and touches me all along my arms and legs. I fight back the urge to gag at my revulsion.

Favian rips off my coat, shirt and shoes. "Get up!" he shouts, spit flying everywhere. "Get up!" I struggle to my feet and he grabs me and kisses me. It is disgusting and wet. I choke. I try to shove him off of me but he's too strong. It only makes him angry. He throws me again. I hit the kitchen table and my ankle gives way and burns.

"Why are you fighting me? Don't you love me?" Favian calls as he approaches. I whimper and he hits me again. My vision blacks for a moment. Favian stands over me. He looks at me with a feral madness I have never seen before. He's not even drunk. I flinch as he puts his hands on me.

"Don't." I beg but the animal he's become cannot hear me. This is not my Favian. That man has been gone for some time now. I realize too late that this man does not love me. He never did. I see red as blood drips from my face. Favian picks me up and runs his hands all over me. He is beyond vile. I squirm and land hard on the floor. I can't breath. I am hyperventilating too hard.

He's going to kill me.

Just then the door bangs open and an icy wind sweeps into the house. I shiver violently but cannot voluntarily move an inch. Favian stands over me. I feel tears trickling down my numb and bruising cheeks.

The next moment, Favian is gone. A large, dark shape tackles him to the ground. The same person shouts as he hits Favian again and again. He is brutal and glorious. "How dare you hurt her! You are nothing but a monster and a coward!" Favian struggles but can't throw the large figure off. "You will NEVER hurt her again. You will never touch Clove again!"

Favian goes still but he is not dead, just unconscious. I don't know whether or not to be relieved. But I am hurt so badly right now, I cannot dwell on the thought.

I give a pitiful little whimper and the person turns to me. His dark shape becomes corporal the closer he gets. I can see a few scratches but he is otherwise unharmed. I can barely keep my eyes open.

"I'm sorry. God. I'm so sorry. I should have hit him earlier. I should have got here earlier." He walks closer. I hear a gasp when he sees me. "Stay with me Clover." he begs.

Cato kneels beside my broken form.

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