Under Her Wing

Chapter 15

Danielle POV

The closer I got to Amalia's house the more I wanted to turn around and drive in the opposite direction.

Amalia had also gone quiet, resting her head and looking longingly out of the window.

The silence wasn't awkward, we were comfortable enough around each other and I didn't want to push her.

"Amalia I'm gonna call you tonight, just to check in okay?" I said, pulling up outside her house.

She stared towards her house unblinkingly. Following her gaze, I clocked what she was looking at. There were around six cars parked on her front lawn and driveway.

"Amalia, say the word and we drive away," I told her.

She finally turned her head to face me. All the colour had drained from her face and her eyes were hollow. I wasn't sure she was even seeing me in front of her.

"Mali," I said softly, taking hold of her hands.

"Do I need to drive away?" I asked seriously.

She glanced over her shoulder, back towards her house.

"I'm fine," she breathed out.

"Amalia," I pushed.

"I'll be alright Danielle," she tried to say with conviction.

"I'm going to go home and I'm going to have my phone with me all night Lia, use my number. Ring it, message it, I'm right on the other end sweetheart," I assured her.

"Thank you," she whispered, scared her voice would break if she tried to speak any louder.

I opened my arms for her, pulling her close to me as she lent forward. With her head tucked just beneath my neck, I held her in my arms for a moment, wanting her to feel safe for a little while longer.

"I need to go," she said after another minute.

I reluctantly, loosened my arms from around her.

"I don't want to," she said, pausing with her hand on the door.

"You don't have to Amalia," I told her again.

"I do," she said, finally opening the door and climbing out of the car.

I sighed and quickly ran my hands through my hair before getting out myself to help her with her suitcase.

I handed it over. She was about to turn and walk away towards her front door when she dropped her bags and wrapped her arms around my waist.

"I'll call you," I whispered.

She nodded against my chest before releasing and walking away. I stood frozen to the spot as I watched her go, knowing I shouldn't have brought her here and hating myself for doing so.

I eventually got back into my car, slamming my fists against the wheel, screaming out in frustration knowing I was doing the wrong thing.

I dialled Stefania's number before pulling away and driving off.

"Hello bellina," she answered happily.

I smiled through tears at the sound of her cheerful voice.

"Bella? Everything alright?" She asked, her lively voice switching to concern.

"I-I should h-have let her go," I choked out.

"Bellina take a breath," she said calmly.

I breathed in deeply.

"She's not s-safe,"