Making Bonds

*Chp 16*

"Taylor? You awake?"

I saw a lump move to sit up from beneath the covers of the bed, "Yeah, I'm up."

I lie down on top of the covers beside her and turn to look at her, waiting patiently for her to explain. This is how I'd always seemed to get Brendan to open up and I figured it might have the same effect on Taylor, moving to this school had definitely taught me patience.

Eventually she started, "Well... See, it's like this... Can I start by saying thank you? You really helped me out at school and looking after me like you have... It means a lot and I don't want you to think I'm unappreciative."

I smile at her, "We both know you'd have done the same for me and it was no bother. But you need to tell me what happened now and about the secrets you've been keeping because I never want to see you like that again"

She smiled sadly at me, "It's a long story. But I guess you don't really care about that."

I nod, "I have all the time on the world, due to unforeseen circumstances I seem to be missing a lot of classes so it isn't like I have a pile of homework or anything."

She took a deep breath, "I should probably start with a bit about my past. Around 4 years ago my mother died of cancer. I took it pretty badly though have moved on but my dad... To be honest I think he loves her memory more than he ever did her. They were always fighting and it would go as far as physical violence sometimes but not often, he worked more and more until she got sick so he was barely home for them to have the chance. He threw himself into his work even more after she'd passed and he started expecting more of me; at first it was just a few more chores but then he started dictating that I dressed 'like her' and have his dinner ready every night and wash all his clothes and meet his business contacts and get perfect grades but never giving me time for schoolwork. All these new expectations combined with a rebellious teenage nature and eventually I just started saying no. I told him I had big plans for my life and I was going to do well in school and go out and see my friends outside of class. He didn't like that. That was the first time he hit me. I was about 15 and I was shocked because in all my life he had never been violent towards me, just a little negligent or demanding sometimes. I could've hit him back but he was my father and I was brought up to respect that, plus I had nowhere else to go and I convinced myself it was a onetime thing. Needless to say it never let up and the violence has only increased. I can't stay late at school because I always have to be home to cook and clean and help him with work. He got fussy about the way he liked his food and would beat me if it wasn't right, same if he didn't think the house was clean enough. He always takes me to business meetings as I look intimidating and he thinks it gives him a bargaining chip, a few times he has offered me as a 'good will offering' to close his business deals and I've had a few close shaves but a swift knee to the groin or nearly having your lip bitten off usually chases them away. But I would be punished for it later. This beating was because he was drunk and home early yesterday and realised I wasn't home exactly on time because I was bringing Molly to you, but he was soo drunk I could've been 20minutes early and he would probably accuse me of something regardless so don't be feeling guilty, I can tell you are but it honestly isn't your fault."

Once all this had come pouring out Taylor was in tears and I was holding her and rocking her comfortingly.

Her expression suddenly steeled and she sat up straight. "I am not going to cry over it anymore. Some things can't be helped as I won't give him the satisfaction in seeing me this big a wreck. I'll have to go soon or I'll be late, I hope-"

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'LL HAVE YO GET BACK?!"

She gives me a 'duh' look "Umm, it means I'll be in trouble if I don't leave soon."