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"your potential is endless, you just have to believe in yourself"

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"your potential is endless, you just have to believe in yourself"

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His expression hardened as I watched his jaw clench and unclench. His hands dropped from mine and I pulled the shirt back over the lingering bruise. I had never told anyone because that was a huge burden on someone. A lot of worrying, and asking questions, always checking in. While that is nice it means they put a lot of their life on hold.

I knew he didn't know what to say, I never expected the person that I one day came to tell would have any idea what to say to me. I'm sorry, would never feel right for what you go through when you are abused, saying nothing shows you don't care. You mainly can't say anything except ask whatever questions they have. I never thought the person I would tell would be Jack, it shouldn't have been, I didn't mean to tell him.

Jack stood there silent for a few more seconds before he took a deep breath. "What's his name?" His voice was flat, there was no emotion left in it. Our once playful mood was gone and that was because of me. I made the happiness he had go away because I put my burden on him.

I shook my head no and got off the counter, this was a bad idea I shouldn't have come here with him. I shouldn't have talked to him because now I didn't want to leave. This small interaction reminded me of why he was so close to me growing up. It was never weird or boring, we made it fun. Just being around him made me happy being back here with him where we spent so many afternoons together hurt. I didn't have this anymore but that was on him, I did nothing wrong to him, he chose to walk away from me.

I didn't get out of the bathroom when I felt a hand wrap around my wrist, it scared me and I wanted to disappear. Jack scanned my face and then where his hand was, when his eyes came back up to mine that is when we spoke.

"You shouldn't react that way to a small human touch, what's his name? I can help you. My mom is a lawyer, you know that we can get you out." He was trying to explain to me before I cut him off.

"Jack, if I wanted your help I would've asked for it. I don't even know why I am here, honestly there is no point. I don't need the help. I will be eighteen in a few months, I am leaving town. I'm getting out on my own." Tears started streaming down my face for what felt like the fifth time today. "You left, you broke every promise you made me growing up, I became nothing to you. If you think people want to help me you are wrong, no one even wants me." I snapped at him, feeling defeated.

He stood there stunned and I turned around and left the room. I found my bag near the entrance to the house where Charlotte had nicely placed it for me. I sauntered down the stairs and grabbed my bag. Walking out of the house I took a deep breath trying to control the tears. I couldn't do this. As much as I told myself I could, it just didn't seem possible for me at this point.

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