My Perfect Adoptive Family

You Weren't Supposed To Know

I walk in the house, to see Selena crying into my dads chest. "Ella, we need to talk," he says as he motions to the chair across from him. I sit down, nervously. "You aren't in trouble, I just need you to tell me something."

I nod as Selena sits up. She wipes her face. "I'll be right back," she quickly scurries to the bathroom.

"What's going on?" I ask as I pull my sleeves over my wrists.

Selena comes back from the other room. "Earlier, Sel was getting the charger and this fell out." he holds up a blade. "Can I see your wrists?" He asks quietly. I shrug as I look at my lap. "Ell, I won't hurt you or judge you. I just want to see," he whispers.

I lift my arms on top of the table. He slides my sleeves up. Selena gasps at all the marks. "Ella," she whispers as she moves to sit next to me. She pulls me into a hug. "Sweetheart, why?" She asks as I begin crying.

I shrug helplessly. "Ell, when was the last time?" Dad asks as he sits on the other side of me.

"L-Last night," I admit.

Selena holds me tighter. "Why?" Selena asks. I cry into her shoulder for a few minutes. "You're beautiful, and sweet, and an amazing person. Don't do this to your beautiful body."

"Honestly, I don't know why I keep doing it. It's addicting," I whisper. "I'm sorry!" I burst into tears again.

Riker Rubs my back. "There has to be a reason," he whispers.

"I hate myself," I whisper back. He pulls me to him. "Daddy," I sob into his side.

Sel kneels in front of me. "We'll get through this, as a family." She says sweetly. "I promise, we'll do everything to help you."

"Promise," Riker whispers before kissing my head. "Go take a nap, we'll go out to dinner later," he says sweetly. I nod and stand up. I walk to my room, closing the door behind me. After about an hour of tossing and turning, there's a knock on the door before it opens. i feel the bed dip as someone lays next to me. "I know you aren't sleeping," dad states.

I turn around and look at him. "Where's Selena?" I ask quietly.

He moves some hair away from my face. "She went home to get ready. She wanted me to spend sometime with you," he says in a hushed tone. I move closer to him, snuggling into him. he plays with my hair. "You can talk to me, Ell."

"I have depression," I admit.

He pulls away from me, looking at me in shock. "How come you didn't tell me?"

I shrug. "It's embarrassing," I sigh.

He presses his lips firmly to my forehead. "Get some rest, kiddo. I'll come wake you up in a few hours," he says as he stands up.

I close my eyes, allowing sleep to take over. ~ "Ella, sweetie, wake up." Selena whispers in my ear.

I roll over and look at her. "Can I tell you something?" I ask as I sit up and rub my eyes.

She shows a small smile and nods. "Of course," she says supportively.

"It stays between us, right?" She nods again. "I-I.. there's certain things I witnessed and it's easier when I have flash backs, to cut instead of have the emotional pain." I say as a few tears spill over.

She rubs my back supportively. "If you need anything, please come to me. Even if I'm on tour, I need to know when stuff like this happens."

Riker knocks on the door. "You alright?" He asks as he sits on the bed next to me.

Sel wipes my face clean of tears. "Yeah, I'm okay."

~~

Riker and Selena are asleep. Now's my chance. I sneak into the kitchen to grab a knife. I scurry to the bathroom. Once I'm satisfied with all the slashes, I sit on the ground, crying. Riker walks in. "Oh my god. Ella, baby, no!" He pulls me into a hug. The blood turns his blue shorts, purple. "Baby, stop," he whispers.

He runs my arm under warm water. "I'm sorry," I repeat over and over.

He pulls me into another hug. "Stop apologizing," he sighs. "I want you to actually go to bed, Ella. Don't do this again, alright?" I nod. He kisses my forehead. "Night!" He calls as we walk to our rooms.

"Night, daddy."

"Ell?" He says before I close my door.

I peak out. "Yeah?" I respond quietly.

He glances back into his room. "Why?"

I sigh deeply. "You weren't supposed to Know," I close the door.