Broken

*~ Chapter 3 ~*

Seth at the side ~>

*~*~*~*~*~*

Seth's POV:

When I first saw her leaning against the willow tree (that had become my preferred spot these last couple of weeks).

I thought she was beautiful. Unique even.

I felt my curiosity peak as noticed her tear stained face. I wanted know why she was crying, though I'm not entirely sure why I cared.

I was intrigued to say the least.

I hummed. "I like that name."

When she smiled, I felt my lips twitch up into a smile.

There was something about this girl that piqued my interests.
After all these years, I was becoming very bored, and eventually irritated by humans.

I wonder if that will change.

I doubt it.

Melissa's POV:

For most of the time we talked, It was mostly Seth trying to make a conversation by asking me questions and me answering with simple answers like yes and no.

I still don't know if I can trust this guy.

Sure he has been kind, yet oddly quizzical, I am not one to let my guard down that easily around someone who I've just met.

I don't really know why Seth was even talking to me.

No one ever did with the exception of Lewis.

Not one person even bothered to even acknowledge my existence and that's partly why I don't bother trying anymore.

I laughed at his joke. I guess we have the same sense of humour.

After a while of just talking to him, I noticed how easily he could make me smile and laugh.

I felt weird having a conversation with someone other than Lewis (and his teachers on occasion).

I checked my phone for the time. Yes, I do have a phone which I was actually surprised my parents allowed me to have. It wasn't an expensive phone; just a Nokia, however I was still appreciative.

"Shit." I mumbled.

Seth looked at me. "What?" He asked.

"Oh, nothing I just need to go pick up my little brother from school before they call my mum." I said as I got up hurriedly.

"I guess I'll see you later." I smiled.

I started to walk away, picking up my pace.

"Wait!" Seth shouted as he caught up with me. He slung his bag on his shoulder.

"Is it alright if I come with?" He asked.

"Um sure, if you want" I said. It was nice having company. Although it was a bit weird.

We started walking towards St Parks School.

"So, why don't you want your mum to know?" He asked softly.

Damn. I was hoping he hadn't picked up on that.

"It's just because....Picking Lewis up from school is my responsibility and if she found out I forgot, she would ground me." Yep, that sounded believable.

If I ever did forget to pick him up, I don't even want to think about what they would do to me.

Before he had a chance to answer, we had reached the school gates. Suddenly, something rammed into my stomach. I stumbled back.

I looked down to see Lewis, bawling his eyes out.

I crouched down so that we were eye level.

"What wrong Lew?" I asked suddenly worried.

"I thought that you were gone, I...I..I-uh thought you left me" He sobbed.

I wrapped my arms around his small frame.

"I would never do that, you know I wouldn't. I promised." I said softly.

One Year Earlier

I slowly crept along the hallway. Hopefully they won't come back soon.

I reached Lewis' door and opened it. I saw his little figure hunched under the quilt. I slowly walked over to his bed and sat down on it. He was shivering, not because he was cold but out of fear. And I knew why.

I lightly embraced him, well technically the cover. He froze but then popped his head out of the padded cover.

The fear in his eyes fading away once he saw it was only me. Even though I always reassure him that I would never let them touch him. He still thinks they will come for him.

He snuggled against my stomach and whispered "I wish they would stop."

I stroked his hair. "So do I" I said sadly.

I don't know how to escape this life, If we ever did leave, they would find us. They'd beat us like there's no tomorrow. And most importantly, I wouldn't be able to protect Lewis.

He doesn't understand how people are, some people are just like that and there's no changing them. He likes to see the best in people.

Lewis suddenly sat up and looked at me with teary eyes.

"You would never leave me, right?" His voice barely audible.

I looked at him in surprise which soon turned into sadness. "Of course not, How could I ever leave you? We only have each other and we will get out of this together. I will never leave you."

"Promise?" He held out his little finger.

I linked my finger with his.

"Promise".

End of Flashback

I hugged Lewis one more time before standing up. I wiped his fresh tears.

Lewis suddenly looked behind me.

I was well aware that Seth had just witnessed that. Hopefully he don't read too much into it.

Though, would he actually care?

"Seth meet Lewis, my little brother" They smiled at each other.

"Oh, we need to go, I'll see you later Seth and thanks for walking me here" I smiled and waved at him as we began walking.

He waved back and turned to walk the opposite way, throwing one last glance our way.

I hope we get home before they do.