𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 | B.E

PART 4

004; corruption

katherine's pov

i consumed the entire weekend texting billie, for once my mind was empty. i thought about nothing when i spoke to her. we would talk about the most random topics for hours on end but eventually, she'd sleep which meant i was forced back into my horrific reality.

as much as i liked messaging billie i had to admit, the escape from my parents was the best part. which is why i dreaded her goodnight text because i knew i'd have to face them. i hadn't slept or eaten for days and believe me i tried.

the thought of eating turned my stomach and no matter how hard i tried i couldn't sleep. every time i closed my eyes i saw things that i thought i'd mentally blocked.

i became petrified of the dark.

some nights i heard my parents arguing, nothing out of the ordinary until it grew worse by the day, objects being thrown and smashed sent chills down my spine. i was so afraid that i'd get used to this.

i'd stare at the ceiling with dried tears on my cheeks until my room turned bright orange from the rising sun beaming through my window then impatiently waited for billie's good morning text.

[ - ]

billie
goodnight love
read 01:56am

billie
ana wants you to come
drinking with us.

katherine
yes, how about right now?

billie
it's seven in the morning
and we have school.

katherine
late breakfast, early lunch?
it's five o'clock somewhere

billie
are you okay?

katherine
you know i don't like that question

billie
fine, are you happy?

katherine
not for years what's
your point?

billie
my point is i get more
and more worried about you
everyday.

katherine
i'll see u at school
read 07:43am

[ - ]

i desperately wanted to leave before my parents woke up; so i quickly brushed my teeth and hair leaving it down so i didn't waste any time then changed my clothes. when i grabbed my bag i felt light-headed and my vision blurred for a moment.

panicked i placed my hand against the wall to keep me up and i closed my eyes. i stood there for a moment until i got my strength back. once i did i walked into the kitchen to pour myself a cup of water, taking small sips at a time. feeling my eyes sting and my head pound from the zero sleep i'd gotten over the weekend.

i felt a presence behind me and before i could turn around my hair is yanked. suddenly i'm slammed into framed photos hanging on the wall, glass shatters onto the floor.

"how loud do you have to be at eight o'clock in the morning?" my father yells, "i was getting a drink" i explained, quietly, there was no way on earth i'd raise my voice after what happened last time.