A Soft spot for an Angel

chapter 6 Kiara

2 years ago...

I laid in the hospital bed, bawling my eyes out. The unthinkable had just happened. Braxton, the love of my life had laid a hand on me, after I refused to get him another beer. He was already drunk as a skunk, he didn't need a second or maybe a 3rd beer. My entire body was now black and blue and because I had fallen, I had a few broken bones that were just about healed from being here for a few days. Emaly came to visit inviting me to live with them. "I.. I can't stay with you and Drew, Em"

"Why not?" She rose from her seat beside me placing her hands on each of her hips. "Where are you going to go? Back on the streets?"

"Maybe," I told her. "Anywhere is safer than back with Braxton "

"Exactly why you're coming to live with Drew and I. You and I are going out tonight. We're going dancing "

I scoffed. "OK, ok, I'll come live with you and Drew. But I'm not going dancing"

"I'll change your mind yet"

The doctor came back to check on me and assured me I could be released. Emaly led me outside and towards her car to drive me to my new home. I didn't bring much with me, aside from the bit of clothing I kept in my backpack. She unlocked the front door leading me into the living room to take a seat and to join her for a snack and some bad TV. It was nice to be in a warm place. I didn't feel a chill along my spine.

Emaly looked over at me with a mouthfull of popcorn. "Are you ok, Kiara?"

"Yeah," I cleared my throat. "Em, don't get emotional after I say this, but thanks for taking me in. I don't know where I'd be without you and Drew "

Emaly’s eyes welled up with tears. "No thanks necessary, Kiara. You've been family for as long as I can remember"

I traced my index finger along a few bruises on my arm. "I still can't believe Braxton hurt me. I really thought....I really thought he loved me. He's...he's exactly like my...my mother"

"You're safe now, I promise you. One day, you'll find your prince charming just like in the fairy tale books we used to read. Maybe you'll find him at the club tonight "

"All i want is some great sex with some guy who's full of himself and doesn't want any strings attached"

"Mmm," Emaly said quietly. "I may have the perfect guy for you. He's a friend of Drew's "

I raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "A friend of Drew's? Won't that be a little....a little awkward?"

"Nah, I'm sure Drew will be fine with it. " As if on cue, Drew entered the apartment surprised to see the 2 of us on the couch. "Drew just in time. Kiara's going to be staying with us for a while"

He joined us on the couch, eyeing all my visible bruises. "Who the fuck did this to you, Kiara?"

'No one," I whispered hiding my bruises under the sleeves of my gray sweater. "No one did this to me, I swear. I...I fell "

"Really? You expect me to believe that lie? Tell me who hurt you, Kiara"

I felt a tear roll down my cheek. "Braxton hurt me, ok? Are you happy now, Drew?"

"Fuck no!" Drew shouted forming fists with each hand. "I am going to fucking kill him!"

"Drew!" Emaly and I said in unison. "He isn't worth it!"

"How can you say that, either of you? He laid a finger on you, Kiara. You're lucky to be alive right now"

I sauntered towards him, hugging him around the waist. As angry as he was, he settled by my touch. "Drew, I know I'm lucky enough to be alive. But I need you to relax. I'm here with you and Emaly, Drew. I'm here, Drew"