Shattered: Broken Series // Michael Clifford (book 2)

Chapter 4

(Kate's POV)
After awhile, I finally get to sleep. I keep tossing and turning, my mind constantly thinking about Michael. He's gone. He doesn't love me anymore. Tears begin to fall again, the salty droplets landing on my silk pillow case. As I drift in and out of sleeping, the memory of Danny finally comes back crystal clear.

(Flashback)
"Hello love." Danny smiles in his black tux. We have been together for a year now, so it would only be appropriate to have an anniversary dinner. He takes his strong hands in mine, delicately kissing them. As we make our way onto the highway in his truck, Danny starts to make bad conversation.
"Where were you yesterday?" His voice is a little more harsh.
"Just with Penny. Why?"
"That's a lie." I slowly gulp, afraid he will notice from his accusation.
"What do you mean Danny?"
"I know damn well you weren't with Penny. I saw her alone in a store yesterday."
"No you see I was in the dressing room..." Before I could back away, he slapped me hard in the face.
"Bullshit Kate! If your cheating on me, just tell me damnit!" He's yelling now, more furious than I have ever seen him. He continues to punch and bruise me, until I am full out in tears. As we stop for a red light, I finally do it. My hands grip the handle so tight, making sure he can't grab me. With a quick movement I burst open the door, the cool breeze hitting me in the face. My lilac dress blows in the wind as I jump onto the curb. He's furious now, and I'm bloody. When the greenlight approaches, he has no time to snatch me anymore so I do the only thing I can at this point. Run. My feet carry me as fast as they ever have before, with my bruised arms holding up my beautifully ruined dress. I was finally free. Broken, but free. As I reached my house, my bruises and cuts were more noticeable then ever. Only my mother was home and she was probably napping, so I could sneak upstairs to clean up without her noticing, like I would usually do after one of our "disagreements". I sit beside my bathtub, cleaning the dirt and dried blood off of me. Just as I finally finish, my mother walks in. Oh god.
"Kate honey? I thought you were supposed to be with D..." She looks horrified at my appearance.
"Oh my god Kate what happened?"
I finally just let it all out.
"D... Danny." I sniffle.
"Tell me everything." She gives me a sympathetic look and sits down beside me, holding my hands. It was then that I finally told her. How I had been beaten, bruised and even raped for a year. The whole time she seemed shocked and scared for her little girl, and in all honesty, I would be too. Mother enclosed me in a warm hug, letting all my worries and tears seem to fade with the growing warmpth. After I thought I was safe, Danny comes walking into my room.
"Kate, love? I'm so sorry."
"You." My mom growled.
"If you don't get out of my daughters room in 3 fucking seconds I will take your ass to court." His eyes widened at my mother, who was showing her harsh side. She meant business. And after that, let me tell you, I have never seen Danny run so fast.
"Oh and you know I still will be taking your ass to court right? No one touches my fucking daughter. No one." She gives me a light hug, and I almost have to laugh at what she just said.
"I promise I will never let that man hurt you okay? I'm so sorry." She cries, giving me another hug.
"Okay." I stumble.
(End of flashback.)

Ever since I was with Michael, the dream never occurred again. He used to protect me, but now, I'm alone in cold sheets, scared for my life. If only he was here to hold me. To tell me everything is okay. But the truth is, it never will be.

(A/N: listen to How Long Will I Love You at this point if you really want to feel the pain of Kate)

(Michael's POV)
Penny and I make good conversation about a mix of topics, ranging from sports to music.
"What kind of music are you interested in?" She smiles.
"Well I like bands like Green Day, All Time Low and some Nirvana."
"Me too omg! I really love Smells Like Teen Spirit."
"Impressive." I breathe, in shock by how much she loves bands. God, I'm starting to like her even more. It seems like just a few minutes before the staff lunch lady shoos us out for closing time. Me and Penny walk around the hospital some more, talking about our families.
"Well my parents are divorced, and my brother is in college."
"Well at least you have both parents." I sigh, suddenly realizing that my mothers birthday is in a few days. She rubs my back, and I figure that she knows. I don't know how, but I don't care to find out at the moment. After awhile, Penny starts to grow tired and so do I. She slowly walks me to my room and I plop down on the bed.
"Thank you Penny for keeping me occupied in this hell hole."
"Yeah no problem." She gives me a cute, light giggle. As she gets up to leave, Penny leans over to where I sit and gives me a kiss on the cheek. I slowly smile, the warmpth from her lips against my cold cheek feeling good. My mind instantly races to my supposed girlfriend Kate, but I don't remember her, so technically we aren't together. At least that's how it should be. It's not like I care about her anymore. I feel bad maybe, but I just couldn't have ever loved her.

(Penny's POV)
His eyes light up at the touch of my lips to his cheek. I can slightly his hesitation, which I figure is caused by Kate. Ugh. I wave goodnight to him, showing a huge smile on my face. All day I could tell he was slowly falling in love with me. Honestly, I thought it would take longer, but then again, who could resist me? Poor Kate. Little does she know her precious little Michael doesn't give a shit about her anymore.

(A/N: WOAHHHHHHHH NOW PENNY'S POV GUYS SH*T JUST GOT REAL!!!! But lemme tell you, I have WAY more plot twists and turns planned for you guys. OOPS MY BAD! But it would be awesome if you guys could maybe recommend this to a friend, vote or comment? I'm sorry I'm super annoying but you guys are amazing. Ily all xx)