When the Bough Breaks

Chapter 16

BRITTNEY POV.

Last night after Dontrell called the police, they came over and took a statement from me. I don't think they're going to put Carter in jail. I think that they'll hospitalize him instead. That'll be better for him right?

As of right now, I'm at Dontrell's house taking a hot shower. I don't know why l feel so empty inside. Ive been having these negative thoughts about myself and the baby. I've been getting this feeling for a couple of weeks now. I've been taking my medication and maybe I just need sometime for the effects to work. It is a new medication so maybe my body needs time to get used to it.

I turn the shower off and step outside of it. I saw Dontrell walk past and I quickly grab my towel.

"I'm so sorry. I forgot to shut the door. I thought you'd be gone", I said as I covered myself up.

"I didn't see anything. I was going to shut the door but you beat me too it", said Dontrell.

"Can I get your advice on something?", I asked.

"Maybe you should get dressed first so we can talk face to face.", said Dontrell. "Kinda weird talking like this when I can't even see your face."

"You talk to me on the phone", I said.

"That's different.", said Dontrell.

"I have on a towel. It's okay to look at me", I said.

"I don't wanna make you uncomfortable", said Dontrell.

"...you make me feel far from uncomfortable. You make me feel safe.", I said.

"You sure?", he asked.

"Positive", I replied. "I'm covered up. It doing matter."

Dontrell walked from around the corner and stood at the doorway.

"What's up?", he asked as he kept his eyes on my face.

"Do you think I should...get a restraining order on Carter?", I asked.

"Um...well that's up to you", said Dontrell.

"I know it's up to me", I said. "I want to. But do you think it's the best decision."

"...yes", he replied.

I look to the side and nod. "Okay", I said.

It was silent between the both of us for a moment.

"Not trying to make you feel uncomfortable but um...what happened to your arms?", he asked.

I didn't realize I was showing my forearms. I usually hide the scars with long sleeves or makes up. I fold my arms across my chest so it wouldn't show.

"Long story", I said.

"...I'm here if you need to talk. Even Grayson is here for you. Remember that", said Dontrell

"I don't do that anymore", I said. "I haven't done it in months."

"Any thoughts?", he asked.

"...a little...but I'm a strong girl", I said.

"For your safety I'm putting away the sharp things", he said.

I nod and smile even though I felt embarrassed. "Okay", I said as I told folding my arms. When I did that, my towel almost dropped to the floor. Still it was no longer around me.

Dontrell closes his eyes.

"Oh my gosh", I said as I caught the towel before it hit the ground. I wrap it back around me. "I'm so sorry."

"It's okay...at least it was a nice sight- I mean. It's okay, it happens", said Dontrell.

I smile a little.

Suddenly I feel water running down my leg. I thought I was all dried by now but I guess not.

Dontrell opens his eyes and suddenly makes a confused face as he looks at me feet. I look down and I see blood.

"Oh my goodness", I said.

"I thought you were pregnant", said Dontrell.

"I— I'm supposed to be", I said as I felt panic taking over my body. "Dontrell, I'm scared."

"Stay calm, get dressed and I'll take you to the hospital", said Dontrell.

"Oh my gosh", I said as I started walking out of the bathroom.

"Did he hit your stomach?", asked Dontrell.

I begin to have a flashback of last night. I could just hear and see him saying "fuck that baby" as he kicked me in my stomach.

I didn't even answer Dontrell, I just continued to walk as I teared up. I was in so much panic that I didn't even shut the door. I just took my towel off and began getting dressed. Dontrell turned around but he continued to talk to me.

"Britt, no matter the outcome everything will be okay. This is not your fault", said Dontrell.

"It is..I should've figured out a way to leave him sooner. I should've called the police a long time ago but I didn't because I was scared.", I said.

"You didn't have that help back then but now you do. It's okay that you were scared but you don't have to be scared of him anymore.", said Dontrell.

I looked at the door away and saw Dontrell's back facing me.

"Ugh. I'm sorry. I'm so stupid. I forgot to shut the door", I said.

"You're not stupid", said Dontrell. "Stop talking bad about yourself."

I finish getting dressed and walk up to him.

"I'm ready", I said.

"Let's go", said Dontrell.

TO BE CONTINUED...