Autumn Haze

17: 'The one with the text...'

I glance at Olivia as she gives me a small smile in the bathroom mirror, her hands are cover with plastic gloves, in her left hand she is furiously shaking the hair dye bottle.

'Are you sure about this? You've only just gone back to blonde.'

I nod slowly, 'Positive, copper reminds me of healing and for the first time in the past few months, I want to fucking heal.'

Her arms wrap around me tightly and to my surprise I don't tense, 'Baby, do you want to tell me what you are healing from? I just want to help you I promise but I will never push you into anything.'

I swallow harshly almost like I've got glass stuck in my throat, 'I'll...I'll tell you.'

Her eyes widen slightly, 'Y-You will?'

'I-I...I...I was...raped.'

Her blue eyes begin to go misty as she clutches onto me even tighter, 'I'm so sorry. I don't even know what to say, have you received any support? Does it make you uncomfortable having Archer staying with us because he still owns his old apartment?'

I shake my head, 'I don't need him to stay somewhere else, I actually feel slightly comfortable around him. And...yes, I've got a therapist called Claudia.'

A strangled sob escapes her lips, 'I-I'm so sorry that I wasn't there when it happened, I should have fucking been there for you.'

'You tried to be there for me, that's what counts.'

'You are so fucking strong, I hope you know that.'

I shrug, 'Weakly, I don't always feel strong.'

'Well, if your baby cousin is even half as strong as you are, I'll be the proudest mother on this planet.'

Tears begin to roll down my cheeks as I melt into her embrace, 'Thank you.'

'What are you thanking me for silly?'

'For almost making me feel like I have a mother, even just for a second.'

'Don't thank me for that. I'm always going to be here to support and protect you, I promise.'

I sniffle loudly, 'Enough of the emotions, let's dye my hair.'

'You've got to promise me, that if I mess it up that you won't shout at me.'

I narrow my eyes at her through the mirror, 'No promises.'

'I'm not doing it unless you promise.'

'I'm not promising.'

'Promise me.'

She huffs loudly, 'Fine, I promise.'

...

My eyebrows knit together when an awkward looking Sammy walks into my room shielding his eyes, 'I promise I can't see anything!'

I roll my eyes, 'I'm dressed dumbass.'

He lets out a breath of relief as he takes his hands away, 'Oh thank god.'

'How come you're here?'

He gasps dramatically before sitting down on the edge of my bed, 'Can I guy not see one of his friends without needing something?'

I raise an eyebrow, 'What do you need?'

He rubs the back of his neck, 'I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable.'

'Just tell me.'

'It's about Luke.'

My stomach drops as my heart twists violently, 'W-What about Luke?'