Despite it all

Chapter three

It was that time of the week again, my appointment with Emelie. I was so relieved walking by the road, knowing that I'm going to talk with her again.

I took the elevator to her floor and knocked on the door, she opened it and smiled.

- Hi honey! Welcome inside

I smiled at her and continued walking towards the couch before laying down. We started talking, first about how I was feeling, then about school, home and a bit about my book addiction.

I've never been a hundred percent honest with Emelie about what is really going on at home. If I tell her, there is a chance she will call the police, and as much as I want to be saved, I can't risk that. I need to handle this on my own.

When the time was over, I hugged her goodbye before leaving. It was already dark outside. I always book my meetings as late as I can, so I don't have to be home early.

The 40 minute walk home went by faster than I thought. I stopped for a while outside my house, just looking inside, seeing the television and the light were still on, shit.

I started walking towards the house and opened the front door. When I opened the door I spotted mom and dad sitting in the couch watching television.

- Stop right there

My dad said and I was already sweating.

- Do you think this is an hotel? Coming home this late? Do you know what time it is?

I shook my head and tried to breathe normal.

- I was studying at school with some friends

- Oh really? Like that's some kind off excuse? You are suppose to walk straight home after school everyday, understood?

I tried to hold it all in but I couldn't, he just made me so angry.

- Shut up

I said, but very quiet. He turned around slowly, facing me. I could tell by his face expression that he was so mad.

- What the fuck did you just said?

I didn't answer and turned my eyes towards mom who was just sitting there and didn't bother. I turned my eyes back to my dad again and saw his hand getting closer. He slapped me, very hard, at my cheek. I fell to the floor and put my hands against my cheek.

- I fucking dare you to repeat what you said

He screamed so loudly. I tried to stand up but he pushed me to the floor and took his hand around my throat, choking me. I took my hands and tried to take his off of me, but I didn't succeed. I then pushed my finger nails as deeply as I could in his skin and he released.

I stood up, as fast as I could and ran out with him following me, I slammed the door behind me and kept running. He opened the door but stopped because he knew he couldn't run out, in case our neighbors saw him.

I ran and ran and ran until I was out of breath and had to stop. I tried to wipe my tears off as I stood there, trying to breath normally again. I started to walk, I don't know where I'm going. But I knew I didn't want to go back there so I just walked.

After a while I reached a river, flowing calmly with a round bridge over it. I saw grass with a little steep hill and a bench above it.

I took a seat on the bench while I was looking through the surrounding. It was kinda pretty here, quiet and calm, everything I want right now. I wonder why I've never been here before.

After a while, in the corner of my eye, I saw someone. A guy. He was tall and muscular, but not in a bulky way. His hair was a little messy as it dangles above his eyebrows. I couldn't get a glimpse of his eyes though. We sat there for a few minutes in silence before he coughed. Oh fuck.