His favourite Toy

Part 9: where are they?

The rain poured down onto me, as I was sprinting through the streets - like my legs had a mind of their own. Although apart of me wanted to stop in order to breathe, I couldn't stop. I jumped through the puddles on the streets, hopping through groups of people.

"Mia, Mia, mia, mia, mia, mia" I kept repeating to myself, my voice breaking.
"No, no, no, no. No... no no no" I skidded on the stairs up to her apartment building praying I'm not too late.

"So what did you do?"

I peered my head up at Hannibal, who sat beside me on the couch in his living room. Above the fireplace, where it kept me warm and cozy, was a clock striking 11. I sighed, brushing some hair off my shoulders, my legs crossed in my dress.

"What could I do?" I replied back plainly, staring down at my wine glass that was half full whereas Hannibal's was empty. His eyes glanced down to where I was looking.

"Is that why you don't drink?" He slanted his head at me, his hands on his lap. I couldn't look him in the eyes, I didn't want to. Instead, I stared at his hands.

"Partially" I shrugged my shoulders, taking a sip of the rich wine that I'd imagine I'd never have the opportunity to drink again.
"I used to drink a lot" I managed to spit out, biting my bottom lip. This was one of the many subjects I was ashamed to talk about.
"And I mean a lot. I was barely working, I would drink on my own then see Mia and we'd do it all again" I finally met Hannibal's eyes, my tone was mellow and croaky. Once I saw him, I noticed his dazed eyes show sorrow, which I didn't want.

"Do what all again?" He pushed further, his tone also mellow and quiet. In order to gather my words, I took in a deep breath - however I couldn't. I shook my head at him, shooting my head back down. Hannibal slanted his head at me, putting his hand through my hair, stroking me slightly. He nudged closer to me, then going to stroke my forearm.

"May I also ask about the man you tried to discuss in todays session?"

The second those words escaped his well-mannered tongue, I felt a ton of rocks fall off my shoulder. I let out a shuddered sigh of relief, finally being able to raise my head again, looking into the fire which enhanced the reflection on the developing tears in my eyes.

"His names Kenny. He's not a good man" I exclaimed through my heartbroken voice, shaking my head to myself as the memories came back.
"He used to..." then a tear fell down my cheek before I went to frantically wipe it away, including those in my eyes. I still felt Hannibal's saddened eyes look through me as I spoke, however I could never look into them as I spoke.
"He used to be really mean. He'd call me loads of names and one time... I was drunk and we slept together and he got me pregnant. I miscarried but I never told him because I was..." the more I spoke, the more I felt like I couldn't breathe. I had to stop talking to take in a deep, shallowed, shaky breath before I couldn't continue on.
"I was really scared of what he'd do" I whimpered. Hannibal then tightened his grip around my forearm, pulling me into chest as he cradled me, resting his head on top of mine.

———

As I was approaching my front door, I tiredly searched through my bag for my keys. Once I managed to find them, I leaned on the door while I was attempting to unlock it. Then, I rushed my way home, throwing my heels off and directed over to the stairs. Sprout was laid on her back on the couch, letting out long, loud snores so I left her to it. I used the stair railings to support my poor coordination through the dark to Clem and V's room. Carefully, I hesitantly opened the door, cringing at the creaking. Instantly, a whiff of weed hit my nostrils, causing me to pull a face. Vincent then revealed himself by throwing the curtains off him, sat by the window holding a joint out of the room. His eyes were wide at me, showing shear panic but I couldn't be arsed shouting. I knew he smoked and he knew I used to. I waved my hand at him, signalling to not worry as I approached.