From Knives to Pens

From Knives to Pens - Chapter 19

A/N: The reads are now past three hundred and I really am surprised. I can't describe how much of a shock this is to me! Thank you to every reader who is supporting and appreciating my writing. As always please leave comments with your thoughts and if you spot any mistakes please tell me. Thanks. Enjoy the new chapter! Ciara x

Chapter 19 Willow’s POV:

Me and Andy stay in each other’s arms as the room grows dark when night draws in. I remember that I haven’t eaten anything at all today, but rather strangely I’m not hungry. I feel content being with Andy.

A yawn escapes me and I try to stifle it. Andy notices it and turns to me. “You should get some sleep. You must be tired after everything today.” He says softly. I nod at him, eyes feeling heavy. I bend down and untie my shoes. Andy pulls back the bed covers for me and I climb in. The sheets are tough and itchy but I don’t mind. Andy tucks the covers around me and smiles down at me.

“Goodnight Willow.” He whispers and he kisses me softly. I kiss him back gently and then we break apart. He moves away from the bed and my eyes close. I drift into sleep feeling at peace.

***

I wake up to find the sunlight streaming through the dirty window of our hotel room. It stings my eyes. I turn away and bump into someone.

I look down and see a dark figure curled up next to me, asleep. I smile knowing exactly who it is. Andy. I watch him sleep for a moment. He looks so peaceful and so perfect. I want to reach out and run my fingers through is long black hair. I still can’t believe he’s real.

Carefully, so as not to wake Andy, I get out of the bed. It creaks as I rise from it and I wince. I look back at Andy, hoping he hasn’t woken up. He’s still asleep and I feel relieved. He must be tired after touring. I go to my bag that is in the middle of the floor, where we had abandoned it after entering the room. I search around in it for my wash bag. When I have the small black bag in my hands, I go to the hazardous bathroom and begin to clean up. My eyes are now clear of makeup thanks to all the tears so once I’ve cleaned my face I apply a bit of eyeliner. I run a brush quickly through my black hair that is full of knots. I’m glad Andy didn’t see me like this.

My eyes meet my reflection in the cloudy mirror. I notice that my eyes have a happy gleam in them that wasn’t in them before. A smile lights up my dull features at the thought. Andy’s changed me. I feel stronger, happier and more content. Even after all that has happened in the last twenty four hours, the bond me and Andy share is enough to make me feel like all my worries are gone.

I walk back to the bedroom and I look over to the bed. Andy lies (still fully clothed from yesterday) with one arm covering his eyes, asleep. I smile and I pick up my bag and go back to the bathroom. I close the door behind me and it squeaks like something out of a horror movie. I wince hoping Andy didn’t wake up. I listen for any sound that will hint at him getting up, but after a minute of silence I decide I got away with it. I pull some clothes from my bag and begin to change it to them. My eyes catch on my reflection in the mirror just as I pull my top over my head. My breath catches in my throat. My bra line is covered in cuts and scratches.

I crumple to the floor, weeping. Even though I’m no longer looking at my reflection, the imprint of what I saw on my body still flashes before my eyes. The scratches and cuts made by Nate’s greedy hands are all I can see. My shoulders shake with tears. I try wiping them away and my hands come away with the eyeliner I just applied covering them.

Soon there’s no use in stopping the tears that I didn’t know I was holding in. I’m so immersed in the tears that I don’t even notice the door opening. I feel warm arms go around me and I cling to them desperately. I don’t care that I’m only in my bra and trousers; I hold Andy tightly, still crying. He makes soothing sounds in my ear and rocks us slightly while I cry.