Affliction

Chapter 7

Jessie

Rose Tillman, she was the girl I seen that night at the hospital. I didn't know why I was so intrigued to know why she was there that night; But I had a gut feeling it had something to do with Abby, so I had to talk to her see if she knew anything about what happened that night.

When the ceremony had finished I stood outside the auditorium waiting for her to exit. Everyone that left before her either gave a head nod of understanding or shook my hand and apologized for my sister, you would think she was dead the way her classmates were giving condolences.

I waited and waited, what was taking her so long; finally after the last big herd of families and students exited through the double doors here she came, along with the stragglers. She walked with her head down.

I didn't know if she was trying to hide or walking in embarrassment. "Rose"? I call out trying to get her attention, but she doesn't hear me. "Rose"! I call out again louder this time – trailing behind her.

It wasn't until we were outside the school that she turned to acknowledged me calling out to her. She stopped and stood next to the big oak tree in front of the school, Henry we would call it; The Kindergarten class named it a few years back– "What"? Rose asked in a defensive tone. She flung her Graduation gown over her shoulders and folded her arms.

"I'm Jessica, Jessica Swan." I begin not really sure how to address her on the matter. "I think I saw you last week at the hospital." I state in an unsure tone. She looks away and angles her head downward, "Yea, what about it." She asks still keeping eye contact with the concrete. "I was just wondering, if you would happen to know anything about the night my sister was attacked." I inquire finally.

Rose's face expression immediately changed from dazed and confused to concern. She straightened up and adjusted what she was holding, "No, but I am the one who found her that night." She answered this time with a more sympathetic tone. "really, That's why you were there that night, but why did you run off afterwards"? I ask recalling back to that night at the hospital.

Rose tucked her long slick black hair behind her ears. Shrugged and answered " I had to go home." placing Abby's things in my little back pack I find a piece of paper and write down our address. "Here, in case you ever want to come by and see her." I state handing her the little piece of paper.

I take a big inhale, "you know the police are still trying to figure who did this"? I ask her, "I don't know what's taking so long, she hasn't been herself all week... I just feel like once the guy is arrested she would feel more at ease." I continue letting out an even bigger exhale.

Kicking down my skate board I pause for a brief moment. "I was thinking of helping them, you know do some investigating of my own to speed up the process." I state grabbing the drawstring of my backpack, "if you're available, I could use some help." I suggest with a little smirk of hopefulness, "Consider it." I conclude pushing myself up the little hill.

I didn't know if she would want to involve herself any more than what she has already, but I hoped she would. I couldn't continue to see Abs locked up in her bedroom like Rapunzel in her tower. Staring at the ceiling counting days – who knew what, was going on in that head of hers.

Abigail

    It didn't hurt much, feeling the cold sharp edge of my father's pocket blade glide across my wrist. The warm flow of blood eased out my newly opened wound, as I lay back against the rim of the bathtub. Emerging my naked body in the cool tub water, the water cups the under my chest as I lie completely back, resting my wounded arm out the tub.

Drip, drip – my blood dropped on the bathroom tiles, creating a small puddle. Every drop felt like a weight being lifted off of me, like every drop represented events of that dreadful night I couldn't forget. My eyes slowly weighed down meeting with my bottom lids. I put little effort in keeping them open, drifting into a slow deep slumber.

The sounds of summer birds chirped harmonically outside the bathroom window, my mind started to clear and the weight of the worlds seem to lift off my shoulders, I had found some peace. Darkness encases me; each moment of breath soothes me. I am at peace for once in days I am at peace.

Not long after the darkness took over I could hear knocking noises in the distance, it was continuous. My body was too drained to move or open my eyes, the knocking continued some more then was followed by a huge bang like someone busted through. I was still unresponsive, I could hear and feel what was happening around me but my energy was too gone to care.

I felt the hands of someone grip at my waistline and under my knees lifting me out the overflowing tub. "Abby"! "Abby"! They worried. It wasn't until I was placed on the cold wet tiles that I was able to lift my eye lids enough to see who had taken me away from my peaceful place. Mom, she looked like an angel, she brought me to her lap allowing my head to rest like I use to as child.

She cried out for some help, crying and wallowing in fear. She caressed my wet hair, brushing it backward behind my ears. "C'mon baby, don't give up." she whispered, bringing her face closer, her chin brushed against the bridge of my nose as she laid a small kiss on my forehead.

Immediately following the sentimental parental kiss my heart just sunk, my eyes filled with sympathy and I broke into tears. "I'm sorry, mom I should have listened. I'm so sorry." I whaled with all the energy I had left; she silenced me placing her index finger on my lips. "No baby girl, I apologize that this happened to you. I wish I could have protected you." she continued, I hadn't even thought about what everyone else must have been dealing with.

Yea I was the one traumatized and raped, but my family being there for me this past week. Mom missing work to make sure things like this doesn't happen, Dad working OT to keep our expenses up to date. Jess, my little witty sister I could only imagine what this was for her to deal with. She hasn't been to the skate park since last day of school this year and I know it's because of me.

Once things are calm and both mom and I stopped wallowing she helped me to bed, lying me down on my stiff twin mattress, she tucks me in leaving out my newly bandaged arm. "Rest my munchkin." She states placing another kiss upon my forehead.

Again I find myself staring at this crappy ceiling – twist and turns spiraling all over, cracks and chips from a lifetime of living. I want out, is all I can think to myself; a small ounce of regret crept up with the thought of what I just attempted. I give a big relieving sigh and thank God that I didn't just die from another foolish mistake.