The Harper Family: Faithfully Yours (Wattpad Version)

Fallout

Melody

After the hospital released me, my parents took me home. Once we reached the house, I ran inside, stripped off my clothes, and showered. I scrubbed my body several times while I cried. I needed to cleanse my body from the filth.

I scrubbed my body raw underneath the hot water. I showered until the water ran cold and climbed out. After drying, I got dressed and covered my entire body. I didn't want anyone to see what that animal did. I opened the door to find D standing in the hallway.

D nodded and held out his hand to my bedroom. I walked past him into my bedroom and sat down on my bed.

D entered my room and stood near the doorway with the door open. "I'll stay here while you stay there unless you say it's okay to come closer."

"I don't want anyone to touch me."

"No one will touch you. I'm keeping my hands in view. Do you mind if I sit?"

I shook my head.

D grabbed a chair, dragged it by the doorway, and sat down. "We can sit here."

"Will you stay?"

"Yes. I'll make sure no one enters your room."

I nodded before lying down on my bed. I cuddled my pillow and lay there. I replayed the evening in my mind. Why did this happen to me? What did I do wrong?

"You did nothing wrong."

"What?" I looked at D.

D leaned forward and clasped his hands in his lap. "You did nothing wrong. This wasn't your fault."

"Why does it feel like it is?"

"Because it's what all sexual assault victims think."

"I feel so broken." Tears fell onto the pillow.

"I know, angel."

I closed my eyes and cried into my pillow.

******
Demarco

I wish I could take away Mel's pain. But I can't. It's a journey she'll need to go through to come out on the other side. All I can do is help her through it.

Eventually, I fell asleep until screaming woke me. I jumped up from my chair, rushed toward Mel, and cradled her in my arms. She grasped my hoodie and sobbed.

Her parents ran into the room and stopped when they saw us.

I held Mel and rocked her. "Shh, I got you."

"Make it stop!" Mel cried.

"I wish I could, but I can't."

Sobs wracked Mel's body. I comforted her while she cried. But I would stay.

Mel cried until she fell asleep. I laid her down, slid onto the floor beside the bed, and held her hand.

Dan walked toward me and crouched in front of me. "You don't need to stay."

"Yeah, I do."

"We can take care of our daughter."

"Mel needs someone who understands what she has experienced. I do."

Dan furrowed his brows.

"I'm not leaving Mel."

Dan nodded and left the room with Linda. I sat on the floor, laid my head on the bed, and looked at Mel. This girl offered nothing but kindness. In one moment, one person destroyed it.

I looked at the ceiling and prayed the Lord would see Mel through this challenging time.

******
Oliver