The Harper Family: Faithfully Yours (Wattpad Version)

A raw conversation

Melody

After that night, I refused to leave my house. I didn't want to encounter Joshua. I checked the windows and doors to make sure they were locked.

"Mel, you already checked the windows and doors," D said.

I paced and bit my nails. "I need to protect myself."

"No one will come inside."

"It doesn't matter." I shook my head. "I need to keep him away from me."

"Okay." D nodded.

Someone knocked on the front door, making me jump. D got up and answered the front door.

"Ask who it is," I said.

D nodded. "Who is it?"

"It's Dan and Linda."

D looked at me as I nodded. He unlocked the door and opened it. My parents entered. D closed and relocked the door. I wrapped my arms around me and rubbed my arms.

"It's okay, Mel. It's just us," my dad said.

I nodded feverishly.

We heard another knock. I opened my mouth, but D held his hand up.

"I know. Who is it?"

"It's Pops," Jayden said.

D unlocked the door and opened it. Jayden entered the house. D closed and relocked the door.

"I brought you a change of clothes." Jayden handed D a duffel bag.

"Thanks." D took it from him.

Jayden turned to me. "How are you doing, Melody?"

I stared at Jayden and blinked.

"You're okay." Jayden put his hands up. "I'm staying right here."

I nodded but didn't move from my spot.

*****
Demarco

"Thanks for the change of clothes, Pops," I said.

"No problem. Call me later," Pops said.

I nodded as he left. I locked the door, set the bag down, and walked to Mel. When I reached her, I gave her a reassuring look.

"Sorry," Mel whispered.

"It's okay. But it's time to talk."

Mel furrowed her brows.

I glanced at Linda and Dan. "Can I speak to Mel alone?"

"Sure," Dan said.

Dan and Linda left the living room. I led Mel to a couch and sat down with her. It was time to have that honest conversation with her.

"Mel, I understand how you're feeling. It was the same way with me after my sexual assault. The humiliation, fear, anger, disgust, darkness. It engulfed me. No one tells you how someone violating you can destroy you. It crushes your soul. I hated everything about myself."

"How did you survive it?"

"I didn't at first. I was barely surviving. My family didn't understand why I hated their touch. I withdrew from everyone. I refused to interact with people. People don't understand because they haven't experienced it. Your mind replays the events over and over. Nightmares become the new normal. You would do anything to stop everything. A part of you dies."

"I can't breathe, D. I feel dirty and broken all the time. He took my trust, dignity, and belief from me."

"Yes, he did."