Sunburned

Home is where the hurt is

Lily's POV

The rest of the day flew by. Sadly, I had to go home. Home to an abusive boyfriend. But home.

I rush to my car and look at my phone. Shit. I had 7 minutes to get half way across town, in traffic. "Don't think about what he'll do." I tell myself. Traffic was slow but I got home just before 6pm, which is when Jason expected me home. I rush upstairs and hear the tv on. I sneak in as quietly as I can.

Jason shot out of his chair. "Where the hell have you been?" He yells at me. "There was traffic." I yelp. His breath smelt of alcohol. Great. "You think I care aobut fucking traffic?" he shouted. He slams his fist into my jaw. I could taste blood in my mouth from the impact. He throws another punch and everything goes black.

. . . . . . .

I woke up to a pain in my back, a headache, and a sore jaw. I looked in the bathroom mirror and there was a bruise across my jaw. I had on a knot on my head from god knows what. Then I looked at my arms. As if on cue, I feel a searing pain shoot through my wrists.

Cuts and bruises were clearly visible. Did Jason try to slit my wrists? I look around and find a broken beer bottle and tiny shards of glass all over the floor. Thank god he didn't succeed.

Jason had gone to the clubs and wouldn't be home until later tonight. I didn't waste any time. I grabbed a suitcase from the top of my closet and packed my belongings. I grabbed all the spare cash I could find and I ran to my car. I typed in the address Sarah had given me into my GPS. God I hope she didn't mind.

I sped to my destination and probably set a new record for how fast my car could go. I pulled up to an old victorian style house. I was amazed that Sarah lived here but then again she did pay for that guitar in cash.

I walked up the stairs that led to the front door and knocked not knowing what to expect.

I heard feet shuffling against the floor and a lock unlatching. "Lily?" Sarah asked sleepily. "Hey, Sarah. Uh...do you mind if I come in?" I questioned her. "Um...sure." Sarah said.

Sarah's place was even bigger on the inside. Strands of lights were strung across the den. The ceiling was so high that it made giants look small. White furniture was spread across mahogany floors. A 60 inch flat screen was mounted on the wall in the living room. The kitchen was as modern as it came. High-tech appliances were installed in the massive island and neighboring counters. Spot lights were hanging above the room to give it the perfect mood.

"So Lily, do you, uh, want to go on a tour of the house?" Sarah asked. "Yeah." I say. "I'm sorry about the unexpected appearance Sarah." "It's okay. It's not like ya know, I was sleeping or anything." she laughs. I giggle a little. She shows me upstairs. First, the guest bedroom. I put my stuff down and take a look around. It was the size of my entire apartment.

"Lily do you mind coming downstairs with me?" "No, I don't mind." I say.

We walked down the staircase. Sarah led me to the living area and sat on the couch. She patted the spot next to her. I obeyed the gesture.

"So do you mind telling me why you're here at one in the morning?" She asks. "My boyfriend and I had a, um, falling out." I answer. "A falling out? Falling outs usually don't consist of cuts on your wrists and bruises on your face." She said. "Sarah, can we not talk about it right now?" I responded. "Well, if you're going to live with me, you'll have to tell me eventually." She said and with that she walked upstairs to her room and shut the door.