Whispers After Dark

Chapter 19

As Holly led me away from the others, my heart pounded with anticipation. I couldn't help but wonder what she wanted to talk about. I'd be lying if I said there was a part of me that didn't think she was going to confess something. My mind couldn't help but conjure up romantic scenarios where this could lead to. I had read books about scenes like this. It was foolish, I knew, but the thought made me feel excited and giddy.

We found a relatively secluded spot behind the tall brick wall, away from Mr. Chamberlain's window and Mrs. Chamberlain's view. I turned to face her with a hopeful smile. She seemed nervous, fidgeting with her fingers and keeping her eyes away from mine. My curiosity grew as I anticipated her words.

"What did you want to talk about?" I asked, trying to sound casual despite the small butterflies in my stomach.

I wasn't ready for what I thought she was going to say. What would I say back? I held back a smile towards her.

She took a deep breath, finally meeting my gaze. "Charlie, it's just," she began, her voice wavering slightly.

My heart raced, and I urged her on with encouraging eyes.

Before she could say anything more, a voice interrupted from behind the wall. "Good job, sis."

I turned around, my heart sinking as Elliot and his friends emerged from their hiding place. My hopeful illusions shattered, replaced by confusion and dread, with a hint of betrayal from Holly.

"Elliot... sis?" I stammered, unable to comprehend what was happening. I looked at Holly, searching for answers from my silence.

Holly's eyes filled with sadness, and she looked away after taking a quick glance at my confused look. My eyes pleaded for answers to all this. What was going on?

"We've been waiting for the right time, Charlie." Elliot sneered. I could hear his knuckles cracking from behind me.

The betrayal hit me like a punch to the gut, and before I could react, Elliot and his friends pounced on my body similar to what they did before. This time they had learned their lesson and had two boys on each limb.

Elliot's cold laughter cut through the chaos. "You think you're so clever, don't you? Always sticking your nose where it doesn't belong."

I was confused. Did he still hold a grudge from before? It was so long ago, and so many events had happened during that time, I had almost forgotten.

"Why? Why are you doing this?" I managed to gasp. I just wanted to know. Why were they targeting me?

I looked at Holly but she was hiding behind her brother. Did she try to get close to me just for this?

The violence was swift and merciless, and I could feel the blows raining down on me. My body convulsed with pain, and I tried to shield myself as best as I could.

I struggled to breathe, my skin stinging from the onslaught. My eyes were shut hoping it would all just end soon. The realization that I had been played, that I had trusted the wrong person, only fueled my anger. But there was little I could do against the overwhelming force of Elliot and his goons.

As the beating and stomping continued, my mind raced with regret and anger. Regret for trusting Holly, for falling for the illusion she had created. I had fallen right into her trap. Anger at myself for being so naive, for not seeing the truth sooner.

Finally, the assault ceased, and I was left battered and bruised on the ground. Elliot's smirk lingered in my mind as he watched my face and body get tramped by his friends. He walked away with his gang, leaving me broken and defeated.

Alone with my pain, I couldn't help but wonder how everything had gone so wrong. The hope and excitement that had filled me moments ago were replaced with a sense of betrayal and humiliation.

God, why do you hate me so much?

As I lay there, I realized that trust was fragile. Only to be given to those you can trust with your life. To give it to people like Holly would only result in being disgraced and used by others. No. Not again. Not ever.

The walls of the orphanage seemed to close in on me, suffocating me with its secrets and deception. I hated it. I hated everyone. I hated the aquatic smell. I hated the old-fashioned atmosphere it gave me. I hated the children. I hated Mr. Chamberlain. I hated Roy. I hated Mrs. Chamberlain. I hated ever coming here. I hated Emily for making me second-guess this orphanage. I needed to find a way out, away from the toxicity and darkness that had engulfed my life. There was no waiting anymore.

All I could do for now was pick myself up from the ground, tattered and bruised from head to toe. My face felt swollen and throbbing, aching with every breath I took. I could taste the metallic tang of blood in my mouth, likely from a busted lip.

I tried to move, but my body felt heavy and unresponsive. My clothes were torn and stained with dirt and blood, evidence of the whole world that I had lost. I was a loser.

My face felt hot to the touch, and I could feel bruises forming under my skin. My cheekbones felt puffy and each touch on my body stung. It was hard to blink without wincing from the pain.

My arms and legs felt weak and shaky, and I struggled to push myself up off the ground. My muscles disobeyed my mind, making it clear that I was in no condition to move.

I knew I couldn't stay here any longer. The orphanage was a dark and dangerous place, filled with secrets and deceit. I had to escape, not just for myself, but for Emily too. She deserved better than this life of lies and manipulation.

With a deep breath, I mustered all the strength I had left and pushed myself into a sitting position. The pain intensified, but I ignored it as best as I could. Slowly, I managed to get on my feet, swaying unsteadily, ready for my body to give up on me and topple over like a top. Fortunately, I maintained my balance.

I forced myself to take one step after another, gritting my teeth against the pain. As I walked towards the orphanage, battered and broken, I felt a deep sense of despair wash over me. But somewhere deep inside, a flicker of determination remained. I refused to let this place break me. I knew the journey ahead would be difficult, but I couldn't let fear or pain hold me back any longer. I had to find a way out, and I had to do it now.