Heartbreak | bxb angst

Chapter 17

*cw: mentions of alcohol and drug usage, attempted assault.

this is my longest chapter yet lol pls enjoy :p

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The day had arrived.

Much to Jude's reluctance, it was the day she would unfortunately be separated from her parents. She had hoped for the day to stretch as long as possible before classes end, but just like every other circumstance that has been going on lately, it didn't go the way Jude wanted. Before she knew it, she had returned from campus and is now opening the front door to her house.

The packed boxes that were placed around the house were gone. Only the sight of her parents and their secured suitcases greeted her presence. Jude bit her lip, taking in the fact that there really was no more time to spare.

"Are you guys ready to go?" Jude said, clutching her car keys.

In the living room, her parents stood still. Her dad had a stern look in his eyes, looking sharply at her mother. Her mother's expression looked softer in comparison, with accents of concern scattered around. Jude only just noticed the heavy mood hanging on the atmosphere, and she didn't like it.

Her mother looked to her husband, eyes searching for validation. It was quickly given to her as she received a firm nod. With a deep breath in and out, she slowly walked over towards her daughter as she softly called out her name.

Jude's eyebrows furrow seeing the woman fish inside her purse, then revealed a small yellow tinted translucent bottle. With a gentle hand, she took Jude's and placed the object into it.

"What's this?" Jude asked.

Just as the question was said, Jude spotted the white rectangular sticker stuck onto the side of the bottle.

It had her name written on it. The pills inside the bottle rattled as Jude turned it around, her face still contorted in a confused expression.

"We both decided this would be best for you."

That sentence was all it took for her mother to successfully explain the contents of the bottle to her now visibly deluded daughter.

"But- Why? I'm literally fine, why would I need this? And how is this even prescribed to me?" Jude's voice rose.

"I pulled some strings, honey." it was evident from her voice that she wasn't proud of what she had to do.

Jude laughed, though unamused. She silently hoped her dad would burst out in laughter any moment now, to reveal all this to be some sick joke. A quick look at him however, told Jude that nothing that was going on is a mere play.

Her mother, trying to maintain her calm state, looked at Jude reassuringly. "You don't have to take it everyday. It's just.. to help you sleep. Okay?"

"Mom, I said I don't need this." Jude's voice shook despite her trying to sound more stern. She stuck her hand out in an attempt to reject  the bottle. Her mother could only look at her vulnerably, feeling broken despite already expecting Jude's reaction.

"It's not a choice, Bug." her dad's low voice seem to echo in the room.

Jude felt her stomach drop as she watched him walk closer with an intimidating aura that would only show up in certain situations. Mainly, during bad situations.

"Keep it. And promise me you'll take it as needed." he said, his figure practically towering over Jude as she glared back onto his eyes.

Jude gritted her teeth, holding back another response knowing she couldn't win against her dad. With a sigh, she gripped the bottle in her hand and gave a single nod.