Twisted Protection

Chapter 5

I wake around midday to an empty bed. I lay there for a few minutes listening. Finally, I hear voices in the kitchen. I can hear my mother's voice and the deep timber of Phelan's voice. I get up and wander down to the kitchen still bleary eyed. I am rubbing the sleep out of my eyes as I look up to see both looking at me.

"Ah, the walking dead awakens." My mother teases before adding, "I made you a special breakfast, all your favourites. I will just warm it up." She walks to the microwave.

"Hey babe." Phelan says before kissing my forehead. He sits beside me taking my hand. "How are you feeling today?"

"Better. Last night helped. Thank you. And the sleep also helped." I squeeze his hand to show my gratitude. Mom places a steaming hot plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, grilled tomato and mushrooms in front of me. The aroma makes me groan and my mouth water.

"Here, you might also need this." She puts a mug of coffee in front of me with a wink before getting all misty eyed. "I can't believe my baby is graduating."

"Mom, don't start." I say with an eye roll, "you have the rest of the day to get through."

"I know, I know." She answers, fanning her eyes to stop the tears. "I'm okay, I got this." I look over to Phelan to see a goofy grin on his face, watching my mom's theatrics.

"Babe," he turns to me, "I am going to run home to get ready. I'll meet you at the gate before the ceremony."

"Okay," now I have the goofy grin, "I love you." I tilt my head up for a kiss, I am not disappointed.

"Bye, Mrs Watkins." He waves to my mom on the way out.

"Bye Phelan. See you there." My mom smiles and the turns her grin to me. "You two are adorable. I am so glad you are both going to the same college. I can worry a little less." I blush at her comments. I love that her and Phelan get on so well. Without any further conversation I dig into my graduation breakfast. As I am finishing the last mouthful mom turns to me and says, "he's a good boy." I am a bit perplexed as this came out of nowhere.

"What do you mean?" I ask, worried where this is going.

"We had a good talk this morning while you slept. He took the time to vow to me how he felt towards you was real and that he will protect you from anything that will harm you. He really cares deeply about you." She pauses, taking a deep breath. "He also filled me in about what happened last night."

"Oh." I look down. I knew she would find out about it, at least it was from us. I look at my hands under the table. The breakfast food I just ate starts swirling in my stomach.

"I am so sorry you had to go through that. I can't believe Skye. I won't go on about it, but I just want you to know I am here if you want to talk."

"Thanks mom." I stand up. "I'm going to go have a shower."

"Ok, darling." She says, watching me closely to make sure I am fine. What she sees must be okay as she disappears into the kitchen to wash the dishes.

I take the opportunity to take my time in the shower, scrubbing my skin, shaving my legs, treating my hair. As I was rinsing the treatment out of my hair my thoughts return to last night and the hurt returns. Before I know it, I am crying under the water. I feel like I am grieving all over again, but worse. My body shakes with the force of the sobs. I let it out, watching my emotions wash down the drain with the water. Once out I apply body lotion all over my skin, enjoying the smell of strawberries. I walk into my room and pull on some jeans and a top. No need to dress up if I only cover it with a graduation gown.