Arabella D'Angelo is just a shell of a girl, a mere presence floating through the halls of her Los Angeles home. Her once bright grey eyes and sunshine-like spirit was crushed by the weight of her abusive parents.
Living in a constant state of fear...
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The soothing feeling of fingers treading through my hair bought me out my motionless state, almost lulling me into unconsciousness again. With anxiety bubbling in my stomach and lights trying to make their way through my closed eyelids, I kept my breathing rate even to show them, whoever was in the room, that I was asleep.
It has been almost ten minutes since I woke up, yet I couldn't bring myself to face them. Last nights memories were fresh in my mind, playing like a broken record. The feeling of both embarrassment and fear was eating me alive, making me regret ever coming out of my room in that late hour.
There was something stiff wrapped around my torso, which moved everytime I inhaled and exhaled. What was it? I tried to think, but came up with no possible answer. The constant pain which always nagged my ribs wasn't also present, only to add to my confusions. Not to mention, a rough band-aid was stuck on my forehead, itching my skin there. I didn't realise I fell that hard and hit my forehead.
"You are awake." The quiet voice stated, as a matter-of-fact. My well-played act of 'sleeping' was ruined by one flinch, as my eyes peeled open instantly.
In the armchair sat my third eldest brother, his legs crossed and arms resting on the handles. He was in a light shirt, tie loosely hung and arctic blue eyes focused on my laying form. His metal ring decorated fingers were running through my disheveled hair, unknowingly taming out the knots. The dead expression set on his face was enough for me to know something was wrong.
I tried to prop myself up by the elbows, wincing when a sharp pain shot up from my lower part. Ezekiel leaned in forward and pushed me back gently, ordering in a firm voice, "Lay down, Arabella. You have a compression wrap on."
My eyes widened, as they snapped down and my hands started to feel my torso area. Sure enough, there was a hard brace wrapped around me. I sucked in a sharp breath, feeling my surroundings blur momentarily. This cannot be real. They found out about it. They saw my injuries while I was senseless.
The door creaked open, as someone poked their head in to check something. I kept my gaze on my lap, tears flooding in my eyes. They know. They saw everything. Everything is ruined now.
"She's awake." Ezekiel nods at someone who was across the room, closing the door behind their back silently. From my peripheral vision, I saw a pair of black, shiny shoes stepping closer to my bed, until it stopped right infront of me.
"Tesoro." I shut my eyes close, tears running down my face. "Does something else hurt?"
"Why did you.." I croaked, my voice breaking. Their intense gazes drilled into my head, making me push my head lower. "What did you see?" I didn't want to beat around the bushes and play the I am okay act. They saw the bruises and leave me now.
