Her Swimmer

Care?

A/N: mentions of possible abuse and going into care

Officer Emily McAllister arrived at the swimming pool just as the last few swimmers were finishing up their practice. Her regular presence at the pool had become a familiar sight to the parents and coaches over the past few weeks. She wasn't just there in an official capacity but because she genuinely cared, particularly about one swimmer, Talia.

As usual, Emily's eyes quickly found Talia, who was just getting out of the pool. The girl's movements were slow, careful, and marked by a noticeable limp. But it wasn't just the limp that concerned Emily—she had seen Talia wincing as she moved an occurrence which was becoming more and more frequent, her face tight with pain that didn't seem to be from swimming alone.

Emily waited until Talia had gathered her things and was heading towards the locker room before she approached her. "Talia," she called out gently, offering a small, warm smile as the girl turned to face her. "Can we talk for a minute?"

Talia's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but she quickly masked it, nodding. "Sure, Officer McAllister."

Emily sighed inwardly, trying to keep the interaction friendly. "I keep telling you, you don't have to call me Officer McAllister. Emily is fine."

Talia's lips twitched into a brief, hesitant smile. "Sorry... Emily."

They moved to a quieter part of the pool area, away from the hustle of the other swimmers. Emily noticed the way Talia's arm went across her body as if holding her ribs. She decided to get straight to the point, knowing how hard it was for Talia to open up.

"Talia," Emily began, her tone gentle but firm, "I've noticed some things lately that have me really worried. I know your dad has been leaving you alone for days at a time. And I'm concerned... because I've also seen you in pain. It's not just from swimming, is it?"

Talia stiffened, her eyes flicking away from Emily's concerned gaze. "It's nothing," she said quickly, her voice tight. "He's just busy. And I'm fine."

Emily leaned forward slightly, trying to catch Talia's eye. "I'm aware of some incidents involving your dad. There's been an increase in calls from your neighbours, and I can't ignore the signs I'm seeing. I think there might be more going on at home than you're telling me."

Talia's expression hardened, her fingers clenching around the strap of her swim bag. "I told you, I'm fine. Nothing's happening."

Emily's heart ached at the girl's denial, but she knew she couldn't push too hard or risk Talia shutting down completely. "Talia, you don't have to go through this alone. If something's wrong, I'm here to help you. You can be honest with me."

Talia's eyes flashed with a mix of fear and anger, her voice rising defensively. "I am being honest! I don't need your help. I don't need anyone's help. I'm fine just by myself."

Emily took a slow, calming breath, trying to keep her voice gentle. "You don't have to do this on your own. But I have to be honest with you—if things keep going like this, if these incidents continue, another officer might have to get social services involved. I don't want that to happen, but it's a possibility."

Talia's face went pale, her fear now clearly visible. "You're going to call social services on me?" she asked, her voice shaky.

Emily quickly shook her head, standing as Talia began to back away but the fficer reached out gently holding Talia's arm. "No, Talia, that's not what I want. I'm trying to help you so it doesn't get to that point. But I need you to be honest with me so we can avoid that."

Talia's fear turned back to anger, her voice trembling with emotion. "I'm not going into care! I don't need to because nothing is happening!"

She pulled her arm away from Emily's gentle grasp, taking several steps back. "I don't need your help," she repeated, her voice cracking slightly before she turned and walked away, leaving Emily standing there, watching her go.

Emily sighed heavily, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on her. She knew Talia was scared and that her anger was just a shield, but breaking through that shield was going to be difficult.