It does get better. (Autumn Knight)

Chapter four

TW : Abuse

''Are you about done fixing my computer?''

I asked Reece while entering my office. He had taken over an hour to update the new system and fix some minor things on it. Reece looked at me and rolled his eyes

''You are welcome by the way.''

''I don't recall saying thank you. Now move out of the way I want to get back to my seat.''

''Are you afraid that if people see you out of it you'll have to do some actual work?''

He looked at me with a smug looked and smiled. I kissed my teeth and gave kicked him in the shins. That was one of my favorite things to do. He let out a pained gasped and shook his head. I then sat down at my desk and gasped at the state of it.

''Reece! You moved everything!''

Before he could say anything I started to put everything back to where it was. It had to be perfect. I could already feel my heart racing. I hated when someone took or moved stuff from my desk. Reece should have known that. I could feel his eyes on me, he put his hand on my shoulder and that made me jump.

''Aut'... it's okay. I'm sorry, I forgot. Can I help you?''

''No! '' I snapped at him. I closed my eyes and let out an angry sigh. ''Get out please''

I could feel myself breaking down and I didn't want him to see me like this.

''Autumn?'' I heard Marjorie's voice and I shook my head. No one knew this about me, but I was very particular with the way my desk was set. I could only say thanks to my father for this. It was his fault I was like that after all.

''Come with me Marj''

I heard my brother say and then I was alone in the office. I stood up, closed the door and burried my face in my hands. I had to calm down.

***

24 years ago (12 year old Autumn)

''AUTUMN KNIGHT COME HERE RIGHT NOW!''

I knew I was about to be in deep trouble when I heard my dad use my full name. Problem is I didn't know what I had done this time... I followed his voice and angry ranting to his office.

''Yes father?''

I said quietly. He was red with anger.

''What did I always say about beeing in my office and moving things?''

I had came to his office in the morning because I was looking for my diary. I was pretty sure he was the one that took it but I didn't find it. I tought I had put everything back to where it was.

''Don't touch anything...'' I said soflty while looking down. Then I heard a crash that made me jump in fear. I looked up to see him throwing everything on the ground. When the desk was empty he came towards me and shoved me on the ground.

''Pick it all up and put it back exactly where it was. You are to stay here until it's perfect''

I was shaking like a leaf, slowly I started picking up his desk supplies and putting it where I tought it went. I took an hour to make sure everything was exacly where it was supposed to be. I called my father in so he could dissmiss me. Instead he threw everything back on the ground.

''Again, it isn't right''

Another hour went by, and when he came in he still threw everything back on the ground. It went like this for the rest of the day. Everytime I tought I was done, he came in and destroyed it all. I had to start over again and again and again. He didn't let me eat and wouldnt let me go to bed until everything was in its right spot on the desk.

It was one in the morning when I heard Reece come in the office.

''Aut' what are you doing still up? Dad's been asleep for a long time, go to bed''

''I can't Reece, I can't... it's not perfect, he's going to get mad again, I have to finish...Leave me''

I was on the verge of crying, I was completly exhausted but I was more scared of what my father would do if he found out that I went to sleep before I was done.

He finaly found me asleep in a ball on the floor the next morning. He woke me up and only said to me

''Now you'll remember to never touch my things again''

***

Winter's hand on my shoudler brought me back to reality. I looked up at him and gave him a smile. Seeing him calmed me down almost instantly

''Are you alright my love? Reece came to get me and said you might need me.''

''I am now my sweet''

I pulled him in for a hug and let out a relieved sigh.