Shattered Perfection

Sixteen

Siobhan awoke the next morning feeling more human than she had in a while. A warm body was at her back and strong arms surrounded her making her feel safe and secure. When Roger had her in his arms she felt trapped and suffocated, sometimes literally. He wouldn't let go even if she pleaded. She often found pleading led to violence and aggression as he saw her as weak and pathetic. The thought of Roger made a shiver run through her. Vivian stirred and felt her shivering. 'Are you cold love?' she said softly, running her hand up her arms to warm her up. Siobhan shook her head. Her voice was rougher than normal from being asleep and it made Siobhan's hair stand up on the back of her neck. Viv's palm pressed gently to Siobhan's forehead, checking once again for a raised temperature. She was relieved to feel that it wasn't burning. She pressed a kiss to the back of Siobhan's neck, watching in interest as goosebumps appeared. Siobhan squirmed slightly. 'What's the matter Bon bon?' whispered Viv smiling. Siobhan turned around, pressing her face into Viv's neck.

'There's absolutely nothing wrong,' she said breathing in Viv's scent deeply, 'God you smell gorgeous.' It was Viv's turn to blush and squirm. Siobhan lightly touched her lips to Viv's neck, pressing kisses down to her collarbone. Viv bit her lip and ran her hands over Siobhan's back. She knew she was probably feeling vulnerable and didn't want to take advantage especially as Siobhan was recovering from fainting yesterday. But the fire that was spreading through her belly and down to her core was overriding her common sense.

'Bon, you make me feel so good,' she began, 'but I don't want you to overdo things.' Siobhan stopped what she was doing, lifting her head and looked at Viv in surprise. 'I feel so much better,' she started, 'I feel lighter.' Viv rubbed her back, she accidentally pressed on a bruise left from an encounter with Roger two days before making Siobhan hiss involuntarily.

'I'm glad you are feeling better my love, but I don't want to hurt you and you are still recovering.' Vivian said, she didn't want Siobhan to feel rejected. She closed the gap and kissed Siobhan gently. Siobhan moaned into Viv's mouth at the sensations she was feeling. Viv smiled. 'Besides,' she said, 'when we finally get a chance to be together, I want to be in our own bed without anyone nearby as I want you screaming my name Siobhan Serpent.' Siobhan's eyes rolled back and she bit her lip, 'Oh god Viv,' she moaned.

'Yes a bit like that, but a lot louder.' Viv smiled.

They spent the next half an hour cuddling and kissing gently before there was a quiet knock at the door. Winter put his head round and coughed nervously, 'Good morning,' he said formally, 'Would you like some breakfast?' Siobhan's eye's lit up with the prospect of food making Viv laugh.

'Yes please Winter,' Viv responded pushing the covers back and getting out of bed. Siobhan sat up and went to follow her. 'Take it easy Bon bon,' Viv said taking her hands to steady her. 'You are still underweight and recovering, we don't want a repeat of yesterday.' Siobhan placed her feet onto the carpeted floor and took a deep breath. She hadn't realised how weak she had become over the past few weeks. Her fight or flight response had kept her going. Now she had time to breathe, she was starting to feel how fatigued and sore her body was from Roger's abuse. Her back ached and she winced. Viv looked concerned. Turning to Winter, who was still at the door, she said 'we will be down in a mo.'

He gave Viv a smile, 'there's no rush, I'm not in work today. If you need anything, please just ask.' He smiled at Siobhan, 'you too.' Siobhan looked shyly at him remembering some of the things she had said. 'Thank you, Winter.' She replied with a soft smile. He gave a wave before leaving them alone. Viv turned to Siobhan.

'Right misses, let me check anywhere that hurts.' She said with her nurse voice. Siobhan just nodded with her eyes lowered. She felt ashamed that her body documented what she had let Roger do to her. 'Hey,' Viv said softly, bending forward until she was eye level with Siobhan, 'nothing I see will change how I feel about you.' She cupped Siobhan's jaw with her hand. Siobhan took a deep breath, nodded and started to remove her top with Viv's assistance.

After 15 minutes Vivian had made a mental note of all the injuries Siobhan was enduring. She was so angry at Roger but was desperately trying not to let Siobhan see it. She didn't want to make her uncomfortable. Viv helped her dress in a soft oversized hoodie and jogging bottoms from one of the bags they had brought from Roger's house the day before, which would be soft against her injuries. Viv helped Siobhan down the stairs ensuring she didn't fall. With her arm around Siobhan's waist supporting her they entered the kitchen. Viv got Siobhan seated while Winter clattered pans around. The sudden loud noise made Siobhan jump, Viv rubbed her back gently. She made eye contact with her and silently asked if she was ok. Siobhan took a deep breath and nodded. She could do this.

Winter turned, 'What can I make for you ladies, we have pancakes, eggs, hash browns, bacon, cereal, toast,' he listed. Siobhan's stomach grumbled.

'Pancakes would be amazing please,' she replied softly. Winter whirled around the kitchen and quickly produced pancakes with fruit and maple syrup, coffee and juice was placed in front of her. Viv dug in her bag and gave Siobhan some paracetamol to help with the pain she knew she was feeling. Siobhan squeezed her hand in thanks. They all tucked in, Viv and Winter managing to eat significantly more than Siobhan who felt full after half a pancake. Her stomach had shrunk in the weeks of being starved by Roger.

As they were finishing, Autumn entered the room. She had been at the Knight nursery but had returned to update Siobhan on progress. 'What a feast you have made my love,' she said to Winter who beamed at her. She poured herself a cup of coffee and nibbled on the left over fruit. Siobhan placed her cutlery on her plate and turned to Autumn.

'Have you found anything in the diary Reece took from the safe?' she asked.

Autumn nodded, 'it holds a lot of information, Reece is still going through it. Most importantly, it lists the police and judiciary who are in Father's pocket. It means we know who to approach.'

Viv shifted when she said this. They looked at her expectantly. 'Bon, I've been thinking. If we can guarantee your safety, will you be willing to go to the police and report Roger's actions against you?' Siobhan became very still. 'It will mean documenting your injuries and talking through what you have experienced. I know it will be difficult but it could help put him away for longer?'

They sat in silence while Siobhan processed this request. 'Will you be there?' She asked. Viv smiled and took her hand, 'if you want me to be there, then I will.' Siobhan nodded.

Autumn placed her coffee down after finishing it. 'Siobhan that is a courageous thing to do. We will also be presenting our evidence for the drugs and money laundering. I have been in contact with our solicitor who is helping. If you go to the police today, we will hand over the evidence we have first thing in the morning.'

Winter placed his hand on Autumn's back. 'My sweet, Siobhan is going to be doing an incredibly brave thing, do you think perhaps you and Reece should report what you experienced as children?' Autumn's face became expressionless and her gaze became fixed on the worktop. She stood and thought for a while, the others giving her the time to consider. Eventually, she took a deep, cleansing breath.

'Yes, I will.' She responded.