Shattered Perfection

Seventeen

Reece hung up the phone after speaking with Autumn and tapped it against his chin while he thought about Winter's suggestion. Could he talk about what he experienced? Would anyone listen and believe him? He didn't know if he could do it. He ran his hand through his blond hair. He was so angry with his father, for what he had done to Reece and Autumn's childhood but also for what he was trying to do to the people Reece loved. He wouldn't let him damage his chosen family. At that moment, Mia walked in and collapsed into the chair opposite. She was another victim of Roger's scheme's and ambitions.

'Please, come in and sit down Mia,' he said sarcastically.

'Thanks, I will,' she replied immediately with a smirk, 'how are you doing Reecey?' she asked surprising him.

'Fine, why do you ask?' he was defensive. She rolled her eyes.

'I've had a text from Autumn saying Shibby will be going to the police today. Are you going to do the same?' she asked raising her eyebrow at him. He frowned, pausing for a time.

'Will they believe me?' he finally managed to voice his concern.

Mia shrugged. 'Who knows. But the most important thing is that you would have told someone. Saying the words will not change what happened Reecey. But facing it, speaking it out loud and surviving will be cathartic.' She ran her hands through her soft red hair, leaning back in the chair.

Reece watched her, not believing her relaxed posture for one moment. 'And what about you?'

'Me?' Mia drawled lazily.

'Yes you.' Reece said, 'Your experience with Father was similar to ours. Are you going to face your past?' Mia looked uncomfortable. She straightened up in the chair, her hands falling into her lap.

'I, er, um' For the first time Mia sounded unsure and young. Gone was the confident, powerful woman and in her place was the teenager who had been manipulated and used. She had been on the receiving end of Roger's rage. Had survived broken ribs and hidden bruises the same as the siblings. Reece watched the transformation and his heart hurt for the woman he'd spent the majority of his life with. He got up and made his way around his desk. He crouched down in front of Mia and took her hand.

'You are among some of the most powerful women I have ever met. You are a survivor and you will flourish because he has no power over you anymore. Charlotte sees the real you and is besotted.' He said softly. Mia looked at him, tears threatened to fall.

'Reecey, you are such a lovely man.' She reached forward and kissed his cheek. 'Don't tell anyone I like you.' She whispered.

Reece smiled. 'Wouldn't dream of it. Now,' he stood up, 'do you think you could manage talking to the police?' Mia took a deep breath and quickly wiped her eyes.

'Let's do it. Let's send the bastard down.' She said regaining some of her normal decorum.

After they had eaten, Siobhan and Vivian sat in the living room. Siobhan rested back into the cushions with a sigh. Vivian had spoken to Stephen who had agreed to look after Jamie for another night. The pangs of mum guilt made her want to run to him but looking at the woman sat next to her, her hooded eyes closed and her blonde hair framing her pale face, she knew where she was needed. Siobhan drifted off to sleep again, her hand in Vivian's. Viv was content to sit there watching her sleep while Autumn arranged visiting the police station with their solicitor. She wanted to ensure that they would be safe, they wouldn't encounter any police who were loyal to Roger.

After a while, Autumn came into the room and spoke softly, 'they want to see us at 2pm. Our solicitor will accompany us.' Vivian nodded. Autumn looked at the women's clasped hands which rested on Viv's thigh. 'I'm glad she has you Vivian.' She said before leaving them to it.

Siobhan eventually started stirring half an hour later, she muttered and became agitated. Viv stroked her hair and spoke gently to her. 'Bon, you are safe, I'm here.' Siobhan's eyes flew open as she sat upright quickly. She soon realised where she was and who she was with but she was left gasping and grimacing in pain from moving too quickly.

'Urgh,' she moaned as she put her hand to her back.

'You ok love?' Viv asked worried. Siobhan rested back into the cushions gingerly but she nodded. 'You don't have to be brave for me,' Viv said. Siobhan closed her eyes against the wave of pain she was feeling. She was embarrassed for waking up frightened, she hoped she didn't say anything in her sleep.

'I'm ok,' she mumbled looking at Viv. She realised their hands were still clasped. She rubbed her thumb on the back of Viv's hand. 'Thank you.' She said quietly.

'You don't have to thank me my love. I'll stay by your side for as long as you want me to.' Viv replied.