Siobhan's PoV:
I opened my eyes slightly as a wave of confusion washed over me, where was I? Unsure of how i had ended up in this unfamiliar place or where I was at all. Fear slowly began to creep in, my chest tightened slightly as I struggled to piece together the memories of last night. Suddenly I heard a slightly murmur, stirring as I felt Vivian's comforting, warm hug. Secure, wrapping around me. I breathed in deeply, I'm safe, no matter where I was now, I'm safe with Viv.
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Vivian slept peacefully beside her, Siobhan took a deep breath, allowing the soothing presence of her to calm her racing thoughts.
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Waking up wrapped in Vivian's arms felt comfortable, normal almost. I blinked against the soft morning, my eyes still wet from the tears I wept. I realized I was nestled against her chest. I moved closer, digging my head into her side and wrapping my own arms over her, holding her gently. The warmth of her body was comforting, but I wondered. This wasn't Vivian's house, where were we?
My thoughts of last night rushed back to me. The altar. The wedding. My heart had been pounding in my chest as I stood there, facing Roger, the man I was supposed to marry. But deep down, I knew I couldn't go through with it. I could still feel the weight of everyone's eyes on me, the anticipation, the expectation. I had backed out, and the look on Roger's face was something I would never forget. Rage and betrayal, the tears that streamed down my cheeks as I turned to Vivian.
Our kiss. It had been electric, a moment that shattered everything around us. I could still taste the salt of my tears and the sweetness of her lips. It was a kiss that spoke of longing and desperation, of everything that had been left unsaid between us. But then came the memories of Roger's wrath, the way he had stormed out, his words dripping with venom as he threatened me, his anger spilling over.
I held on tightly to Vivian easing my mind as my eyes softened, relaxing me back into a deep sleep.
A few hours later, I stirred awake whilst Vivian still held me tightly. Slowly, she rubbed her thumb against my skin as I woke. She sat up, her fingers gently brushing my hair away from my face. I could see the concern etched in her eyes.
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Siobhan was curled up in bed, her face peaceful yet pale. Her body bruised and slapped, her makeup streamed down her face, Vivian's heart ached at the sight; she knew that she had to find out the truth. What was really happening. She stepped inside quietly, careful not to disturb her. The only sound was the soft rustle of the sheets as Siobhan shifted slightly in her sleep. Vivian took a moment to gather her thoughts, trying to prepare and find the words to say.
As she stood there, Vivian couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt. She missed the signs, Had she been so wrapped up in her own worries that she hadn't noticed Siobhan's distress? She knew all along when something bothered Siobhan but couldn't find the confidence to press and question her about it. She needed to talk to Siobhan, to understand what had happened to her and how it had really affected her. Taking a deep breath, she moved closer, gently brushing a strand of hair from Siobhan's forehead as she wrapped her arms around Siobhan. The warmth of her touch stirred her awake, slight confusion flickering in her eyes before recognition settled in.
"Morning" Vivian whispered, her voice steady and calm despite the whirlwind of emotions inside her. Siobhan sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes as she tried to shake off the remnants of sleep.
"Siobhan" she said softly, her voice a soothing "Are you okay?" Siobhan nodded, looking up at Vivian. She dug her head back into Vivian's chest, wrapping her legs around her body. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart and pounding head. The memories of his anger flooding back, making her stomach churn.
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"Siobhan, we need to talk about what happened at the ball..." Vivian said. She could feel the tension rising again, but she knew this conversation was necessary. Siobhan looked away, her expression clouding over. She shook her head, mumbling;
"I don't want to talk about it..."
"Please," Vivian urged as the silence stretched.
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Siobhan PoV:
Vivian's grip on me tightened, no control or harm, just peace. "I'm proud of you bon"
I gently looked up, as she stroked my cheeks. Her eyes searching mine and she whispered. "choosing your happiness over a life you didn't deserve. Roger can't control you, Siobhan. You're stronger than that."
Her words felt like a lifeline, pulling me back from the edge of my spiraling thoughts. I nodded, but doubt still crept in. I whisper. "what-...happens now?"
"I don't know, but I know one thing. You're safe now." Vivian sighed, her gaze softening as I felt the warmth of her words seep into my mind.
"Viv..? Where are we?"
"Mia's house. Obviously we weren't going to take you back to Roger's and I don't think you needed a bouncing toddler waking you up at the crack of dawn, so Mia offered to let us stay the night."
I lower my head, memories passing by. I feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment,
"they understand Siobhan. It was a lot for you last night, don't feel ashamed. You hungry?" I nod slightly. I felt sick, nervous of the future and fear from the past.
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As they walked downstairs, the house was quiet, the kind of stillness that felt heavy on a Sunday morning. As they walked downstairs, the soft creaking of the wooden steps broke the morning silence. It was almost noon, the house felt unusually still. Siobhan was used to waking up earlier, tending to Roger's needs. Yet, it was calm and peaceful, putting Siobhan slightly on edge.
Vivian stepped into the kitchen first, her eyes lighting up at the sight of Mia and Char.
"Morning, you two!" Vivian called out, her voice echoing slightly in the quiet space. "What are you up to?"
Siobhan trailed behind, her footsteps soft against the floor, wishing she could blend into the background. She offered a small wave, as she stood awkwardly near the door frame.
"morning Viv! Nothing much, bit of a lazy day today"
Charlottes eyes focussed on Siobhan, who stared at the ground, scratching at her skin. She smiled softly and spoke. "morning Siobhan, would like you some breakfast?"
Siobhan followed behind Vivian, trailing in her shadow as Charlotte aknowledged her. She glanced at the kitchen table, where Mia was scrolling through her phone while Char poured herself a cup of coffee, offering Siobhan a cup.
"thank you..." her voice barely above a whisper as she stood sheepishly, sipping her coffee. Mia looked up, a smile breaking across her face.
"Hey, Siobhan! Sleep well?" Mia asked. Siobhan nodded, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. She felt the heat rise in her cheeks from embarrassment, wishing she could muster the confidence to engage more. Her face cold and drained. Char, noticing Siobhan's discomfort, chimed in with a warm smile.
"It's Sunday, after all. Perfect day for a lazy day, agreed?"
"Yeah.." Siobhan replied, her gaze dropping to the floor. Vivian, stepped closer to Siobhan, her voice gentle. "Any ideas on what to do today? Just hang out?"
"That sounds good! We could watch a movie or something. I just downloaded that new horror flick everyone's been talking about."
Char raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile on her lips. "You mean the one that's supposed to be terrifying? Are you sure you're ready for that, Amelia?"
Mia gasped sarcastically. "I can handle horror! You can't! I bet Siobhan can't either" she teased looking at Siobhan
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They sat down in the lounge. Mia and Charlotte sat on eachother laps as they cuddle, Siobhan Vivian lying down on the sofa. Vivian leaned in closer as Mia flicked on the tv. The soft glow of the screen illuminated the dimly lit room. All Siobhan wanted to do was cry, but no tears would fall. She was surrounded by comfort but her fear still lingered closely around her.
