This is Me Trying ⭑ Rafe Cameron

fifty three

CHAPTER FIFTY THREE
[53]
song. so young by portugal. the man

The blue night sky hung over Cassie's head like a heavy weight. The sun hovered just at the horizon, but it didn't offer any real warmth, it only reassured her that the night was nearly over. Though she knew the pain inside her would linger much longer.

Each step toward the house felt like it was pulling her closer to some inevitable reckoning. She clutched at her ribs, her fingers digging into her bruised flesh as if she was physically trying to hold herself together. What could she possibly say to them? How could she explain what had happened in the last few hours? The physical pain was almost secondary now, compared to the gnawing sense of helplessness that clawed at her chest.

It was late. Probably five in the morning, they'd all be asleep. But what was she going to tell them in the morning? She was beaten to a pulp, and the bruises were only going to worsen with time.

Cassie turned as she watched the headlights of Rafe's car move about the yard as he pulled out to leave. They whipped past her body, catching her like a deer in the road.

It was nauseating, knowing what had happened to her in such a short time, knowing she had absolutely no idea what to do next.

She felt the weight of the gun in her pocket, and now, standing here, she wasn't sure why she ever thought having the gun in her possession would change anything.

Did she just need that control back from Rafe? Was she just doing what her dad thought was best? Was she looking for any excuse to go somewhere where she knew she'd be safe?

The sound of the screen door smacking close startled Cassie, her body tensing as she whipped her head back around to look at the house.

Kiara stood on the porch, eyes narrowed in confusion. "Cassie?" She asked.

Her heart began to pound, the concern in her friend's voice bringing all of her fear back up.

"We've been calling you all night—" Kiara took a step off the porch, trying to get a better look through the darkness. "Where's your ph— oh my god?"

Cassie's lips trembled as Kiara rushed over to her, her eyes wide with panic. She examined her body frantically, trying to understand what was happening herself before alerting the others.

Kiara's hands were shaking as she reached out to steady Cassie, her voice rising in urgency. "JJ...?" she called, not even breaking her gaze from Cassie's broken body, as if afraid to look away. "JJ!" She called out again, louder, shakier this time.

Cassie was too late in shaking her head, if she had another second, she would have pleaded with Kiara to let it wait until the morning. She couldn't handle any more of this tonight.

But the screen door swung open again, first Sarah popped her head out, then JJ came clamoring outside from behind her.

"What happened?!" Kiara asked, desperate for an answer.

JJ was close behind, his face pale and twisted in worry. Cassie couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze. She couldn't bear the look in his eyes. The mix of fear, confusion, and helplessness that mirrored her own.

"What the hell?!" JJ asked, as he rushed over toward them. His eyes got wider the closer he got to his sister. "John B!" He yelled out, frantically waving him outside, then stopping. "Call 911! Get—"