Chenford family

Silent Scars, Loud Hearts PT 2

Trigger Warning: This story explores sensitive themes, including trauma, abuse, and emotional distress. Please read with caution if these topics are triggering for you.

Author's Note: This is a continuation of the first part of Eliana's journey. It delves into her emotional struggle and her family's unwavering support. If you or someone you know is going through something similar, please remember that you are not alone. Reaching out for help can be an important step in healing. You deserve support, and it's okay to take things one day at a time.

Tim's hands tightened slightly on Eliana's shoulders, his jaw clenching as he forced himself to stay calm. He couldn't let his rage overshadow what Eliana needed right now. Slowly, she pulled away from his embrace, wiping her eyes before glancing at her mom.

Eliana's gaze lingered on Lucy, something unspoken passing between them. She hesitated before finally asking, her voice barely above a whisper, "Mom...what happened to you?"

Lucy froze, her fingers tightening around her mug. Her expression faltered for a moment before she shook her head. "Eliana, this isn't about me," she said softly, her voice strained. "You don't need to know."

"But I want to know," Eliana pressed, her voice steadier now. "You said you understood. You said you've been through it. How can I not ask? I need to know."

Tim looked at Lucy, concern etched across his face. He had a good idea of where this was heading. He knew Lucy's past, the horrors she rarely spoke of. But seeing her in this moment, he realized just how much she was struggling to decide whether to share that part of herself with their daughter.

Lucy sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Eliana," she began, her voice thick with emotion, "it doesn't matter. What matters is you, right here, right now. This is your pain, your moment, not mine."

Eliana shook her head, her hands gripping the edge of the table. "But it does matter! It matters because... because I don't know how you got through it. How you're still so... so strong." Her voice cracked. "I need to know, Mom."

Tim reached out, placing a steady hand on Lucy's arm, silently grounding her. She glanced at him, then back at Eliana. After a long pause, Lucy exhaled deeply, her shoulders sagging under the weight of what she was about to say.

"You remember my tattoo?" she asked, her voice quieter now.

Eliana frowned for a moment, then nodded slowly. "The one with the numbers? 'DOD 12919'? Yeah. I've seen it before. What does that have to do with this?"

Lucy gave a sad smile, her fingers brushing the edge of her sleeve as if she could feel the ink beneath. "That date... it's the day I survived. The day I came back."

Eliana's eyes widened slightly, and Tim's hand on Lucy's arm tightened protectively.

Lucy looked away for a moment, her gaze distant. "It was a little over one year before your dad and I started dating. We were just friends back then, part of a bigger group that would go out sometimes. One night, we were all hanging out at a bar, just having fun. Nothing unusual. I met this guy—seemed nice enough, but nothing came of it. I didn't give him my number or anything. But... he found me."

Tim closed his eyes briefly, the muscles in his jaw working as he kept his emotions in check.

Lucy continued, her voice steadier than she expected. "One day later, he showed up at the LAPD precinct where we worked, still work. Said he wanted to take me out for drinks. I thought it was harmless. I was wrong." She paused, her hands trembling slightly. "He spiked my drink. When I realized something was wrong and tried to leave, he followed me. He...he kidnapped me."