"You're safe here, Ariel, I know today doesn't feel like that one bit, but I promise this won't happen again," Dad said so calmly and poised.
SAFE? It was an extremely foreign word to me.
After today, my trust was broken a bit cause they pushed, they don't want me here.
"Dad, I wanna believe you... But it's scary... don't hit me for saying, but after what happened, I don't know how to feel safe." I whispered so softly that I think they might not have even heard me.
There was silence, not for long, as Stefano entered with the boys.
I couldn't look them in the eyes
In my head, my thoughts were running so fast.
They pushed me.
They didn't do anything about it,
Maybe even laughed a little.
I was drowning, and they were the reason.
I kept my head down, eyes fixed on the folds of the blanket. I could feel their presence—Antonio, Matteo, Allesandro—standing just a few feet away. But I couldn't look at them. I wouldn't.
"Do you know WHAT you have done?" Dad said.
silence
No one answered; they just stood there.
Dad's voice didn't rise, but every word hit like a slap. "You pushed your sister into a pool knowing she couldn't swim. You stood there. Watched her struggle. You thought it was funny. A joke."
Still nothing, no words.
Dad moved forward closer to them, and I closed my eyes, scared he might hit them, so I shouted STOP.
Everyone looked at me."Don't hit them, please, forgive them. I forgave them," I said.
Antonio shifted uncomfortably. Allesandro crossed his arms. Matteo just stood stiffly, jaw clenched, like my forgiveness was unwelcome.
Dad turned to me slowly, eyes searching mine.
"Ariel..." he said softly, like he was about to tell me I didn't have to do this.
But I nodded. "It's okay. I'm not doing this for them."
I paused, then added honestly, "I'm doing it for me."
"My child, I was never gonna hit them, they are grounded for a month, which means no phone, no activities, no parties. AND THESE IDIOTS WILL NOT COME CLOSE TO YOU until you're comfortable," he said looking at me.
I nodded and hugged my blanket closer to me.
"If you're anywhere near her, you'll face my wrath," Mom said, and the boys quivered with actual fear.
They all visibly shrank under Mom's glare.
"OUT and let your sister take rest, and do not think for a second you're off the hook, also. Before leaving, remember to meet me in my office after your dinner," Dad said.
YOU ARE READING
Save Me
General FictionA girl with scars too deep to hide. A family with secrets too heavy to speak. A past that refuses to let go. Ariel Cleo Hale was never meant to survive the life she was given. But fate has other plans. Dragged from one nightmare into another, she fi...
