Now You Know

Chapter 4

A/N: Munro Chambers^^^ = Jake :)

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As usual when I got home I was beaten. This time it was worse. I'm not sure if it was because they found out about Luke or because they just missed it. Either way I'm now laid out on my bed holding my rib-cage. My dad kicked me and when he did I think he might have broke a rib, or fractured it or something.

I have more bruises on my face because that became my moms favorite spot to hit me. Though, I'm a lot more worried about my ribs.
Suddenly the door swung open making a loud thud off the wall. Standing there was my very angry parents again. As much as it hurt I jumped up in fear.

"Did you learn your lesson?" My mom spat, walking over to me.

"F-for what..?"

"You stupid child! That boy! The neighbors told us! He's been here every night for the past week? In my house?!"

"I-I'm sorry," feeling yet another stinging sensation to my face my father got me on the right side of my face. Raising his hand I could tell I was going to get it again, that is until the door bell rang.

Oh no! I hope Luke didn't come. He said he'll help me, I just hope this isn't what he meant.

"Go answer the door," My dad mumbled looking at me in disgust. "Useless child" he grumbled as I began to walk away.

Taking a deep breath I grabbed the door knob hoping it's not Luke. If he seen how I am right now I know he'd try to be a hero or something. Though seeing who was there, I sighed in relief. There was a couple around their late forties. It was the 'Woods' the neighbors that usually try to help me.

"Oh Henry we're too late," Talking to her husband Lisa came closer to me.

"I'm okay. You saved me from another one," I whispered back.

"Who's at the door honey?" My mom came walking down the stairs. This is how you know someone is over, they try to play out as these great parents.

"It's Mr. & Mrs. Woods, our neighbors," I quickly moved away from the door as both my parents approached.

"Oh. Can we help you with something?" my mom asked, looking them up and down in disgust.

"Well we just wanted to come and see how your trip went?" Mr. Wood started with a small smile.

"Oh, it was great. Just got back today," My mom smiled, taking a quick glance at me. "We got back to find out our little girl has had a boy over every night since we left," Taking another step back as I heard the anger slipping from my mothers mouth.

"Oh? We watched over here and didn't see any boy," Mrs. Wood replied.

"No. No there was that one boy Lisa, but Amanda made him leave," Mr. Wood added trying to help.

"You're sure? Because the Doyles said they seen one here a lot-"

"I'm positive. On top of having security cameras checking everywhere, I'm always watching," By the tone in Henry's voice I think he was trying to warn my parents.

"And what is that supposed to mean?" My dad furrowed his eyebrows with a huff and crossed his arms.

"Exactly what I said. We know a lot around this neighborhood. Goodnight," they waved and walked off the porch.

As my mom shut the door my dad just looked over at me.

"Go to bed. I don't want to see you right now," Not giving it a second thought I hurried up the stairs to my room.

I couldn't believe it. They actually aren't going to do anything. I wonder if it's because of what Mr. Wood said. Whatever the reason I'm thankful. I don't think I could handle another beating.

Getting in my room after shutting my door I just about jumped out of my skin as someone wrapped their arms around me with one hand on my mouth.

I let out a short cut gasp, "Don't scream. It's me," I heard the familiar accent whisper in my ear sending chills down my spine.

My nerves not knowing whether to go insane of being scared or relief because it's Luke. I set my arms down as he did the same. Turning around and seeing his smile just calmed my nerves. I instantly wrapped my arms around his neck feeling him gently but securely wrapping his around my waist.

"You shouldn't be here. How'd you even get in?" Backing my head from him but still in his embrace he smiled again. "You sent them over didn't you?"

"Who?"

"The neighbors. You had them come over?"

"The Woods? Yeah I did. I told you I'm not allowing you to be alone or be hurt anymore," I could feel a smile creeping back on my face.

"You told them to say something about a camera?" He looked confused again.

"What camera?"

"Mr. Wood said something about a security camera."

"I know nothing about a camera actually, but listen I have something for you."

"Oh?" Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a phone and a wire.

"It's my old one. I want you to take it. I know you'll have to hide it and keep it quiet but I'll feel a little better knowing you have a way to get ahold of me when need be."

"Luke I- I can't accept this."

"I want you too. Besides it's still on," He set it in my palm before closing my hand. "I also had the Woods put their numbers in it."

"Thank you." After hugging him one more time he kissed my fresh bruises on my face. Though the way he did it wasn't only sweet but showed he was such a dork. He kind of kissed them all really fast while making a weird face making me scrunch my face. Even though it was cute and funny I couldn't laugh because my parents can hear almost everything.

"I have to go," he smiled down at me "Meet me around the corner tomorrow morning."

"I will," I smiled as he kissed my forehead before walking to my window.
"Remember. Call if you need anything. Anything at all," I smiled and nodded before he opened the window and stuck his leg out, reaching for the nearby tree. Before climbing down, he looked at me once more, a look of sorrow spread across his face then he vanished down the tree and into the night.

Sitting on my bed I started thinking. Maybe my life can turn back around. Maybe I won't have to be scared all the time. I'll be able to be happy and be able to show it. It's like Luke came into my life for a reason. Maybe. Just maybe, I'll be okay.