Kids in the Dark

Chapter 7

Ryder' P.O.V

I lay awake staring at the roof of the cave, long after the sound of Theo's snores filled the air. My mind was full of thoughts of our father, so it was no wonder it was he that filled my dreams.

I was sat on my bed, browsing the Hot Topic website when I heard the sound of the front door crashing open. I sat upright, alert, snapping my laptop closed. Nervously I took a step out into the hall, looking down the stairs, at the man I loathe. My dad. His bloodshot eyes darted to me, a bottle of beer clutched tightly in his hand. He was drunk., and had been this way since our mom passed away last summer.

I inched down the stairs, knowing that what was to come was to be done without the assistance of Theo. The man's head snapped around, eyes bulging, foaming at the mouth like a rabid dog.

"You" he snarled snatching at the collar of my shirt, pulling me down the remaining stairs. I put up little fight knowing it would just make matters worse. I was too used to my step dad returning in the evenings drunk and violent. He pulled me into the kitchen taking a swig of beer on his way. Setting the bottle aside he clenched his free hand into a fist and began to swing. I ducked out of the way, mentally thanking Theo for boxing lessons.

"Stay still." He growled readying another punch. I gritted my teeth, as it connected with my jaw. "Fight back" Dad spat taking another swig of beer. "You and your good-for-nothing brother are leeches. I don't know why I keep you." His words slurred together. I fought the retort that was dying to be said, as Dad downed the remainder of the bottle. His arm disappeared behind him, and I squeezed my eyes shut, but they flew open again when no blow came.

I heard a drawer open and instantly began to pull away. With no luck, I drove my foot down on his, loosening his grip enough for me to get away. Out of the corner of my, I caught a flash of silver, and a wave of fear passed over me as I realized the drunk was wielding a knife. I ran for the stairs, hearing Dad's thundering footfalls behind me.

In my mad dash, my toe caught on a step, and I tumbled forward. I heard the sound of the knife cutting through the air and my right side was slashed. Screaming in pain, I rolled over, just as he struck again. My vision began to blur, but not before I struck out with my foot, it connecting with Dad's head, thudding satisfyingly.

"Fuck you, you son of a bitch." I roared, a flood of adrenaline propelling up the rest of the way up the stairs. I made it into my room and collapsed on the floor, trying to get my phone out my pocket. The carpet around my was sticky with blood by the time I got it out of my pocket, and the edges of my vision were beginning to blur again.

I gasped for breath as I sent only one text. Help!

I was woken By Theo shaking my shoulder once again. I was drenched in a cold sweat, and it only took me seconds to start shivering. I could sense Theo's worried gaze on mine.

"What?" I hissed, sitting up.

"You were screaming, I know what was happening. You were there again." Theo whispered leaning back. I glanced down at my exposed side, where the souvenirs of that night remained permanently etched on my skin. Theo followed gaze and his theory was confirmed. His toned arms pulled me into a tight bear hug, just as tears began to streak down my face. "He can't get you here." He said in my ear. I pulled away leaving Theo to rub my tears from his bare chest.

"I know" I muttered, looking back up at him.

"Come on, you should get back to sleep" Theo suggested showing me the bold 4 displayed on his watch. I shook my head furiously, refusing to return to the mercy of my imagination. "Ok, Here." Theo smiled chucking me his hoodie. I pulled it over my head, snuggling inside it, as the two of us got to our feet.