Bring Me Back (L.R.H)

~13~

A/N: listen to this song during this chapter if you'd like! I'll say when to start it below :-)
/ALY/
*One week later*
Tonight was one of those rough nights. Right when I entered the door Greg and my mom started in on me.
I had spent the day with Thea. We went to the pool for a bit, then on a nice little hike. After that we had a picnic, and just spent quality best friend time together. By the time I arrived home it was 9:30 p.m.
I shut the door behind me and made my way upstairs. When I pushed open my door I was faced with the worst sight.
My mother stood at my desk going through my drawers, while Greg tore apart my room.
"What the hell?!" I shouted, storming into my room.
My mother turned to me, an angry look etched onto her face. Greg crossed his arms and scowled.
"Get out!" I exclaimed.
"You don't speak to us like that!" Greg yelled.
"Shut the fuck up you're irrelevant!" I yelled back.
Mistake number 1.
He marched over to me and smacked me hard across the face. I could feel my cheek already burning and stinging, it's surely leave a mark.
Pressing a cold hand to my cheek, I tried to force back the tears welling in my eyes.
"Listen Alyse and listen good. We're sick of your shit, completely fed up. You either straighten up and quit with all this bullshit: whoring around, doing drugs, or your out on your ass, in the streets." My mom ordered.
Whoring around? Drugs?
"I'm not a whore and I'm not on drugs!" I exclaimed, letting the tears fall.
They were something else if they thought I was the one who needed to straighten up. Beating your child isn't exactly mature if you ask me.
"Oh don't play innocent," Greg snapped. "You're going out all the time when you used to just sit up here and listen to those damn headphones, coming home late, hanging with multiple guys, leaving for days at a time."
I hesitated before saying anything. If I was going to retaliate, if I was going to defend myself, I had to do it smart.
"You've got it all wrong." I muttered.
"I highly doubt it," My mom argued. "It's a surprise you're not pregnant."
Ouch.
"Well mom I'm not as stupid as you were when you were my age." I growled back.
Another blow to my weakening body. That one came from her this time.
She pushed past me, huffing a sigh. Greg followed her but didn't leave without digging his fist into my side and whispering "slutty bitch" in my ear.
He ran his hand across my front and up towards my chest. My breath hitched in my throat and I gripped his hand throwing it off me.
Smirking, he placed a sloppy kiss on my forehead, and then gripped my ass painfully rough. Not again, no it can't happen again.
When they left my room I locked the door and slid down to the floor. I let the tears cascade down my face. The raindrop like puddles stung my burning cheeks but I couldn't stop them.
Just when I think things can get better, just when I'm happy. They are killing me, slowly but surely. Half the time I feel like I'll never survive the rest of summer and senior year.
I need out. Thea was right, if I don't get out, I'll die. Maybe that's what's best. Glancing at the pill bottle on my dresser I picked it up and held a handful. I'm done, I'm done with this "life".
Buzz buzz buzz.
The vibrations coming from my back pocket steal my attention. Pulling out my phone I see the name I'd been thinking about all day.
I couldn't answer the phone like this. He'd hear the shakiness of my voice, and I'm not Luke's responsibility to worry about.
I let it vibrate, tossing my phone aside. Drawing my knees to my chest I continued to cry.
Why did I get stuck with this life? Everything was perfect when my dad was here, or at least as close to perfect as it could be. And since I've met Luke and the boys, things have gotten certainly better. I've opened up a bit more, I've allowed myself to be happy.
But if I'm happy for just one moment, the universe remembers that I don't deserve it, and everything comes crashing down again.
Buzz buzz buzz.
Groaning I reach for my phone. Luke Hemmings.
"Hel-hello?" I stutter out. My dry throat sore from the shouting.
"Aly?" He questions, his voice fading from what sounded amused to concerned.
"Yeah Luke?" I ask. Just hearing his voice makes me miss him. He makes me feel safe, he makes me feel cared for.
A/N: start the song if you'd like :-)
"What's wrong angel?"
"Noth-nothing, what'd you..is something going on?" I try to force myself to sound happier.
"Alyse don't lie to me." He says.
Then the tears really start flowing.
"Luke..can you..please come get me?" I beg.
"Of course I'm on my way, I'm on my way." He rushes. I hear him rustling skeins in the background. The sound of keys jingling.
"Thank you." I whisper, closing my eyes.
I don't know what I'd do without Luke Hemmings. He seemed to always be there through fire and rain.
After what seemed like ages, but was really ten minutes or so, my phone vibrated beneath me.
It was a text from Luke saying he was outside, asking if he should come in.
I replied explaining that I would open the window.
When Luke crawled up the tree and Ito my room he searched my face.
Noticing the forming bruises and red marks he grimaced. "Aly what's going on?"
I ran to him, sinking into his embrace. I sobbed against his chest. He wrapped his arms tightly around me, hurrying his face into my hair.
I pulled away and looked at the ground. "I'm sorry I asked you here, this isn't something for you to worry about."
"Hey," Luke nudged me to look at him. I wouldn't, I was to ashamed for him to see me in this state. "Alyse." He said more firmly.
I dragged my gaze to meet his. His facial features softened even more, he looked hurt by this. "Let me in darling, please." He pleaded.
Interlacing our fingers I led him to my bed. We sat on the edge of it.
I was about to tell Luke more than I'd told anyone. He was so trustworthy though. Something about him made me believe he was meant to be by saving grace, my safe haven.
"A few years ago I went to a party. My parents didn't want me to go, but I insisted. There was some crazy stuff going on...heavy drugs and drinking. I called my dad to come get me. On his way there my mom asked him to stop and get her some cigarettes. He was killed in an armed robbery of the gas station. My mom has hated me ever since, blaming me for her life going to shit. She was only ever with my dad for selfish reasons though."
Luke listened intently, never breaking eye contact.
"She met my stepdad, Greg. He was no good. They both drank a lot, they were always drunk. Greg and my mom...they're mean drunks. Hell they're mean sober. They started hitting me, when they were angry or if I did something wrong. Soon it became normal, instead of just when I did something wrong it was all the time no matter what. They've never stopped, and I don't think they ever will. Sometimes the emotional abuse is worse than the physical I guess. I just don't know how much longer I can survive this."
I looked up to see tears forming in Luke's eyes. He wiped mine with the sleeves of his flannel.
He opened his mouth to speak but hesitated. "Baby I promise I will never let them lay another finger on you," He choked back a sob. I leaned my head against his chest. "I'm so sorry my angel, I'm so, so sorry. You're beautiful, and it rips my heart out that this is happening. But I'll kill them before I let them touch another hair on your head." He wrapped his arms around me tighter.
"Luke, thank you for saving me." I placed a gentle kiss to his exposed collar bone.
He pressed a passionate kiss to my lips before mumbling against them: "I'll always be here to catch you when you fall my love."

A/N: I'm nervous to see how this sits with you guys haha. I don't know how to feel ab this but feedback would be appreciated greatly. 50 votes for the next chapter! Thanks for reading! Thoughts?!