Barely alive

A different perspective part 14

Authors notes: This chapter is from Laura's perspective after she found out about the abuse. I hope you enjoy.

Trigger warning

I couldn't speak. I couldn't move. I had known this girl for two years and I know just realise I know nothing about her. How could this have happened to her? It's horrible.  I was terrified for Charlie. How has she been keeping this a secret? How the hell is she managing with this? She's crying. She doesn't cry. Her body was shaking rapidly as she let the tears go that had been building up for so long. It hurt so bad that she had been through this. How could anyone do this to her? And a family member! He's evil. Fucking bastard. 

Slowly Charlie started to get up. She was ready to go back to her family and slap on a fake smile for them too see. I couldn't stand. I was a mess. My legs wouldn't stop shaking. Keep it together. Deep breath in, deep breath out. I'm okay. My heart was broken for her. We started walking at a slow pace out of the sandy park and onto the road. I had a million things going through my mind. I looked over to her to watch her facial expressions but there was nothing. She looked completely neutral. She just looked down at the road and continued walking. 

"Don't tell anyone okay?" Her voice was quiet and raspy.

"Of course I wont tell anyone."

"Promise me now. You have to promise. You can't tell anyone not even Gail."

"I promise."

That night I had a nightmare. It was dark. And terrifying. It was horrible. I tossed and turned all night because of it.

It was me and Charlie in a room. The room was dark and sombre. There were dark shadow like hands reaching out trying to grab Charlie. I started to run towards her as fast as I could but no matter how fast I ran I couldn't help her. I was blocked by glass. An entire glass wall was in the way of me saving my best friend. I couldn't help her. Quickly, I started to try to smash the glass with my bare hands. It didn't work I then threw all of my weight against the glass wall to smash it but once again it didn't work. Charlie was alone and helpless.

I woke up in a startled gasp sweat dripping from my face. I looked over and... Charlie was safe asleep in her bed. She was okay. But something told me I wasn't going to be able to get back to sleep tonight...