Knives and Nightmares

Chapter 16

I awoke on top of Connor, his eyes were on me. I was still clutching that teddy bear I got from the closet. I let out a groan and rolled off of Connor onto the floor.

"Did you sleep at all?" I asked him.

He simply shook his head.

"Why not?!" it both enraged me and confused me.

"I was worried I guess." he slurred.

I furrowed my brows. Why were his words slow and slurred. I must have been looking at him strangly, because he quickly turned away. I went closer to him, extremely curious.

He smelt like my mother. Like hard vodka.

A tear escaped my eye. It dropped onto his chest. In an instant he turned to me, his face twisted with rage.

"Your not the only one with problems. Why do you think your precious Charlie hated me so much? hm?" He spat.

I wasn't expecting this. I wasn't sure how to react.

"You think that YOU are the only one who hurts, who feels pain. Well, guess what. your not. The only difference between us, is you cut, and I drink." his words oozed venom as they struck me.

He turned back around.

"You could be anything, and I would still love you the same." I said sharply and got up.

He didn't even turn to look at me as I walked away.

I wasn't sure where I was going, but I wasn't staying here I knew I couldn't go to the hospital either.

'Liz' the word hit me, and hurt me.

I jumped into Charlie's truck. Rags lined the floor, his deodorant smell lingered in the air, and on the seat beside me, I saw the knife. Gleaming with the morning sun, crimson blood was dried hard onto the blade. I tried hard to breathe calmly, this knife ruined my family. I picked it up, my hands frigid with the sudden cold sensation, I threw it out into the snow hoping I would be leaving it behind forever. I tried to start his old truck, the engine roared to life after the second try. I stared at the house longingly, almost hoping Connor would sprint out that door. But nothing came. I let out a sigh of both relief and regret then pulled out of the driveway.

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Wisconsin was a few hours away. It probably would have taken longer, but I was speeding the entire way. I found Liz's house and pulled up. I took the keys from the ignition, and hopped out. Trying to build up my confidence, I walked slowly to her door. I rung the doorbell once, her dog, cookie, came rushing to the door, barking constantly, her fur was softly groomed and long for the average Shitzu. I couldn't help but laugh a little as she jumped ecstatically, her tongue going absolutely everywhere. For a split second, everything turned silent.

Liz opened the door,

"MEL!" she screeched and hugged me tightly. I wrapped my arms around her to return the friendly hug but at the same time I was feeling the bones that came out of her tiny waist poke me. I was invited in and sat down for hot cocoa. I looked at her, she was a lot thinner then I remembered. It scared me so much.

"How are you?" she asked.

I simply looked down and sighed.

"Does your neck still hurt?" she asked observing my healed neck.

"Not at all, it's been healing for about a month." I said. She shot me a sad smile.

"What brings you here?" she asked "and what's with the bear?"