Tainted - The Torn Trilogy - Book 3 DISCONTINUED

Still Alive But Barely Breathing

Before anyone comments on the title it wasn’t meant to be a lyric. So don’t say I got it wrong. TY xox 

“Melody Elizabeth. Wake up!” I snapped my eyes open and rubbed them lazily. Once the haze had gone I saw Mark standing above me. I groaned and looked down to see Sums sound asleep in my lap.

“Sorry. Sorry I didn’t put her to bed we kinda fell asleep.”  I grumbled, getting used to the light

“It’s fine. It’s not your fault, I’ll take her up to bed. You can go if you want, I know you have school tomorrow.” He said blankly, picking Summer’s tiny body up in his arms.  She snuffled a bit and nuzzled into his chest happily still asleep. I saw a hint of a smile place itself on his lips but it quickly disappeared when he noticed me looking.

“Mark. Can I chat to you for a bit when you come down..” I said, shyly looking at my feet, we’d been so close before it happened I could tell him everything, about boys and girl dramas and he’d listen, even if it was embarrassing but now he’s just different.

“Melody, I would but I’m knackered I need sleep.” He said softly his hand placed itself on mine giving it a reassuring squeeze, that’s the most emotion I’ve seen from him in months.

But that’s another excuse out of him I’d asked him numerous times to talk but he never did always something in the way. I need to talk to someone before I break down. 

“Ok. Well I’ll see you tomorrow, I really miss you two...” I sighed as I approached the door.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” I expected nothing less from him, he’s so not Mark but who can blame him.

“bye.”

I slinked off down the road it was a half an hour walk back home, I did what I always did put my headphones in trudged through the snow.  It was freezing tonight more so than it’s ever been the past few months but I’m glad winters drawing out now it’s February.   It was so creepy at night; the walk home in the day was nice but now not so much.  The trees creaked and groaned as the wind caught their fragile ice laced branches.  

I shivered and pulled my coat around me once more, I decided to pick up the pace to a quick walk I needed to get home fast Mia would be wondering where I am.  

I love her like a big sister she’s amazing I hope she wouldn’t be too angry with me...hang on. I haven’t had a text from her all night something is wrong I can feel it in my gut my mum always used to say to me “go with your gut it’s there for a reason” I could hear the echoes of her voice in my head as I reached my door, familiarity at last.

__

I walked in to the house and my stomach sank instantly, the smell of booze laid thick in the air. I coughed lightly, the smell got worse as I reached the still shape of dad lying on the sofa he hadn’t moved since I left this morning.  My heart pounded in my chest, my knees and hands shook it looked like he wasn’t breathing.

I tore my gaze away from him as I saw Mia’s bedroom door open it was ice cold I could see whispers of my breath in the air.  As I switched the light on I felt like screaming there was nothing there her clothes and all belongings had gone I bit my lip as to hold back the ever impending wave of tears, there was at note on the bed, it read;

To Melody.

I love you like a little sister, I’ve seen you grow up into an even more beautiful and lovely young lady. You’re so much like your mum and dad, I know these last six months haven’t been easy for any of us especially you.  I have tried so much to stay and get your dad back on his feet but I can’t, I can’t do it anymore it’s not that I don’t love him or you, I do with all my heart.