Eternal Abyss

Chapter 3

I limped across our neat blades of grass before arriving at the gate, and risked a glance back. The door had opened, and dad was standing there just staring at me. We both knew, if he wanted, he could just run out here and grab me. Easy. But he didn’t move, just stood there. I shrugged and turned away, prepared to leave forever.

“You can’t stay away forever Hayden. They’re family can’t, and won’t, keep you.” I kept walking out onto the pavement, and I heard the door shut.

 

* * *

 

“Hayden? Hayden! I’m so sorry!” Emma ran towards me, her blackberry in her left hand, and grabbed me around the waist. She hung on really tight, and I released my breath before looking at her. Her make-up was all run down her face, and she was still sobbing.

“I didn’t know what to do! I’ve dialled 9, na-99 and was about to run back and see if I needed to ring. Are you ok? Do you want to talk to the police first?” I shook my head. I hated that Emma had seen it. It made me feel small, and I wanted to shy away from the world forever. I’ve dealt with this before, on my own, and the police had only once crossed my mind. I’d decided against it. I hated my best friend knowing, let alone a complete stranger. Not to mention, how it would affect my family. He may be a dick, but mom and Nadine didn’t need to know. He was reasonable enough with them, and I don’t want to be the reason our family is torn apart. I had to go back. I glanced up under my fringe; Emma was looking helplessly at me then her phone, back and forth. Bless her.

“Em, I need to go back.” My voice was toneless, but covering it up would be useless. She sees through all my facades.

“No. No, no no no no no. What the hell Hayden?” She widened her eyes, and took on her frown. “No, you must be crazy! You’re coming back with me!” I shook my head, she shook my shoulders. “Hayden, NO!”

“I’m not going to be the reason mum and dad split, and our family get’s torn apart. That will not be me!” I turned away as a tear slid down my cheek. Emma sighed obviously.

“You’re staying over mine. Let’s not think about later, or tomorrow, or today. We’ll decide what happens when the decision has to be made, but that time isn’t now. Come back with me!” She gripped my elbow and I knew I was screwed. She has an iron grip, seriously, I’ve never won an arm wrestle in my life against her. Anyway, what could a few nights hurt? Nadine wouldn’t realize there was anything wrong, I’m always over Em’s. I let Emma steer me down the pathway to her three story house, in which she had the whole top floor. I loved it, it was beautiful, and she deserved it.

She flopped down on her bed and patted it to her left. I followed her command and slowly sat, flinching at my back pain. She frowned again.

“What a dick! I’m getting him done. Hayden, he hurt you, for fucks sake don’t you care about yourself at all?” I shook my head; shrugging was starting to hurt now that the adrenaline rush was ebbing away.

“I told you, no. I know you’re trying to do what’s best for me, so just leave it. I have a feeling he won’t do it again now that you know, hell, he might be a different person!”

“Wait, now that I know?” She screeched it and I covered my ears. “It’s happened before? Son of a-”

“Emma, language under my roof!” Her mum had walked in, eyebrow raised, head cocked. Emma blushed, and ushered sorry. “What on earth are you both on about?” Her mum asked. I giggled, I honestly adored her mum. Emma glanced at me, and I immediately shook my head. Even the thought of telling her mother was absurd. Emma covered.