Neglected-d.t

f o u r

*end of counselling session*

Mr Dolan: so before you go, tell me about your situation at home and your family.

The one question i had been dreading the whole session. Stuttering, i manage to respond. 'I-i don't live at home, i live with some frie--men. I don't have a family'

**FLASHBACK**

He was dead. Nothing. Nothing at all. My baby brother lying next to him, blood seeping from his little innocent heart. Also dead. The gun lay by my father, it's tip pressed against the sole of his shoe. His eyes were cold, his face expressionless. All the pain and hurt he causd me, not gone, but replaced with a stronger feeling of dread and agony. Despite him being the reason for my depression, the reason for me feeling suicidal every day, he was still my dad. And he was gone, forever. My brother, 5 years old, his whole life ahead of him. His little face seemed calm, his sorrowful eyes gazing up at me. He was so bright for his age, he probably would have become a scientist or doctor. Not any more. My mum was gone in a flash, not a trace of her left in the house. The pain that she must've felt seeing her loved ones dead is unimaginable. My whole family, gone in the blink of an eye...

**PRESENT TIME**

'Jayla, it's okay. Listen to me. Your in your counselling session with me,  Mr Dolan, and you're okay'

I can vaguely hear the man's voice. It seems distant, yet extremely close. Before i know it, i'm swept up onto the chair, a firm had rubbing my back. In the strangest way it was soothing, the contact feeling almost alien to me. Mr Dolan was looking at me with fear in his eyes, but they softened when i smiled up at him and apologised. I haven't had a vision in so long. The memories of that morning placed right before my eyes, but i'm okay now.

Mr Dolan: Jayla, i think it's best you stay and have dinner with us, just so i can keep an eye on you, and it'll give you a break from cooking at home.

I nod and smile. I've never been invite to dinner before. Wait, will Grayson be there? Of course he will, it's his house. All negative thoughts forgotten, i head into the kitchen with Mr Dolan, and am greeted a woman, who i take to be Grayson's mum, and a girl, who looks around my age, maybe slightly older. The woman introduces her as Mrs Dolan and the girl as Cam Dolan. She's beautiful, with gorgeous brunette hair and brown eyes, like Grayson's.

As if on queue, Grayson walks in. He's changed into navy ripped jeans, a beige tee and a black cardigan, and he looks adorable. It takes all of my strength not to run into his arms and koala-hug him. He notices me, his expression nervous, before i smile at him and he smiles back, face softening. We sit at the table, Grayson opposite me and Cam next to me. Cam informs me that they have another brother, but that he's out with his girlfriend. I wonder if he looks anything like Grayson.

Mrs Dolan serves the food, and we all tuck in. it's pasta, my favourite, and it tastes incredible. It's been so long since i've had a proper meal, and it must show, as when i look up everyone is staring at me. I blush and they laugh, apologising for looking. They seem like such a content family, but i don't feel like im intruding at all.

Grayson keeps catching my eye, and when i look away, i can hear the faint chuckle coming from him. Damn, this gorgeous guy is sitting opposite me, and he seems genuinely happy i'm here. I've never felt like this before, but i definitely don't mind it.

'You don't belong here, you don't deserve a family'

My pulse quickens and my eyes begin to water. Cam and Mr and Mrs Dolan have got up to tidy the table, so it's just me and Gray. The voices are right, i don't deserve this happiness at all. This is their life and i don't belong here.

My hands begin to shake, and i can tell that Grayson has seen me. He begins to get up and come around to my place, but before he can get there, i'm out of the chair and running towards the front door. The sooner i get out of this place, the better.

I grab the door handle and throw it open, but when i go to continue running i'm thrown back onto the floor.

Panic-stricken, i glance up at the figure towering above me. As my eyes begin to adjust, i realise that i recognise that face.

The face that caused my depression.

The face that spiralled me out of control.

The face that i wished i'd never have to see again.

Ethan.

I grab the door as i pull myself up, and ignoring the shouts from Gray and Cam, and the burning eyes in the back of my head from Ethan, I run as fast as my legs will carry me.

Holla!! Can't believe i'm already on chapter 4, and the story's only just getting started! Let me know what you think! Love you!

PEACE HOMIES X