His Innocent Little Doll 'The Aftermath'

Chapter Eleven 'Mother Knows Best'

Ember's POV
'I never thought I'd see this place again' I smiled as we pulled up outside the house.
'Don't be silly! You were due home soon anyway, you're just early' my Mom exclaimed unaware of my situation.
If I hadn't ran Mr J would have never of let me come home. I was certain he was already on his way to collect me so I didn't have much time.
'You're right Mom. I'm just so relieved to be back' I sighed sending her a fake smile.

Scrambling out the car I quickly ran towards the front door, giggling happily as the welcome mat crunched beneath my feet.
'Come on! I want to get inside!' I cheered as my parents slowly followed behind me.
'So impatient' my Dad muttered as he finally put the key in the door and pushed it open.
'Yayyyyyyy!' I yelled rushing past him and into the warmth of my home.
Nothing had changed. It was just how I remembered it, small and cosy.
'You're tired darling. Go take a nap and we will talk about everything later' my Mam ordered patting my cheek lovingly.
'But I don't want to sleep' I whined before being betrayed by my own yawn.
'Upstairs now' she laughed as I rubbed my eyes.
'Yes boss!' I muttered giving both parents one last hug before stalking upstairs to my bedroom.

'I've missed you sooo much' I moaned as I sank into my bed.

I was about to fall asleep when I realised I was still in my travelling clothes. Groaning I quickly got up and stripped out of everything before putting on my doughnut pyjamas.

'Mmmmm doughnuts!' I thought licking my lips as I settled back down in bed and within seconds everything went black.

Jumping up from bed and slapping my hand over my mouth I quickly ran to the bathroom.

My throat burned heavily as I retched and heaved.
'Oh my dear!' I heard my Mom mutter as she gently held my hair and rubbed my back.
After a few minutes I was finally done being sick and stumbling up, I grabbed the mouthwash to get the horrible taste out my mouth.
'Are you alright now baby?' My Mom asked.
'Yeah I'm fine Mom. It's just travel sickness' I explained sending her a weak smile.
'Well you've never suffered from it before' she frowned.
'I guess it just because I'm so exhausted. Come on let's go talk' I said hoping to change the subject.
Gently taking my hand she lead me out the bathroom, down the stairs and into the living room.

Curling up on the sofa I waited for her to speak.
'I know something is up Ember' she frowned.
'What are you talking about?' I asked confused.
'You didn't want to leave Gotham when I last spoke to you and yet here you are, home early with nothing but a backpack' she exclaimed.
'I just needed to get away' I defended.
'And what about that man you were seeing. The one with the overly bright hair. Does he know you're here?' She sighed.
'Oh me and Mr J are still together. I didn't really tell him I was leaving until the plane landed' I winced picturing his furious face.
'Why do you call him Mr J?'
'Well I can't really call him daddy in front of you' I thought giggling inwardly.
'That's his name' I smiled.
'What does the J stand for?'
'Joker'
'Ember seriously what's his real name?' She demanded looking frustrated.
'I don't know Mom. He keeps it secret! Hardly anyone knows' I shrugged.
'How strange! So how are things between you two?' She smiled shoving me playfully.
'Oh..erm..we're great just great' I muttered looking down, feeling ashamed for lying.
'Don't lie to me Ember!' She said sternly.
'I...I..I'd rather not tell you' I whispered as the tears began to fall.
'Oh no! Come here baby. Tell me everything, it's ok' she cooed bringing me into her arms.
And as I laid there in the safety of her arms I began to tell her everything.

'My poor angel! Why didn't you say anything?' She sobbed as I finished explaining everything.
'I love him Mom. I really love him' I cried.
'Your dad used to beat me too honey' she whispered out.
'What?!' I sobbed in disbelief.
'I didn't want to ever have to tell you about it but I feel like now would be the right time' she sighed.
'Why did he do it?' I frowned.
'Your dad came from a very abusive home and never experienced any love so when he met me his feelings became too overwhelming and confusing. Though he loved me, he just didn't know how to show it so he would beat me instead. Listen honey I don't want you with this man, he's dangerous but from what I've seen and heard I believe he loves you. It may be hard to believe it now baby but if you are certain you want to see this relationship through, you have to give him time. Even though I would like to kill him for hurting my child, I see you love him too much. Just promise me you will be careful! If it does gets too much, run to me' she explained as I sat in shock taking it all in.

'Thank you for telling me Mom and I promise with my whole heart if it gets too bad I will come to you. Everything is just so confusing at the moment. I want to be with him, I love him but I need him to give me something back. I'm tired of walking on egg shells around him. I've been so scared since my accident and I just want him to give me some form of support' I sobbed out in frustration.

'Ssshhh I know baby I know! Don't cry sweetheart, everything is going to be alright. I love you, don't worry' she cooed rocking me gently.
'I love you too' I sniffled gripping her tightly.