Sleeves - Book 2

Chapter 5

Ava
I remember Ryan. I remember everything. It's taken me a while, but I remember him. He's the boy with abs and untidy shaggy blonde hair. I remember the first time we kissed. I remember the first time we did 'it'. It wasn't strange. It wasn't foreign. It felt right. I remember Edith, my angel. The nurse told me she was here last time she checked on me. I haven't got to see her though. I do later, though. However, I remember the good, but I also remember the bad. All the times I cut myself. All the times Falcon hurt me. The time he tried to rape me. I am lost in thought, staring at a blank white wall when Ryan walks in. I jump a little.
"You scared me," I say, smiling. My voice is hoarse from screaming.
"Sorry, sweetheart. You look beautiful, even in a hospital gown," he says, stroking my hair. I lean into him. He whispers into my ear.
"Are you feeling better," he asks. I have no words. I cry and hug him.
"I'm so sorry," I say. He hugs me back, but gently.
"Ava, don't cry. It's ok. Everything is okay now," he holds my wrists out. They are red and sliced up, with old and new scars lining them from top to bottom. I look away, ashamed.
"May I kiss your scars?" He says. I nod lightly.
Ryan kisses both arms gently, and brushes his fingers lightly over them.
"All better. You are going to be okay," he kisses me softly on the lips. I hug him. I know he is the one. I know I am going to be safe with him forever.