Paper Butterflies

Chapter Ten

               “I thought you were going to tell me something.” I muttered as Scott walked into the room, his bedroom. In his hands were folded up clothes.

“I will, I promise. But first I want you to meet some people, my family.” He smiled. He handed me the clothes and pointed towards a door across the room. “You can use the shower. I’ll be downstairs, just come down when you’re ready…unless you want me to wait-”

               “No, I’ll be fine.” I muttered before walking into the bathroom. I heard Scott sigh before I closed and locked the door behind me.

I stripped from my clothes and turned the water on. Looking down at my stomach I saw the bruises that covered my skin. Several different colors made up the bruises, from purple to green, to blue and yellow.

               Suddenly a wave of steam hit my face and I turned to the shower. Sighing I stepped into the now hot shower, taking in a breath as the burning water hit my skin. I spent a good half of my shower just standing there, tears silently falling down my cheeks. A sob came out and I covered my mouth making the tears come harder. I leaned against the tile wall, feeling my legs weaken.

I can’t do this, I have to leave and go home. Oh, my dad is going to be so mad. Who’s going to make him breakfast and dinner? What am I supposed to do now, I don’t know what to do here. Scott thinks he can just bring me into his house and everything will be fine, but that’s not how this works. I have a job to do and that’s to take care of my father, no matter how much it hurts. That’s all I know, that’s all I’m good for, all I’m worth.

               “Ash? You okay?” I heard Scott ask.

I sniffled a bit before looking around, finding myself sitting on the bathtub floor. “I-I um, yeah. I’m fine. I’ll be done in a minute.” I called, loud enough for him to hear.

               I hurried up and washed my hair and body before turning the shower off. After taking a breath I stepped out, wrapping a towel around my body.

Grabbing the clothes I set on the counter I saw that it was a dress with a cardigan. My eyes widened when I looked at the sleeveless blue dress, with white polka dots all over it. I don’t think I’ve worn a dress since I was…I don’t even remember. I slipped on the underwear that Scott had also provided, even getting my bra size right. Then I slid the dress over my head, letting it drape over my body, falling just above my knees. It was tight at my bust and once it reached my waist it went out in a circular shape.

               I put on the cardigan, though it was slightly too big.

Using a comb I found on the counter I ran it through my hair, until there were no knots. Looking at my face when I was done I scanned over each bruise. They were getting lighter but still noticeable.

               Closing my eyes I looked away, shaking my head. I left the bathroom and went for my shoes.

With converse on my feet I opened the bedroom door and left. Nervousness spread through my body as I heard multiple voices, people laughing and talking. It was loud, making the house shake. I gripped the railing as I stood at the top of the steps. Somehow I had made my way to the second floor but couldn’t force my legs to move anymore. My right hand shook fiercely as the other tightened until my knuckles went white. Everything that could go wrong ran through my head. What if they don’t like me, hate me even. What if my father finds me and busts in, beats me for everyone to see. What if he digs out the gun that’s hidden in his room? What if-

               “Ashton?” I jumped at the voice with a heavy gasp.

I looked at the bottom of the steps to find Scotts mom staring up at me worriedly. “H-hi, Mrs. Beaumont…I mean Melissa. I’m fine, fine.” I stuttered with a nervous smile.

               “Is that so?” She asked with an amused smile as she walked up the stairs. “Come on, sweetie. You’ll always have Scott or me by your side, okay?” She said as she moved a strand of hair behind my ear. She smiled and I smiled back.

“Thanks.” I muttered. Together, Melissa and I walked down the steps before making our way towards the hallway. We went straight back and made a right turn, entering a large open area filled with people. Suddenly everything went silent as all eyes were on me. My own eyes widened as I noticed the angry looks about half of the people were giving me. Some of them were glaring so hard I thought they’d jump and attack me at any moment.

               I didn’t realize that I was slowly backing up until I felt my arm being pulled back. I let out a yelp and I was immediately met with a pair of worried eyes. Scott stood in front of me; soon his hands were cupped over my cheeks.

“Ash, are you okay?” He asked, staring at me intently. But my eyes were focused on the other people around us.

               “I-I…”

Scott moved over and turned himself around. “Guys, I know this is different but this is Ashton. I just-” Scott sighed and turned back to me.

“You should go into the kitchen. I can tell you don’t feel comfortable.” He said before leaning in to kiss my temple.

               “Okay.” I whispered and looked over to Melissa. She smiled and reached out to grab my shoulders.

“I’ll go with you.” She smiled and I nodded letting Melissa lead me to the kitchen.

A/N: What did you guys think? Sorry for the wait, I've been kinda bumming it. Sorry the chapter's kinda short. 

Anywho, let me know what you think. Comments (including criticism) is encouraged. It'll really help me out.

I hope you guys liked it. I'll try and get the next chapter up as soon as possible. 

The almighty writer's block...I know where I want the story to go, just not sure on how to get there.

But, yeah. COMMENT, PLEASE.