Girl on the Bench [Completed]

An unexpected visit

Rosa

I spent the day at the tearoom, baking and enjoying how it helped me escape from everything that was going on. I closed up around 7 and checked my phone.

Dad had called me a couple of times. I sighed and quickly called him back. It rang out to his voicemail. I frowned then shoved my phone back into my pocket. My hand brushed the napkin that Dominic had written his number on. I smiled and headed towards my car.

The wind blew sharply and I shivered, pulling my scarf tighter around my neck. It was nearly December and you can feel the snow in the air. I got into my car and headed home. My heart dropped slightly as I neared the house.

My mum had loved this house. She had worked hard to keep it nice, the garden was always full of wildflowers and the windows were always sparkling clean. Inside always smelt of baking, coconut and lemon. It had been a happy house until it had all changed. I was six when dad had staggered in, knocking over my mum's vase full of snowdrops. He had screamed incoherently and put his fist into the wall. Mum had walked in, confused then startled as Dad's fist hit her in the chest.

It had gotten worse, he slid quickly down into a rabbit hole that we couldn't save him from. He didn't care about anything and when Mum got sick and died, it had taken him a week before she noticed she was gone.

I hated him. I've never known rage like it. I felt like my heart would thump out my chest with the pulsing heat of it all. I could have left. I should have left.

Mum made me promise to stay and look after him, she had gripped my hand tightly and pulled me closer to her as she lay on the hospital bed.

"Keep him safe, Rosa Bella," she had whispered.

I couldn't speak, I lowered my head in response. She cupped my chin and lifted my head up.

"He's your Papi, Bella. For me. Look after him for me."

So I'd stayed and hated him and fed him and washed him and hated him.

I stopped the car and grabbed my bag. I walked up the path and reached for the door then I stopped.

It was ajar.

I listened, straining to hear anything. It was silent. I reached out and pushed the door open slightly.

"Dad?" I called out.

The hall was dark apart from the lamp that lay on the floor. I walked in slowly and turned left into the living room. It was black.

"Dad?"

I reached out for the light switch then gasped as I saw him slumped in the corner.

"Dad?" I rolled him over and felt a scream build in my throat.

He was grey, his eyes were closed. I touched his cheek and it felt like ice. I glanced down and saw the tourniquet wrapped tightly around his left arm. I untied it and noticed the needle lying on the floor. I felt the anger build up in my chest.

"Dad!" I slapped his cheek and got no response. Quickly I dialled for an ambulance and gave them the address. I ended the call and was placing him in the recovery position when I heard crunch of glass from the kitchen.

I stood up and walked quietly towards the doorway. Peering out into the hallway, I looked to the kitchen door as it opened and a man with a shaved head walked out. He glanced at me then ran at me. I screamed and grabbed the door, trying to push it closed but he was too strong. He grunted and the door swung open, I flew to the ground and landed on my back.

As he advanced,I scrabbled to my feet and placed myself in front of my Dad.

"Get out!" I screamed at him.

He laughed and punched me in the face. I felt my head snap back and blood run from my nose. I held my hand to my face and stared at him.

"Get out," I repeated, in a hard tone.

He moved to punch me but I ducked and punched him in the stomach. He grunted and grabbed my hair tight. I struggled then slowed as he punched me in the head again. I felt dizzy and the blood was pouring steadily from the cuts in my face.

He moved again and I flinched, waiting for the blow but it never came. There was a sound behind me and then, I was on the floor. My eyes closed as darkness welcomed me but I saw a pair of boots stop in front of me and a gentle voice.

"Rosa? Don't close your eyes."

I tried to open them both but only my left eye obeyed. I frowned as I stared up into the face of the guy who had been plaguing my thoughts all day.

"Dominic? I...I don't understand."

The darkness washed over me again and I was gone.