Save Me...

~Twelve~

Michael's POV:
Mal: What did I miss while I was out, today?

I didn't want to tell her by myself. I figured my parents, well our parents would be here.

Michael: We'll talk when my parents get here.

She nodded.

Mal: Where are they, anyway?

Michael: They had ends to tie-up at work. They'll be back soon.

Right on queue they came walking in the door. A random dude walked in behind them.

Mal: Dad?

My blood instantly boiled. What the hell is he doing here?

Michael: You have some nerve coming in here.

Jen: Michael may-

Michael: Why is this ass here?

Colin: Michael come outside for a moment.

Mal smiled at me, which calmed me down a little. When I saw him out of my peripheral, I decided to go outside with dad.

Michael: Are you going to explain why that scumbag is in the same room as my sister?

Colin: He had no clue about the abuse.

Michael: They walk away free?

Colin: No, we arrested his wife.

He might be telling the truth. Mal didn't seem uncomfortable with him in the room.

I just don't know what to think. What I do know is, I don't trust him.

Michael: Okay.

--- Mal's hospital room ---
We saw everyone talking. Mal's fake father interrupted the current conversation.

Tyler: Can Mal and I talk for a second? Then I'll be on my way.

Jen: We'll just be across the hall.

Mal's POV:
They left me with this monster. That's right, he abused me too, but worse.

He sexual abused me. There are things he did, I don't really want to talk or think about.

Mal: What do y-you want?

My voice keeps shaking.

Tyler: We wanted to relay the message. We will get you back, and we will make you regret running away.

I felt tears fill my eyes, followed by a stinging feeling on my face.

He slapped me.

He thought someone was coming so he left. I stayed there crying and holding my face.

I heard the bathroom door click. Ashton walked out. Did he hear any of that?

He sat down by my waist. We haven't made eye contact yet. I continue to look at him, holding in the tears that want to spill.

Ashton's shoulders started shaking. Is he crying? I put my hand on his arm. He finally looked up at me. Tears were streaming down his face. This caused my tears to fall.

He hugged me.

Mal: A-Ash?

Ashton: I will never let that sad-excuse of a man, lay a hand on you.

When he had pulled away, his eyebrows furrowed. Did he see my cheek? He couldn't have...

Ashton: Wait, what's that on your face?