Billy Hargrove // DNA

Chapter Twenty-four

It was Thursday morning, the day after Amelia had skipped school along with Billy. After spending quite some time together at the park, he had taken her to see a movie and afterwards they decided to grab dinner in the Valley Diary. That diner was slowly beginning to have a special meaning for Amelia as the last few times she went there, she had been accompanied by Billy.

Amelia had never expected that Billy, besides having an angry and aggressive side, could have opened up to her and shown the soft and fragile side of his personality. He had really shown her how much he cared for her yesterday, which he had made clear through his cautious way of acting around her. The way in which he had always touched her carefully had ensured that she could, in her turn, open up to him. 

Billy had behaved perfectly during the entire day, he had tried his best not to drive recklessly like he always did, and had even maintained his cool when someone had bumped into him at the movies. He had simply shrugged and walked away instead of scolding the man or trying to start a fight, it felt as if she had gone out with someone completely different instead of the tough, popular guy he portrayed himself to be. 

Billy had brought her back home in time, just a few minutes before John would normally arrive from his job. Billy really struggled leaving her behind, but they both knew they had no choice. With great reluctance he had watched how she closed the front door behind him.

As long as she was a minor and hadn't graduated from high school, there was no other place she could run off to. So unfortunately, she would have to endure the misery and abuse for just a few more months.  

He had been pacing back and forth in his bedroom while a cigarette dangled from his lips, contemplating what he should do. Eventually he had decided to crawl up the ivy hanging on the side of her house and knocked on her window, like he had done a few times before. He didn't want her to be alone with her thoughts and his actions would say the things his lips couldn't. 

With fright in her heart Amelia had let him in and they had laid in bed whispering for hours. When he left he had placed a soft kiss on her forehead, which probably was the most softest gesture he had ever shown.

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Amelia had decided to go to school today even though she was still experiencing pain. She was afraid her absence would be noticed by John for he would most likely punish her badly. 

It turned out that her mother had called the school yesterday claiming she was sick, the only thing she probably thought she could do to protect her daughter. 

Oh how she was wrong. 

The daily morning ritual passed by a little slower than normal. With clenched teeth Amelia had put on her clothes and went to the bathroom to freshen up. With an ear leaning against her door, she waited until she heard noise indicating John was nearby. 

When the coast seemed to be clear, she carefully walked over to Cora's room. The little girl was already sitting up straight in her small bed and looked wide-eyed at her sister. "Are you in a lot of pain?" Amelia saw how Cora's eyes trailed over her body, searching for any clear wounds. "Don't worry, sis. Everything will be okay." The small girl held a sombre look on her face which nearly broke Amelia's heart. "Why don't we put on some clothes?" She said inceptive.

A few minutes later, the two siblings walked into the kitchen. John had already left for work so that Amelia could roam around freely. Their mother stood at the kitchen counter with a cup of coffee in her slim hands as she stared absently at the ground. 

"Mommy." The high voice of the five-year-old made their mother look up. She came forward and placed her soft fingers on Cora's cheeks. "Good morning, honey. I'll make you some breakfast." She gazed upon Amelia. "Would you like something to eat?" Startled, Amelia shook her head and fiddled with her fingers. She didn't expect her mother to be so kind to her.