The Drunkard's Daughter

Kara

They called my grandmother. My poor grandmother had to find out her son tried to kill me. What's even worse, the local news channel came to 'uncover the story." I wanted to cry, I wanted to be left alone.

---

I sat on the hospital bed, a blanket wrapped around me. Matthew sat in a chair beside the bed, his hands clasped. The door to my hospital room opened, a police officer and a doctor walking in.

"Ms. Windmere, you're scans result in no bone breakage. You will just have some bruising on your back and shoulder."

"Thanks."

I said sharply, looking away.

"May I speak to Ms. Windmere alone please?"

The officer said, motioning for everyone to leave.

"I'm not leaving her."

Matthew said, crossing his arms.

"Ma'am would you like him to leave?"

I shook my head, no. The doctor left, leaving us in the room.

"I only have a couple of questions for you if you feel up to answering."

The officer asked. I looked up at him.

"Yes?"

"How long has your father been drinking?"

"He always has, but once my mother died it got worse."

"When did she die?"

"Seven years ago, I was ten."

"Is that when he started to hit you?"

"Yes."

"Did anyone know about it?"

"My grandmother, but I told her not to say anything. She found out this year about it, so she doesn't know how long it's been."

"Have you ever been thrown out because of the state your father was in?"

"Yes."

"Thank you, I think that will be all. We will try to locate your father, he was gone when we arrived. Is there anywhere he might have gone?"

I shook my head.

The officer smiled grimly, leaving us.

"I've made arrangements for you to come stay at my house, your father doesn't know who I am so he won't know where you are."

I looked at Matthew and smiled.

"Thank you."

"We'll take care of any expenses you need, okay?"

"Okay."

I said, swinging my legs over to face him.

"What?"

Matthew asked, standing to help me. I stood, and hugged him.

"Thank you."

I felt him stiffen, then relax, his arms slowly wrapping around me.

---

"Welcome to your new home Kara!"

The Tarran's home was huge, making my old home look like a piece of cardboard. White and gold was everywhere, gold chandeliers on the high ceilings, white leather furniture, gold hand rails on the white tiles steps, and white tiled floors with golden grout.

"You must have not been allowed to have any crayons when you were younger."

I joked. Matthew laughed.

"Here, I'll show you to your room. It's across from mine."

We walked up the steps, I being careful not to slip. Once we reached the top of the steps, we followed a long hallway to the far end of it. We turned to the left, and opened white doors.

Inside was the biggest room I had ever seen, except it was empty.

"We weren't exactly sure as to how you like everything, so you can decorate and furnish it however you want. I'll help you."

I looked at Matthew and he was beaming.

"Why are you so nice to me?"

I asked.

"You don't even know me."

Matthew got quiet.

"You passed by my house, by my window, every morning when he kicked you out. I've wanted to find out who you were and why you walked outside in the cold at dawn. Now that I know, I don't want you to ever experience it again. No one should be treated like that."

I smiled at him, glad to finally have someone who knows.