Kari's Drabbles

Beaten

  Beaten down, degraded and hurt. But she doesn't fight it. She fakes a smile, saying that everything is alright, but her friends suspect she's hiding something. He acts so innocent around them, hoping they don't catch on, as he gives her flowers and jewelry that he shouldn't be able to afford. Her parents notice the marks, but she makes excuses and they foolishly believe her, though they worry about her.
He takes her out, apologizing and telling her he'll never do it again. She forgives so easily, her friends see her the next day and she tells them of the night out. She blushes, saying how romantic it was and how sweet he is to her. The girls fall for the facade, and go on to something else. She hardly takes notice.
Another long night comes. He strikes her across the face, leaving a red mark as she falls to the floor. She holds her cheek, crying and sobbing apologies. He strikes her again and again, as she begs forgiveness for her faults, though she has done nothing wrong. Finally all his rage is out and he holds her close, as she sobs into his chest.
The next day she's at her parents' house. They notice the mark and ask her about it. She nervously makes an excuse. Her parents question her. "Has he been hitting you?" "How long has this been going on?" "Why haven't you gotten help?" All questions later asked by police. She tries to repeatedly make excuses for him, but the police don't believe as easily.
Yetwhen he is arrested, she begs to free him. The police put them in an interagation room. He has dealt with them before. He knows they're watching and keeps his temper controlled. He asks her why they are in a police station. She tells them it was her parents' fault. She's in tears and he wraps his arms around her in a protective way. If only he could protect her from himself.
News stutters out of her mouth. Two simple word, but they take him off guard, before he breaks into a grin, kissing her deeply. He lets her go, now treating her like fine China. They are let go, his arm wrapped around her shoulder. The police share a fearful look.
Not only for the girl, but for the unborn child in her womb as well. But what can they do?
You can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped.