Innocence

7.🦋Rebirth🦋

"That was my brother Moani, my brother tried to kill me." She sat up and stared at the bed.

I gulped, "Let's get you cleaned up." I stood up and held out my hands.

She grabbed them and shakily stood. I walked her over to the bathroom and left her standing by the doorway. I bended over to turn on the faucet and sprinkled epsom salt at the bottom and even put a pink bath bomb in it.

I sat a bar of soap down including a rag at the edge of the tub.

I took a shaky breath and motioned her to the tub, "l'll be back with some clothes." I stated as I ran to my room.

I closed the door and slid down it dramatically. I held my knees to my chest and started to bawl.

I didn't know what to think. I didn't know what to do. I didn't know what to say.

School just started and things were already falling apart.

Knock! Knock!

I slowly stood and snatched the door open. I wiped my eyes and stared at Hakeem.

"What hap-" He stared at the lone tear that skid down my face.

His face went soft and he actually leaned in to hug me. Which was rare, he felt like hugs damaged his ego. I was still mad at him but I couldn't resist the urge to hug him back.

As our father was rotting in a jail cell; Hakeem always felt like he had to be, not only an older brother but a man to our household. Paying billing, buying groceries, etc. He was the foundation of our house.

He pushed me away and put his hands on my shoulders, "You good?" He looked in my eyes.

I shook my head, "What happened ?" Sympathy laced his voice.

I shook my head, "I can't tell you. She'd have to..." I walked towards my dresser and pulled out some clothes for her.

I knew better then to tell Hakeem. With his anger he'd probably snap Tyler's neck without thinking.

He squinted his eyes,"Ight." he turned on his heel and walked away.

*^*^*

🥀J•E•S•S•I•C•A🥀

The hot water soothed my bruises as I sat in the tub. I sighed and looked at my toes.

I never want to see Tyler again. I was terrified that the next time he saw me he'd kill me officially. Not that it wouldn't be too bad to die but I needed to be alive for my Grandma.

I started to sink into the tub and soon enough my body was submerged underwater.

My lungs collapsed as the air bubbles escaped my mouth. I gasped for air as I arose from the water.

I coughed as water managed to tingle my throat. The burning sensation seeping through me.

A soft knock echoed through the room, "Are you okay ?" Moani asked.

"Yeah I'm fine!" I panted.

"I laid some clothes out on the bed for you." I could hear the softness in her voice.

"Thank you..."

I got out the tub like a slug and unclogged the drain. I grabbed a towel and wrapped it around me.

I walked into the room and grabbed the clothes that sat on the bed. As I unfolded them I unveiled a pink undershirt with white nike shorts. I slipped them on and crawled into bed. I let the lamp stay on as my fears grew.