I saw the small outline of Ashton's car grow nearer. I sat on the hood of my blue Focus, waiting for him to arrive. He jumped out of the car and when he saw my face he ran to my side. "Alice! What happened to you?" His voice full of surprise. His fingers lightly touched my cheeks.
Before talking I swallowed a lump in my throat. "It's my Dad."
Without any other words Ashton engulfed me into a hug. Picking me up and setting my frail body in his lap. He let me cry for the longest time until I could control myself.
I climbed off him and sat with my legs under me. Again, I swallowed a lump in my throat. "My Dad's an alcoholic. He likes to take his anger out on me and-" it was hard to talk. Several times I had to pause to contain myself, "he would hit me and yell at me. But, I ran away. I'm done with him."
"I'm so sorry Alice." Ashton said shakily. "I am so incredibly sorry." He repeated. His arms wrapped around me again. This time he shook uncontrollably. "Why haven't you told anyone?" A loud sob escaped him.
I gasped, "Don't cry Ashton! I'm okay."
He still couldn't stop. "I will never let something like that happen to you again!" It took many sniffles for him to stop crying.
"We need to clean you up." Ashton whispered, leaving the hood of the car and getting something from his.
As he searched for something I lifted my shirt just over my ribs to see forming bruises scattered all around my right rib cage. When I ran my finger tips over the areas it felt like needles were piercing my body. I bit my tongue to hold in a scream.
"Ashton." I gasped. His head snapped from his car to me. "Ashton please help me." I whispered.
He was at my side like lightning. "I don't know what to do Alice!" Ashton wailed. I could tell he hated feeling helpless.
"Hold my hand." I whispered, extending my right hand. He took it without hesitation. I sat for a few moments with my eyes closed, focused on my breathing.
When I opened them again the pain had simmered down. I gave a weak smile to Ashton who still held my hand. "Thank you." I choked.
Ashton nodded, "Of course Alice. I'm always here."
I nodded and hopped off the hood to sit in the car. When Ashton got in I asked, "Does your tour offer still stand?"
"Of course!" Ashton exclaimed. I smiled and nodded. "You can come stay with me until then, I won't let you go back to living with him. Ever." Ashton said. I was surprised how protective he had become so quickly, but I didn't mind. It was nice to not feel alone for once.
