"You'll have to wear the cast for six weeks then come back and we will see if it heals fully or not. Try not to use your hand at all and when you shower cover it with a plastic bag" the doctor says writing on his clip board. I nod and he continues, "we'll prescribe some medicine for you if you start to feel pain. Do you want us to call your guardian?-" "No!" I cut him off and he raises his eyebrows. "We need a guardian to sign you out since your underage. Give us your mom's or dad's number-" just as he says this Ashley and her mom walks in.
"You're awake!" Ashley says hugging me cautiously. I smile and hug her back, "yeah, I'm awake. Did I scare you guys?" I joke and she tears up slapping my back, "its not funny Rach." I look up and my dad walks in next to Megan. "I called your dad" Ashley's mom says and the doctor walks towards him.
They both are talking for a while and the doctor nods walking out. "Lets go Rachel, we can discharge you now" my dad says with care. I don't let it affect me though, I just nod and get up. "I'm sorry Ashley for ruining dinner. I'll call you later okay" I say towards Ashley and she nods "Thank you, Mrs. Pena" I wave at Ashley's mom and she waves back, "Take care of yourself honey." She gives me a kiss on the cheek, then I leave with my dad and Megan.
Megan clung onto me as we left the hospital, sitting next to me on the car too. I felt uncomfortable being so close to a lady I don't know too well. I don't say anything, though, I just let her pat my shoulder and comb my hair. I should have felt safe or at least find some peace. But I didn't fell any of that, I felt nothing.
I just wanted her to get away from me! Don't touch me, I don't know you! Don't pretend you care about me. Who am I to you? Some kid that will be your future step-daughter? I'm not your kid so don't pat my back. Don't comb my hair because its not related to you. Its related to him!
Pull the car over! Take your seat belt off and hug me. No, don't hug me. Embrace me! Make the pain go away dad! Tell me its okay. Tell me everything is just fucking okay!
My breathing starts to get out of hand and I reach for my neck. It felt like my throat was closing. "Rachel! Richard pull over!" Megan shouts grabbing my head.
He pulls over abruptly and I heard some car honk at us. "I-I can't-" I scratch my neck trying to get air in my body, "can't breathe-!" Megan tries to calm me but it didn't do anything. I still fought for air.
"I think she's having a panic attack!" she shouts. My dad was already by my side.
He grabbed my shoulders gently pulling my attention towards him. He was calm and didn't show signs of anger. "Rachel, you need to breathe" his voice instantly ringed in my ears. I could feel my body loosen up. "Breathe in then out. In then out. Look at me" he grabs my face and I listen. I start to calm down and air was coming in again. My vision gets blurry and he pulls me in for a hug.
I felt like I was dreaming. I felt safe. I felt at home.
So I cried. I cried and cried. In his arms, I gripped his shirt. He pats my back and I feel some happiness. He combs my hair making me warm inside.
But I hear her whisper in my ear, "I see you're hiding again," I bury my head deeper into my dads embrace, "but don't forget when he lets go, I'll still be here." As I hear this I knew reality never lied, because when he did let go I was left with non other than her.
Because reality is a bitch.
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~ClainaaGonzalez
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STUCK
RomanceRachel is seventeen years old and can't help but feel stuck in the same routine of abuse. She can only find little happiness and wants to protect it as much as she can. Everyday she tries to survive and see another day but how long can she really la...
