In The Enemies Arms

Family

CLARA
I couldn't stop the crazy amount of tears blinding my eyes, my best friend was here, in my arms. There had been nights where I cried to God for me to speak to her, to just run away to her arms and cry but it wasn't granted. Until now. 'This cant be true...' she whispered. Her soft hands stroked my hair, comforting me lovingly. She was exactly how I remembered her, her sandy hair was still long and well kept. Her pale skin was clear, showing her natural beauty.

'Where have you been!?' She slightly pushed me away now, obviously confused at my long disappearance. 'I tried looking for you, Salv and I but it was as if you disappeared  into thin air!' She was angry now, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. In that moment I felt truly sorry, I had left her life for years and magically reappeared without considering she would have any questions. 'Please, lets go somewhere to talk, anywhere...' I begged her tears still in my eyes.

She looked at me before her eyes scanned something behind me, indifference written all over her face. I frowned in thought, what was she looking at? Turning around I was met with a thick chest, only belonging to Leo. Through my outburst I had forgotten about him. Stepping in line with him I connected our hands together, 'Amelia this is Leo, my ...' I didn't know what to call him, I wasn't really sure. 'Boyfriend' he replied his rough voice unintentionally sensual. Her eyes sparkled with mischief 'we need to talk, desperately...'

——-
We were sat in a coffee shop now, the three of us crowded around one small table. Leo was adamant about coming with us for my safety. I was stirring my green tea whilst Amelia settled for her usual hot chocolate. 'I don't mean to be a drag but could we get a bit of privacy ? Leo?' She asked nicely, probably because of his exterior. He looked at me for a while before getting up and sitting in the corner of the coffee shop still within eyesight.

'Where have you been?! I knew you was going to your fathers but literally a day into your move your phone didn't work! Your phone number had been disconnected!' She was frustrated and rightfully so, her best friend had disappeared from her life without a word. 'My father was nothing like I thought he was going to be Amelia... he ruined my life' I felt tears starting to fill my eyes but I discreetly pushed them back. 'I will tell you what happened when I left that day...'

5 years ago
I was in the social services lady's car driving out of the city and towards my fathers house. I had never met him, hell even seen him. I hated how I had to live with him, away from school, my friends, my mum.... it was all something I held against the man and I hadn't even met him yet

We pulled up to a complex with a huge gate, soon we were being allowed in and pulled up to the drive. There were loads of bikes parked out the front. 'Come on Clara' said the lady whose name I didn't bother to learn, I hated her too. I hated her for sending me away from my life despite me being 17 and turning 18 very soon. My mother's house and money was in my name, I could have easily lived.
——
I was stood in this mans office alone now, the lady had left and now it was just us. He turned to face me, his pale white skin was very different to mine and his bright blue eyes very different to my brown ones. However I saw where I got my thick brown hair from as well as my straight nose and facial structure.

You could tell we was family from miles away, he walked over from the desk to now stand in front of me. He looked down at me disgruntled and annoyed. 'Stand up' he ordered, his voice harsh, much different to one he had used with the social services lady. His hand flew to my crotch under my skirt. 'You are mine now, I don't give a fuck about labels. You will listen to everything I say and don't even try running. There's nothing here for miles' he snarled. His finger slipped under the cloth of my panties and entered me.

'He was abusive Amelia, he raped me...' I said ashamed, I felt dirty for some reason. My friend sat and listened to me, whilst she stroked my hand how she always did when I was feeling down. 'I'm so sorry this happened to you Clara, I'm sorry I wasn't there to help. I'm sorry I didn't look hard enough' her eyes were like glass now. 'It's fine, how is Salv? I've missed you guys so much' I squealed in happiness, I couldn't believe this was happening. 'Salv! He got a scholarship in football! He plays for the San Fran 49ers!' Salv has achieved his dream. 'I have to go but here is my number'

She took my phone and punched in her number before hugging and kissing me. 'It's good to have you back best friend'

——
I sat in my room on FaceTime to Salv. 'I can't believe we are talking right now!' He cheered making my heart flutter. Salv was doing so well for himself, he was playing professional football now and was living the dream. He inspired me, showed me that one day I could be like him too.

'You know, we have to meet up! I need to high to Clar, it's been literally forever. I cannot believe this is happening right now' he was so happy as was I. I finally I had my family back, and despite all the time that had divided us it had felt like none of that mattered. As if I had still been there with them the whole time.

'Amelia told me you've got a, and I quote, "sexy biker boy" now' I laughed and scowled at the same time. Amelia with her big fat mouth, secrets were rarely held by her. 'His name is Leo Salv, he saved me. I love him' just the thought of Leo made everything ok, the way he had treated me restored my faith in men, in fact humanity.

'Well I have to sit down with him and give him the 'bro' talk' he winked at me. I heard the door handle 'I'll call you tomorrow Salv, I've got to go' he said goodbye before ending the call. Leo came into my room pulling off his shoes and getting on my bed. Life was perfect, too perfect for a broken girl with so much baggage.