Break The Cycle (Chris Motionless' Daughter)

Chapter 7

Trigger Warning: Violent mentions of rape and abuse.

Riley's POV.

I open my eyes, but the sudden bright lights in my face hurt, so I close my eyes once again. I listen all around. I hear a bunch of beeps and other noises. From what I could see for the half second I had my eyes open, everything was white. I'm either dead, or I'm in a hospital.

I hear two people talking, so I'm gonna go with hospital. I recognize one of the voices as my dad. I can't recognize the other voice though; maybe he's the doctor.

"Please, give me some good news." My dad begs, "Is she...Is she really mine?"

There's a slight pause.

"Well, we ran some tests yesterday morning," The doctor starts.

Yesterday morning?! How long have I been out?!

"And according to the paternity test and DNA samples we took, this girl is indeed your daughter. Congratulations, Mr. Cerulli; she's back."

There's another pause, a longer one this time.

"Oh my God..." I hear my dad say.

"Mr. Cerulli, we need to discuss some of Riley's injuries, as some of them were quite severe." The doctor says, "We were able to surgically stop the internal bleeding in Riley's stomach, but it was a very close call. She shouldn't eat any solid foods for two weeks. Riley also has a mild concussion and appears to have been very badly beaten."

"Beaten? As in someone did this to her?"

"Yes." The doctor answers, "And, I'm sure you've noticed we've wrapped bandages around her arms. We've also got them wrapped around her thighs."

"Okay..."

The doctor sighs, "Mr. Cerulli, the wounds on Riley's arms and thighs appear to be self-inflicted."

I hear a small, but audible gasp, "No..." My dad says at almost a whisper level.

"I'm very sorry, sir. Riley appears to have gone through a very traumatic experience. I would recommend some very extensive therapy."

My dad sighs, "Thank you."

"Let us know when Riley wakes. There are plenty of people who have questions for her."

I don't hear anything, so I assume my dad just nodded. I hear light footsteps, and the sound of the door closing. I decide to slowly open my eyes, blinking them a bit to let them adjust to the light. Once I finally open them all the way, I just see my dad pacing the room, appearing to be deep in thought.

"You didn't believe me." I state.

He stops in his tracks and looks to me, "You're awake."

"You didn't believe me." I repeat.

He walks over to me, "I am so, so sorry, Riley. You have no idea how many girls have come to my door claiming to be you. It's been going on for years, Riley."

I swallow, "I did it." I state, coming to the realization, "I did it...I escaped...I found you."

My dad nods, "You did." He says, gently hugging me, so not to hurt me. I, on the other hand, hug him as tight as I possibly can.

We break the embrace and my dad just sort of...stares at me for a moment.

"It's you." He says, "It's really you...You look so much like your mother...God, when we found out she took you, we -"

"Wait, what?" I ask, "My mother didn't take me."

His eyes widen, "What?"

"My mom didn't take me. Some guy did." I say, "Why?"