Safety Net

32

Jo woke up to the sound of her daughter wailing. Alex was working a night shift. It was frustrating, but if she was going to wake up in the middle of the night, this is how she wanted to. She yawned and sat up. She saw a man pacing around the room, holding Hazel. However, he wasn't Alex. He was taller. Her heart quickened, knowing exactly who it was. "Don't hurt her! Don't you dare hurt her!" She shouted out of fear.

Paul turned around. Hazel was screaming in his arms, her face bright red. It broke Jo's heart. "Don't hurt her!" She repeated after no response. She was so scared for their lives.

"Why would I? I was good to you, Jo. Don't you remember?" He spoke in a calm tone. A scarily calm tone.

Jo gulped. She froze in fear. There was so many confusing thoughts in her head. "My boyfriend is coming home soon." She lied, trying everything to get him to leave them.

"No he isn't." He continued to walked around "Don't lie to me, ever." He scolded.

Jo's eyes filled with tears. "Why are you here?" She gripped her blanket.

"I wanted to check up on you. I care about you. I opened my home to you. I fed you, and your child." His tone, still terrifyingly calm.

"T-that's not true." She stuttered. She wanted to scream and yell at him, but she couldn't. "What do you want from me?"

"I want her."

That sentence physically broke Jo. "Take me. Leave her, please." She begged "Just take me instead." She sobbed.

Paul shook his head. It didn't make sense why he wanted Hazel, but Jo believed it.

"How did you-"

"Stop!" He shouted "Stop asking questions." Hazel gasped for air. She hated whoever was holding her.

She pulled the blanket higher up, trying to hide her shaking. Paul walked toward the door, causing Jo to sob more. "Leave her alone," She cried out "Please." It was no use. Paul was already gone, with Hazel.