There's more to life (Adopted by Brendon Urie) | #2

#47

Song of the Chapter: Before You Go by Lewis Capaldi

Anna's POV

Everything hurt so much. I didn't want to be touched. I was ok when mum touched me but anyone else I seemed to flinch. I was getting better though, like I could handle dad, Gee or Pete holding my hand but anymore and I just freaked out. I could barely even look at James. He kept saying that it was ok and he didn't mind but I felt bad. I had police officers trying to come in and talk to me. But I couldn't. I just started crying.
"Anna Urie I'm sorry but you need to give your statement. You are healthy enough to do so. You also need to be alone."
I look at mum and dad who nod and leave after saying that they'll be right outside.

They ask me a bunch of questions that I answer. I felt so scared about the fact they were in the same room as me without anyone I trusted. They asked about who they were, if I was fed, how often I would be hit, etc.
They keep asking questions and making me relive my horror. I start hyperventilating and crying.
"Miss?"
"M-m-mum." I stutter out.
"Miss," he says calmly, "calm down it's ok. We aren't going to hurt you. You are safe."
"Please get my mum." He nods and leaves the room.

"Love? What's wrong? Hey, look at me you're ok. Can I hold your hand?" She says calmly and I nod. "Shh it's ok. Take a slow breath in and release it." She looks up at the police officers, "I think you've talked enough. Please leave."
"Mam, we need her to answer so that we can place these men in jail."
"Well can't you see what they have done? My daughter is so scared of everyone and everything, she can barely move because of the amount of pain she's in."
"Ok but we still need an official statement later."
"Yes. Later." Mum tells them as they leave. She still had hold of my hand and I had calmed down once they had left.

"I-I'm s-sorry." I cry and mum pats my hair.
"Don't apologise it's ok. Do you want to talk about it?"
"I-I c-can't."
"I know it's hard but it might make you feel better."
"I don't want to relive any of what happened." I whimper and mum holds me close while I cry. I manage to get my breathing under control and Mum rubs my back softly.

"I'm so sorry you went through that Anna."
"It's ok Mum."
"No it's not we are supposed to protect you."
"They took me at night while you were asleep how were you supposed to protect me? Please don't blame yourself. I deserved it. I'm broken."
"No you did not. No one ever deserves this and you aren't broken."
"I can't even look at James, or dad can't even hug me without me going into a panic attack."
She lets go of me but I shake my head.
"What's wrong A?"
"I'll talk about it but I need you to hold me please?" I whisper.
"Of course." She lays on the bed next to me being wary of the various wires. Her arm wraps around me and I lean against her and stare at the wall.

I explain, without going into too much detail, what happened in the last 6 weeks.
"Everyday they would hit me and stuff. They took photos of me, bleeding and in pain."
"We know. They sent them to your father and James."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't apologise A. It was those sick people not you. You did nothing wrong."

Sarah's POV

My poor daughter was so scared and those stupid police officers hammered her with questions. These horrible people broke her. It had been silent for a few moments, just me holding Anna while she silently cried.

"Mum. They hurt me so much. I'm sorry." She buries her head in her hands and sobs wrack her body. It caught me off guard and I teared up. She was apologising. She was apologising! Those animals made her feel like it was her fault!
"Why are you apologising?"
"You probably hate me."
"Stop A, I don't hate you. I never would."
"Really?" She sniffs.
"Really. I hate those monsters."
"Me too."

Anna asks me to tell Brendon that she's sorry but calling her darling and sweetie triggers the memories of Liam. I assure her that he will understand but I know she feels bad about it. She was still crying so I pat her hair until she falls asleep. Brendon peaks his head into the room and asks if he can come in. I nod and he sits in the chair next to me. He asks if she was ok, seeing her tear stained face and I tell him what she told me and he too cried.