Last Night

Chapter 3

*Flashback*
(mentions of self harm)

I stared at the white paneled door with lifeless eyes. The mat that read "home sweet home" lied. This never had or would be home. I hesitated to open the door. I loathed this house. As I stepped inside the smell of alcohol hit me like a brick wall. 'Great,' I thought to myself 'he's been drinking again.' I heard screaming so I backed out of the door quickly, closing the door as quietly as possible and ran. I already had fresh bruises from last night. I rubbed a cut that stretched from my cheekbone to my lip, makeup coming off on my fingers.
My feet seemed to be lost but I knew exactly where I was going. Kian's house. I prayed my feet wouldn't fail me and ran, my boots thudding against the thin layer of snow that blanketed the ground.
I knocked on the door and he opened it immediately grabbing my wrists and pulling me into the warmth that is his chest. I looked up at him with what felt like an ocean building up in my eyes. He held me to his chest and I felt my knees shake. I ran to the couch with my head on my knees. I felt Kian's arm around my shoulders pulling me into him.
No words needed to be said. He knew exactly what was wrong because it had happened before. The beatings happened almost daily since mom had left.
I wiped my cheeks and stood up facing Kian. He gave me a stupid smile and stood up going towards the kitchen. "Tea?" He said plainly. "Please," I mumbled sitting down again.
As I sat there I thought about how nice it is to have somewhere to be safe with someone you trust. I rubbed my thigh absentmindedly but stopped, flinching when I pressed to hard on a newer bruise. The thought quickly came to an end. 'I will never be safe.'
Kian came back with two mugs. I put mine down, waiting for it to cool. I looked at him and smiled. He had his usual bracelets on hiding mostly faded scars. I looked away but felt something warm brush my cheek. I felt my face turn red as I realized what had happened.
He had kissed me. I didn't know what to do. I never felt that way about him and I thought he felt the same. Friends, that's what we'll always be.