His Ruthless Revenge (A Dark Bully Romance)

Chapter Sixteen

Six years ago...

I'm frozen in place.

Incapable of moving as I stand there completely transfixed.

My mind can't process that my dad's car is outside my house right now and I don't know what to do or where I'm supposed to go.

There's no way I can go inside if he's in there.

I don't want to be anywhere near him.

I retrace my steps and stumble in the opposite direction; my eyes swimming with unshed tears as I'm consumed with terror.
I'd go to Eric's house if he was still here and I'd remain there until it was safe to go home again. Except he's not here anymore. He's gone and so has the one place I felt safe.
Maybe I could still go there? His mum won't turn me away but she'll want to know why I want to be there instead of being at my own house with my mum. She'll end up asking all sorts of questions and I won't be able to answer any of them.

What am I supposed to do?!

I consider calling Finn. I know he'll be there for me but I doubt his mum will let me stay over at his house. I've never even met her and I can't just turn up there uninvited. They'd also end up asking me a bunch of questions I can't deal with so that's out of the question. I really don't have anyone else I can turn to and feel completely helpless.
I find a nearby bench and decide to sit down on it, taking a few moments to try and figure things out. I'm trying not to think about the possibility that he's back for good as the thought of that is utterly unbearable.

This is my worst nightmare.

My tears start to fall and I don't even try and stop them. I don't have anything to wipe my face with so I'm stuck using the grotty sleeve of my school uniform. I must look so pathetic sitting here on my own and crying to myself but I can't control any of it.
I'm frightened, confused and incredibly alone. I have no one who can help me and feel like I'm drowning in my own despair and desperation.
"April? Are you ok?" Someone asks, startling me as they appear out of nowhere.
I wipe away my tears so I can see who it is and meet the concerned gaze of someone I vaguely recognise.
"Kerry?" I ask, sounding a little doubtful.
"Yeah, it's me." She replies kindly, taking a seat beside me. "What's wrong? Are you alright?"
I have no idea what she's doing here or how she happened to stumble upon me. I haven't seen her in years and thought she'd gone away to Uni a few months back. Kerry is a couple of years older than me and we knew each other when we were young. We inevitably grew apart and I haven't heard anything from her in years. She still looks fantastic with her long hair, dark eyes and slim figure. I must look a right mess in comparison.
"I'm fine." I respond weakly, trying my best to sound convincing.
"You're crying." She observes gently, reaching for a tissue inside her bag. "You're not fine."
I take it from her and dab at my eyes, grateful for her kindness but embarrassed and humiliated that she has to see me like this. I'm completely mortified.
"I just needed a break from being at home but don't have anywhere else to go." I murmur, wringing my hands together as my anxiety threatens to consume me.
"Why don't you come over to mine?" She offers kindly. "You can stay as long as you want."
"What about your mum?" I ask her, surprised by her generous offer.
"She's away for the weekend so it's just me."
"Are you sure you don't mind?"
"Not at all." She smiles, standing up so I can follow her. "Come on."
We walk back to her house together but don't do much talking. I think she can sense that I'm not in the right frame of mind to open up so she doesn't even try to convince me. There's a respectful silence between us and I'm grateful for it, relieved she seems to understand that I need time to reflect and gather my own thoughts.
"Thanks again." I tell her, waiting for her to unlock the front door once we arrive at her house.
"There's no need to thank me." She assures me, smiling warmly. "But you should maybe send your mum a text and let her know where you are. You don't want her worrying."
"I will." I assure her, reaching for my phone.