His Ruthless Revenge (A Dark Bully Romance)

Chapter Twenty

Six years Earlier...

I spend most of my weekend curled up in bed, hiding beneath the covers where I feel safe and no one can get me.
My mum had a thousand questions for me when I got home so late, wearing someone else's clothes. I told her I was far too exhausted and would explain everything to her the following morning but she wasn't having any of it.
She told me how she'd been trying to contact me all night to tell me that my father had turned up unexpectedly. I pretended I had no idea he was back and hadn't received any of her messages as my phone had died.
She also informed me he'd been waiting hours to see me but eventually gave up and left.
I told her we probably wouldn't hear from him again and she sighed deeply, realising I might be right.
Part of me still longs to tell her the truth about him but I just can't bring myself to do it. It would break her heart completely and she's already been hurt enough by him. We both have.
After all, my father won't risk me exposing who he really is anyone. He was beaten savagely by Chase and ended up being hospitalised. Surely that will be enough for him to stay away?

Mum tries coaxing me out of my room several times over the weekend but I tell her I don't feel well and just want to stay in bed. I know she's worried about me but I can't face her right now. It's just too hard.
I was taking a nap on Saturday afternoon when I heard the front door bell ring downstairs. My heart began to race as I clutched the covers to my chest, reminding myself that it couldn't possibly be my dad. He was half dead the last time I saw him.
I heard the sound of muffled voices in the hallway and my mum knocked on my bedroom door a few moments later.
"April, there's a young man downstairs and he's asking to see you." She whispered, keeping her voice low.
"Who is it?"
"I don't know his name but he seems very anxious to see you."
"Tell whoever it is I'm not very well." I replied sharply. "I don't want to see anyone."
"Are you sure? It might be nice for you to have some company for a little while." She persisted, refusing to give up.
"Just do it, Mum."
"Very well." She sighed, making her way back downstairs.

She returned a couple of minutes later, slipping a note underneath my door.
"What's that?"
"The young man left it and told me to give it to you. Don't worry, I haven't read it." She assured me.
My feet padded across the carpet so I could pick up the note, curious to read what was inside it.

April, I'm really sorry for turning up unexpectedly but I don't have your number so it was the only way I could think of to make sure you're ok. I know I gave you mine last night but just want to remind you that you can use it whenever you like. At least text me to let me know you're alright. I can't stop thinking about you and I'm really worried. Kerry is worried about you as well and she's furious with me for the way I handled things last night. I'm so sorry, April. I'm nothing but a fuck up and a thoughtless, stupid idiot. I've dealt with all of this so badly but promise I want to make it up to you from now on. I don't know if that's even possible but I swear I'm going to try. I won't turn up at your house again unannounced as I know it might make things awkward for you but please send me a message or call me. Just let me know you're ok.

I'm so sorry.

Chase x

I read his note several times, struggling to understand how the person who wrote it could be the same individual who tormented me for months. Part of me still feels like I'm being manipulated by him and can't help being wondering if he has an ulterior motive afterall.

I spend Sunday doing the exact same thing as I did on Saturday; only leaving my room to take a bath and grab something to eat.
My phone received a couple of texts from Finn over the weekend which cheered me up a little. School's been unbearable without him and I can't wait to see him again.
Despite the fact I'll see Finn, I'm still really tempted to skip school tomorrow. It will be so much easier to stay home and keep on hiding. At least that way I might feel safe.