I wear BROKEN like a crown

10- nightmares

I didn't realize I had fallen asleep until I opened my eyes and saw him hovering above me. My breath caught in my throat as his dark glare seemed to bore holes in me.

"Look who we have here." He drawled. "Pretty little Thea. I'm surprised you found the strength to move your broken little body off the floor."

My lips trembled as I found myself unable to even fight his gaze. He chuckled. "Look at you. Pretty little thing, you got no more fire. Only took a couple hours. Pathetic."

I squeezed my eyes shut. "Shut. Up."

"Ooh, are you speaking now? Surprising. I thought you had screamed your voice all gone the last time. Don't worry. We'll work on it."

I finally mustered up enough courage to scream, "No, no, no." Kicking at him as he began to touch me again. But nothing landed. He smirked at me. 

I wailed. "Not again." But the feeling was all over. The pain was all over.

"Pretty little Thea, be a dear." He was over me again, a soft smile on his face as he brushed my hair. "Wake up."

"Thea, wake up!"

I jolted up form the bed, gasping and panting like I had run a marathon. Eight wide eyes blinked at me.

Angeline looked terrified, clutching Adam's arm. He looked extremely concerned as well, rubbing his sister's back.

Hunter had a gun in his hand, and my dad was carrying a metal baseball bat, both sporting worried and confused expressions.

"Oh Thea." Angeline began to cry, Adam trying to console her.

I looked up at them, before my gaze finally landed on my father and I lept into his arms, not crying but just breathing in the comforting smell oh him. He dropped the bat to hold me.

"The rest of y'all, out." He ordered. "And Hunter, if you keep on taking my guns, I'll use every damn bullet to shoot you in your knees."

I heard my brother grumble before the door clicked shut. My dad sat us both down on the bed. I remained close by his side, resting my head on his shoulder.

"You haven't had a night terror in years, Thea. You okay?" His voice was soothing.

I wanted to pour out my soul to him. I wanted him to console me with the love of a father and a mother- because he was both to me and Hunter. But did I want to burden him with personal pain.

Right when I was about to tell him that I was fine, Angeline burst through the door. Her expression was fierce and she returned the glare my father sent her with as much force.

"Ya better tell him, Thea." Her words were sharp. "Do not suffer in silence. I'm telling ya."

I stood up. "I- It's not your decision, Linee."

But her stance didn't waver. "I would be to first to say that we can make our own decisions and we have responsibility to accept the consequences of our own actions. Everyone deserves a choice." Her voice softened, but the glare was in her eyes. "I don't want to force ya- but as a friend I simply cannot stand aside and play off such despicable actions! It goes against all my beliefs and all my morals."

She completely ignored my confused father, walking up to me and squeezing my hands. "It wasn't your fault and it isn't your own actions that ya need to be responsible for. I'm sorry to pressure you, my dear, but tell him. Ya deserve that."

My dad shoved his way between us, folding his arms. "Angie, please leave. Me and my daughter are gonna talk."

Angeline sighed. "I'll be in the living room."

"Go home, Angie." My father insisted. "You can come back later."

She looked up, voice raising in panic. "I don't want to go home!"

My father raised an eyebrows. Angeline slapped a hand over her mouth. "Ah, sorry Mr. Kade. I'm just... on edge."

"If you're scared to be alone at home with your parents away, don't be." He replied gently. "You have Adam."

Angeline gave me a desperate look but I didn't know what to say. Her expression crumpled and then she nodded, walking out.

My father turns to me. "Now tell me what the hell-"

He's cut off when I throw myself at him again. "Papa, I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what, Thea? Listen, I've hid a body for you before, you don't gotta feel bad about it." He rubbed my back

I allowed myself to chuckle. "I didn't kill anyone. Maybe... that would've been better." I frowned as I looked at him. "You think if I had my pocketknife on me, I wouldn't get so easily hurt?"

"You got hurt?" His expression darkened. I looked down.

"I guess..?" I played with the bottom of my shirt. "In a... in some way."

"Who hurt you, Thea?" My dad stood up, fists already clenched. "Did someone hit you or something?"

He peered closely at my face. I back up. "Papa, stop it." I said firmly.

He back off and folded his arms. I want you to explain. 

I sighed. "Alright, but you might as well let them in."

My dad turned around sharply, opening the door of my room. "What the-"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Salam! Thank you for reading! How are we today?

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