Thin As Water

25.

TW: This chapter contains depictions of child abuse. Please use caution when viewing this chapter. If you feel it would be best to skip, I'll put a short summary at the end of the chapter in the author's note.

Specific triggers: cursing, mention of nudity, physical and verbal abuse, death threats, mention of a gun

"Well, look here. My little failure is waiting here for me. How nice." Mrs. VanGrayson's tone was like ice as she stalked into the house, her eyes fixed on Lilian.

Lil stayed silent. There really was nothing she could say. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed James was still there and wondered why he hadn't retreated to his room.

Guess he wants to see me get it. But why did he call me Lily?

Lil let her focus drop a moment too long. Her mother was in front of her now, and, without warning, she backhanded Lil as hard as she could. Lil fell back against the couch, the metallic taste of blood in her mouth.

"You are an absolute fucking failure, little girl, and I fully intend to teach you a lesson. Am I understood?"

"Yes ma'am." Lil responded quietly, refusing to make eye contact with the woman who had raised her.

The woman wrinkled her nose. "You're a disgrace, little bitch. You're lucky I'm kind enough to keep you around. Not everyone would."

"Yes ma'am." Lil began to feel an almost floating sensation as she drew inside herself to prepare for whatever awaited her.

Her mother continued to look at her as though she were some disgusting bug. "I only raise children who are good. You are not my daughter. My daughter would know better. You're just a little whore bitch who is about to be taught some respect. Prepare."

Practically on autopilot, Lil removed her school uniform and underwear and stood shivering next to the couch. James had not yet left the room, although he wasn't looking at her. He was standing with his eyes closed, looking as though he was thinking hard.

"I'll beat this out of you, mark my words, little bitch."

"Yes ma'am."

"Get your ass over the couch."

Lil bent over the couch, thankful for the bit of modesty it provided. She was very aware of her bare back and bottom, and did her best to remember what they felt like with no pain. Glancing up slightly, she could see that James was now right in her line of sight.

"Not every woman would keep a fucking bitch like you around. Maybe I shouldn't either. You're not doing this world any favors."

Lil's eyes widened. She looked up at James, noting the fear on his face as well. Her mother had threatened plenty of things, but this was further than she'd ever gone.

"Mother."

Lil stared as James spoke. Her mother whirled around as though she had just noticed James' presence. "James. Go get me the belt and the cane for the bitch."

James looked at Lil, and suddenly gave her a little smile. "No."

"Excuse me?"

"No."

"You dare defy me? You have no right to speak to me in such a way." Mrs. VanGrayson stared at James with rage before storming down the hall.

"Jamie, what are you doing?" Lil hissed, not daring to move.

"It's going to be ok, Lily. I promise." James' smile widened a little.

Their mother stormed back in, holding the strap and cane. "Since you think you can give me orders, you'll be my warm up. Bend over. Immediately!"

James gave Lilian one more look and then did as he was told, holding onto the other end of the couch. Mrs. VanGrayson pushed his pants to the floor before immediately striking him with the belt.

Lilian watched as stroke after stroke landed on her brother's bottom, back, and legs as he desperately attempted to hold onto the couch. Finally, he gave up and let his knees buckle, falling to the ground. A few drops of blood soaked through his white school shirt and Lil felt her stomach churn.

"I'll deal with you more later." Her mother spoke with disgust as she looked at the boy lying on the ground. She moved in front of him and suddenly kicked him fiercely in the side. James stopped moving and lay still.

"Jamie!"

Her mother turned back towards her, her face still tight with fury. "Your turn."

Lil lay frozen as her mother stepped towards her, belt in hand, and came behind her.

swish-CRACK

The first stroke, white hot, right in the center of her bottom.

swish-CRACK swish-CRACK

Two more quickly, falling on her sit spots and thighs.

swish-CRACK

This one right in the middle of her back. Lil fought to stay silent.

It was at that moment that it happened. Lilian was braced for the next stroke, her eyes squeezed shut, when the door banged open. 

"FREEZE! Put your hands in the air. I warn you, I am armed!"

Lil's eyes flew open as, with a cold gust of December wind, her father entered.

AN: Wow, that was a lot. That was a lot for me to write and I imagine that was a lot for you to read. But don't worry. They're safe now.

Summary for anyone who preferred to skip: Lil and James' mother got home and began to shout at Lil, then told her to get ready for her punishment. She made a threat to Lil and James got her attention onto him instead. Mrs. VanGrayson beat James and then kicked him which made him pass out, then began to beat Lil when her father entered.

Please leave a comment! Everything gets a lot lighter from here, I promise!