Find me

Overnight.

I walk through the door after a long day at school, ready to relax. Just to hear the worst sound in the world.

"Cason! Please, I'm Sorry! I shouldn't have done it!" Mom sobs and screams. only to be yelled at.

"Damn right, you shouldn't have done it! The police CAME TO MY WORK PLACE ASKING ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. My boss threatened to fire me. Jadin, How many times have I told you, WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS HOUSE STAYS IN THIS HOUSE!" My father yells.

I may only be 13, but I have enough sense to know not to make him angry.

Either way, I intervene. I run to where the voices are. Which ends up being the study.

And I see Mom on the floor bleeding, her left eye is swollen shut, and she's covered in newly forming bruises.

"Dad!" I yell before he can hurt her anymore. He turns to me, and smiles, hungrly.

"She's had enough," I say, keeping my voice steady, and swallowing the lump that's forming in my throat.

I know what I have to say next, and what it will lead to.

It's happened so many times before. I still have to endure it until the pain is too much for my body to bear, and I pass out.

I'll wake up in so much pain, But I'll know Mom didn't have to take anymore of my fathers rage.

That's enough to keep me going.

"Please just leave her be." I feel the lump in my throat again, and swallow it. "Daddy. She can't take anymore. I'll meet you in my room."

I do, and he rips off his clothing, telling me to do the same.

Then he...

***

"Abbie! Abbie, wake up!" Finn whispers, as he caresses my cheek. My eyes fly open. I'm in a cold sweat, and tears. I sit up slowly.

"Finn?" He smiles and nods.

"What was it? Was it him?" He asks me, softly.

I nod and he pulls me closer.

"Listen to me. He can't get to you. For one, he's dead; and two, I've got you. I'll never let anyone hurt you." He assures me. I smile.

"I love you. You know that?" I ask. He smiles back.

"And I love you." He looks at his watch. It's 6 am. We still have a few hours until the conference. I say, we try and get some rest."

"And I say, you're a genius." I tell him. We lay back down, his arms around me, and drift off to sleep.

🚨Shoutout to @Julia_D For being my biggest supporter and best friend. Love you JuJu❤️