Dysfunctional

14

The detective lead us back to a questioning room. Cassie held onto me tightly as we walked in and sat down. The detective sat across from us and opened the case file. she sighed while reading it over before looking up at us.

"Ms. Hewitt, when did this abuse begin?" He asked.

She sighed loudly and squeezed my hand. "I was about 14 and my father had gotten extremely drunk....he got angry....and....began hitting me and he took me upstairs to the bathroom, and he turned the water on. He...filled up the tub and shoved me in, holding me under. I couldn't breathe, and I blacked out. He pulled me out and he left me on the floor." Cassie was crying really hard. I rubbed her back as she leaned into my chest. I held her close as she cried. The detective looked up from his notes and looked at me.

"Mr. Clifford, could you tell me what you've seen?" he asked.

"Well, I was visiting Cassie and he came downstairs really drunk, and he started yelling and forced me to leave. So I left and I stayed behind for a few moments and then I heard him slap her I rushed over to her and she was holding her cheek and crying and her father rushed out." I said still holding Cassie in my arms.

The detective nodded, before looking at the pictures of Cassie's bruises and scars. He cleared his throat before looking back up at us.

"Has your mother ever abused you?" He asked.

"No, she never even knew." Cassie whispered.

"Has your father ever raped you?" He asked.

Cassie shook her head slowly. "It never went that far," Cassie mumbled.

The detective nodded his head as he closed the case file. "Well, Ms. Hewitt, we have enough evidence for an arrest. But because you're still 17 child services will have to be called."

Cassie nodded. "I'm currently staying with Michael and his parents."

"Can I have the address?"

I nodded as I told him my address, he nodded as he stood up. We both stood up as well. "You should probably get in touch with a lawyer, there will be a court case." he said.

I shook hands with him before leading Cassie out the door. We walked out of the department and to the car. She sat in silence during the ride home. I broke the silence.

"I have a lawyer we can call, he's really good." I said.

"Michael, I love you so much. Thank you for helping me with this I've never told anyone this before, and I'm finally going to be free from something I thought I could never escape from. I am so thankful for you and your parents, I can't tell you how much this means to me." she said.

"I love you too, and as your boyfriend it's my job to protect you. I will always be here for you to protect you." I said. She took my hand in hers and held it tightly.

The rest of the car ride was silent, but it  was peaceful. Cassie stared out the window. Her face still tear stained. I reached over and brushed her hair out of her face. She turned and smiled.

"I love you," I smiled.

"I love you too." she said.