***
I startled awake and yelped when hands grabbed my shoulders, my fists rose ready to fight.
“Hey whoa, it’s me Martha.” I heard my besties voice in the dark before I slumped back to the floor.
“Just go away.” I snapped at my friend which was unfair.
I was feeling sorry for myself and angry that I felt so scared all the time.
“Like hell I will, girly.” I heard the annoyance in her tone. “Get the fuck up off the floor, Gracie-May.”
I gazed up at her through my lashes, sending her what I hoped was a daggered look.
“Evil eyes won’t work either. You’re stronger than this.”
Her hands slammed on her hips as she loomed over me before kicking out at the feathers and bedding.
“You know what, Martha, I don’t want to be strong.” My tone was blunt. “I’ve had enough. I’m tired, lonely and a fucking mess who has a brain which insists on taunting me with memories of what I had.”
Tears rolled down my face, I balled my fists. I bit at the inside of my cheek to dispel some anger by turning it into pain. I needed to scream this damn place down.
“Well ain’t that just a speech, now, get up and sort ya shit out. I’m making coffee and then we’re taking Kaden to the damn rehab facility before he raises all kinds of hell and tries to walk here.”
“Wait? He can’t be going today.” I ran my hand through my mess of matted hair. “Shit.”
“Yes, shit is right. It is today. Chris has been hassled by him all morning; he’s really been on his ass. You need to check your phone and answer that man before he kills Chris or some such shit.”
Shit, I can’t remember where I put my phone. I knew it was on silent like always. When I was home it was safer to have it quiet than worry about questions Ben would ask over who was calling and texting me.
“Move your ass.” Martha hollered over her shoulder at me.
“When did you become a forceful bossy human?”
I pushed to my feet, shaky and in pain. I spotted my phone on the bedside table on the other side of my bed. I leaned over and snatched it up. I had thirty-two texts and forty missed calls. The man was certainly persistent.
“It’s the day I needed to man up for you, Gracie. Now it’s your time to do it for me.”
His words washed over me and I sent Kaden a quick message.
Me: Sorry, fell asleep, had a panic attack and minor meltdown. Martha is here so I’ll have coffee and be right there. Try not to kill anyone in the meantime.
I jumped in and had a quick shower, dragged a brush through my mop and tied it into a messy bun on top of my head. I pulled on a pair of blue wash jeans with rips over the knees, a basic black tee and oversized adidas jumper. I stepped into my trainers and spritzed some perfume around me before pinching my gaunt cheeks to add some colour.
My eye was a mess. I couldn’t hide it so I might as well suck it up, own it and hold my head high.
Martha held out a coffee she had made in my takeaway mug. I grabbed it and headed from the house. Looking back over my shoulder, I questioned playfully.
“What are you waiting for?”
CHAPTER TEN
KADEN
I watched the night fold into itself and the stars dance in the sky.
I watched the sun rise and settle bright in the sky.
All the time worried if she was safe, hoping her asshole husband wasn’t at their house.
