Chapter Twenty Two
1161 Words
After hours of Mauve opening up to me about her family and her past , I lean against the cold brick wall, the evening light fading.
"Have you thought about leaving?"
Mauve's eyes flash with a mix of hope and fear. "I don't know where to go. They'll find me."
"You'll come to mine, Mauve, my parents won't mind , I just can't see you go back there."
I give her a big hug and tell to get some rest. I just stand outside the hospital in shock, everything she has told me , all the beatings she has had to endure, I need to help her.
I head towards home. My thoughts swirl as I march down the dimly lit street.
The wind bites at my skin, but a fire burns in my chest.
"Mauve needs out," I mutter, fists clenching.
Footsteps echo behind me. I glance back, heart racing.
"Hey, where are you rushing off to?" Brett leans against a lamppost, his brow furrowing.
"Just... needed some air," I reply, my gut twisting.
"Is it about Mauve?" His eyes narrow, probing.
" I don't think that is any of your business...do you?"
Brett pushes off the lamppost, stepping closer.
"It is when she's in trouble. You can't keep this to yourself."
I cross my arms, the chill seeping in.
"It's her family. They need to be confronted."
"s**t, I should not have said that."
Brett pinches the bridge of his nose, frustration curling his lips.
"Not to be rude, Brett, but why do you care? I saw how you all reacted"
Brett's jaw tightens, his gaze unwavering.
"I messed up," he admits, hands shoving deep into his pockets.
"Everyone has their demons," I shoot back, pushing past him.
"It's not about me!" he snaps, frustration shifting to urgency. "I can help you both. Just let me in."
I halt, weighing his sincerity against the chaos that awaits.
"I don't know if I can trust you," I retort, shifting my weight.
Brett steps closer, intensity radiating from him.
"It's not my story to tell Brett, all I will say is her family is bad news and she will be living with me from now on."
Brett's eyes widen, disbelief flickering across his face.
"You can't just—"
"I am. We're getting her out of there."
He takes a breath, the silence stretching between us, thick with tension.
"Then count me in," he finally says.
"Will see," i turn and just keep walking.
Brett's POV
I can't believe she's back. My mind is doing over time , I thought she had just left.
Seeing her standing there in that hospital gown, I thought I was dreaming. I don't know why I'm such a d**k and reacted the way i did.
Who hurt her is all that springs to mind, I'm pulled out of my thoughts when poppy pulls me into the limo. "Get in," Poppy says, sliding across the seat, eyes sharp with urgency.
I nod, letting the door thud shut behind me, muffling the street noise.
"Did you see the state of it, I mean, what an attention seeker." Poppy sniggers
The rest join in with shallow laughter, eyes glinting with malice.
"She's just trying to get sympathy," one of them scoffs, tossing his phone onto the seat.
"Like it'll get her anywhere," another adds.
I lean back, jaw tight, and anger boiling beneath the surface.
I look at my brothers and catch glimpses of their grins, but I can't laugh with them.
"She's not some joke. She's obviously been hurt," I say, my voice steady, cutting through their jeers.
Poppy rolls her eyes, but I turn away, refusing to let their laughter drown me out.
"You're really gonna defend her?" Poppy arches an eyebrow, her smirk fading.
I have to be clever about what I say next as I can't seem to be weak.
"Bro, let's just enjoy the rest of the night," Miles says, all chilled.
"She is a useless human, Brett. I don't even understand your problem," Poppy glares whilst touching up her lipstick.
"She doesn't need your judgement," I shoot back, my pulse quickening.
"Keep your voice down," Miles warns, glancing at the driver.
Poppy leans closer, eyes glittering with challenge. "What's next, a charity event for her?"
I clench my fists and determinate to break the cycle.
I bang on the window to the driver "pull the f**k over,"
The driver shoots me a confused glance, but I stare him down.
"Right now, or I'll do it myself."
He pulls the limo to the curb, tires squealing. I yank open the door and climb out, I slam it before anyone can say anything.
The cool night air wraps around me, refreshing but charged with tension.
"Brett, where're you going?" Miles calls, his tone sharp.
"Anywhere but here," I shoot back, hands clenched at my sides.
The limo drives off and I feel a sense of relief.
I don't think I just start heading towards the hospital.
Mauve's POV
My arms are being pulled in every direction, a branch wraps around my throat and I can't breathe. I can't see anyone around me, but I feel their presence, closing in like a pack of wolves.
"Don't fight it," a voice whispers, cold and familiar. "You belong to us now."
I kick and thrash, my fingernails scratching the earth, desperate to break free.
Suddenly my eyes open and I'm dripping with set, I check my surroundings and realise it was just a dream, I'm still in the hospital bed.
I've been in the hospital for four days now and greatful for everytime Rose and her mum visits. The nurse has said i should be allowed out by the end of the week. I can't wait to get out of this place, my body feels like it's turning to stone. I've been bedridden for days, my muscles wasting away. I long to feel the wind on my face, to walk freely again. The nurses are kind, but their constant presence is suffocating. I yearn for the simple pleasure of solitude, to think and heal without prying eyes. The days blur together, a monotonous cycle of medication and tests. But I'm determined to get better, to reclaim my strength and independence.
"I'll get you out of here," Rose whispers, her eyes brimming with determination.
I smile weakly, grateful for her support. "Just promise me one thing."
"Anything," she says, squeezing my hand.
"Don't let them find me again."
Rose nods, her expression firm. "I won't let anyone hurt you."
The nurse enters, clipboard in hand. "Time for your meds. Just a routine check."
I force a smile, but my stomach twists at the thought of more needles.
"Another round of fun?" I manage, attempting lightness.
The nurse glances up, her eyes softening. "I promise it won't hurt. Just some vitamins to help you heal."
"Vitamins? You make it sound like a spa day."
She chuckles, shaking her head.
- Writer
