Lies from the heart.

Gemma POV - Flashback

**Trigger Warning** Domestic Violence

I can hear him walking down the hall. I hold my breath as tears silently roll down my cheeks and praying he doesn’t hear me. “Lottie..” I hear him slurrr. “Where are you hiding? Don’t be scared. I promise I’ll be gentle”

Shivers run down my spine. The last time he was “gentle” I ended up with a few broken ribs and 15 stitches. I don’t know what I did to upset him this time and for all I know it could have been something to do with the family business.

“Lottie… Lottie…its hurting my feelings you’re hiding from me” he tries to sound sweet but I can hear the anger. I quickly pull out my phone and message Joey.

Lottie: He’s drunk. His bedroom back of closet.

Joey: On my way. Stay quiet.

Before I can reply I hear his closest door open “Boo! I found you” he says in a deadly whisper. I try not to whimper as he grabs my hair and drags me out of the closet. “You stupid b***h! You think you can hide from me!” He screams in my face. He tries to throw me onto the bed but with how drunk he is my body slams into the foot of the bed instead and I crumble to the floor feeling all the air escape my lungs. He picks me up again and throws me onto his bed. I try to crawl away but he pounces on me and hits me across the face. I can feel the metallic taste of blood in my mouth and Im about to beg for his forgiveness when I hear knocking on the door

“Im f*****g busy” he yells over to the door

“Brother let me in!” I hear Joey calmly call out

“This doesn’t concern you Joey!” He looks back at me and wraps his fingers around me neck “you didn’t think I’d find out about Joey?” I try sucking in air but his grip is cutting off my oxygen. I hear the pounding at the door getting louder

“Let me in! You don’t want to do this. Its not worth it.” Joey yells.

“Its too late brother! You cant interfere again this time!” He looks in my eyes as my lungs are on fire and darkness starts overcoming me as I hear him laugh. I see his fist come across my face just as I hear the door break open and all goes black.

I wake up frantically sitting up drenched in sweat. My hands instantly go to my throat and ribs as I realize it was another nightmare. It takes several minutes to compose myself and I reach for my phone. Its only 3pm but I knew there was not chance I was going back to sleep. I leaned over and found the secret compartment in my dresser and grabbed my burner phone. I had 2 unread messages and instantly was excited to see what they said.

H: Missing you

H: Let me know when you’re awake.

Gemma: Awake.

H:Smart ass

Gemma: Would you expect anything different?

H: Haha no. Whats your schedule like? I want to come see you

Gemma: H!! I’d love that! But do you think its safe?

H: Ill figure out a plan. I love you. Please stay safe and remember to hide the phone.

Gemma: and delete all messages…. I know the drill. Love you! Ill talk to you later.

I erase the messages and put the phone back in its hide out. I decided its best to get out of bed and do something useful till I need to get ready for my shift. I finished my laundry and debate on making actual food… I laugh out loud to myself I’ll stick to my energy drinks, coffee and protein bars to sustain me through my shift and I’ll get Nox to make me food later this weekend. I’m about to get dressed when my phone rings and I see its the hospital “this better be good news” I say without a hello.

“Well its your lucky night” I hear Megan the day charge dryly replies “You’re on call tonight. Enjoy and go do something fun.” And hangs up before I can beg her to let someone else have the shift off.

Damn! What am I going to do now? I have to work and keep my self busy. Nights alone are the hardest. That’s when my demons want to come out and play. Sleeping during the day is easier especially when I’m exhausted. I sit there a little longer and wonder if Nox is awake yet?

Gemma: Hey you working tonight?

Nox: All night. Want me to bring food for us?

Gemma: No thanks. Just got called off. I have errands I need to run. I’n going yo attempt to fix some things around my place. Want me to get you anything while I’m out?

Nox: Haha umm are you sure I cant help you?

Gemma: Yeah I’m sure. I gotta figure it out.

Nox: Ok, well how about I send you a recipe I’ve been dying to try and Ill make us dinner tomorrow?

Gemma: You know me so well

Nox: I’ll call you on my break. Let you know all the gossip.

Gemma: Cant wait! Make sure you get as many details though it’s boring when you don’t know anything.

Nox: Deal.

I toss my phone on the bed and change into a pair of skinny jeans and my favorite hoodie. I debated on doing my hair and make up but decided against it. My hair was still damp so I throw some mousse to help my loose wavy curls and quickly apply a coat of mascara before walking out the door.

There’s not much to do in a small town. Growing up back east I was used to the city life. I could go anywhere and get literally anything at 3am in New York City. But here the only thing that stays open late are a few Bars, restaurants and Walmart. For a small town we have a decent size hospital but to our credit were the closest hospital in 150 mile radius. I stopped at local liquor store and grabbed my favorite bottle of wine..ok I grabbed 2 and then decided last minute I’d need Jack Daniels to keep me company tonight as well. After that I stopped at the bank and hardware store. I decided I might as well fix the odds and ends around my apartment myself instead of relying on others. Plus Youtube made it look like all simple fixes. Then finally Walmart to stock up on groceries and the items Nox sent me for dinner.

I was headed to the checkout line minding my own business when someone walked right into me. Instinctively my body keeps all my groceries close in the little basket but unfortunately for the other guy his groceries go everywhere! Before I can say anything the man goes off on me.

“Seriously are you that self absorbed you can’t see where your walking?” The man said. My breath hitched when I recognized the voice.

SHIT!

I look down and see Dr. Martinez picking up the groceries he dropped. FML. I immediately turn around and head to a different check out line trying to avoid him. I think I get away just in time when I feel a tap on my shoulder startling me making me drop my basket and spaghetti sauce going everywhere! “Im sorry I didn’t mean to startle you but what the hell was that a minute ago? Are you even going to apologize for running into me?” His sexy pissed off voice makes my panties wet but I was still angry he thinks its my fault! I whip around and to face him and see his face turns to shock when he realizes its me.

“First of all” I start as I take a step away from him and thats when I feel my feet slip out from under me. My head hits the floor and while trying to catch myself candy and shelving fall on top of me. Embarrassed I try to stand up as fast as I can when my hands slip in the sauce and I fall back on my elbows. A sharp pain in my hand and forearm almost makes me scream out but out of habit I keep a poker face and my voice silent.

I finally get to my feet and immediately feel nauseous. But by now theres a crowd and I’m really embarrassed and pissed! I look at Dr. Martinez ready to chew him out when I notice he looks worried? Thats weird. “Look Dr Martinez….” I stop trying not to vomit “I don’t feel good” and all goes black.