Fallen in deep

Chapter 16 -Calm after the storm

“Explain.” Zane demanded. 

I took a deep breath and gathered myself , I was past caring that my eyes were red and puffy and my nose was running. 

“Well it was when I was 6 years old , I was going to stay at my aunt Molly's like I did often, she had just broken up with her abusive partner, he was on bail conditions pending trial - one of those conditions was that he was not to be in the same area as my Auntie. But one night he showed up at door, I remember it clear to this day , it had been pouring down with rain all day and later that night it turned into a heavy thunder storm...”

My chest started to ache just reliving that moment. A throbbing pain resonated throughout my body and head.

“And my aunties ex showed up at the door drunk and in a fit of rage , when the door bell rang we thought it was the pizza man at first and as soon as my Auntie opened the door he pushed his way in shouting and roaring , I ducked behind the couch using a pillow to hide my face but when I heard a loud smack and a cry I  peered up to see my Auntie lying on the floor with her arms up in the air trying to defend herself , she told me to go to my room but I didn’t want to leave her there crying , I remember the pillow  shaking in my hands as I held it up to my face, then all the lights switched off with the only light coming from the lightening outside..”

I took another deep breath to control my strained voice and closed my eyes.

“‘My Auntie tried to reach for the phone but it wasn’t working because of the power cut, then my so called ‘uncle’ kicked her so hard in the ribs I could hear the crack but the screams were louder which made me scream too. I had never seen anyone hurt someone like that with great force and sheer hatred. I don’t exactly recall what he was shouting at her but whatever it was made me throw  the pillow  at him, I couldn’t bare seeing him hurt my Auntie anymore , I just wanted him to stop.”

“This seemed to anger him more , he tried to grab me and told me that I was going to pay, I tried to pull away and kick but he just squeezed my arms harder , I remember feeling like they were going to snap off, like he was  breaking a twig in half. The pain was unbearable. My Auntie hit his back which resulted in another punch to the face. He told me it was pointless screaming for help as no one would hear me , in the end I bit his arm as hard as I could making him drop me, I didn’t know what to do but I remember my Mum always saying to go to our neighbour if I ever needed help so I was hoping Aunt Mollys neighbours would be the same. The first one didn’t answer , I banged on the next house as hard as I could screaming at the top of my voice for help, It was so cold and wet outside and I jumped every time there was thunder and lightning, Thankfully someone answered all I could muscle up at the time was “uncles hurting Auntie please help” , they phoned the police And he got taken away. I Only found out later on that he tried to take advantage but luckily he was too drunk to follow through, but unfortunately  he beat her up pretty badly instead , I felt awful for leaving her with that monster, she could of died”

The thought of all the trauma my Aunty had suffered that night released the tears I was holding back ,  sending pain all over , how could someone with a huge heart and smiley face be crushed and trampled on so cold heartedly.

“Hey Shh” Zane put his arm around me pulling me in again resting my cheek on his shoulder , he had listened that whole time , not taking his eyes of me , stroking my back with comfort and reassurance. I nestled into his neck.

“By the sounds of it, you were so brave, you were only a child and you rescued your Auntie  by going for help” He said in a quiet voice

“Am always worried incase he gets out of jail one day and haunts us down”  I sobbed

Zane took hold of my face with both hands and pulled it gently towards his own so he was staring directly in my eyes .

“I won’t ever let that happen.” He said slowly 

“Your parents are out tonight right ? Am not taking you back in this state or to be left on your own , am not leaving you by yourself so you can stay here “ 

“But all my stuff ..”

“Your staying that’s final . Now after all that am going to get us a drink then we can watch the rest of this film”

He stood up making me feel cold as he removed his arms.

“...I don’t drink alcohol” I muttered 

Zane was heading to the kitchen when he stopped and turned.

“Who said anything about alcohol am making tea”

I was not expecting that.

“Oh right ...yes please “

Zane brought cups of tea with biscuits and we watched the film, I didn’t even make it to the end, my eyes were so heavy and my body felt so exhausted from the panic. I dozed off peacefully feeling warm and Comfy.

               ***

* someone clears their throat*

What was that ?

I felt my body slowly wake up after hearing a faint noise but my eyes didn’t want to just yet , I felt a heavy arm round my waist, then I remembered where I had stayed the night and how I fell asleep on the couch , Zane must of too.

My eyes shot open that the sound of someone clearing their throat , it was the same sound which woke me up just this time it was louder. All I could see in front of me was a pair of very tall , bulky smart looking legs, my eyes crept upward to see a figure of a man with broad shoulders dressed in a suit, he towered over me. He had dark hair and eyes similar to Zane’s. Looked maybe early 40s with a well trimmed beard. I couldn’t think why but his face looked familiar , like I had seen him before.

“Well, Good morning.” His voice was low and cold

Realizing how this looked with a sleeping Zane sprawled across me. I sat upright trying to make myself look some what presentable.

“ Morning ..I um...I just feel asleep here by accident last night “ What an embarrassing situation to be seen in.

Who was this man and what was he doing here ? 

“Am Jason Hardy, Zane’s uncle” He said sternly

“Oh ! Nice to meet you , I am Ella Roberts a classmate of his”

“Roberts huh?” His eyes narrowed together like he was thinking carefully about something

“Anyways I’d better be off I still need to get ready nice meeting you Mr Hardy, bye “

I could not get out of there quick enough , what must he of thought ! There was something about him, he had an air of mystery surrounding him.

***

“Will you wake up already !!” 

Zane groaned sleepily at his uncles command , yawning he scanned the couch expecting to see Ella next to him but before he could ask his uncle bet him to it.

“She’s just left. ..Nice girl”

Zane let out a growl, he knew that look on his uncles face , like he was up to no good or secretly plotting in his head.

“What did you say to her ?” He spat out

“Nothing I only introduced myself, she’s your classmate right ? I think you and me need a chat , she may come in very useful to us.”

***