Dark Hearts

Chapter Four

Melia's pov

Calling a cab, ratting off my address to the driver was all done like I was in a panic trance. When the cab finally stopped on my street, I threw the door open rushing out into the sidewalk.

Reaching the front door, I twisted my keys into the door hole, pushing it open. The sight that awaited me was one I least expected.

Instead of chaos, Beatrix sat on the living room couch with Johnny, her off and on boyfriend, with a bottle of beer in both their hands.

Johnny was a slimy motherfucker with a pork belly and disgusting breath. I knew this because he was always trying to get me in a corner and cup a feel.

“Mom, what's going on? I got a call from work? What's this about?” I demanded, confusion slowly melting into anger.

“Sit down, Melia.” I sat with barely contained rage.

Beatrix took a breath. Like she was preparing herself for something before she started.

“I wanted to wait until you got the money for my next fix. Even if you did, the money you get is enough.”

“Yeah. Cos I need to pay the bills.” I spat at her.

She completely ignored me. “But I can't wait any longer.”

“Mom. What are you talking about? I told you I'd give you money today.” Dread made cold sweat break out on my skin.

“I did what I had to do. You know how much I've been suffering since your dad died.” She sniffed.

“Don’t bring Dad into this. He is not your reason for falling away from the world and doing this to me.” Rage and helplessness overwhelmed me and tears began falling down my cheeks.

Beatrix looked away, tears filling her eyes.

God, she was so sick.

“Johnny is going to take care of you. You just need to do what he wants you to do.”

My eyebrows jumped in surprise and my eyes widened in horror as she rose from the couch.

“Well then, I'll leave you to it.”

She began walking away, leaving me with disgusting Johnny in the living room alone.

“Mom! Stop! Come back! Don't do this to me.” horror and fear making my voice break.

She walked with her head held high but her shoulders shook and her hands were clenched in tight fists by her side.

“Mom!!” My cries were deafening now. Tearing from my voice with the most horrendous noise.

Johnny stood slowly, and walked towards me. He reached me, dragged me off the couch and backhanded me so hard that it sent me crashing into the little shelf of books in the corner.

“Shut up, you stupid bitch.” Johnny leered down at me. “I told you I would get you.”

I curled into myself, wanting to disappear or die. Anyone was fine at this point.

“Please, don't hurt me. I beg you.”

He smiled like an evil cat. “Of course, I won't hurt you, Mia cara. I'll take care of you.”

Somehow he made that sound even worse.

I sobbed as he guided his hands, palming my things. He undid his buckle, pulling out his belt.

I felt so helpless at this moment. I choked on my tears, a scream bubbling in my throat.

He paused and pressed a finger to his lips.

“Shh, I don't want to have to hurt you, Melia.”

He reaches for my blouse and rips it. He paws at my breasts, his dirty hands and horrible smell all over me as I begin kicking, screaming, trying and failing to scratch at his face.

He slaps my face again pushing his body into mine.

In the back of my mind, I wondered how my mother could deal with this. She left me out here just because of her next fix.

His hands landed on my lips and neck, probably to silence my screams. Then the most horrifying thing happened.

He starts to squeeze.

And squeeze.

And squeeze.

My vision darkens and blurs out a little.

And then suddenly, the door flies open, slamming against the wall, hinges coming off.

In a second, Johnny is pushed off me. I inhale a deep breath, feeling like my air supply was cut off which is literally what just happened.

Bastian pulls Johnny by his shirt and punches him so hard, he knocks him out.

He gathers me off the ground, takes off his sweater and helps me put it on.

I looked up at him, confusion and relief coursing through my veins. Before I could ask any questions, I felt my vision whitening and fading. I couldn't keep my eyes open. The darkness settles over me like a warm blanket and I feel Bastian swoop me into his arms and carry me out of the house before I fade into unconsciousness.