04

Chapter four: I miss you

The rain hammered against the windows which reflected my mood; I was sat huddled up on my bed with fear coaxing my body. Father was passed out right now but that only meant a waiting game; he would soon wake up and beat me.

Wrapping my petite frame in my duvet cover I tried my hardest to get some sleep, after all tomorrow is a new day and it meant I would be going round Evan's after school.

**

Evan POV

I wasn't sure what it was but Maeve drew me in like an addiction, she was someone I wanted to know everything about. The bruises clouding her plumped, pinked cheeks and the fresh blood on her lips. It made me want to hug her, protect her.

Changing into some black cargos and a plain white t shirt I headed off to school, the rain was still pouring down in heavy amounts since last night so I hurried down the sidewalks; not wanting to get absolutely drenched.

Once I had reached the school I shook my hair with my hand and wiped away the wet strands stuck to my cheeks; the same groups of people gathered around in their little unoriginal clans and the familiar looks which I had become so used to were burning holes through me.

"Ah Evan. You look cold, did you want my jacket?" A girl with auburn hair asked sweetly which made me smile in response. "No- that's okay. Plus your jacket probably wouldn't fit me" I chortled with a hint of amusement which made the girl blush.

"How silly of me- you're right. My name is Callie" she introduced with her hand outstretched. Gladly taking her hand I shook it. Callie was a very beautiful looking girl, her auburn locks complimented her pale complexion perfectly and enhanced her blue eyes. "I'm Evan" I said back in the same tone.

"I knew that" she squeaked with a smirk "I kinda mentioned that to begin with.."

I scratched the back of my neck and nodded "suppose you did. Well Callie, thanks for the offer. I guess I'll see you around?"

She nodded with appreciative eyes "yes- I'll see you around Evan" she then walked down the corridor and to her friend with black hair, both of them grinning ear to ear.

My thoughts then pondered on to where Maeve was, normally she would be here by now and this only stirred worry in the pit of my stomach.

Before I could search for her the familiar bells chimed meaning our first lesson was beginning. Grabbing my books I quickly hurried off, not wanting to be late.

Maeve POV

"Hey dad.. I'm gonna be late coming home tonight. I'm seeing a friend" I whispered as he stirred on the couch.

Snapping open his eyes he looked at me glumly, his breath stinking of booze like usual and bags hung around his eyes. "Why the fuck are you waking me up Maeve"

Holding his head he clenched his jaw in pain "grab me some painkillers will you and a bottle of Budweiser"

"Dad- maybe you should.. not drink today" I said just above a whisper, a knot building in my stomach. "Maybe I can stay home today and we can do something together like old times?"

Dad looked at me with soft eyes for a split second before returning back to his familiar cold expression. "I would rather drink my own piss. Now grab me my shit"

Gulping I hurried off into the kitchen, as I looked around I saw that plates were stacked up high and expired food began to stink out the fridge. Mouldy varied food was also scattered across the worktops which lead me to peg my nose with my fingers.

"Here you go" I stated as I passed over a bottle of Budweiser and some painkillers. Gladly he swung them to the back of his throat and chugged his drink.

"Great. Now get to school" he grumbled, resting back into the sofa and switching on the television.

"But dad- let's try and do something together. I really don't have to go to school" I shot back with tears dancing in my eyes. "I.. I miss you so much. I need my dad"

My father quickly stood up and grabbed my face with his empty hand, the forcefulness making me wince. "I would rather die get that through your thick little brain"

Before I could respond he grabbed my hair and pushed me to the floor, his foot kicking into my ribs making me curl up into a ball of pain. "Don't even try asking something so ridiculous again. You hear me?"

"Daddy- stop hurting sissy" My brother Dylan said softly as his little figure made its way to the living room. My brother was only six years old and luckily my dad never laid a finger on him, even in his drunken state. But Dylan wasn't stupid- he knew what dad was doing to me. This is why I can't leave.

"Ahh Dylan. My boy. Go back to your room" dad ushered as he quickly picked me up and put an arm around my shoulders. "Me and your sister were playing about"

I nodded weakly "we were just playing, I'll come see you after school I promise" I reassured.

Dylan rubbed his eyes and nodded before returning back to his room. "You didn't tell Dylan did you?"

"N-no of course not" I stammered "he doesn't know a thing dad"

"Good. Before you go to school make him some breakfast" he instructed whilst swigging his drink.

**

I was so late for school, to put it more specifically I was almost an hour late. Dad had me running about the place and made me clean the kitchen and make Dylan breakfast before I left.

I so badly wanted to tell the authorities what was going on because Dylan shouldn't be subjected to this but my father said if I ever did he had 'friends' who would come to kill me. No matter what I did- I couldn't escape him.

Hugging my wet jacket to my body I unloaded my locker and grabbed my books. I then made my way to my class; it felt weird that the corridors were so empty- though I was rather enjoying the quietness. It only meant I didn't have to see anyone right now.

My ribs were killing me so unintentionally I was walking weirdly, my hand occasionally going to my bruised ribs.

"Maeve. Nice for you to join us" Mr Sullivan stated bitterly as I walked in, people instantly beginning to laugh and talk to one another.

"Take a seat. We will talk after class"

Sitting down I saw that Evan had a worried expression on his face, that same expression that made me feel an array of emotions swirl in my belly.