06

Chapter six: New start

Nervously I was sat on Evan's bed whilst he was downstairs talking to his mother, he asked for permission firstly if he could explain my situation which I agreed to. Evan was correct- I couldn't keep going on like this and generally all I wanted right now was some safety.

"Sissy.. where is Evan?" My little brother asked softly as he walked into the room. I smiled and patted the spot next to me.

"He is going to help us baby" I whispered "dad isn't going to hurt me anymore"

Dylan snuggled into my side and began to sob "I-I didn't want to say but I knew he was smacking you"

I kissed his cheek and nodded "I know baby. You've never been stupid. We will get through this. Big sis promises"

Evan walked in with his mother by his side in which she had puffed cheeks from what looked like her own crying episode; I never wanted to make anyone sad.

"My sweet girl" she cried, pulling me into a hug. "You don't have to worry anymore. We will help you"

In this moment I realised where Evan got his compassion from- his mother was so warm and comforting. She truly was an Angel and I truly felt the battle was over.. maybe now I'll be free from it all.

"T-thank you so much" I sobbed into her shoulder. "I know I couldn't keep lying or protecting my father. I can't do it anymore" I admitted painfully.

"Mom are you going to.. ask her?" Evan blurted out which made me raise an eyebrow.

"We have two spare rooms sweetheart. I foster children all the time and I would really love to have you and Dylan stay with us" she asked warmly, her voice like music to my ears.

Stiffening I flickered my eyes between her and Evan and instantly sobbed my heart out, my chest was heaving from the amount of cries escaping my parted lips. I couldn't believe this.

"I-I don't want to be a burden" I stuttered shyly "I don't want you to feel like you have to do this for us"

Julie smiled "darling, I want to. If you want to stay here then it would be my pleasure but that does mean talking to the authorities and finally getting your dad locked away. Would you be okay with doing this?"

I pondered on the idea and lowered my gaze. Apart of me still loved my father so much- I missed him when he wasn't like this and I felt sick to my stomach that I wasn't enough to bring him back.

"Yes.. I'll do it" I affirmed with sternness to my voice. "I need to do this.."

Evan smiled widely as he pulled both me and my brother into a tight squeeze "I'm so happy to hear that"

Julie looked at us with glassy eyes "I'll start the process off.. Evan can grab you some spare clothes"

"Thank you so much, you don't know how much this means to us" I cried into my hands. "You really don't know"

"So here is some spare clothes but they may be a little big on you. For Dylan luckily we had a foster boy around the same age who outgrew some of the clothes we bought him" Evan said as he passed me some items of clothing.

Gladly taking them I passed Dylan his in which he smiled like a Cheshire Cat "dinosaurs sissy!"

Chunking I turned to Evan and mouthed 'thank you'.

Evan gave me a knowing look and exited the room with his mother where me and Dylan could sort ourselves out. I helped bathe my brother and then got in the shower myself- letting the warm beads soften my bruised and bloodied skin.

This was our new start.

"Are we going to be living here now?" Dylan peeped excitedly

"Yes.. for now anyway" I gushed "we don't have to deal with dad anymore and that's the main thing"

Dylan's eyes softened "will we ever see him again?"

Nibbling my bottom lip I tasted metallic which was blood. "I don't know Dyl, time will tell"

Brushing my wet locks I then pulled on a shirt that Evan had given me, it was a black Metallica shirt with some black shorts. I must say Evan had some good taste if this top belonged to him.

Yawning I jumped into bed with Dylan sleeping soundly next to me. Because he was nervous he decided on sleeping with me tonight and once he was comfortable he could use his own room. I wasn't complaining though- I wanted to insure my brothers happiness and safety and the best way to do this was keeping him close.

"Night sissy. I love you"

Kissing his cheek I snuggled the boy into my arms "I love you most"

**

I had one of the best nights sleep I had for awhile and it seemed that Dylan also did considering drool was hanging from his mouth which was soaking the pillow.

Giggling to myself I got out of bed and stretched my arms and legs, I then sorted my birds nest of hair to make myself look presentable.

Looking into the mirror I saw that I had lost more weight; making me underweight at this point. It seemed with everything going on I wasn't focusing on my own health- my complexion was pale whilst my ribs now stuck out. I hated how I look...because I was becoming more and more unrecognisable.

The sweet smell of pancakes fuelled my nostrils which made me lick my lips... my belly rumbling making me want to rush down the stairs and eat everything in sight. Finally I had an appetite again.

Once downstairs I saw that Julie was cooking away and Evan was laying out the table. "Morning both of you" I chirped with a big smile. "It smells good"

Evan smiled back "morning sleepy head. Thought we would make an effort"

Sitting down I got handed a pancake which I happily accepted, scoffing it down quite 'un-lady' like. "This is so good" I complimented whilst licking my lips.

Evan smirked "it's good that you're enjoying it"

"Where's your bother ?" Julie asked sweetly as she sat opposite.

"He is still asleep, he normally doesn't sleep good at home due to the loud noises" I admitted sadly "so I'm letting him get some much needed beauty rest"

Julie nodded in understanding "that's good, it's also good that it's a weekend. No school-

Evan frowned "Maeve doesn't need to go to school for a little while surely?"

I quickly interjected "no- I want to go to school. It's my last year and I want an education"

Evan scratched the back of his neck "but right now you need to focus on your mental wellbeing"

I felt slightly irritated that he now looked and treated me like damaged goods; I didn't need to be wrapped in cotton wool. "Evan, I want to go to school" I reaffirmed sternly

Julie nodded "that's good for you dear. Maybe at most if you're okay with it a week? Just so we can get the whole moving process sorted"

I sighed and played with my remaining pancake "if I have to.. then sure I'll stay away from school for a short while"

"It's only for your own best interests" Julie replied heartily "besides you can get to know your new family. It will be good for Dylan"

Chuckling I nodded "yes.. that would be wonderful"