The Hardest Part Is Letting Go Of Your Dreams

I wake up and immediately wish I hadn't, my whole body feeling like its on fire. I roll my head to the side, seeing Franks not there and I sigh in relief. I slowly drag myself off the bed, struggling into some boxers on the floor and by the time I straighten up again I'm in tears from the pain. I slowly stumble across the room and into the bathroom, thankful that Ruby's not out in the hallway. I run myself a hot bath and when it's done I slowly peel my bloodied boxers off and climb in, wincing in pain. I slide down into the water and hiss at the burning feeling of the hot water on my torn flesh, the water slowly turning red around me. I slowly scrub myself clean before pulling myself out and towelling off. I grab another towel and wrap it around myself before leaving the bathroom and heading back into the bedroom and struggling into some clean clothes. I make my way into the kitchen and grab a glass of water and some pain killers. As in swallowing them I hear footsteps behind me and when I spin around I come face to face with Frank. I let instinct take over and I throw my glass of water in his face, stepping back against the cupboard and shaking in fear. "Get back" I choke out, my voice wavering and Franks face crumples in concern as he steps towards me and reaches out his hand, his fingertips brushing over my cheek. I shake my head and say "Don't fucking touch me." He pulls his hand back and says "I don't like hurting you babe but you leave me no choice sometimes." I stare at him in disbelief and he says "I have to go to work now, I'll be home later. Change the sheets before I get back." I watch him leave the room, wondering what's happened to him, he's like a mix of the normal and angry Frank and I can't stand it. As soon as he's out the door I hobble into the living room, seeing Ruby sitting on the couch with her teddy watching tv. "Hi daddy" she chirps out and I smile and say "Hey baby." I decide then and there that we can't stay here any longer and I grab my cell, going back into the kitchen and calling William. "Hello" he answers and I sob out "William it's Gee. I need your help." "Ok hang on I'll be right there."

Fifteen minutes later William knocks on the door and I open it, tears filling my eyes. When he sees the state I'm in he wraps his arms around me, pulling me into his chest and causing me to cry out in pain. He immediately pulls back and says "Where are you hurt? What did he do?" Ruby comes toddling in and when she sees William she runs over and holds her arms up, wanting a cuddle. He picks her up and gives her one and she starts babbling to him about her fish. I smile and nod as she tells him to come see them and I stumble back into the kitchen. A few minutes later William comes in and walks over to me, cupping my face in his hands. "What happened?" "He rrraped me" I choke out and Williams eyes go wide. "What?" He gasps out and I slowly stand and lead him into the room, showing him the blood stained sheets. "Oh fuck Gee we need to get you to a hospital..." "No it's fine" I cut him off and he stares at me in disbelief. "Well you're not staying here and neither is Ruby. You guys pack your stuff, you're coming to stay with me." "I was actually thinking about going to Mikey's" I tell him. He frowns before saying "Gee I need to be sure you're alright." "Come with me" I say and he stares at me in disbelief. "Seriously?" He asks and I nod, "I want you around." He smiles and says "Ok get your stuff." I pack a bag of clothes before going in to Ruby's room and packing most of her clothes and then another bag of her toys. We go into the living room, William carrying the bags for me and I turn the tv off. "Rubes we're gonna go visit Uncle Mikey for a few days ok?" I tell her and she bounces on the couch and says "Yay." I smile, happy she's willing to go and she says "Can we take my fishies?" I open my mouth to object but William says "Of course Rubes." She smiles and I tell her to grab Billy and Suzie and William grabs the fishbowl. We make our way down to my car and once we're all packed in I drive over to Williams. He runs inside and packs himself a bag before coming back and we set off, a long six hour drive ahead of us. By the time we reach Mikey's Ruby is asleep in the backseat and Williams hand is firmly holding mine and has been for hours, rubbing soothing circles over the back of my hand. When I pull up I get out of the car and Mikey comes running outside, taking in my appearance and I immediately burst into tears, falling into his arms.

Notes