Once I’m changed I turn back around. “I’m ready,’’ I tell her, still not looking at her.
“Look at me, Dear,’’ she says, quietly. I look up startled she called me out on it and I find her eyes watering, and instead of looking horrified, she looks completely upset. “I don’t know your story, and I won’t ask, but don’t ever be ashamed. You carry them scars with strength, not weakness, my Dear. Whatever you went through that caused them, you survived. You should be proud of that. Most people can never move on from that kind of pain. You, my sweet girl, hold the world on your shoulders, I can read it in your eyes, but for today let all that go and let’s get you dressed up,’’ she smiles gently, her hand rubbing gently up and down my arm.
A few tears fall from my eyes and I nod my head. I’ve never looked at my scars that way. Every time I see them I just remember everything that happened, everything they represent, but with Flora putting it the way she did, I might be able to start looking at them to remind me what I’ve overcome, what I’ve pulled through.
I step into the dress, the material smooth against my skin. She messes with something at the back before I feel her zip the dress up.
“Turn,’’ she orders, back to bridal dress mode. I turn and turn bright red when she starts fiddling with the seam by my breasts, not asking permission to touch me. When she positions my breasts so that they’re not showing so much cleavage, I nearly run from the changing room. Myles would have a field day if he knew another woman was touching my breasts. I giggle just thinking about it and Flora, being the woman she is, just looks at me and smiles.
I step out and find Harlow isn’t ready yet. Everyone is still standing, including Denny and when I walk out she starts crying.
“That bad?’’ I tease which makes her laugh.
“No. You look so freaking beautiful. This day is going be everything I dreamed of. I didn’t think I was ready for a huge wedding, only wanting to keep it small, but I’m glad I let Mason talk me into doing it properly. Picking a dress, and seeing what you guys will look like next to me is just… Oh God, I’m going to cry again,’’ she babbles before blowing her nose into a tissue.
I’m glad when Harlow steps out and Joan whistles. She looks like a greek goddess in her dress.
“So?’’ Harlow asks, twirling. “Are these the dresses because if they’re not I’m buying it anyway.’’ Everyone laughs including me, but I can totally see where she’s coming from. She turns to me and grins and it makes me feel nervous.
“Myles is so going to have a heart attack when he sees you,’’ she giggles, and I blush. “Aww, she’s blushing, again.’’
“Stop,’’ I laugh.
“I don’t usually do this, but for you girl, I will. Where’s your phone?’’ Flora asks and I point to the table where it’s sitting. My dad texted to check in on me and I ended up leaving it there.
She grabs it from the table, presses a few buttons before taking a picture of me in the dress. She presses a few more buttons before looking at me grinning.
“What did you just do?’’ I ask, but I have a feeling I already know.
“Well, I teased him. I only got so much of the dress in the picture to make him want to see the rest,’’ she winks, then laughs when a texted message immediately comes through. I just make it off the stand, when Harlow’s, and Denny’s phones go off too. They both grab their phones and burst out laughing, just as I’m taking mine from Flora.
“Mason said, ‘As much as I want to see you in your dress, can I have a picture of what’s underneath’ with a wink face,’’ Denny laughs.
Harlow laughs then reads her message. “Babe, why the ‘fudge’ is Myles getting pictures, but I’m getting left in the dark? Take a selfie for me; I want to see you in a dress again. Just make sure you ent showing your boobs again because there’s only so much of hitting Max all night I can take.’’
“That boy is terrible. I can’t wait for the day the roles are reversed,’’ Joan scolds, smiling. Shit! I forgot about that. I was going to tell Myles so he could warn Max.
“What did Myles say?’’ Denny asks and I look down at my screen and smile.
“I can’t wait for the day I get to walk you down the aisle in a while dress, especially with how beautiful you look in a bridesmaid dress.’’
I blush, my smile widening. He wants to marry me. I want to squeal, but instead I do it inside my head. Everyone awes at his sweetness, and Joan comments about saving up for another wedding, making me laugh. We are nowhere near ready for that sort of commitment, but I know Myles will be the man I marry, so I don’t tell them any different.
“Let’s get you changed, girls, so we can get the last dress on.’’
“Last dress?’’ Joan asks, confused and Flora grins.
“Nan, you didn’t really think I’d have a wedding without my mother would you.’’
“I certainly freaking hope you would,’’ Mary snaps, looking angry, but Denny just laughs.
“Nan,’’ she says taking her hands. “I’m talking about you. I know you’re not my mother, but you’ve been more of one to me than my own ever had, and instead of mother of the bride, I’m having a Nan of the bride, so you’ll be getting your own special dress,’’ Denny smiles softly.
Mary, finally understanding starts to cry again. Luckily, Joan already had the box of tissues handy and handed one to Denny to give to Mary.
“But I just bought a dress,’’ Mary whispers, and I think she feels completely taken off guard. I don’t think she expected anything like this and my eyes water watching. You can see in her eyes how much the gesture means to her.
“You can save it for Harlow’s or Kayla’s wedding,’’ she teases. “Or Hope’s christening.’’
“Well then, how can I say no to that,’’ she says to Denny before turning to Flora. “I need to get me a young man, so push these beasts up,’’ she says grabbing her breasts through her blouse making us all laugh.
“What?’’ Mary says. “I need me a man that can go all night, and I can’t get me one of those unless my beauties are standing up right and not hanging around down south.’’
We all crack up and Flora just shakes her head before heading into the changing room with Mary.
“This has been the perfect weekend, thank you for coming,’’ Denny says before bursting into tears, making us laugh.
Chapter Twenty Three
KAYLA
The weekend had been perfect, but my nights spent with Myles at the hotel and at his, were the best part. We didn’t do anything after that night, which I’m kind of frustrated at him for, but also thankful at the same time. My feelings are confusing the hell out of me, but I know he knows me better than I know myself sometimes, so I’m glad we are taking it as slow as we are. Although, I wouldn’t mind touching him again.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,’’ I tell him as he walks me to the door. The place is filled with darkness because my dad isn’t back yet. My battery died last night at Myles’ house so I haven’t had chance to speak to him either.
“I can’t. I have to go to that college interview,’’ he groans. “Then my Granddad wants to take us out for a lunch.’’
“Well, we have the whole week off, so we’ll arrange it for Thursday. Okay?’’
“Okay, but make sure you text me. I’m going to miss you,’’ he says hugging me to him. I willingly go, knowing I’m going to miss him just as much.
“I’ll miss you too,’’ I whisper against his lips, hating having to say goodbye after such a perfect few days spent with him.
He kisses me and I cling to him, my arms wrapped around his neck, my fingers playing with his hair at the nape of his neck. I love doing this to him. And when I pull it, he makes this growling sound that hits me straight between my legs. I love it. So I do it often enough that I hear it, but enough so that he doesn’t get used to it.
“I love you,’’ he whispers when he pulls away and Mason beeps the horn for Myles to hurry up. Myles groans and I smile.
“I love you too. Now go. He misses his girls,’’ I tell him, giving him another kiss. He kisses me back looking hesitant to go.
“I don’t want to go. I don’t know. I just feel like I should be with you,’’ he tells me frowning and I just laugh him off, pushing him towards the car.
“Go before he comes and gets you himself. I’ll be fine,’’ I laugh.
He gives me one more look, worry filling his eyes but I ignore it. I know he’s just going to miss me, because I’m going to feel the same, but we promised to see each other Thursday. It’s only one day.
“Just text me,’’ he says and heads over to the passenger side. “Love you,’’ he shouts and I shout it back.
“Love you too, Babe,’’ Mason calls and I burst into laughter. I shake my head before turning and heading inside. I turn around to watch the cars headlights drive away before turning and shutting the door behind me. I flick on the light and scream, an object flying right at me before everything turns into darkness.
*** *** *** ***
I don’t know how much longer I can keep going. It’s been hours, maybe days. My mother has had me locked up in my bedroom, beaten, tied up, sore and I’m pretty sure she’s broken my arm. It hangs limp against my chest, swollen and throbbing. The pain has long been forgotten, fear and shock overriding it’s place. My mouth is sore and dry from screaming and having no water or food for days. The last thing I remember before everything went fuzzy was saying goodbye to Myles. After that everything else is a blur. I woke up tied to the bed with my arm twisted at a weird angle, the swelling and throbbing too much for me to cope with and I ended up passing out. The few times I did wake up was to receive a beating from my mom. Any time I tried to talk to her it only fuelled her anger.
The front door slams, the only indication that I know it’s not someone coming to my rescue. Her footsteps are heavy on the stairs before the door to my room slams open.
She stands in the doorway, her face thundering with anger. Her normal up-kept designer clothes are dishevelled. Her hair that was up in a post up do this morning before she left is now in messy waves down her to her shoulders, like she’s been pulling at it in rage.
“Please can I have some water?’’ I beg again. Not that it works, but I need to keep strong, I just need to try.
She laughs manically and I wince at the sound. “Water? Water? No dear, no.’’ She starts pacing in front of me muttering things I can’t understand until she looks at me with an evil look in her eyes.
“Your father thinks he’s clever. Took my wedding ring in the divorce because it’s been in his family for generations, but it’s mine,’’ she laughs, looking up at the ceiling before looking back down at me. Her leg kicks out hitting me in the shin and I wince in pain, not bothering to cry out, it only pleases her. “Took all his jewellery and he won’t be able to prove who it was because you, you little brat aren’t going to tell him a think are you? No, because if you do I’ll make your life a living hell. He thinks the ban he has on selling his ring will stop me, but it won’t. Some dealer bought it off me for a few grand, even though it’s worth a lot, lot more.’’
“You’re doing this for jewellery?’’ I breathe out, mystified.
“No. I’m doing this for fucking money. When you decided you were too good to visit your mother, you’re father decided it was time to end sending me money. Now he has his fancy slut of a girlfriend, a brat of a kid, he thinks his shit don’t stink.’’
“You’ve got what you want, so why not leave?’’ I beg, just as banging on the door starts. My name is called through the letter box and my heart beats faster.
Someone’s come for me.
Tears spring to my eyes but my mother just scoffs then her eyes widen in fear when a loud kick bangs against the door.
“I told you someone would come for me,’’ I smile smugly, hating the words she threw at me. No doubt the same that is about to come from her mouth now.
“For you? No one, loves you, Kayla. You’re a weak little girl who no one will ever respect. You think that boy loves you?’’ she asks and my eyes widen. How does she know about Myles? “Yes, I know about you spreading those legs for him. I’m surprised you haven’t already cried rape,’’ she laughs. “I won’t just make your life hell but I’ll make his too.’’ Then grabs some things from outside my bedroom door before turning back to look at me. “Keep that shut,’’ she says motioning to her mouth before disappearing.
Another loud bang startles me before my name is shouted through the house.
Myles.
I smile for the first time in days and open my mouth and scream as loud as my throat will take me. “Here, Myles. Myles!’’
He comes charging up the stairs like a bat out of hell and stumbles into my room. He takes one look at me and his eyes widen in horror.
“Holy fuck!’’ comes from behind him.
Myles, snapping out of his thoughts rushes over to me, his eyes a mix of anger, guilt and relief.
“Are you okay?’’ he asks, trying to free my hands.
“I think my arm is broken. Other than that I’m fine,’’ I pant out, my body shaking. I’m free. Finally free.
“Jesus, you’re not fucking fine. Who the fuck did this?’’ he asks, his voice stronger and louder which makes me flinch.
“My…’’
“Your fucking Mom,’’ he bites out.
“What’s going on, bro?’’ Mason asks looking concerned, and to be honest, a little horrified, which is what makes me start sobbing.
“Her Mom beats her. Come on, we need to get you to the hospital,’’ he tells me as he lifts me up into his arms, letting me stand on my feet. I sway from dizziness for a few seconds, not having any food or water has made me nauseous.
“What day is it?’’ I ask quietly as we walk down the stairs.
“Fuck!’’ Mason grits out.
“Friday, Babe. I’ve been trying to get a hold of you since Wednesday morning. Mason go start the car,’’ he orders and Mason runs off ahead.
The cool air hits me first from the air drifting through the broken door, but once we step out of the house, I’m blinded by light. The clouds are grey and miserable, the rain pouring down in thick drops, but I’ve never been so thankful to be outside.
Freedom.
“We need to file a report,’’ Myles mutters as we step off the road to cross over to Mason’s car.
“What?’’ I ask, stopping. “We can’t,’’ I tell him panicked. “It will make things worse, she said…she said she’d make my life hell if I told anyone,’’ I tell him. “She’ll make you pay too,’’ I whisper quietly.
“She won’t do shit, Kayla. You need to really think. You’ve been studying childcare, child abuse for a few years in school, would you tell a child in your care to not to tell anyone, to keep it to themselves and just suffer?’’
Horrified, I blink up at him through the rain, ignoring Mason’s calls to hurry up.
“Of course I wouldn’t, Myles. It’s why I want the job. I want to help kids who’ve gone through what I have.’’
“So why not help yourself,’’ he yells, throwing his hands up.
I drop my head to the floor feeling ashamed of myself. I nod my head in agreement, knowing he’s right. Damn, I’ve known it for a long time, but I’ve always let fear overrule what’s right.
He takes my arm again and helps me step further into the road. My legs are shaky, but I’m managing. When I hear a car engine I try to quicken my pace, not wanting anyone slowing down enough to see the state I’m in.
A hard push to my back sends me flying to the ground near Mason’s car and I yell out in pain. The next thing I hear is a loud thud, a sound of a window cracking, and Mason’s yells. I roll over slowly in time to see Myles been thrown off a car that is speeding away, it’s tail lights disappearing off into the distance.
“NO!’’ I scream, crawling over to his lifeless body. “Myles, Myles, wake up,’’ I shout at him.
&nb
sp; Mason comes up behind me, his phone to his ear with his eyes watering with tears.
“Come on, bro. Wake up and shake it off,’’ he chokes out, getting down on his knees. He doesn’t make a move to touch Myles and I can see why. His leg is at a weird angle, his head is bleeding severely and his face is covered in bruises and blood.
“Please don’t leave me, please,’’ I beg.
“That was your fucking mother wasn’t it?’’ Mason shouts and I stumble back on my ass. I look up at him with wide eyes. She left. She wouldn’t. Oh my God. I roll over choking up bile at the same time a powerful sob tears through my chest.
“No, no, no, no,’’ I chant over and over until I hear sirens not too far away. “I’m sorry, Mason. I’m so freaking sorry,’’ I tell him and he looks at me with soft eyes.
“I don’t blame you, Kayla. I blame your bitch of a mom. I know who she is and recognised her when she drove past.’’
“I’m sorry.’’
The ambulance pulls up and has Myles on a stretcher and in the back of an ambulance. When they ask who was coming Mason tells him to take me, that I’ve been hurt too. They also inform us the police will want to ask questions but we tell them to meet us at the hospital. Everything seems to happen so fast. One minute I’m tied in my bedroom being saved by the love of my life, and the next I’m sitting in the back of an ambulance praying he survives. They won’t tell me what’s going on, that they’ll know more once the doctors at the E.R. check him over.
My arm was confirmed broken in two places an hour ago, and I’ve only just had someone come and plaster it up. I’m edging to go to see Myles, to see how he is, but no one will tell me anything and I can’t go until I’ve been seen to.
The police called my father, informing him of the incident, my mother’s involvement and the stolen items she took and sold. I couldn’t tell them what she took, the only thing she specifically talked about was the wedding ring dad got in the divorce.
“You can go now, Miss,’’ the kind nurse tells me when she walks back in.
Myles (Carter Brother#3) Page 26