Stephan(28)

I knew she was lying. The judges where Mum’s friends.

I don’t know how long I waited, but minutes passed by like hours. Derick and my dad soon joined my mother and me, and David and Owen were hovering around.

“How are Brand and Royce? They aren’t in trouble?” I didn’t want them arrested for what I did to Jade’s grandfather.

Owen smirked. “Nah, you didn’t get them into anything they can’t handle. I heard from Royce about ten minutes ago and he said the police seem preoccupied with what they’re finding at the pub, and the arresting officer saw how clumsy her grandfather was tripping and falling everywhere.”

I nodded and clenched my fist feeling my skin stretch over my cuts. I didn’t realize I’d hurt my hand when I was beating the arsehole.

Finally a doctor a friend of my parents, Steve Deed, came over and spoke to dad. “Jade’s in recovery. She had a stomach bleed, which we stopped and will monitor. Her appendix was damaged and we removed it. Her left arm is broken in two places and her right is sprained. Her jaw was dislocated and we have fixed it. She has stitches placed on the back of both her legs, but what we are most concerned about is her concussion. We can see from her scans she has been hit on the head several times. The records sent over show that she’s had several broken bones. I’ve spoken to DoCS and been told she was removed from two situations. I will be sending my assessment to them and the police.” The doctor’s eyes softened. “Lucas, Evelin, if you need anything to help keep the girl safe, don’t hesitate to ask. Poor girl needs a break.”

My dad shook Steve’s hand. “Thanks for coming, Steve. I hope your report and recommendations help.”

“That’s okay, Lucas. I’m glad I came and could help. I’m staying until she’s awake and out of the woods.”

Before Steve left, I asked, “When can I see her?”

“I’ll send a nurse to get you when she’s ready.” I nodded to Steve and watched him walk away.

I turned to my family, my mum had tears running down her cheeks and Derick looked dazed. Dad looked how I felt, furious. “I should have killed him. I should have moved her in as soon as I knew who she was to me.”

Mum hugged me. “This isn’t your fault, son.”

“Never again. I will listen to my instinct. Never again will I hesitate. Never again.”





Chapter Seven





Jade





My whole body hurt. I didn’t think I’d ever been in this much pain before. I forced my eyes open to a white bright light but they barely moved. A sob rocked me and I fought to keep my tears contained. They wouldn’t help me. They never did. My head pounded and my body wouldn’t move. Moaning, I felt a heavy weight on my arm and I knew the feeling, it was a cast.

A face leaned over me. I couldn’t see any features. “Miss Black, you’re awake. Do you know where you are?”

I cleared my dry throat. “Hospital,” I rasped.

“Yes, you’re in recovery at Reed Creek Memorial Hospital. What is your pain at the moment? One being none at all to ten being extreme.”

“Hundred.” I was more than ten I knew.

“I will go get you some pain relief and tell the doctor you’re awake and we’ll look into getting you to a room.”

I didn’t say anything. I was in too much pain. I moaned, and closed my eyes again.

*****

I came in and out of consciousness a lot. I don’t remember much but pain. When I came to and my eyes finally opened enough for me to see, I let the tears fall and gave over to the despair.

“Little bit, are you in pain? Do you want me to get the nurse?”

I sobbed harder as soon as I heard his voice. “You’re here? Now you can see me for what I am…trash.”

“You are anything but, you’re my treasure. And I wouldn’t be anywhere else, Jade.”

I cried harder, because I didn’t want Stephan to ever see this side of my life. It was bad enough he was seeing me beaten and broken. “I don’t want you to see me like this.”

“What? Why?”

“I look terrible. Now you can see with your own two eyes how bad I am for you.” My heart broke he was seeing me like this. I bet the police were called. I’d be moved to foster care. At least I wouldn’t get hurt any worse from Stephan if they moved me.

“You are beautiful to me.” He stroked my cheek, which made me cry harder.

“I’m so sorry. So, so, sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing? You have no reason to apologize.”

“Yes, yes I do. Not only am I sorry you saw me like this, but I’m sorry for leaving you.”