Chapter Forty-Six:

Lydia’s POV

I didn’t sleep much last night, not after what happened, despite Zacky letting me crash in his room with him. I jumped out of my skin every time I heard a noise. Doug had to take care of things last night after they searched the grounds and came up empty. They still filed a police report with Dad’s and Derek’s names and what happened. They can’t really do anything about it, but at least they’ll be on file.

Doug left after the police did. He said that he had some things to take care of. I didn’t ask him what he was doing and he didn’t give us any explanations. He kept his weapons on him and we kept ours out – just in case. He had some of his trusted guys stay the night to make sure no one else tried any funny business.

He got back after breakfast this morning. Zacky announced that he wanted to stay home with us. Doug pretty much locked himself in his office, talking on the phone nonstop. After awhile of watching Zacky channel-surf, I joined Doug in his study. I laid on his couch and covered up with a throw blanket that was perched on the edge. I watched him work and it made me feel safe. He makes me feel safe. In between phone calls he gave me a small smile and came over to kiss my cheek.

“Try and get some sleep, Sweetheart.” He suggested. I nodded, softly. “Love you.” He added, before returning to his desk.

“Love you, too.” I told him, quietly. I know he heard me because a gentle smile graced his lips. I closed my eyes and tried to will myself to sleep.

---

“Pumpkin…” I can hear whispers float around me, but I can’t see where they’re coming from. I can’t see anything. It’s so dark here. Where am I?

“Leave me alone!” I called out. I heard something clatter behind me. I whipped around, just to be knocked over. I hit the ground, hard. It feels soft… like dirt. I felt something on top of me. I started pushing, but it was no use. Within moments, I was restrained. It felt like someone was pouring dirt down my throat. I started choking, trying to swallow just a tiny bit of oxygen, only met with more chunks of earth.

A deep, unsettling laughter filled my ears. It’s an eerie, bone-chilling melody. I’d know that laugh anywhere – it’s my father’s. He can’t be here, too! Oh, my God.

I felt hands all over me. I tried to wiggle away, but they wouldn’t relent. I feel like I’m suffocating. As if it couldn’t get any worse, I felt someone on top of me. I tried to scream, but nothing would come out. My clothes were ripped away and I felt like I was being torn in two. He’s trying to rip me from the inside out.

“Pumpkin, you feel so good. You’re so tight.” Derek groaned. Tears poured from my burning eyes. I clawed into the dirt, trying to find something – anything.

“Be a good girl and stay still for your friend, Lydia.” My father’s steely voice commanded me. It only made me panic more. No. No. NO!

“Ace, wake up!” Brian? Where did he coming from? Why is he here? “Ace!” He yelled. My eyes flew open. I was panting. My arms flew around him.

“God, I missed you.” I sobbed. He held me while I let it out. That was so real. It felt so real.

“I’m here. I have you. It’s okay. It’s going to be okay, Ace.” He assured me as he rocked me in his lap. God, I’m a fucking mess.

---

We filled in Brian with what happened the night before. He didn’t say much, just got really tense. He wouldn’t tell me how he got bruises on his face, either. I let it go after he asked me to drop it. I guess everyone’s entitled to their secrets. I just wish he wasn’t keeping them from me, whenever they seem to be hurting him.

Brian stayed for dinner and the night. We didn’t really talk, he just there. We watched a couple of shows that I pretty much slept through.

---

When I woke up in the morning, he was already gone. It was only six in the morning and school didn’t start for another couple of hours. I found a short note next to my pillow.

Ace,

You looked so beautiful while you were sleeping. I didn’t want to wake you. I didn’t get much sleep and I didn’t want to wake you up by tossing and turning. I just need to clear my head. Maybe a drive will help. I don’t know. I’m not mad at you. I know I’ve probably come off that way. I’m sorry. There’s been a lot happening and I feel like I just can’t protect you. That kills me. I know that there’s only so much I can do, but I hate seeing you hurting. I’ll call you tonight. Try and get some rest. You need it.

Yours,
Brian

I sighed when I finished reading it. That’s so like a guy. Things get complicated, so you bottle them up and don’t talk about them. That’s never helped anyone – ever. At least he’s telling me now, I guess.

My fucking parents – if they had been normal, none of this would be happening. But, then again, I wouldn’t have met any of the guys either. I guess everything has at least a sliver of a silver lining. Today is not going to be a good day.

Notes

Here's Lydia's POV on things for everybody. Tomorrow night's chapter will be much longer! Thank you for all the amazing comments.

I fucking love you guys! :)

Thoughts? Comments? Votes?

Xo,
Katie