Framed

“How long do you think this has been going on?”

An official sounding voice asked

“Hell I don’t know, if I did we wouldn’t be here now.”

“There was evidence of sexual trauma and-“

“What? Oh god…”

Matts voice broke

“I tell you what, I know it’s been a long night and a lot has come to light. Give me a call later, he’s not going anywhere.”

“Thanks Detective.”

I laid there listening to this conversation, my eyes closed. As the Detective walked away I opened my eyes to a distressed, bruised Matt.

"Matty?"

I cringed at how raspy my voice was.

"Rem! Hey sweetie, how you feelin?"

"Sore…I’m Sorry.”

I cried, earning a confused look from Matt.

“Sorry? About what?”

“Getting you and the guys involved-“

“Remira Ann…”

Matt gently took my face in his hands, thumbs wiping my freshly shed tears.

“Don’t you ever, ever be sorry. You hear me? I wish you would have said something sooner, before it got this bad.”
***
They had arrested my Dad, custody of myself was given to Matt. Matt had his own injuries, a busted nose and fractured cheek bone.

After three days I was released under orders to rest. I had a concussion, three cracked ribs, bruised esophagus and bruising on about 40 % of my body.

Arriving back at Matt's house...my house too now I guess, the guys were waiting in the living room a movie already on the tv.

"Remi!!"

Jimmy jumped up and ran full Jimmy speed at me only to be stopped by Matt's strong arm.

"Three cracked ribs and a concussion, be gentle bro."

"Fiiinnnee! We're watching Boondock Saints, wanna join?"

"Is Norman Reedus, Daryle Dixon?"

This received nothing but a confused look from Jim.

"Yes Jimmy, I'll join you."

"Yay!"

I laughed, only to be stopped by the pain in my ribs.

"I'll get you some meds Rem."

Matt doesnt miss anything, he walked into the kitchen as I made my way into the living room. I nestled between Jimmy and Brian on one of the overstuffed couches, Brian’s arm draped across my shoulders.

“Love you kiddo.”

He placed a kiss on my head.

I looked around at the guys, my protectors, my guardians. I snuggled in closer and pulled on a blanket.
I was woken when Jimmy picked me up.

"I can walk Jim."

I mumbled, burying my face into his shirt. He smelled of cigarettes and his cologne. Over the years I had grown accustomed to all the guys and their habits, and Jimmy always wore the same cologne.
Him and I were the closest out of the group, aside from my brother of course. Hell they were all like my brothers.
He gently placed me in bed, covering me up.

"You're safe now Rems, sleep well. I love you kid."

"Love you too Jim."

Kissing me on the head he walked out of the room closing the door behind him, and for the first time in forever I did feel safe.

Notes