Tangled Love

"Emily, the police are here."

Police? Why? What have I done?

I wake from my hazy sleep and roll over, finding myself falling through the air. I let out a small yelp and land hard onto the cold floor with a thud.

"Urgh, that hurt." I groan, turning to look up at an amused Jake who was chuckling quietly, stood in my doorway.

"Get up Muffin, they want to speak to you," he says, running a hand through his hair.

"What do I say Jake?" I whisper loudly at him, panicking. Jake shrugs as if it's obvious.

"Tell them the truth."

"I thought we were going to take care of it?" I ask, confused.

"Yeah, we are going to take care of it. The police can't provide you with much safety Muffin, they're useless. Tell them why you moved here, say you don't want to press charges against Trevor and that you refuse to go back. That should do it."

He holds out a hand and I gratefully take it, groaning as Jake helps me to my feet.

"You'll be fine" he whispers, before kissing the top of my head. I nod against his chest, feeling panic and worry settle inside me. I run a hand through my hair in an attempt to make myself look more presentable.

"I'll be five minutes" I mumble, heading for the bathroom. Jake nods before quickly grabbing hold of my arm, stopping me in my tracks.

about us." Jake clears his throat, looking

him." Jake scratches the back of his neck awkwardly before giving me a reassuring smile. I nod silently, trying desperately to remember

don't screw this up.

*****

to the two female police officers who are looking at me, waiting for an answer. One of them with blonde hair tied back into a small bun is writing everything down in a little notepad and I keep glancing at her warily. The other one is slightly older and

give me an example of what he would do Emily?" the older police officer asks. I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. I over at Jake who was sat on the arm of the couch silently, his jaw clenched tightly in anger. He gives me a small smile, urging me to go on and I look back

clumps of my hair and he bruises my entire body beside my face." I

"It was so much worse than this, it's had time to heal." I comment, glancing at the officer who are examining

 I should have done more to stop it but I'm still classed as a child, home is home. I didn't have anywhere else to go, anyone

statement Emily?" The officer responds softly. I shake my

don't want to press charges." I respond firmly. Jake would

It's the first time she's spoken and I

charges, that's my decision. I'm safe here." I gesture around the room and she narrows

Jake Melvin?" She asks, totally off topic. I look at her directly,

confidently, my

befriend," she probes, her head tilted as if she can see straight through me. I hear Jake cough and turn to see him stand up, his

a problem with her being friends with me Helen?" Jake asks coldly, tilting his

her and Jake have previous history. Jake smirks at her, bouncing forward and back on the heel

Helen sighs, admitting defeat. She ignores

careful who you choose as your friends."

An instant frown settles on my face and I

I'm friends with, not yours. He's a good friend to me, he let me stay here to keep me safe. He's done more for me

now raging, her jaw clenched firmly. She definitely isn't happy with my response. The other officer hands me a card, smiling at me