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.

them know about us." Jake clears his throat, looking

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

screw

*****

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 looked in her 40's with dark hair. She seems nicer and more

asks. I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. I over at Jake who was sat on the arm of

fractured my bones, he pulls out clumps of my hair and he bruises my entire body beside my face." I answer weakly, feeling tears prick my eyes. I stand up off the couch and lift my top, pointing at the bruising.

time to heal." I comment, glancing at the officer who are examining them with sadness in

Admitting your step father abused you for years without anyone batting an eyelid wasn't an easy thing to do. It makes me feel weak, helpless. I now know 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 to turn to. My family are

make an official statement Emily?" The officer

"No. I don't want to press charges." I respond firmly. Jake

suddenly asks me, glancing between Jake and I suspiciously. It's the first time she's spoken and I know she doesn't believe my truth.

I gesture around the room and she

your relationship with Jake Melvin?" She asks, totally off topic. I

confidently, my head held

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 hands in

me Helen?" Jake asks coldly, tilting his head at the officer. Jake knows her name?

I sense her and Jake have previous history. Jake smirks at her, bouncing

the need for that question?" Jake continues. Helen sighs, admitting defeat. She ignores Jake and turns to face

careful who you choose as your friends."

I narrow my eyes at her, standing up.

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

Jake chuckle quietly and can faintly see him smirking from the corner of my eye at my response. Helen's face is now raging, her jaw clenched firmly. She definitely isn't happy with my response. The other officer hands me a card, smiling