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.

"Muffin? Don't let them know about us." Jake

influenced you in your decision to leave him." Jake scratches the back of his neck awkwardly before giving me a

screw this up.

*****

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 over at Jake who was sat on the arm of the couch silently,

"He'll punch me until I'm down and then kick me repeatedly, he's 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

it's had time to heal." I comment, glancing at the officer who are

me to say the words. 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

station and make an official statement Emily?" The officer responds softly. I shake my head glancing at Jake again, remembering his words.

to press charges." I respond firmly. Jake would take

The blonde officer suddenly asks me, glancing between Jake and I suspiciously. It's the first time she's spoken and I know she doesn't

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

"So what's your relationship with Jake Melvin?" She asks, totally

friend," I respond confidently, my head held

He doesn't seem like your type to 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

lying through her teeth. Her jaw is clenched and I sense her and Jake

question?" Jake continues. Helen sighs, admitting defeat. She ignores Jake and turns to face me. 

choose as your friends."

instant frown settles on my face and I narrow my eyes

me safe. He's done more for me than you probably ever will. You're here to talk about Trevor, not Jake. So I'd like to stick to the subject."

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 at me faintly before standing up.