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

don't like me. They'll try to warn you off me and possibly say I influenced you in your 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 words.

Okay Emily, don't screw this up.

*****

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

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

my hair and he bruises my entire body beside my face." I answer weakly, feeling

much worse than this, it's had time to heal." I comment, glancing at the officer who are examining them with sadness in her eyes.

though my secret is out, it pains 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 as a child, home is home. I didn't have anywhere else to go, anyone to turn to. My family are distanced away from me on purpose so

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

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

suspiciously. It's the first

decision. I'm safe here." I gesture around the room and she narrows her eyes at me.

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

my friend," I respond 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 his jean

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

her teeth. Her jaw is clenched and I sense her and Jake have previous history. Jake smirks at her, bouncing forward and

Helen sighs, admitting defeat. She ignores Jake and turns to face me.

careful who you choose as your friends."

my face and I narrow

me safe. He's done more for

my response. Helen's face is now raging, her jaw clenched firmly. She definitely isn't happy