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

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

Okay Emily, don't screw this up.

*****

is writing everything down in a little notepad and I keep glancing

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 at the officer, feeling more confident.

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,

was so 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.

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

and make an official statement Emily?" The officer responds softly. I shake my head glancing

don't want to press charges." I respond firmly. Jake would take care of that. 

officer suddenly asks me, glancing between Jake and I suspiciously. It's the first time she's spoken and

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

"So what's your relationship with Jake Melvin?" She asks, totally off topic. I

my friend," I respond confidently, my head

Jake Melvin? 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

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

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

admitting defeat. She ignores Jake and turns to face me.

"Be careful who you choose as your friends."

and I narrow my eyes at her, standing

me stay here to keep me safe. He's done more for me than you

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