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."

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.

screw this up.

*****

tied back into a small bun is writing everything down

"Can you 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

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 up off the couch and lift my top, pointing at the bruising.

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

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

the station and make an official statement Emily?" The officer

respond firmly. Jake would

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

"I don't want to press charges, that's my decision. I'm safe here." I gesture around the room and she narrows

Melvin?" She asks, totally off

my friend," I respond confidently, my head held high.

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

there a problem with her being friends with me Helen?" Jake asks

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

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

you choose as your friends."

face and I narrow my eyes at

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 than you

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