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.

know about us." Jake clears his throat, looking

"The police 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

don't screw this up.

*****

I say quietly to the two female police officers who are looking at me, waiting for an answer. One of them with blonde hair tied back into a small bun is writing

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 couch silently, his jaw clenched tightly in anger. He gives me a small smile,

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

comment, glancing at the officer who are examining them with sadness in her

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

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

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 I know she doesn't believe my

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

totally off

"He's my friend," I respond confidently, my head held

she can see

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

"Of course not." Helen replies tightly, lying through her teeth. Her jaw is clenched and I sense her and Jake have previous history.

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

you choose

An instant frown settles on my face and I narrow my eyes at her, standing up.

choice who 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 probably ever will. You're here to talk about Trevor, not Jake. So I'd like to stick to the subject."

her jaw clenched firmly. She definitely isn't happy with my response. The other officer hands me a