One in a million

Bruised | 1 |

My body feels weak, betraying the strength I'm attempting to show as I stand in the room,

The bruises concealed by clothing on my skin ache and remind me of the pain I just had to go through, every day like clockwork was another bruise added to my body,

Weakening it and making me feel utterly pathetic.

I smile as the event seems to pass at an unnervingly slow pace, my parents stare at me time and time again, reminding me to not let my smile falter, not show pain, or else I'd get a real taste of it tonight,

But my heart knew whatever I did wouldn't be good enough for them, at nineteen years old I was their utmost disappointment and they never fail to remind me,

"May I use the restroom for a moment?" I whisper to my parents just as a man leaves their side

"What, you can't wait a couple of hours?" My father's lip curled in disgust

I shake my head looking at the floor, my body hurts so bad I can hardly stand upright, I need a moment to breathe,

To gather enough strength to pretend I'm okay in front of all these high-powered people.

"Fine, go, but I swear if you take more than a couple of minutes you'll be taught a lesson" mother shakes her head, yet the smile is still plastered on her face with each word she speaks so everyone around thinks she's just listening and speaking like a sweet mother,

"Yes, mother" I nod and walk towards the bathrooms, my feet hurt from the heels but it's nothing compared to my ribs which are most likely broken, and have been re-healed and broken many times again.

As I'm about to walk into the bathrooms my body decides to give out on me, the strength I managed to keep the entire night was washed away in the hall that appeared entirely to empty,

"Woah, you alright beautiful?" A deep voice asks, holding my body before I fall, it takes everything in me to not hiss at the contact of his large hands against the painful marks all over my skin,

"I think so" I whisper, I attempt getting up only to fall once again, right into his arms

He picks me up, carrying me God knows where "ow, please put me down" I can't keep the pain out of my voice as he enters an office

He frowns but sets me down on a couch, but his movements make my long dress ride to my thighs, showcasing bruises all over my legs,

Horror fills the beautiful man's features, he gently drapes The dress over my legs and swallows hard,

"Who did this to you?" His voice is hoarse as he speaks

I inhale sharply "Ummm...I have to go, I can't be more than a couple of minutes" I whisper, terrified at my realization

He gets on his knees in front of me, his tall height has him still needing to tilt his head downwards to meet my gaze

"I'm sorry beautiful, but I can't let you leave until I know you're safe" his voice is gentle and strangely calming, even with the deep, raspy tone.