One in a million

Bruised | 6 |

I was held captive, I was held back in all the things I could've been in life, within the walls of the home I should've felt safe in,

The parents who should've given me love, and kept me safe from the monsters under my bed made me doubt that love could ever exist in a world this cruel,

They became the monsters they should've kept me away from, they made me weak, vulnerable in a way I wish I never was, and a smaller version of myself.

As I stare out at the ocean in front of me, the sand beneath me makes its way all over me and my clothes, I can't help but smile slightly, feeling free and finally somewhat safe,

The minute we landed here a doctor did a full body scan and check-up and then almost fell over and the sight of all my bruises,

He said I have multiple broken bones that have healed but been re-broken,

I have a wrap-around my ribs to help with some of the pain, and other things the doctor informed me of which I mostly ignored,

Because for the past four days, I haven't been punched or assaulted, I haven't been kicked, stabbed, and poked at...

I feel scarily free.

"You like pizza?" H/n asks sitting on the sand beside me,

"Ummm...we'll I've never had it, so I don't know" I softly reply with a shrug

As days pass I feel more comfortable around him, safer, and I trust him, especially when he said he'd do anything to ensure my safety.

"What! Well we're changing that immediately, I'll get regular pepperoni and one with other toppings so you have two chances at liking it" he says dialing something on his phone and then ordering the pizzas

I don't know why I say what I say, why I feel comfortable enough to confess things like this to him, but it comes out before I can even think.

"I wasn't ever allowed to eat anything besides fruit, bread...and sometimes I'd get lucky and they'd give me their leftovers they didn't want, and when they'd force me to come along to their fancy events...those would be very lucky days when it came to trying new foods" I whispered as I continue to look out into the ocean

I see him shaking his head and clenching his jaw in the corner of my eye "I'll make sure they get their asses thrown in jail"

I sigh "they've had my whole life to manipulate everyone into thinking they're great parents...it's unlikely that you'd succeed"

"We'll then you don't know how much I'd fight for the people I care for" he replies

"But how can you care about me when it's been less than a week?" I sigh

"I cared the minute you collapsed in my arms in that hallway" he whispers in my ear just before he stands up and brushes sand off his shorts,

I swallow harshly, begging my body to not be attracted to him, hoping the flush on my cheeks isn't too apparent,

"Come one, the pizza should be here soon" he nods over at me to take his hand,

So I do.

He helps me up, slowly making sure to not hurt me in the process,

And we walk into his beach house, and I feel a little lighter than yesterday, my body just a tad bit stronger,

And my heart filled with hope that maybe things Will be okay in the end.

"Please tell me you've had ice cream" he whispers in my ear

I flush in embarrassment and shake my head "okay...I'm taking you to the best ice cream place that happens to be within walking distance after we eat the pizza"

I watch from the corner of my eye as he grabs plates and napkins, and when there's a knock on the door and I get scared, he's right there next to me to dissipate that fear.

Continuously showing me I truly am safe in his presence.