"There are a few moments in life that are perfect and surreal; like a beautiful dream you don't want to wake up from, but when you do, you can't seem to remember what it was about. Then there are the terrible moments, absolute nightmares that nothin...
Thea hadn't decided if she wanted to tell Killian what happened at the party or if it was something she should keep to herself. But she didn't want to add more to the pile of things she hadn't told him. He was so sweet and perfect. She didn't want to say anything that would send him running in the opposite direction. But she wasn't as problem-free as she tried to be.
Killian had brought her out for a picnic at Wright Park and she watched him as he unpacked the content of the basket. She noted it was some of her favourites and smiled to herself.
"How was the party last night?" Killian asked, getting her attention,
"Good."
Killian looked at her like he knew something and was waiting for her to tell him. "Are you sure?"
Thea swallowed and nodded, "Yea."
He went back to sorting the food items, "You've been off since our conversation last night."
Of course, he noticed. Thea closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened them, he was looking at her, waiting for her.
"Talk to me Thea."
Her heart was hammering in her chest like she was about to divulge a state secret. "The party was ok." She said slowly, trying to figure out a way to tell him, "Remember the guy from work a few nights ago? The entitled prick."
"Theodore." Killian said with a small smile, "I do."
Thea nodded and looked down, suddenly taking an interest in the picnic blanket they were seated on, "He was there."
Killian clenched his jaw, "What happened?"
Thea focused on her breathing as she inhaled and exhaled, feeling the coolness of the air seep into her nostrils. "He uhm, tried to manhandle me."
When Killian didn't say anything for a while, she peeked through her lashes to look at him. She had no idea what she expected to see, but a furious Killian was not it.
"What exactly did he do?" Killian said through clenched teeth,
"Killian, please," Thea said calmingly, "Don't make me regret telling you."
Killian closed his eyes, trying to think past his rage. But all that came to mind was that night. Seeing his sister on the hospital bed all battered up like that.
He snapped his eyes open, "Where did he hurt you?"
Thea searched his eyes, "Just my arms."
Killian frowned, not wanting to think about how angry he was at the moment, "Can I...?" He inhaled deeply, "Can I see?"
Thea took a moment to herself before she pushed back one of the sleeves of her cardigan. The bruise had darkened and it covered the upper part of her arm. She was grateful that his hold hadn't been long enough that he was able to do anything to hurt her. But it had been long enough to leave the dull round marks on her arms.
"It looks worse than it is."
Killian looked from her arm and caught her gaze, "Don't try to make less of what happened."
"He didn't do anything," Thea said, "He just grabbed me and tried to kiss me."
"I should've been there." Killian couldn't bring himself to regret taking the night shift at the retirement home, but he wished he'd been there to prevent any of it from happening,
"Mac got to me in time."
Killian looked at her, surprised, "Wh-what did my sister do?"
"She beat him up." Thea said with pride,
Killian could only imagine how pissed off his sister was, "And how are you?"
Thea shrugged, "I'm ok."
Killian knew she was making light of the situation. She was always looking on the bright side of things and thought it was a crime to voice out her problems. "Come here."
Thea shifted closer and Killian met her halfway and took her in his arms. He pulled back the sleeve of her cardigan, his heart beating wildly in his chest. He wasn't sure if it was because of his love for her or his rage at the pervert.
"Don't hide from me." He spoke with his chin on the top of her head, "How are you, really?"
Thea hated that he was making her acknowledge how she was truly feeling, "I'm fine," She whispered holding on to him for dear life, "People have gone through worse."
"It doesn't make yours any less crucial." He said, "No one should have to go through that or feel like it isn't worth mentioning because others have been through worse."
Thea's vision blurred with unshed tears.
"If everyone goes about thinking their experiences aren't worth sharing, a lot of terrible things would become the norm."
Thea listened to the irregular beating of his heart, "I was terrified." She said, "In a room full of people and I was terrified that he would...hurt me."
Killian pushed his hand into her hair and placed his lips on the top of her head.
"I can't stop thinking about what would've happened if Mac hadn't shown up then."
Killian felt a shiver run through her and he tightened his hold around her, slightly. "I've got you now."
Thea closed her eyes and inhaled his scent trying to grasp onto something to keep her in the moment.
Killian was glad his sister had been there for Thea. But a part of him couldn't get over how angry he was at that pervert. He hadn't felt anger like this since that night. He'd been mad at the world for months and had nowhere to put it except school. But after getting into trouble a few times too many, he realized he was making things harder on his parents. They were already so worried about Makenna and he was adding more to their plate.
On his way back home one day, he'd been thinking about Makenna's heart-wrenching scream the night before. Somehow, he ended up at the church. He loved how peaceful it was when there was no mass. He was able to sit with his thoughts and he cried at how useless he felt.
The Reverend father had found him like that and got him talking. Soon, Killian found himself heading to the church on his way home a few times and then regularly like clockwork. He found peace in doing so and finally came to terms with not being able to serve justice where needed. It wasn't his job. All he could really do was be there for his sister, and at present, Thea.
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