Secrets

🚓6🚓

Alia

Shaking my head, I changed into something simple. School was going to be long and boring, as Jordan is staying home from school, not feeling the greatest. Walking into the school, I waved at Connor and Drake as they raced over to their friends.

Passing by some of the students, I squeezed through the crowd trying to get to my locker. Only as I did, I spotted Mason in the corner of my eye, looking for someone. Or more specifically Jordan. Acting like I don't know anything, I started to put in my locker combination to put my stuff inside when I whipped around and pushed into the lockers.

Gasping out of breath, pain started to flare in my shoulder where I was rudely shoved into the lockers. Making direct eye contact with Mason, I didn't let his intimidating look bother me. "Where's your friend. I need to talk to her". Noticing the dark tone in his voice I tried not shudder.

Raising my eyebrow at him, I nudged his arm off of me. "Not here, said she wasn't feeling well". As I was about to turn around, his hand tightened around my bicep, squeezing it. Wincing loudly, I shot the boy a deadly glare. "Get your hands off of me"

Chuckling, a malicious tone was heard and as each second passed terror grew within me, but I still held my tough exterior. I won't let him tear me down. As he continued to tighten his hold on my arm, his friend came up beside him.

It took me a second but I recognized him, he was driving the car yesterday. Clenching my jaw, Mason leaned forward to whisper in my ear. "If I were you, I would watch your back"

Finally having enough of this, I ripped my arm out of his grasp. "What are you going to do Mason. Stay the hell away from me and Jordan". Telling I was angering the boy, I walked away and into the crowded hallway.

Letting my facade fall, I let out a shaky breath. Stepping into my classroom, I rolled up my tshirt to see a giant handprint on my arm, nail indents as well. Quickly rolling it down, I shook my head, knowing this was only going to get worse.

Jordan was safe at her house, her parents staying home the next couple of days. I on the other hand, well I think I just found myself becoming the next target.

Hearing the bell ring for next class, I saw Mason and and his goon hanging out in the hallway. Not liking the situation, I made sure to blend in with a group of kids, making it past them.

The whole day was me trying to sneak away from Mason. Not exactly wanting to deal with him. Only I found myself out of luck when I got cornered at the end of the day.

A force grabbed my backpack, yanking me backwards. Yelping slightly in shock, a hand wrapped around my neck, pushing me into a secluded hallway. Slammed into a wall, I whimpered from beneath Mason's hold. "You want to tell me the the truth"

"I did, Jordan is at home sick. Now if you excuse me I have to get home". Not exactly liking my answer, his hand covered my mouth, while his free hand roamed my body. Tensing in fear, my eyes widened. Trying to figure out a way to get out of it, I thought of Connor.

Biting Mason's hand, the tall boy released me, dropping me to the ground. Swiping my legs out from under him, I sprinted down the hallways. Not daring to look back, I busted out of the school's doors and towards the buses.

Trying to hide the tears the best I could, I sent the boys a smile, but they knew something was wrong. Shaking my head at them, the turned around, knowing I wanted to be alone. Staring out the window, I made eye contact with Mason, his eyes full of fury.

The rest of the day, I isolated myself. I didn't want to worry anyone, especially if the saw the bruises forming on my arm and neck. Silently sobbing, I ignored the chimes of my phone, and the constant knocking on my door.

Eventually my door opened, and the voice I heard surprised me. "Alia". Not daring to turn around, I look down towards my bed, my sobs becoming audible. Feeling the bed shift beside me, I flinched slightly.

Finally facing the person, Jay instantly saw the bruise around my neck, and part of the one on my arm. "Alia, you need to tell me what happened".

Shaking my head, I couldn't find my voice. The incident replaying in my mind. Once his hand was gently placed on my shoulder, I broke down. "It was Mason"

Facing him fully, I raised my sleeve and made the bruises more visible than the parts he saw. The blue-green eyed man, clenched his jaw at the sight. "You have to tell me what happened Alia"

"He cornered me at school. He asked questions, I answered. He didn't like my answers so he threatened me.  He touched me Jay, he tried to violate me". Tears forming in my eyes once again, I wrapped my arms around the older man, crying. He radiates protection and comfort, a something a father would have. Burying my head into his shoulder, he held me protectively.

"He's going away Alia.". Only able to nod, I stayed in his embrace, not wanting to let go of that comfort. As he called it in, telling Voight I was attacked as well, I felt secure.

When I finally had enough composure, the man checked over the bruises, anger in his eyes the longer he stared at them . "Alia you need to tell me did he.."

Knowing what he was implying, I shook my head. "No. He slipped his hand under my shirt, but if I didn't get out of his hold he would have". Almost seeing a look of relief pass in his eyes, he nodded.

"You should get some sleep". Squeezing my shoulder the man left, taking this fatherly feeling with him. Footsteps entered my room, and I saw Jacob leaning on the door, a sad smile adorning his features.

"Hey kiddo". Taking the spot Jay was sitting, he looked at me. Leaning on my foster father's shoulder, he kept me company.  "Well tomorrow all of us are going to stay home, and watch movies all day. Is there anything you want to do"

All I could do was shake my head. "Just don't leave me alone"

"Wouldn't dream of it kid"
———

As Jay Halstead pulled away from the Cramer house, his mind was whirling. A sense of protectiveness washed over him when he caught wind of Alia being attacked. Of course he didn't know the severity until he saw the bruises and the fear in her eyes.

The longer he was with the girl, he continued to see similar features to someone he used to know, or more specifically loved. A girl who was his whole world, until she ended it when he was deployed.

Connections started to fill in his head, the timeline falling into place. He called the one person he knew could help. "Will, is there anyway you could figure out who Alia's parents are"

"It is possible, but why"

"I think she is my daughter"