Emancipation

sixteen

trigger warning: discussion of the sexual assault and related issues

My eyes feel incredibly heavy as I wake up and each bone in my body seems to be aching as a groan escapes my lips. I bring up my hands to rub my eyes but immediately wince when I move my wrists.

The bruise comes as a reminder of last night that I so badly wish was a nightmare. I gulp, pushing down my tears as I slowly sit up in the bed. A gasp leaves me when I look at James sitting on the rolling chair in the room, his back towards me as he seems to be typing on his laptop.

He turns around at the sound of movements and his eyes meet mine. "Hey." He looks at me cautiously and I scowl at him.

Has he been here the entire night? He seems to have changed into sweatpants and a gray t-shirt. I don't say anything as I turn to get myself a glass of water but he keeps his laptop on the desk before rushing to my side to pour me a glass. When he hands it to me, I give him a thankful nod before gulping it gown.

My head leans against the cushioned headboard as I let out a breath, "Have you been here all night?" I ask, not being able to help my curiosity.

He rubs the back of his neck, almost, almost looking nervous but I must be mistaken because it's James Clark. He doesn't get nervous. "Yeah, I hope that's okay."

"Didn't you get any sleep?"

"I couldn't." He shakes his head as his eyes meet my face and I'm sure sure there must be a bruise on my face too. "How do you feel?"

"Assaulted." I croak and he sighs, taking the glass from my hands before keeping it on the night stand. My eyes move to the table clock and it's eleven in the morning. How much did I sleep in?

My stomach grumbles, making my cheeks flush from embarrassment but it's also a reminder that I haven't eaten anything since lunch yesterday. I rub my temples, trying not to wince as I pick up my phone to see multiple texts from Jeremy. He must be freaking out.

"I'll get you some breakfast." James mumbles and I look up at him.

"It's okay, I can come downstairs." I say as I move to get out of the bed to brush my teeth.

"No, you need to rest. Mrs. George will bring it up."

I don't argue because I honestly don't want to go downstairs and let anyone see me. I make my way to the bathroom and when I look at my reflection in the mirror, I audibly gasp. My lip from the right is cut and there's a light bruise on my cheekbone, looking as painful as it feels. I gulp as I put some cold water on my face before brushing my teeth.

I take my sweet time in the bathroom, deciding to take a shower before I get out in the room in bathrobe, thankful that I don't have to cling to a small towel.

James looks up from his laptop when he sees me and doesn't say a word before leaving the room, understanding that I need the space to myself to change. I don't understand why he has been hovering around my room. It's not like Richard is going to come back.

After changing into a pair of another sweatpants and a light caramel t-shirt, I sit in the bed, picking up my phone to call Jeremy. He picks up the phone in the middle of the first ring, and I don't think he has ever answered my call this quickly.

"Lil?" He breathes into the phone and I cannot help the relief that rushes through me at hearing his familiar voice.

"Hey." I say as I put up my hair in a ponytail.

"Please please tell me you're okay." He says and I hear some shuffling behind, "I didn't tell Mom and Dad, and it's killing me Lil. Please just come back home."