August 24th- Book One in the May 3rd series

Chapter 40- blablablabalba

Warnings ⚠: Child Abuse, Rape, Violence, Religion, Drug Use, Alcohol Use, Use of Slurs, Homophobia, Bullying, Mention of Suicide, Suicidal Thoughts, Suicidal Actions, Gun Use

Josiah's P.O.V.

-Monday, October 25th-

I curl up tight in the corner, messing with my hair endlessly, twirling the ends and repeatedly pushing it out of my face.

I deserve this.

What punishment is better for staying out late than being locked up?

... Why is my biggest concern the fact that I'm missing school?

I also worry about Damien. I hope he's okay.

I hope he isn't too worried about me.

I trace my fingers over the bruises on my collarbone.

I wish people wouldn't hurt other people.

My heart skips what feels like at least six beats when someone bangs on the other side of the door.

Oh, God, please no more...

I yelp and start pulling on my hair.

No more...

The door unlocks after some obnoxious clinking, and it opens.

"No more..." I cry, eyes squeezed shut.

It has to be my dad. Or maybe my aunt. No one else can open the door.

Aside from Alexa, but that would be weird.

I tug on my hair.

"Josiah?!" A man's voice calls, sounding scared out of his mind.

Fuck, no, please...

I can't do this again...

Wait-...

... Damien?!

"Josiah?!" He calls out again.

I open my eyes and try to stare.

I think it's Damien?

I burst into tears immediately. "D-Damien? Is it y-you...really?" I ask shakily as he comes closer.

"Oh my God. What the fuck did he do to you?"

I take in a shuddering breath, squinting, trying to focus on his face, but I just see a blur. As usual.

"Damien..." I mumble, reaching out for him a bit.

"Where are your glasses?" He asks.

"I don't... I-I have no idea. He t-took them..." I tell him.

I manage to curl my fingers into the front of his sweatshirt.

He's very close...!?

"Jesus Christ, Josiah. What the hell are we going to do?"

I just pull on him a bit, but he doesn't react.

He is wrapped up in searching me for bruises, which I'm pretty sure I'm covered head to toe with. Or, at least, it feels like it.

"How badly are you hurt?" He questions.

I release him and curl my hands into fists, pressing them to my chest. "Ow... D-Damien..." I whine.

"Everything's going to be okay." He says soothingly.