Falling From The Rooftop | ✓

[29]

Snaccident:
Eating an entire
Bag of chips by
Accident.

[◇]

"What do you mean you're taking me out of the school? You can't do that!" I shouted back. All signs of happiness were dissolved into the pit of anger. "I can and I will, where were you? You're always sneaking out, staying places overnight and we have no idea where you are! It's unfair on us!" He expressed. The thought that he was right was bold in my head.

I haven't been the best daughter ever and I've been reckless, that's for sure. "I'm sorry. You're right but please don't do this," I pleaded but it was no use. "I don't have a choice. You had to know this was coming," he stated and I looked down in shame, knowing he was right. "Can I get another chance?" I still begged when he loudly sighed.

"I just got word that one of my lead players is missing! For the past twenty-four hours! He could have been you!" My father shouted at me, my eyes snapped to him. No. My face paled, my body froze and my heart began to race. "W-Who?" I questioned, my voice breaking.

Please don't be Hale.

"Hale Lewis. I believe you met him before," he said and I wanted to break down here. How is he missing? I saw him just yesterday. Well, it's been more than twenty-four hours but still.
"I....I'm sorry to hear that. Um, what happened?" I questioned, compelled to know more. Where could he be? The abuse and everything ran through my mind. I shouldn't be feeling this way, he hurt me a lot. But he's human. The thought of reporting him to the cops was still on my mind. I had pictures and videos of the bruises and also pictures of Hale and I together on those days.

Yet they can't do anything if he's missing.

I could still report him though. But that was impossible because how can I leave the house ever again and he's missing. I feel bad. "Gosh Verena, his friends reported him missing after noticing he wasn't home and wasn't answering his phone. That isn't the point," he rambled off and took a deep breath before continuing," you won't be continuing school. After my school I'll come home and teach you, end of discussion. This is starting from tomorrow," my father reminded me and the anger overcame me.

I wanted to punch something. "You can't do that!" I screamed. "Yes, I can! I am your father and it was a decision made by both of us!" He screamed back louder, referring to both of my parents. "Please don't do this! I like it there! I'm safe, I promise," I begged. "This is to protect you and because you're not being responsible enough, end of discussion, Verena. Go to your room," he ordered.

I just stared at him blankly while my thoughts processed. I'm screwed. No more classes, cheerleading, Ellie, Preston.

Covan.

Fucking fantastic. I let out a groan and stomped my way upstairs angrily with fists formed at my sides. Why? Why does this have to happen? My door slammed behind me the hardest it ever slammed before when I entered my room. I dove onto the bed, finally allowing the tears to cascade down my cheeks.

This is all my fault.

I had one ounce of happiness with Covan today and then this had to ruin everything. Above that, I don't know if I should report Hale. Would that help find him? What if he escaped because he knew I was going to the cops...

_♤_

I paced the floor of the living room, clutching my phone tight in my hand. I already called the uber, I can't get out of this. No, I can. What's the right thing? It's up to me to decide what's the right thing or not because I can't tell this to anyone else.

I was a victim of abuse. Was it really abuse though?

My parents were both at work, leaving me home alone when I should be at school. That's why they took my car and turned off my alarms. There was even a note as a warning on the fridge when I woke up. They're really serious about not letting me continue at Cresent High. My hand began to shake when I reached for the door handle.

I can't do this.

I run back down the steps, my fingers already tapping away on my phone, calling Covan. "C-Covan. I'm at the police station. I-" I tried to say with much struggle. He cut me off and I heard a desk grazing against the tiles. I know that sound, as expected, he's at school. "Say no more, I'll be there in ten," I stated and the call simply ended. My heart warmed, knowing that I had someone to rely on like that.

I kept my head down mostly while I wait on him to arrive. Crescent high isn't that far from here. Do I really want to do this? This would change everything. My parents would have to be involved. Why did I get myself into this mess? Suddenly, Covan's car pulled up and he killed the engine before stepping out. Well, I guess it's too late now.

"Why weren't you at school?" Covan bluntly yet worriedly asked me. "Why do you fucking think, Covan?" I snapped at him angrily. His eyes softened and next thing I knew, his arms wrapped around me securely and he pulled me into his chest.

Crap, he smells delicious.

"He ran because he knew you'd report him, I just know it. This isn't your fault okay? You didn't deserve this and you're doing the right thing by telling the cops," he assured me, pulling apart and staring me deep in the eyes. "I know..." I shakingly said, not believing my own words and he frowned. "I just...I really care about you, Verena. I don't know why, ever since from the start. I'm not usually a caring person towards people I don't really know..." he started. The tears wouldn't stop but for some reason, I wasn't afraid to let him see me cry.

"So, therefore, I need you to understand that this has to be done. I'd be a terrible....A terrible friend if I let him get away with this. I witnessed a minor like myself, being abused, I have to report it to the authorities, correct?" He sternly said, his hands on my shoulders. I nodded my head, approving of what he was saying.

"Are you ready?" He asked after giving me a couple of seconds to process everything he said. Our fingers laced and he gave me a small squeeze before we walked up the stairs. This time I felt more confident with him by my side, literally.

They took it all. Every picture I took, even the ones with my teary eyes and red cheeks, they photocopied it all and had backups in their computer. Covan stayed with me all of the two hours, with his help since his uncle is a police officer, my parents weren't call immediately and he was allowed in the interrogation with me. I wouldn't have been able to say everything Hale and I went through if he wasn't there.

The worse thing is, now my parents are going to find out everything.

_____________

Just a reminder, if you are in a toxic relationship that you cannot get out of by yourself, there are others here to help you. All you have to do is speak up. Don't be afraid.

I'm happy things are finally getting to the point that I love. Please let me know your thoughts! Anyways, thank you guys for reading:)