Swallow Your Fear (6

Emily dropped me off at my house.

“Thank you again for giving me a ride,” I said, as I got out of the car.

“Hey, anytime, it was no problem. Gimme a call sometime. Let's chill sometime soon, yeah?” she said.

“For sure,” I smiled, and then shut the door.

I walked up to the apartment door, then turned, and waved goodbye to her.

I waited for her to turn the corner, and then walked up the stairs to our apartment.

As I got to our floor, I hesitated.

I was so nervous, I did not want to face J tonight.

I took a deep breath, and then walked slowly to our door.

I looked at the door.

13.

Our apartment number, our favourite number.

I raised my hand to the doorknob.

And hesitated again.

I then said a quick prayer.

Praying to God that I wouldn't get too much damage tonight.

I sighed, and then put my hand on the handle.

I turned the knob, and then stepped in.

And waited.

Waited for him to notice my presence.

I closed the door.

The moment I did, he came flying out of our room.

He walked up to me, and grabbed me by the arm.

He pulled me to the living room and shoved me on the couch.

“Do you know what time it is?!” he yelled.

I knew it had to be late, but I didn't know the exact time.

“No..? I'm going to assume it's late..” I replied, as cautiously as I could.

“It's one fucking AM! You weren't even supposed to fucking leave!” he screamed.

“I'm sorry, I didn't know the tim-”

I was cut off by him backhanding me in the face.

I was pushed over from the force.

I held my burning red cheek in my hand, and looked up at him.

I felt tears forming at my eyes, and willed them to not fall.

But they did, and I saw his eyes smile.

He then whispered, “Sorry doesn't make a difference, sugar.”

And then he grabbed me by my hair.

He pulled me into our room, and threw me down on the bed.

I sat up quickly, and sat halfway off the bed.

He punched me in the face, on my jaw.

My head turned from his punch, and I felt my lip grow hot.

Then I felt the blood start to drip.

I wiped the blood away with the back of my hand.

“Don't ever fucking leave without asking. And don't ever fucking come home this late again,” he replied, venomously.

I nodded quickly, tears still falling.

“Quit fucking crying. You're fucking weak,” he said, and then went to go change into bed clothes.

He threw me a pair of panties, and a t-shirt.

“Change,” he commanded.

I complied.

I stood up.

I felt a dizzy spell come on, so I put my hand on my head, and waited for it to pass.

A few moments later, it did.

I quickly took off my shirt, pants, and panties.

And then keep my bra on, and put on the shirt and panties J picked out for me.

Once I was done, I turned to see him in boxers.

He climbed in bed.

I went to the bathroom, and got a wet paper towel.

I put the wet paper towel on my cheek, and then put it on my lip.

I then threw the paper towel away.

I walked back into the room, and climbed into bed.

I rolled over, so I was facing the wall, and my back was to him.

He rolled over, and put his arm around me.

“'Night Mae. Love you,” he said, and then kissed my forehead.

“Goodnight, J. Love you, too,” I said forcefully.

And then closed my eyes, and tried to sleep.

I awoke to J on the phone, yelling at someone.

I decided to keep my eyes closed.

It must've still been night, cause the sun wasn't up yet.

“Brendan! God fucking damn! She's FINE! I told you, man, I'll always take care of your cousin. I swear,” J said, actually sounding like he really cared.

“Yeah, okay. I'll see you in a few days. Mmhmm. Alright. Bye, man.”

J hung up.

He slowly climbed back into bed.

He wrapped his arm back around me, and kissed my neck.

He then started talking to himself.

“Fuck. You're cousin's coming in four days. You got those bruises from a fight from some chick. Yeah, that's what we'll say.”

He then went back to sleep moments later.

I thought to myself.

Brendy's coming? Wow, I haven't seen him in forever.

I tried to wiggle my way out of Julian's arms.

A feeling of pure dread came over me.

I did not want someone I care deeply for to see me in a situation like this.

And that was the last thought I had in my head before I fell victim to sleep.