Page 11 of Forgive Me Father

Eden

Each drop of pounding rain against my skin is like tiny needles. My shirt, soaked through, clings to me, leaving nothing to the imagination. I hug myself tightly, feeling their eyes on me again, the shame burning hotter than the cold that’s making me shiver uncontrollably. Mud cakes my legs, stinging the fresh scabs that line my arms, each one a harsh reminder of what was exposed. Every step is a struggle, each one pulling me further from the safety of home and deeper into the realization that my parents will believe whatever lies Aiden feeds them.

They always do.

The anger in my chest tightens, making it harder to breathe, harder to think of anything but getting away from this nightmare.

"I fucking hate him," I hiss, wondering how I can go home and not kill my brother.

For as long as I can remember, Aiden has made it his life's mission to torment me. He was always second best beforeI left for college. Since I got back, he’s twisted their disappointment in me into something vile, turning them against me at a time I needed them most.

Slipping on mud as I walk, I try and think of something positive.

Nothing but negativity festers within me.

"I am going to fucking murder-"

Seeing headlights up ahead, I stop in my tracks, weighing out the pros and cons of the situation.

Either I stop this car and risk getting murdered, or I somehow try and find another way home before nightfall.

Seems like my odds are 50/50.

Running out into the middle of the road, I wave my scarred arms, no doubt looking like a crazed lunatic or some sort of swamp monster covered head-to-toe in mud and grime. The black 4Runner rolls to a stop before me, but the windows are too tinted for me to see inside. I stumble haphazardly toward the driver's side door which is now opening.

Grabbing the door, I gasp, unable to think up a valid excuse believable enough for the situation I’m currently in.

"I’m sorry-" I begin, but my words catch in my throat. Roman's wide eyes meet mine, both of us stuck in a state of surprise.

When I asked God for grace earlier, this is not what I’d meant. At that moment, divine intervention seemed so cruel.

Wishing now, more than ever, that I could crawl into a hole. Becoming much more aware of my exposed body, I can feel my nipples peeking through the soaking wet material of my top. I immediately move to wrap my arms around my middle.

"Father-"

Without a word, he steps away from the running vehicle, ignoring the rain that soaks through his clothes. The flannel and black shirt instantly begin to cling to his muscular frame. His large hand grips my elbow and firmly guides me toward the passenger side door.

"Father, wait-"

"Get in, Eden," He snaps, his tone rigid as he flings the passenger side door open. Rain rolls down his face.

I swallow hard, deciding not to argue as I slide into the passenger seat. The scent of car leather and a hint of spice fills the interior. I watch him move around to the driver’s side, his anger palpable. He slams his door shut and grips the steering wheel tightly, his frustration evident even without words

Shaking from the cold, I run my hands through my hair, mortified by how indecent I am in his presence.

"Who did that?" He questions, keeping his focus out the window, the rain slamming down on the glass. He moves his hand to the center of the dash and turns on the heat.

Feeling the gust of warm air, I settle into the seat. Keeping a safe distance from him, I angle my legs toward the window, staying silent as I try to come up with a lie to cover this up.

"I'm not asking again. Who did it?" He moves his eyes to me, staying focused on my face. I can sense his rage is palpable enough to keep him from glancing down at the cuts I know he’s seen on my arms by now.

"No one-"

He grabs the bottom of my shirt, his warm fingers brushing against my skin. My eyes widen as he points to the nail marks onmy side, dark pink and rough scars beginning to form as my body still works to heal from the night I’d prefer to forget.

Looking him over, warmth floods my cheeks, traveling down my body, inconveniently settling between my legs as much as I wish it didn't.

"Who did that? Was it your brother's friends-"