I stand up shakily, my vision blurred from my tears. My legs are shaking underneath my weight, threatening to give in any second.
This is it . . . my chance to escape.
I run up the stairs two at a time, locking myself in my room. I don't feel safe. I grab my phone off the side, the screen brightly lit up with a text from Jake.
Where are you?
I quickly reply, my fingers shaking in fear.
Please help me, he's trying to kill me.
I send the text quickly, my chest heaving with heavy sobs. My phone pings straight away and I read the text, my vision blurry due to the tears.
I'm on my way, pack a bag Muffin.
I do as Jake says, grabbing the biggest bag I own before throwing in clothes, shoes, makeup and my school work. I place the photo of me and my dad on top of the pile before zipping it up. My hands are trembling and I sit on my bed, breathing deeply to calm myself down.
It suddenly dawns on me that Jake doesn't know where I live. I reach for my phone again and ring him but he doesn't answer.
"No!" I yell out in frustration, letting out a scream.
*****
Jake's POV -
I instantly know something is wrong when she doesn't show up to the park. I'd written her that note because I knew she'd probably forget and I need to see her again. I didn't want her to leave this morning but it took everything I had to stand back and let her go knowing what happens inside that house.
My phone pings and I pull it out, glancing at the screen. My eyes scan the words and my grip on the phone tightens as I feel the anger curse through my body. The urge to break every bone in Trevor's worthless body grows stronger by the second.
"Fuck." I mumble, feeling powerless. I respond back to her, my fingers tapping away at the screen quickly. The image of her trapped with him trying to kill her flashes through my mind and I let out a yell in frustration. The anger continues to build inside of me until it's impossible to contain and I lash out, needing a release. Pain flares through my knuckles but it does little to help my anger.
I scroll through my phone, jaw tensed as I finally find what I'm looking for. I ring him, bouncing on the heels of my trainers impatiently as I wait for him to answer.
"What do you need?"
"Emily Wentworth, full address."
Within a few seconds he has it for me, word for word. It's only a ten minute walk, five if I run. I end the call and pull my hood over my head. On the way images of her bruised and beaten body fills my thoughts which fuels me to run faster. She looked so vulnerable, years of abuse finally breaking her in pieces.
I feel a sense of honour knowing I'm the first person she confided in. When she told me she trusts me, I was completely taken aback.
Not many people trust me.
I held her against me the entire night, unable to sleep a wink myself. She doesn't remember but knowing I was there to comfort her made it worth every second. Every time she stirred or mumbled in fear due to her nightmares, I held her closer. I know I'm becoming way too protective over this girl and if I'm completely honest. . .
It terrifies me.
I never like to admit fear either.
*****
Emily's POV -
I hear a soft tapping noise coming from my window. I walk towards it and open it, peering down to find Jake stood at the bottom, panting. I stand there, staring down at how attractive he looked, unable to stop myself from admiring his beauty. Beads of sweat are glistening on his forehead and his hair is a complete mess but for some reason, I like it.
"Emily, don't just stand there and stare! Get down here!" He whisper-yells, shaking his head at my lack of co-operation. I snap out of it, my eyes widening as it dawns on me what he's suggesting.
"You want me to jump out of this window?" I gesture at the window and then cross my arms tightly over my chest, glaring at him.
"Do you want to kill me Jake?" I ask, my eyes narrowing at him. I notice his right hand bleeding and my eyes widen further —
"What happened to your hand?"
"What happened to your face?" He shot back, signalling at the cut on my head.
Touché.
"I can't jump, it's too high Jake." I swallow nervously, glancing down at the height. My stomach does a complete flip and I take a step back.
"Muffin, it's the only way you can get out. You won't fall, I'll catch you." He reassures me, holding out his arms. I groan, knowing he's right.
I couldn't stay here with Trevor any longer, the thought alone terrified me. I drop my bag out the window first, hearing Jake catch it with an oomph.
"God, what have you got in here?" He mutters up at me, his eyebrow raised slightly.
"Girl stuff," I respond, sitting on the window ledge and rotating myself. I grip onto the ledge tightly, shutting my eyes.
"That's it, you've got it." Jake encourages me.
"Dear God, if I fall to my death, please send me straight to heaven."
"Emily, what are you doing?"Jake hisses, cutting me off.
"Saying a prayer incase I die!"
"It's not that far! You're tall anyway, use them legs for good use."
I scoff and lower myself down, my knuckles turning white from the strain of having to grip onto the ledge. I close my eyes and count down from three before letting
