Set 19

Posted by AdminHHAdmin, ? Views, Released on June 16, 2025

Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Pinterest Telegram

hapter 19

“Take a seat on the couch and I will get you something cold to suck on.” Kyle commanded like a doting nurse, dumping our bags in the hall and heading to the kitchen.

I had no energy to argue on this point. Something to soothe the pain was obviously welcome and I sank into the couch like a sack of potatoes. I felt as if all of the energy in me had been stolen. I was certain I could sleep forever if it wasn’t for the fact Noah had just been strangling me less than an hour ago and my mind was all over the place.

Why had he done that? Had he been trying to kill me? Why would he do that? Did he really hate me so much he could think of nothing except to snuff my life out?

Something in the back of my mind wasn’t convinced Noah had been trying to kill me, as crazy as it sounded given what he had just done. But despite my fear of him, I knew Noah well and he wouldn’t show me mercy with a quick death. He liked it when I suffered so killing me just wasn’t possible.

“Here. Kyle’s voice broke my thoughts as he handed me a bowl with ice–cream in it. “It’s the only thing I can find. I could ask Aiden to get something on his way home?

“No.” I whispered. “I don’t want Aiden to know what happened. He will just think he’s right about the other night.”

“But he is though, isn’t he?” Kyle pointed out, his eyes sympathetic. “You didn’t have an accident. Noah did something.”

“Please don’t tell Aiden.” I begged, my voice raspy and barely above

a

whisper

will tell Liam. I think you scared Noah off anyway.”

At least, I hope he had.

Kyle sighed, closing his eyes in defeat and for a moment I felt just a sliver of hope that he would agree. However, when his eyes opened and I saw his apologetic gaze I knew I had lost, hot tears instantly stinging the corner of my eyes.

“He will kill me if I hide something like this and he finds out.” Kyle reasoned. “Look why don’t you go take a shower and chill out. Aiden won’t be home for a while anyway so we can chill out and watch TV.”

“Are you staying over again?” I asked, trying to hide my disappointment.

“Not tonight. My foster parents asked if I could babysit the other kids so they can go on a date night.”

I sighed, biting my bottom lip to hide how it trembled. I didn’t want to deal with Aiden alone. I was too tired and sore to try and deal with the confusing emotions and feelings that flurried whenever he was near. Part of me wanted him close, perhaps his presence would chase away the demons lurking in the shadows but at the same time I knew he would probably just reprimand me like a child. A silly little girl who got herself in trouble and can’t handle herself.

I silently sulked as I finished the ice cream Kyle had given me before heading to my room to clean myself up and change. I dragged myself to my bedroom, shutting the door before I moved to the bathroom. It was getting dark now so I had no choice but to turn on the light, my eyes meeting the reflection in the mirror.

I barely recognised the girl who stared back at me. Dark smudges framed tired brown eyes. They looked like bruises against my skin which seemed so pale as if I was already dead, even my lips lacked colour my dark brown hair hung limply from the braid I had put it in. I looked awful, a far cry from the girl!

to be.

Sighing, I forced myself to look away, pulling clothes off clumsily while the water for the shower heated. The hot water was a welcome pain against my skin as I stepped under the showerhead and let the spray hit me like thousands of tiny hot needles. I considered what it would be like just to stand here until the end of time; the door closed and the steam slowly suffocated me.

Just like Noah had.

I’m not sure how long I was in there but eventually the water cooled, forcing me from the shower unit and to wrap myself in a towel. Steam filled the room, swirling and billowing with no place to go until I opened the window or door. It obscured my view of my reflection until I wiped a hand over the cold surface to clear the condensation, revealing my reflection once again.

The bruises were clear now that they had time to form and nothing obscured them. The delicate skin was now marred red and as I peered closer, I saw the small crescents from Noah’s nails. They had broken the skin leaving angry little wounds that stung when I brushed my fingers over them.

So much for looking nice on my birthday even if I wasn’t doing anything.

1/2

Chapter 19

I forced myself to walk away and dressed in black leggings and an oversized dusty pink sweater. While towel drying my hair, I peered out of the bedroom window, spotting Aiden’s truck on the drive, Just as I acknowledged it, there was a soft knock on the door making me jump.

“Just a minute.” I managed, pulling the curtains closed and putting away my towel. Opening the door, I gasped when I met beautiful blue eyes that shimmered with emotion. Aiden?”

“I think we need to talk.”

A/N: Firstly, thanks for everyone for reading this far and apologies for the delay in pisting this week, also please give mt other story a go. It’s called Hellhound‘. I also have a podcast on Spotify, Apple and Stitcher. its called Tea Crumpets and Horror.