AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Oh baby girl.” Killian whispers, voice cracking.
He opens his mouth to say something else when a soft knock interrupts. Turning his attention toward the intrusion, his face forms a scowl until softening when he must recognize whoever it is. Releasing his hold on me, Killian pulls the chair closer to the bed and sinks back into the seat.
My attention is fixed on him, replaying his words in my head.
“I should have known.”
Maybe he really does care?
If he cared he would have done something sooner, would have noticed.
“I should…Iwillbe better.”
He wouldn’t just say that, right?
He’s just trying to get you back into his arms. Back into his bed. He doesn’t care aboutyou,just your body.
“I thought I lost you, firecracker.”
There was so much pain when he said that. I have to believe he didn’t want me to die, that he wants me.
Do you? Do youhaveto believe that? Don’t be stupid, Ava. He. Doesn’t. Care.
Tears continue falling from my watery eyes as my mind wars with itself. Noticing my discontent, Killian reaches out and lightly grasps my hand, rubbing soothing circles along the back of it.
My attention is pulled away as someone clears their throat. Turning my head, I see a tall, middle-aged woman. Ebony hair twisted into a low bun at the nape of her neck. She has a name badge clipped to her white coat that readsEvelyn Newsomwith a large word printed just below.Psychiatry. I gulp as I realize this must be the woman who is going to determine if I get to go home or am forced to remain hospitalized.
The psychiatrist walks up to the end of my bed, offering me a smile. “Hello Avamarie. My name is Evelyn. Is it okay if I call you Avamarie?” Her voice has a melodic rhythm, as if she’s used to soothing people with just her cadence alone.
Caught up in her calming presence, I nod. “Ava’s fine.” I murmur, my fingers curling unconsciously around Killian’s hand.
Evelyn’s smile widens, lighting up her eyes. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Ava.”
Despite her pleasant demeanor, I still find myself apprehensive.
Careful, if you say the wrong thing they’re going to force you to stay here.
I’m familiar enough with the 5150 laws. We had to do an entire module around it last year so we could understand the importance of treating mental health in conjunction with punishment for criminal offenders.
A wave of nausea flows through me.
I can’t be stuck here. Iwon’tbe stuck here.
There’s nothing wrong with giving people the help they need.Ijust don’t need it and I have to make sure everyone else knows that too.
At my continued silence, Evelyn clears her throat. “If you’re feeling up to it I do have a few questions for you.” Her eyes dart to Killian and back before she offers, “We could ask your father to step out of the room if that would make you feel more comfortable.”
I choke, gasping for air as images of myDaddy’scock railing me flash through my mind.
Wait, Daddy? The fuck?
An unwelcome heat floods my core as the title for him pops into my head.
Beside me Killian stiffens. In a dangerously low voice, he growls, “I’m not her father.”
I stifle a hysterical laugh at his rage.
The poor woman splutters, her cheeks reddening at the unintentional offense. “Oh god, I’m so sorry. I just assumed…” She trails off, doing her best to avoid eye contact with either one of us.
