As part of our Professional Writing we were required to write a 1000 word story on any subject of our choice.
The story deals with real life issues of sexual and physical abuse means it can be presented anywhere that includes real life stories.
The story is aimed towards anyone that knows of anyone or has ever been involved with abuse at any time. The subject was chosen due to it being an issue that is very much prevalent in the news today. It is there to teach a lesson and provide help for its readers.
Research on the internet proved to be very successful when writing the story, it allowed a great insight of other people’s abuse stories and the hurt and anger they had gone through within their relationships.
He held my hand tight squeezing it as he dragged me through the front door. I didn’t want to go in but he insisted it would be fine and otherwise I was dressed up for no reason. Billy wasn’t the possessive type which I was thankful for, it was almost as if he wanted to show me off to his friends.
As I walked through the door the smell of marijuana hit my nose, the air was thick with smoke. Mum would definitely be mad at me; she was expecting me home in an hour or two.
“Come on babe,” Bill tugged at my dress and led me through to the living room. I had told him I had a piercing headache, but my excuses soon ran dry and I had been forced to accompany him to the party.
“Stay here, I won’t be a sec.”
I sat down on the sofa as Bill went upstairs leaving me alone. I was used to it. The music in the house shook the walls. My head pulsated as I tried to ignore the drum and bass and concentrate on other things. A small fresh-faced blonde girl came and sat beside me on the other side of the cigarette burned sofa. I introduced myself. Sophie was the girlfriend of one of Bill’s friends. Bill had never spoken about her before. She seemed kind hearted; her voice was soft and timid.
I felt more comfortable at the party. I ignored the music and spoke with Sophie.
“Wow this is gorgeous,” I said as I admired Sophie’s silver charm necklace which coiled round her neck.
“Thanks.”
As I looked at each charm individually, Sophie smiled pleasantly. As she continued to show me her dress strap fell down revealing a raw purple bruise on her shoulder. She shuddered away from me. I didn’t say anything. Our eyes glanced at one another. Moments passed before a group of boys entered the room.
“Alright ladies, we’re going now, hurry up,” Bill’s voice suddenly brought my headache back on.
As he dragged me out the door I smiled at Sophie, unable to say a proper goodbye. Bill insisted I stay at his tonight. I knew Mum would be mad but there would be no point in saying no.
I didn’t look forward to the weekends much; I preferred being in college, spending time studying, I dreamed of getting into University next year. But Billy preferred I didn’t talk about it, and for me it was easier that way. He always said I was wasting my time.
Bill’s eyes were glared and his stare pierced my skin as he forced me to get into bed. I daren’t argue I knew he had been taking drugs at the party.
I lay in bed, fully clothed. I hoped Bill would fall asleep or pass out in the bathroom, but I could hear him in the kitchen. I had half drifted off until I felt his tight grip around my body.
“Come on princess.”
Billy pulled me towards him resting his hands on my lower back, my body stiffened as he slowly pulled my dress up. I wasn’t in the mood. He grabbed my waist pulling me closer and locking his lips to mine, he moved slowly to my neck; the kissing became rough and unnecessary.
I tried to struggle free, pleading with him that I was not in the mood; that was no good. His cold hands ran over my body, every touch making me shudder with fear as he thrust his body towards mine. I felt his hand against my cheek with a burning slap. As I tried to get away from him and leave the room he grabbed me and head-butted me to the bed. I cowered away from him, holding my tender head. I lay under him crying, utterly desperate for him to stop, my face red and swollen. After Bill had fallen asleep I tried to leave, but he had locked the door. I sat in the bathroom like a prisoner, contained between four walls, towering above me. Without thinking I grabbed a razor blade off the side. I pressed the tip hard into my skin but the pain didn’t break through the numbness I was feeling. Crimson red blood poured out from my wrist and my breath became shaky. I can’t do this. I felt helpless.
The next morning Billy woke me up with breakfast. I forced down some toast with a fake smile, each crumb of toast repeatedly scratched my throat; it was sore from where I had cried myself to sleep. I was scared to go home, Mum was sure to say something about the raw purple bruises on my cheek and forehead. Billy left me to eat while he went to shower. Without thinking twice I left a note on the side, and went through his jean pockets to find the keys to let myself out of the house. I caught a glance of my reflection as I left.
Tears began to prickle down my cheeks as I left the complex, my pocket vibrated and an unknown number flashed on the screen, composing myself I answered.
“Hello Lauren,” a muffled voice said. “It’s Sophie, from the party.”
“Oh hi, how are you?” I was pleasantly surprised.
“I got you’re number from Jake’s phone, I was wondering if you could do me a favour,” she paused
“Yeah, anything?”
“I need someone to come to the police station with me,” she paused again.
My mind clogged itself with images of last night, did she know? Had Bill already told Jake what had happened last night? Surely not? I panicked.
“Lauren, are you there, this is important to me, Jake hurt me last night, he split my lip and I had to go to accident and emergency, I met a really nice lady, we’re not alone Lauren, we can get help.”
Had she just said “we”? I was so confused; my head went into overdrive as Lauren arranged a place to meet. The morning frost stung my cheek as the salty tears streamed down my face. Before I knew it I was running towards Pine Park, I fought back the tears as Sophie came into view. She stood up from the park bench and threw her arms round me. We stood there for minute before either of us said anything. I had met Lauren the night before, yet it felt like I had known her all my life. We were both in pain. Her once vibrant face was hidden behind bruises and stitches; she passed me a tissue as we stood studying one another’s battered faces.
“We’re not alone.” Sophie repeated.
“Let’s go,” I replied
I didn’t want this for my life; I was ready to take a stand.
“Interview conducted at 18:40 Tuesday February 24th.
Mr Billy Davis we have evidence to believe that you have been abusing Lauren Hodges for the past year in your relationship. You have used your power to gain and uphold total control over your victim. You abused Lauren physically, sexually and verbally to the extent where she self harmed in the hope to kill herself and end the violence you have forced upon her.”
“You are a bully Billy Davis.”
Tags: Abuse, Bully, Short Story