Trying

Demitri

When I got here, I didn't expect her dad and mum to pull me to the side and tell me things. Apparently, they assumed I would have known, but I didn't. Last night made them realise I didn't know.

I stand with my arms around her, and she's still distant and I feel like she's about to run which I won't let her do. She needs someone who will fight for her, and keep her there. She needs someone to prove they won't give up and confirm her worst fears.

"Tell me about what happened, Demi. Your parents did, but that isn't your side," I lift her head so she's facing me. She's wild, but I now wonder how much of that is her barrier? A way to keep her safe?

"I don't know what to say," she whispers and I pull her onto the bed and sit with my arms around her still.

"Tell me what made you leave?" I ask. I know the simple version. She had been dating a guy since she was fourteen. Moved in with him at seventeen. She suspected he was cheating, and he gaslighted her. Things got physical, and agai