by Grace Davies
“They are awful suggestions. You’ve called me Mil before, how about that?”
“Hm, you like Mil, do you?” He eyes me suspiciously.
“Well its much better than Millicentipede.”
“Fine, Mil it is. Only if you call me Ro.”
“Ro it is.” We sit for a moment just smiling at each other before he gets up, offering a hand to help me.
“I have to go, I’m going to see my father. Try and apologise for today even though I did nothing wrong.” The fear in his eyes makes my heart stop. I grab his hand and give it a small squeeze.
“You can do this, Ro. You’re stronger than you know. If you need to talk when you get back all you have to do is text and I’ll be there. In a heartbeat.”
“It means so much, Mil. Thank you.” He wraps his arms around me, his aftershave flooding my senses making me feel safe. “I’ll see you later.” He reluctantly pulls away and heads for the door. Before leaving he turns to look back at me and I give him a nod of encouragement. He smiles before disappearing out the door.
***
“Welcome to detention Ladies. I’m sure you all know why you’re here but we won’t go into that. For the next two hours you will be writing an essay on any subject of your choice but it has to be something personal to you. Begin when you’re ready and please no talking.”
I’m sat here in detention with the devil’s spawn herself, Charity and her minion Lucy. It’s just my luck that they are the only other two people here but I don’t let it bother me. I contemplate what subject to write my essay on and chose to talk about how different forms of media can affect your life. I comment on how the mass media present people in different ways to portray them in a certain way. I talk about how film and literature are ways of escapism for many people, as they are for me. I discuss the impact of social media on people’s mental health. I’ve written six pages when Professor Hawthorne leaves to discuss something with another teacher.
Charity and Lucy begin talking obnoxiously loudly about shopping and boys, if I’m honest I’m not even listening until I hear Roman’s name.
“Did I tell you what Roman told me yesterday?” Charity’s shrill voice slices through me like a knife.
“No babe, what did he say?” What a suck up.
“Well, I walked in and he was stood with his parents so I walked past trying to listen to their conversation. Then Mr. Kingsbury calls me over, like just calls me over. So, I go and I’m all like ‘oh hi Sir, I hope you’re well’, like all that and Mr. Kingsbury starts telling me how he always thought his son should date someone like me. I was acting all coy but inside I’m like duh have you met me. So anyway, he’s talking me up but then Charles comes over to talk to him, like totally interrupting me so I turn to Roman and I’m like ‘so what did you think about what your dad was saying?’ and he looks me dead in the eyes and says ‘I’m all for it’. Like can you believe him.”
“No,” I say far too loudly. Shit.
“You got something to say over there?” Lucy snaps at me.
“No, not at all.” Just ignore them, finish your essay.
“She’s just jealous Lucy. She’d kill to get a guy like Roman, I’ve seen the way she looks at him. But she never will because he prefers pretty skinny girls with brunette hair and money. He’d never go for some ugly overweight scrounger.”
“Screw you Charity. I may not be as skinny as you but that doesn’t mean I’m ugly. At least I have a good personality, yours is as fake as those extensions you wear. Also, I don’t look at Roman any differently to how I look at everyone.” I know I’m lying with that last statement but I won’t give her the satisfaction of being right.
“Listen here you,” she leans over my desk, her eyes boring into mine when the door opens.
“Miss Drinckall, is there a problem?” Professor Hawthorne stands in the doorway.
“No Sir, Millie just needed some help with her essay. She’s not all that bright you see.” I bite my tongue; she will not get a rise out of me today.
“Very well Miss Drinckall.” I know Hawthorne isn’t gullible enough to believe her lie, he’s not that stupid.
The clock ticks on and its finally Eleven O’clock. “Right girls, that’s the end of detention. If you can leave your essays at the end of my desk, I will take a look at them.”
The evil twins run off as quick as possible but not before shooting me a glare. I gather my things together and put my full 12-page essay on Hawthorne’s desk. He puts his hand on my shoulder to stop me as I’m about to leave.
“Millie, is everything okay? Was Charity bothering you?” He asks, concern lacing his words.
“Nothing I can’t handle Sir. Thank you for asking.” I give him a curt nod before leaving and heading back to my dorm to catch up on homework.
Chapter Sixteen
The monster: Alistair Kingsbury
Tree. R, the text reads from Roman. I know right then that this is important, as never before has he just signed a text R. I quickly change into a pair of black leggings and a cropped knitted jumper before rushing out the door towards the tree. On the way I debate bringing up what Charity said but that plan leaves my mind the minute I see him. He is pacing back and forth in front of the tree, shirt untucked, his hair a mess. I’ve never seen him looked so stressed; this is bad.
“Ro?” I whisper, approaching him, careful not to startle him.
“Mil, it’s bad. This is really bad.” His words are rushed, his fingers pulling at his hair.
“Hey, stop.” I remove his hands from his hair. “Talk to me, what happened with your dad last night?”
“Well, I went home and he was in a surprisingly good mood. He even told me he was happy to see me. That’s when I realised he was drunk so I tried to sober him up giving him cups of water but he kept insisting he was fine. He clearly wasn’t. I decided to try at talk to him about the whole Commissioner thing anyway: big mistake. I started apologising but quickly stopped because I realised that I did nothing wrong, he was being a dick and I was sticking up for you. This went down a treat with my father. He started screaming at me telling me how selfish I am and how me shouting at his friend has caused him pain. Him pain? Did he not see what happened to you? He only cares about himself.” His hands are balled into fists as his begins pacing again.
“Did he..?” I can’t bring myself to even ask.
“He tried to but my mum tried to stop him.” Oh God. “I told him he couldn’t talk to me like that, I’m not a child who can be bullied by him. I got right in his face and told him that I don’t care if he’s my father or if he’s the King, I will not be treated like a piece of shit. He lunged for me and threw me against the wall. I couldn’t even move; I was in so much pain but I could see him walking towards me with his belt. My mum rushed in front of me to protect me but that didn’t stop him. He whipped her repeatedly and when that didn’t satisfy him, he used his fists. I had to lie there, motionless and watch my mum be beaten half to death by the man she married. I eventually passed out and when I woke up; I was alone.” Tears cloud my vision as I look at this heartbroken boy in front of me. The pain he has gone though in such a short life, some people couldn’t deal with in a lifetime.
“Roman, I’m so sorry you had to go through that. Do you know where you mother is now? I want to make this better for you but I really don’t know how to.” I hate not being able to help him.
“Trust me Mil, just having someone to talk to is helping more than you know. I think she’s at St. Thomas’ Hospital, our head maid Candice found her and called an ambulance. I been calling all the hospitals trying to find her because my dad won’t let me go see her even though it’s all his fault. I just need to know she’s okay.”
“Come on,” I hold out my hand for him to take.
“Where are we going?” He looks sceptical but takes my hand anyway. The warmth of his skin against the coldness of mine makes me feel at home.
“To find your mum.”
***
Roman
stands frozen staring at the door separating us from his mum. “I can’t go in; I can’t see her like that.” Nervous energy emits from him.
I grab his trembling hand and give it a squeeze, “you can. I’ll be right outside this door.”
“No. You’re coming in with me.” He holds my hand tighter and pulls me into the hospital room.
The beeping of Mrs Kingsbury’s heart monitor floods my ears instantly as we step into the room. There on the bed is Marissa: deep red blood covers her scalp, matting her hair; a large purple bruise forms around her right eye. Various tubes flow from her nose and mouth to a machine, the machine that I assume is keeping her alive. Though mostly covered by the bed sheet and hospital gown, I notice various lacerations along her arm. The stillness of her body is terrifying. Despite only have seen her once, I know she doesn’t look herself. How anyone could do this to another astounds me. I look over at Roman: tears filling his eyes to the brim threatening to fall; a shaky hand covering his mouth in shock. I quietly step closer to him and hug his arm, letting him know I’m there and will listen when he’s ready to talk. He looks down at me and smiles before pulling away and crossing over to his mother bed.
“Oh mum, this is all my fault. If I hadn’t stood up to him, riled him up, he wouldn’t have tried to hurt me. If I hadn’t angered him, you wouldn’t have had to save me. You wouldn’t be here, beaten and bruised in a hospital bed. I can’t apologise enough mum, I hope you can hear me. Please wake up, I can’t do this without you.” He sobs holding on to her hand.
It breaks my heart that he thinks this is his fault, far from it. It is that monster he calls a father who should be apologising. As if on cue, the door swings open and there, anger radiating off of him like a deadly virus, is Mr Kingsbury.
“What are you doing in my woman’s hospital room?” He towers over me, snarling like a rabid dog, spit roaming at the mouth.
“I came to comfort Roman, he has the right to see his mother.” I try to keep the situation under control and not let this beast intimidate me. I’m here for Roman, I’m not going to screw this up.
“He doesn’t need comfort, he’s a man.”
“With all due respect Sir, everyone needs comfort.” I say in the nicest way possible.
“You disrespect me? You think you’re clever Missy?”
“No, Sir” I begin to back away towards the door as he advances towards me. He leans closer to me, reaching behind me to slam the door. One word comes to mind: trapped.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
“Back to school Sir, I have an awful lot of homework.” Please let me out. I can’t tell if Roman is too focused on his mother he cannot year what’s going on behind him or if he just doesn’t care.
“Lies. Now tell me where you were really trying to go?” He gets right up to my face, his hand inching closer and closer to my neck with every second. My heart is racing, threatening to explode out my chest. My breaths are short and fast; I’m hyperventilating. His bear like paw wraps round my throat as I’m pushed to the ground, my head hitting the edge of the bed. My head pounds; I see stars.
Barely able to comprehend what has just happened, I look up through blurry eyes to see Roman in front of his father screaming at him, at least so it seems. The fall caused an immense ringing in my ears so I don’t hear what is said between the pair, but I know it is heated. I attempt to get up from the floor but give up, failing miserably. I begin to hear snippets of the argument as my hearing comes back.
“You think you’re brave don’t you, sticking up for your little ‘friend’, rebelling against your superior.” He spits out the word friend like it’s poison in his mouth.
“I don’t think I’m brave. I know I am. I have put up with you for so many years, always thinking that I was the problem but I see it now. You are. You’ve never loved me or even wanted me. You’d gladly get rid of mum if it wouldn’t compromise your money. Don’t you think we all know that you’re having an affair. That your spending day after day fucking that trashy blonde when you’re meant to be working. You don’t see how, even though she despises you, mum still tries her hardest to impress you, make sure you’re happy. But you never are. You’re just a mean, abusive bastard and I ha-“
The room is suddenly filled with one long beep. Roman freezes immediately. So does Mr Kingsbury. Two nurses fly into the room and over to the bed.
“Her stats are dropping.” One says.
“I’ll get the doctor,” the other replies.
Still on the floor I feel as if I’m in the middle of a tornado, everything spinning around me but I’m inert: motionless.
“Out please. Now,” the doctor snaps as he enters the room.
Roman bends down to pick me up, fear flickering wildly in his eyes. Pulling me to my feet, he guides me out of the room and sits me on a chair.
“Millie are you okay? I didn’t mean to push you so hard I just couldn’t sit there and watch him hurt you.” His hand cups my face.
“I’m not gonna lie I feel pretty shit but I’m more concerned about you.” I smile weakly.
“Roman, thank goodness.” An older woman rushes towards us. “Is your mother okay? I heard a commotion.”
“I don’t know.” He looks at the floor. “Oh, Millie this is Candice our maid and basically my second mum.”
“A pleasure to meet you.” I smile at her.
“You too my dear, though I wish the circumstances were better.” I nod my head solemnly in agreement. “Let’s get you two darlings’ home.”
***
We arrived at Roman’s home after a short drive. The place is like no home I’d ever seen before. Large iron gates isolate the house, Kingsbury Manor engraved onto them. Made completely of stone bricks, the Manor has three storeys, multiple dazzling windows and an arch way over the entrance. A detailed balcony juts out from the second storey, canopying the home entrance.
Roman wouldn’t stop worrying about me the whole drive. He kept asking me questions, making sure I wasn’t concussed. It was sweet he was so concerned and to be honest I needed it, what happened back there was scary. I never thought I’d experience anything like that in my life but I did. I have no idea how Roman copes with that on a frequent basis. It did make me kind of glad I don’t know my dad, what if he was like Mr Kingsbury. I know I wouldn’t be as brave as Roman.
When we arrived at his house, Roman brought me straight to his room and placed me down on his bed. He brought me one of his t-shirts and a pair of his joggers to change into before leaving the room to give me privacy. The thought of Roman in joggers made me giggle, he’s always so put together. Even his pyjamas are silk. I quickly put on the clothes I’ve been given, the smell of his aftershave flooded my senses as his shirt engulfed me. After letting him know I was dressed, he came back into the room and just stood there for a while looking at me. It was pretty unnerving if I’m honest. He eventually snapped out of it and helped me get into bed tucking me in tight, making sure I was comfy.
There I was, in Roman Kingsbury’s king size bed, in the middle of his spacious bedroom, in one of the best looking mansions I have ever seen. He took it upon himself to sit with me and keep me entertained. I think he was trying to take both of our minds off what had happened. I know he was worrying about his mum. I was too. Lying next to him, the heat from his body warmed mine.
“Are you comfy? Do you need anything?” He asked, still worried about me.
I shook my head. “No, I’m great.”
He wrapped his arm around me, grabbing the book closest to him: Wuthering Heights. I raised my eyebrow at him as he looked down at me sheepishly.
“I bought it after that day you read to me. Thought I’d see how it ended seen as you love it so much.”
“Thoughts?”
“Cathy would’ve saved many lives if she would’ve just gave in and married Heathcliff. Everyone knew she loved him.”
My heart warmed. He really read it. I was expecting him to give some lame answer but no. It was perfe
ct.
“Besides that, I really did enjoy it. I see a lot of you in Catherine.”
“As in the daughter Catherine?”
“Yeah. She’s gentle and kind but also has a wild side. She’s like the fictional you.”
My heart burst. Butterflies danced in my stomach. Unable to speak, I snuggled closer and rest my head on his chest.
In that moment, as he read the words of my favourite novel to me, I slowly began to fall for him. Piece by piece my heart became his. I thought back to every stare, every smirk, every touch. He was unknowingly becoming the person I felt most for in the world. I was fine with it. Completely fine with it. I couldn’t have stopped it if I tried. I fell asleep shortly after, listening to Roman speak the words I’ve read a thousand times before and the beat of his heart.
It’s about 3am now. I’ve been lying here just staring at him for a good half an hour. Creepy I know, but I can’t help myself. He must’ve fallen asleep some time ago. Quiet snores escape his mouth, a fixed look of pain etched onto his face. How I wish I could free him of that pain. Help him move forward. Escape his demons. My hand reaches up to move a curl that has fallen into his face. I lose myself again, staring at his beautiful face when Candice rushes in through the door. I sit up abruptly, gently shaking Roman to wake him.
“Roman, it’s the hospital.” Candice says. Roman jumps up immediately. I hold my breath.
“And?”
“Your mother is awake. She’s going to be fine darling.”
Chapter Seventeen
The exciting announcement
Candice dropped me off at school on her way back to the hospital with Roman. He gave me a hug before they left telling me he’d check on me when he was back. Still worrying about me. My heart sank a little as the car pulled away but I knew it’s Marissa who needed him now, and he her. I trudged back up to my room and tiptoed into bed. It was early Sunday morning; the sun would be rising soon. The minute my head hit the pillow, I fell into a deep sleep filled with dreams of a curly headed boy and his arrogant smirk.
