Chapter 1

“Olive?” a voice said in the darkness. “Olive, wake up.” a hand shook my shoulder and I slowly opened my left eye. “God damn, girl. You look like s**t.” I groaned and gingerly pressed the throbbing part of my cheek. I looked at Coday and tears filled my eyes. He pulled me into his arms and held me close. “I’m so sorry.” I stayed in the safety of his arms for a while before I slowly pulled away.

“Time to clean up.” I sighed, wiping my cheeks dry. I stood up and Cody put a hand out to steady me.

“Careful there, dear.” He wrapped an arm around my waist and helped me to the bathroom. I looked in the mirror and looked over my injuries.

“Nothing a little make-up can’t hide.” I remarked, trying to sound happy. I grabbed my foundation and began to work on hiding the bruises that covered various spots on my skin. Cody watched me, and finally I turned to look at him. “How I look?”

“Amazing, as always, Olly.” he smiled at me but I could see he was trying to hide the pain and sorrow he felt for me. I turned away and looked back in the mirror at my reflection. Very faint bruise lines could be seen if you knew where they were. I let out a huge sigh.

“Ready to go to school?” I asked, turning away from the broken girl in the mirror.

“Only if you want to.” he replied. I nodded.

“I have to. I can’t miss anymore school.” I grabbed my bag from my room and made a quick retreat to the outside world. I could see the hate in Cody’s eyes when we ran into my mom.

“Good morning, Cody. Would you like some breakfast before you head off to school?” Mom asked, putting a hand on his shoulder.

“No thanks, ma’am. Olive and I have a meeting before school.” he said, not bothering to die the hate in his voice.

“Are you sure, dear? A strong, young man like you needs his nutrition. Make that body,” she let her eyes roam down his body and I had to keep myself from vomiting, “of yours nice and strong.” she trailed a nail down his arm.

“Sorry, ma’am. This is the type of meeting where we are required to be there.” he answered, taking a small step back.

“Well maybe some other time, deary. You’re welcome here anytime.” Mom smiled at him and he nodded.

“Thank you, ma’am. Olly and I have to get going now.” he grabbed my hand and pulled me towards his truck. He whipped out of my driveway and drove away, leaving my house in the dust. “Your mom is such a cougar.” he said, his hands tightened on the wheel. I nodded and he glanced over at me. “Are you okay?” I shrugged and looked out the window.

I wasn't expecting it to happen last night. It was a Sunday night, she wasn’t supposed to be home. But she came home, drunk as hell, angry because she got kicked out of her favorite bar. She, like always, blamed me for it. Then the beating began, but I fought back, which always turned out for the worst. Things died down for a few hours, but then my mom’s friend came to my house. And then it began all over again, but even worse because he was involved. That was the last thing I remembered. Cody was the only one to know about the abuse I go through. He found out a few years ago and since, he’s tried to protect me. But he can only protect me so much.

“Olly?” His voice brought me out of my daze. I looked over at him.

“I’m fine, Cody. Just tired.” I sighed. “And sore.”

“I’m sorry that I couldn’t be there to keep it from happening.” he whispered, his knuckles white.

“Cody,” I put my hand on his. “It’s fine. You can’t protect me at all times. I just wasn’t able to defend myself against two people.”

“Two?” he asked.

“Jack was there…” I said, hesitant. I watched the hatred and pain flash across Cody’s  face.  “I’m fine.” The rest of the ride was quiet, music playing softly in the background.