Malik (Carter Brother Series Book 1) (35 page)

Tears are still falling from my eyes as I try to come to terms with the fact I’m a victim of sexual assault and date rape. I’m thankful I wasn’t raped, but knowing it was mere seconds away from happening really scares the shit out of me. I honestly don’t know what I would do had it happened, just feeling the way I do with it not happening is killing me.

“Can I go home now?’’ I ask him with pleading eyes, wanting to get into the shower and turn it up to the hottest temperature I can handle.

“Let me just sign your discharge papers. A nurse will be in shortly to take your drip out. Just make sure to stay hydrated once you leave and get plenty of rest at home.’’

“Thank you,’’ I tell him, my eyes watering once again.

He nods his head at me, giving Gram’s and Malik one last look before turning to leave. Once he walks through the door everyone else walks back in, Mason hot on their heels.

“Hey,’’ I wave weakly feeling tired.

“Hey girl. Don’t ever scare us like that again,’’ Max and Mav say to me.

Myles looks uncomfortable as he walks over to the bed; my Gram’s moving her chair back to give him room. Once he gets close enough he pulls me into a tight hug, his hold making the air whoosh out of me. He doesn’t say anything as he squeezes the life out of me; words aren’t needed at the moment.

“Bro, let her breathe,’’ Malik growls from next to me making me smile.

“Sorry. I’m just so happy you’re okay,’’ he breathes out into my neck. I hug him back before letting him go and he takes a step back to go stand with the rest of the boys.

Mason is next to wish me well, “So glad you’re okay lil sis, but when you’re up to it, can you talk to your pain in the ass best friend? She won’t let me see her,’’ he growls, his eyes sad with also dark circles under them.

“What do you mean?’’ I ask confused. The silence in the room doesn’t escape my notice and it has me feeling on edge. I look to Malik for answers, but it’s Max that walks over to explain.

“When Malik found out about Davis he called us at the party and told us to look for you. We found Denny around the side of the house. She’d been hit over the head with something and got knocked out. They brought her in not long before you, but she won’t let us or her parents in to see her. We’re all worried about what’s wrong cause she should have been let home by now,’’ he shrugs.

“It’s only been a day,’’ I scoff, and they all look at me like I’ve grown two heads. “What? It’s been a day right?’’

“Babe, you’ve been in here for three nights, this is your fourth,’’ Malik answers slowly.

Four days? Oh my God, that means it’s my birthday tomorrow. How could I have slept all this time? I’ve woken up what, three or four times if that?

“I didn’t know,’’ I whisper feeling like a fool.

Malik reaches out for me just as a bouncy nurse walks into the room. She pauses for a second noticing all the male testosterone before she flings back her long ponytail, sticks her chest out and makes sure to brush across Maverick and Max. Max looks like he’s enjoying it, giving the nurse a wink and a coy smile, but Maverick looks uncomfortable and takes a step back.

I lean back into Malik watching her as she goes about her duties, my eyes becoming tired as I struggle to stay awake.

*** *** *** *** ***

The minute I got home from the hospital that night I took a long hot shower, and then slept like the dead for the rest of the night.

Now, three days later and my body is only just beginning to feel like my own. I’m still sleeping a lot, but the doctor did tell me that it was normal. I’ve had a few nightmares about that night, but nothing that I can pin point as either a memory or a hallucination.

I’m also not the only one suffering from nightmares. Malik hasn’t slept at his own place since I came back from the hospital, which I’m really thankful for. I need him more than he will ever realise I do. Without him these past three days I think I would have broken down and not have been able to pick myself back up again. He’d been my rock, anchoring me when I needed it.

So to return the favour, I called the number the doctor at the hospital and arranged someone for him to talk to. He’s got a choice of course; I’d never make him go. He also doesn’t need to go alone, we can go together, but I know deep down most of his nightmares are from the guilt he feels. He shouldn’t feel it, but I know Malik, and in the end it will drive him crazy and I kind of like him sane.

If I’m honest I’m doing better than I thought I would three days ago. Although I’m still jumpy, and a little jittery, I’m doing really well. The trip to the police station helped that mostly. They explained that Davis will be in custody until trial, but he’s still in hospital due to the damage Malik caused to his head. Once he’s out of there he will be taken into custody.

The only thing I’m worried about is the trial. According to the PC Marshall, I could be waiting weeks, if not months for it to even be seen and even then there are chances of it being postponed. All I want is for this nightmare to be over. They have more than enough witnesses to put him away, but for some unknown reason to me, Davis’s lawyer is out for blood. My blood to be exact. All I can do is wait around until the trial begins. One good thing is that Davis has been refused bail. Thank God to, because I might start going crazy and carrying a knife with me just to protect myself from his crazy ass.

The only other news is that Mark moved in with us last night after he went all alpha male on my Gram’s. It was really sweet to watch. Malik wanted to throw up, but me? I think it made me respect Mark that little bit more.

“I’m moving in whether you like it or not,’’ Mark tells my Gram’s.

“You will be doing no such thing Mark. Don’t be so ludicrous,’’ she snaps dismissing him to stir the pot simmering on the burner.

“Oh I will Joan. Do you know the Davis family is bad news? Do you think they will let Harlow testify easily? I’m not leaving you here to defend yourself. I’m moving in and that is that.’’

I wince hoping what he’s saying isn’t true. The police told me that the Davis’s weren’t allowed to approach me and if they did it wouldn’t look good on Davis’s record. My head turns when Gram’s slams down the spoon she was using to stir the chilli on the kitchen side. Malik groans beside me and I have to kick him under the table warning him to keep quiet.

“Let me get this right Mark. You want to move in because of a bunch of men who may never do anything. Who might not even know where I live or even bother to defend their rapist of a brother, son or whatever,’’ she cries out and it makes me wince again, her using that word so carelessly. My eyes water, not wanting them to argue over me and I’m about to offer to move away when Mark grabs my Gram’s by the shoulders shaking her. At first I’m horrified. She’s so small and delicate and he’s shaking her like a rag doll.

“Use your mind woman. I’m moving in because I love you and want to keep you safe. I want to be here because of you, whether or not this was going on around you or not,’’ he growls before leaning in and kissing her. That’s when Malik chooses to leave the table, grumbling about not being hungry anymore. I’m still sitting down at the table waiting for one of the two to come up for air or notice I’m here. When they do, they both have the decency to look embarrassed.

“Please don’t fight over me. I don’t want you to fight,’’ I beg. “I will leave if I’m putting anyone in danger, but Gram’s,’’ I say, stopping her from interrupting. “Let Mark move in. Wasn’t it only a few weeks ago you said you were fed up with going from house to house with food and stuff?’’

“Yes but...’’

“No buts. He loves you, you love him. Move in with each other. You should know out of everyone that life can change within a blink of an eye, so why not take something you want while you’ve got it?’’

Mark grins at me before looking down at my Gram’s. His eyes holding so much love and adoration it makes my heart beat faster.

“Okay,’’ she whispers then clings on to his shirt as they make out in the middle of the kitchen, the chilli in the pot bubbling over. When I realise they aren’t going to stop, I roll my eyes, walk over to the stove and turn the heat down before making myself scarce.

“What are you so deep in thought about?’’ Malik asks interrupting me. Mark isn’t the only one that’s moved in it seems. Malik stands in the doorway with two duffle bags full of clothes. I give him a questioning eye and he grins at me.

“Didn’t want my Granddad to fend for himself in a house full of women,’’ he smirks.

“Does Gram’s know?’’ I deadpan, when really I’m feeling giddy for the first time since I woke up in the hospital.

“Yes, she said it would be a great idea,’’ he chuckles.

“I bet she did,’’ I say looking over him warily.

“She did,’’ he laughs jumping on the bed next to me.

“It’s going to be like couples retreat in this house.’’

“Hey, I don’t like to look at them as a couple. They’re too old,’’ he mumbles grumpily.

“I bet they have loud....’’

“Don’t finish that sentence,’’ he growls tickling me. Laughing I roll over to face him, my lips spread into a huge grin.

“Thank you,’’ I tell him seriously.

“What for?’’ He asks with soft eyes.

“For everything.’’

“I love you Harlow.’’

“I love you more,’’ I grin, leaning in to kiss him.

THREE WEEKS LATER!!

Denny and I are sitting in my room reading some magazines when my mobile phone rings. I’ve not seen her much since I left the hospital because her parents have had her under lock and key. She’s also been avoiding my calls and texts, so when she texted me earlier asking to come over, I jumped at the chance and sent Malik out with his mates for the night.

He huffed and puffed about it until I asked if he wanted us to talk about periods, boys and other girly shit in front of him. Then he called his brothers up and asked if they wanted to hang out. So I’m not surprised when I see his name on my screen only two hours after leaving Denny and I.

“Malik?’’ Denny grins and I nod my head with an eye roll.

“Missing me already?’’ I tease answering the phone.

“Always,’’ he says seriously.

“Everything okay?’’ I ask, listening to shouts in the background.

“Yeah, but I need you to get a taxi to old Gunners house. There’s something you need to see.’’

“Babe I can’t,’’ I tell him, my body already shaking at the thought of that house. I still don’t remember that night and although a part of me wants to know, so I stop going crazy, I’m much happier not knowing. So going there is a big no, no. It may trigger something in my mind and make me remember and I can’t risk that.

“You can Babe, I’ll be here and so are the lads. Mr. Gunner has done this for you. He said it’s to help you heal and to move forward. Please babe. I’m going to meet you at the taxi drop,’’ he pleads.

The desperation in his voice has me pausing. Denny sits up on alert from the tone in my voice. My eyes drift down to the magazine she’s supposedly been reading for the past half an hour and notice it’s still on the same page. I shake my head to get my mind on track and breathe in a deep breath. Maybe getting Denny out will be good for her, get her to talk and it will be good for me. I haven’t left the house much since it happened.

“Okay. I’ll put on a jumper then call a taxi,’’ I tell him giving in.

“Thank you babe,’’ he says sounding happy I said yes.

Ending the call I flop back down on the bed, covering my face with my hands and groaning. I can’t believe I said yes.

“What are we doing?’’ Denny asks.

“I need to go meet Malik are you coming? He wants to show me something. Mr. Gunner said he’s found a way to help me move on,’’ I shrug wondering what an old man who doesn’t even know me can do to make everything better.

“Well I’m intrigued. I can only stay for a little bit as I have to leave in...’’ she looks at her watch frowning. “In less than an hour.’’

Her voice sounds so sad it has me pausing as I sit up. “Is everything okay Denny? You said you needed to talk, but you’ve avoided talking since you got here.’’

“Yeah I do, but can I tell you after?’’ she pleads and if I’m not mistaken her eyes mist over.

“Okay,’’ I agree reluctantly.

The taxi pulls up onto the path that leads to the old Gunners house. Malik is standing there waiting for us as I pay the taxi driver and make my way over to him.

“This better be good,’’ I tell him, the nervousness in my voice clear.

“You’ll be fine babe. I wouldn’t bring you out here if I didn’t think this may do you some good,’’ he grins.

“Is that smoke?’’ Denny gasps from behind me. That’s when I smell burning fire.

“What’s going on?’’ I ask quickly as he leads me over to the house. I gasp when it comes into view, the whole place is burning on fire and tears burn my eyes. We’re a good distance away from the house, but from where I am, I can see all of Malik’s brothers, a few kids from school and to my surprise there is an adult walking out from the back of the house.

“Malik, please tell me you didn’t do this?’’ I plead shocked.

“No little lady, I did. I’m Chris’s dad. I heard what happened to you and I’m so sorry,’’ he says softly, his eyes look pained and I reach out touching his arm to comfort him.

“It wasn’t your fault, Sir. You didn’t need to do this,’’ I tell him shocked he would burn his house down.

“Oh I did. My dad would turn in his grave if I didn’t. My dad was a product of rape. His mother was attacked and fell pregnant with him. My Grandpa didn’t handle it well at first, but raised my dad as if he was his own flesh and blood and taught him to be the man he was until he died. If he ever knew something like this went on in his home, he’d be livid with me. This is my way of trying to burn a wrong that was done. We would have done it sooner, but the police needed to get all of the evidence before they could give us the clearance.’’

His story breaks my heart and it isn’t until I find myself wrapping my arms around him that I realise I’m sobbing.

“Now, now girly,’’ he says patting my back. “It’s okay. You got a good man here just like my Grandpa and dad. He’ll take good care of you, you hear. If he doesn’t, never hesitate to come see me and I’ll sort him out,’’ he says making me giggle.

“Okay. Thank you,’’ I tell him, meaning it with all my heart. I look to Malik with such love before turning back to look at the burning house.

My mood changes when a figure I never wanted to see again stands in front of me. Hannah is dressed differently from what I’m used to seeing her wear, or barely wear I should say. She’s wearing a pair of leggings, hoody and trainers. Her face is void of makeup and she looks like she hasn’t slept in a while.

“Can I talk to you?’’ she asks me, looking nervously at Malik.

“Why?’’ I whisper, feeling uncomfortable.

“I want to say I’m sorry.’’

Malik opens his mouth, his face full of thunder, but I squeeze his hands reassuring him I’ve got this.

“Sorry for what exactly Hannah? For bullying me for months on end? Or was it for humiliating me in the lunch hall, or could it be because you nearly got me raped?’’ I tell her, nearly yelling the last part as tears fill my eyes. She’s already crying, tears streaming down her face and a part of me feels sorry for her, but the other half, the strong half, feels like she deserves this.

“All of it. I honestly didn’t know he was going to do that.’’

“He was going to take pictures of me naked and God knows what else, how is that any better?’’

“I’m sorry okay. I swear I didn’t mean for this to happen. I didn’t want any of this. I’m so freaking sorry,’’ she cries.

“Sorry will never make my nightmares disappear Hannah, it won’t take away the months of bullying you’ve done. Do you even know why you did it?’’

“I was jealous. I was so fucking jealous of you Harlow. I’ve been trying for years to become liked, to be seen by one of the Carter brothers. Then you come in to our school, sit down next to him and have him wrapped around your little finger. I’m sorry I let jealousy consume me. I’ve been a horrible bitch and I’m not asking you to forgive me, I just need you to know it was nothing you ever did that made me do the things I did, it was because of my own selfish stupid behaviour.

“I can’t talk for... I don’t even know what he was thinking. I’m just so sorry,’’ she whispers before walking away.

I’m completely shocked and surprised she came up to me and apologised. I watch her walking over to the taxi drop off and notice a woman wearing nurse scrubs hold her arms out to Hannah.

“That was a shock,’’ Malik mutters and I nod my head in agreement, walking over to cuddle into him.

I don’t know how long we stand in each other’s arms staring at the burning home, but it isn’t until Denny taps my arm that I shift my attention away from the house.

She’s crying when I turn my head and immediately I panic. Malik turns and sees Denny’s face and gives me a kiss on the neck before giving us time alone, away from everyone else.

“Are you okay?’’ I ask her, holding her in my arms.

“No,’’ she sobs out. “I have to tell you something and I want you to know I haven’t said anything because I didn’t know how to. Then last night I decided to do the right thing,’’ she says gazing off into the distance. I follow her gaze to where Mason is standing next to another brunette who is trying to get his attention, but his eyes are firmly fixated on Denny with a frown on his face.

“Tell me what?’’ I ask her, wondering if it’s because of him.

“He told me so many lies. Told me he had wanted me for years that he never met anyone like me before. I believed everything he ever said to me. Then that night, I gave myself to him. I gave him everything and he doesn’t even realise just how much he’s taken from me,’’ she sobs, her expression becoming angry.

“Hey, everything’s going to be okay. What is wrong? Things will get better in time Denny, you’ll be crying over some other dickhead in a few months I bet ya.’’

“That’s the thing Harlow; I don’t have time,’’ she cries, shoving her face into her hands.

“What do you mean?’’ I ask tensing, keeping my arms wrapped around her.

“I’m leaving,’’ she blurts out pulling away from me.

“What... like going home?’’ I ask, my eyes watering because I can feel how much she’s hurting.

“No. My parents kicked me out. My Nan has offered to let me live with her, so I’m moving to Wales.’’

“You can stay with us. Gram’s wouldn’t mind and she has a spare room,’’ I plead not understanding what this has to do with Mason.

“You don’t understand Harlow. It’s not that simple. I
can’t
stay here.’’

“Make me understand. What is it you’re not telling me Denny?’’I plead sounding desperate.

“I’m pregnant.’’

THE END

Denny and Mason’s story continues in Mason’s fall

Coming 2015