The Thorns Of Rose II

I woke up the next morning with a smile on my face. I felt so excited about Friday. I couldn't wait!

Father was very pleased with me at breakfast. He and Mother grilled me with questions about who had been there. They were happy that they knew some of the people and laughed when I told them about the girls in the bathroom.

"Although, that's nothing new, is it?" Mother said fondly.

I smiled at her and then suddenly, my little brothers ran into the room.

"Look!" Jonathan yelled, running to my side. He was the youngest of all, only ten years old. "My plane's better then Alex's!"

"It isn't!" Alexander protested. He was a year older.

Both of them shoved their paper planes in my face. "Who's is better, Rosalie?"

I pretended to be serious and took both their planes. They stood on my either side, faces sombre and anxious.

"Hmm…" I held the planes up. Truthfully, both were equally fine. A little creased, showing how hard they'd tried, but nonetheless they were good. "Well…"

"Whose is better?" Jonathan whispered fearfully.

I looked at him and then at Alexander. "I think… they're both very good."

"No, but you have to pick one!" Alex insisted.

"But I can't. They're both so good." I pretended to look sad. "I like them both. It's not fair. Why do you boys have to be so good at everything?"

Twin smiles lit their oval, flushed faces.

I smiled and handed back their planes, ruffling their messy, fair hair. "Go on, go make some more. We'll go fly them outside after lunch."

They both yelled with delight and hugged me before they ran out of the room.

"You're so good with them." Mother said with a smile.

"It's not too long before you'll have your own family." Father said.

I smiled and remembered someone with their own family. "Oh, Mother! Can I go to Vera's house? I absolutely must tell her about last night!" Vera was one of my closest friends.

"Oh, that's a wonderful idea!"

"Vera, you say?" Father said. "Is that the one who's married to that carpenter?" He said haughtily. He didn't think much of Vera's husband because of his job.

"Yes, that's the one. She only lives a few blocks away."

"Go get ready then!" Mother said excitedly. "And make sure you wear that hair comb!"

I hurried up to my room and searched through my load of clothes, ranging from rich silks to soft cottons. I had so much to choose from but I wanted something that showed off my class and elegancy. Well, I actually just wanted to show off.

I decided to dress in smart, stylish clothes. I slipped on a black, satin skirt that swayed down a few inches above my ankles. I put on a soft jumper, the colour of pearls, making my rosy skin look radiant. I added pearl earrings to match the top and brushed down my golden curls. I poured over my reflection, musing ways to make myself look better. My pink lips were smiling attractively, my soft, violet eyes lit with delight at the sight in the mirror. I fiddled with my hair for a while and then pinned one side back with the heavy hair comb Royce had given me last night.

I admired my reflection a little while longer, enjoying the way my outfit hugged my slender body in all the right places. I added black tights when I saw that it had rained heavily last night and slipped on some high-heeled shoes. I added a fitted cream hat on my hair carefully, keeping in check with the colour theme, and put on a caramel coloured jacket Royce had given me a few weeks ago. I twirled a few times more in the mirror, satisfied, and then took a cream purse from my drawer as I left my room that held large amounts of roses and violets, more gifts from Royce.

I sauntered down into the Parlour where my parents were seated now, discussing something of little interest to me. My two little brothers were sat by the window, hard at work making their planes.

"How do I look?" I asked, twirling for my parents.

"Very lovely, darling," Father said, looking over his newspaper.

Mother got up and came to inspect me. She made me twirl and adjusted my skirt a little higher. "Now you're perfect," she said affectionately, kissing my cheek.

I giggled. "Thank you,"

"Now, you will be back before dark, won't you?" Mother said, adjusting my hat.

"Yes, Mother,"

"And you're wearing the clip?" She asked, her blue eyes narrowing.

"Yes, it's under my hat," I said.

"Oh! Shall we ask Royce to bring you home from Vera's house?" Mother asked eagerly. "I don't think Vera's husband has met Royce. Oh, it will be the perfect chance for them to meet him before the wedding, see just how fine he is!"

I smiled. "Yes, that's a good idea,"

Father called Royce at the Bank. Royce's father, Royce King the first, owned the bank my Father worked at. I guess I was very lucky: the Great Depression was of little worry for our family. Though we were middle-class, my parents had a strong bank balance. Thanks to my engagement with Royce, more doors had been opened for us.

Father spoke briefly on the phone to someone. Royce wasn't at the office today.

"Sorry, love." He said as he hung up.

"That's all right," I smiled half-heartedly. "Right, I'm off. See you all later."

Jonathan and Alexander rushed over to me.

"What about our plane contest?" Alex demanded.

"I've got to go out now but I promise we will do it tomorrow, okay?"

They stared at me unhappily.

I crouched down to their level and cupped their faces in my hands. "This way you can show me the best planes you can make! You can go test them outside and fix them if anything is wrong."

"Ok," Jonny sighed.

"I'll bring you some sweets when I get back, too."

Their faces lit up and they hugged me. I got up, kissed Mother and Father's cheeks, said goodbye to Ethel and Mary who were in the kitchen and headed out the house.

It was colder than last night. I buried my hands in my pocket and walked faster. I went into the market-place first and went into a shop called Foster's. They sold a lot of sweets there and other household groceries. I bought a bag of chocolate sweets for my brothers and a pretty rattle for Vera's son, and paid the man behind the counter. He was fairly young and said "Come again," with a little too much emphasis to be more then polite. But his inept flirting was nothing new to me.

Just as I opened the door to leave, two of the most beautiful people stood on the other side.

"After you," The young bronze-haired male said politely, stepping back to let me pass.

"Oh, uh, thank you." I stuttered, blinking rapidly as I saw his impossible golden eyes.

I stepped down into the cold street and passed the woman with him. She had brown hair, the same pale skin and beautiful honey-gold eyes. She smiled at me, her beautiful face making my heart beat faster.

Before I could ogle, as much as I wanted to, I hurried away in the direction of Vera's house. It was as I was walking away did my mind clear and did I realise who I'd just encountered. It was Mrs. Cullen, Dr. Cullen's wife, with her brother. Awe faded into jealousy as I poured over their breathtaking beauty. I thought her brother was more handsome then his sister. It bothered me just how beautiful they were. If there was anyone more beautiful than me in Rochester, I didn't like to admit it was definitely the Cullen's. I'd seen Dr. Cullen once in hospital, when Jonny had sprained his ankle whilst playing chase with me and Alex a few months ago. Even now I could remember his perfectly sculpted face, his gold hair more rich with colours then I'd seen anywhere.

But I brushed my jealous thoughts aside as I drew closer to Vera's house. A few heads turning in my direction comforted me that I was still beautiful. Besides, the Cullen family were very elusive: they rarely ever mingled with anyone. I'd only seen them from a distance once before, when I was going to Royce's house with my family for the first time, a few months ago. I'd noticed their pale beauty then but I hadn't seen just how amazing they really looked.

I shoved those thoughts aside as I walked down Vera's small lawn. Her house was fairly small too, surrounded by other houses of similar size. Needless to say, her husband was feeling a bit of the Great Depression.

I knocked upon the white door. Though small, Vera's house was painted a peachy colour and had a friendly air to it.

The door opened to reveal my small, brown-haired friend. "Rosalie! What a lovely surprise!"

I smiled and embraced her. "Vera, how are you?"

"All the better for seeing you," she smiled.

I laughed and she invited me inside. I took my hat and coat off and hung it up on the wooden hooks. Another good thing about Vera's house, though it was simple, it was well carved. I hung up the grocery bag too, containing Henry's gift and my brothers' sweets.

"How is Ronald?" I asked after her husband.

"He's well, thank you." She replied happily, leading me into her living room. It was a fairly-sized room with simple furnishings.

"Henry!" I gushed. Henry was Vera and Ronald's son: he was about six months old. Henry was lying on a blanket on the floor, smiling up at me.

Vera laughed as I hurried to his side and picked him up.

"Hello beautiful!" I crooned, kissing his soft, dimpled cheeks. "Goodness, he's grown so much since I last saw him!"

She laughed again: it was a soft, lovely sound. "You were here last week."

"A week is a long time!" I said, kissing the mop of black curls on his head and then his cheeks again. "You get more handsome every time I see you, Henry!"

Vera smiled, "Can I get you something to drink or eat, Rose?"

"No, thank you, I'm fine," I said, rocking Henry gently. His cute little hand reached up to prod my face.

"Well, take a seat then. How have you been?" She asked.

I sat down besides her on her pale green sofa. "I've been fine, how about you?"

"Good. Is that a new gift from Royce I see?" She asked, gesturing to the side of my head.

I'd totally forgotten about the comb at the sight of Henry. He was sucking his thumb now, looking at me with warm brown eyes, the soft colour of Vera's.

"Oh, yes, he gave it to me last night. Speaking of gifts…" I handed Henry over to Vera and went back into her little hallway. I took out the blue rattle in the shape of a dolphin, wrapped and sealed, and went back to the living room. "I saw this in the store and had to buy it for Henry." I handed Vera the toy.

"Rosalie! You shouldn't have!" She protested as I sat back down.

"Why not?" I looked fondly at Henry and took him back into my arms.

"Thank you, Rose. It's wonderful." She kissed my cheek and put the rattle aside. "Now, tell me about last night."

Without further ado, I launched into a step-by-step analysis of last night. I boasted about all the rich people there, the fine wine and music, how Royce had introduced me to everyone as his 'Darling Rosalie'. I lingered over how women had looked at me with envy. At that, Vera had laughed and said, "Well, that's nothing new, is it?"

I laughed too. Vera had a very decent heart. It used to annoy me some when she no longer got jealous of playing with my hair or my numerous pretty dresses. Ever since she got married to Ronald the Carpenter— someone my parents would have kicked out the door if I'd said I wanted to marry him—she's been so happy. I was with her during most of the pregnancy and each time I saw her bigger belly, she was just so… cheerful. I was so jealous when she had Henry. She was happily married and I could see how good she and Ronald were as parents. Henry was adored by them and Ronald worked even harder now because of the recession to make ends meat. Even now, though she had such a small fortune compared to mine, she was still so content, so peaceful.

But my envy disappeared when Royce asked for my hand in marriage. Soon, I would be the one in a beautiful house with the sweetest fair-haired children. It was just a matter of time before I had everything I ever wanted: a handsome prince, a beautiful home and children. I couldn't ask for anything else and didn't see why I wouldn't get it.

"So when is the wedding?" Vera asked, breaking me out of my reverie. She was playing with Henry's hands.

"Only a couple of months away," I said proudly, my chin lifting a fraction. "And you will never guess what Royce said last night?"

"What did he say?" She asked interestedly.

"He said we were going to go get the engagement ring on Friday!" I told her happily.

She gasped. "Rosalie, that's wonderful! What kind do you want to get?"

"Possibly a big diamond: it won't be much of a problem for Royce, will it?" I smiled happily, my eyes briefly flitting to the simple gold ring on her wedding finger.

Vera wriggled her fingers, touching her wedding ring. "I was so happy when Ron put this on my finger. Now I understand why brides cried when they say 'I do'."

I looked down at Henry. He was wriggling in my arms now, trying to get out. I gave him to Vera who sat him on her knee, holding his hands as she rocked him playfully.

"He's such a beautiful little boy," I said fondly, my hands brushing through his curls.

"That he is," Vera agreed, setting him against her body now.

"He can sit up by himself?" I gasped as Henry leaned forward without any aid, looking at me with a melting dimple smile.

Vera nodded proudly. "Ronald and I were up with him late last night, playing and so when he decided to show us just how big a boy he is!" The ecstasy was so vibrant in her voice.

I gazed at Henry, watching him try to crawl onto Vera's lap. She picked him up again and stood up. "Come on, Rose. Let's have some lunch."

I followed Vera into her sunny kitchen. I sat down with Henry and played peak-a-boo with him as he sat on the table. I couldn't believe he was sitting up. I imagined how Royce and I would feel when my own child sat up alone. We'd be so happy; perhaps we'd throw a party.

"So, when do I get to meet your Royce?" Vera asked, laying down plates and cutlery.

"Oh, he was meant to come with me today, actually."

"What happened?" She asked, setting a steaming pan of vegetables down.

"He was too busy today," I said matter-of-factly. "What with being managing the bank, he's got a lot on his plate."

"Oh, that's a shame. I would've liked to meet him."

"Perhaps we'll try and come over on Friday. I can show you the ring then and you can meet him!"

"There's an idea!" She said enthusiastically. "See if he isn't too busy and I'll cook something extra special."

"You don't have to do that," I said quickly, imagining Royce's expression when he saw where Vera lived. "You're perfectly welcome to come to my house with Ronald and Henry."

"Oh, um, we'll see," She said with a faint smile.

I got the feeling Vera didn't like my house. She came once after her and Ronald had tied the knot but my Father and Mother had been perhaps a bit too pointed in their opinion of Ronald's work. They haven't been over to my house since.

Just as Vera sat down to eat lunch with me we heard the front door open.

"Vera!" Ronald's voice called out. "Love, are you home?"

"In the kitchen," She called back, a new smile on her face.

The kitchen door opened and Ronald stepped through. He was wearing slightly dirty clothes and smelt of sawdust and sweat.

"Oh, Miss Hale," He stopped when he saw me. "I didn't know you were here."

"Yes, she just popped over." Vera said.

"Forgive me, I'm not exactly dressed to impress." He said, looking down at his clothes.

I smiled. "Nonsense, you look fine." I said honestly. "How are you?"

"I'm very well, thank you. How are you?" he asked, proceeding over to the sink to get some water.

"I'm good, thank you."

Ronald drank his water and then came over to the table where Henry was sat next to Vera. "There's my boy!" He said affectionately.

Henry gurgled happily in response, stealing his father's hat to hit him with. We all laughed.

"Tell you what," Ronald said, "I'll take Henry whilst you ladies eat."

"Are you sure?" Vera asked.

"Sure I am. I haven't seen my little man all day," He brushed Vera's hair with his palm before he left the room with Henry.

"He's a good Dad," I said as we ate the tasty food.

Vera smiled dreamily. "I know: he's such a wonderful person." She sighed happily. "Fate has been so kind to me."

I looked at her curiously.

"What?"

"Oh, nothing, I just…" I trailed off and spooned more food into my mouth. It was mostly vegetables, very well cooked, but as I said, they were clearly feeling the Great Depression.

"Just what, Rosalie?" she asked innocently.

"I don't know," I said truthfully. "I just wonder how you do it."

"Do what?" she asked, brows puckered.

"Take something simple and make it so wonderful." There was no other way to phrase it.

"How do you mean?"

"Well, look at this food. It's not what you'd find on the President's table but its good enough to be on there, and more!"

Vera laughed.

"And your home, Vera—I don't mean to offend you—but though its small, its lovely too. I mean, you make the most of what you have and don't complain at all."

She smiled at me. "Well, we can't have it all, like you Rosalie." It wasn't a snide remark, it was an honest one. "I make the best of what I have and it's enough for me. I never had the luxury that you do but I don't need it, you know? It's enough for me to be happily married with a beautiful husband and son. Our house and money is small but it's enough to keep us going. What more could I want?" Her words carried no weight of jealousy, of sadness or desire. Her words were peaceful and happy.

"I wish I had your mind, sometimes." I said. "You're such a pure soul."

Vera blushed. "Oh, hush now." she mumbled, embarrassed.

I laughed and carried on with my lunch.

"Thank you for stopping by," Vera hugged me at her front door.

"Thank you for having me." I kissed her cheeks and then Henry's, who was playing eagerly with the rattle in Ronald's arms.

"That's a lovely jacket, by the way." Vera said. "Makes your skin look brighter,"

"Thank you," I smiled. "It's another gift from Royce."

She laughed. "That man seems to be buying the whole world for you."

My heart lifted at the thought.

"Are you sure you don't want me to walk you home?" Ronald offered worriedly, looking past me into the dark evening. It was about seven—much later then I'd intended to stay.

"No, I'll be fine. It's a small walk, anyway."

"Why don't you call your Father?" Vera suggested worriedly as she took Henry from Ronald. "It's pretty late."

"I will be fine." I insisted, turning towards the open door. "It's not that long a journey."

It had rained whilst I was with Vera. It was still drizzling now but I should be home within ten minutes or so.

I turned back to Vera, just as Ronald kissed her on the cheek. Ronald's smile was warm as he looked at her with tender eyes and she blushed, gazing back at him with loving eyes. Henry was cradled against her chest and the old jealousy struck up again as I saw Vera exactly as how I wanted to look with Royce, a baby in our arms.

Vera blushed deeper when she saw me looking and Ronald flushed too. They hadn't thought I was looking: they were lost in their own world.

"Good night," I said to them, hurrying out the door.

"Good bye, Rosalie!" She called after me, sounding a little embarrassed.

I headed out their road, my heels clicking loudly on the wet pavement. I tried not to think about just now but my mind drifted back to last night when I was with Royce on my front porch. I put his face next to Ronald's and it bothered me how Royce didn't have the same doting affection on his face. Ronald had kissed Vera with sweet love and care: true happiness. I bit my lip as I tried to remember when Royce had looked at me like that.

When I realised he hadn't, I stopped thinking about it. It was just because Royce and I weren't married yet. He was my prince and when we were married, I would be his queen. I stowed the bag of sweets in my pocket, along with my hands as the wind blew faster and colder air attacked my face. It was too cold and wet for April: the temperature should have been warming up. I'd told Vera about the plans for my wedding. We were going to have it outside, on the most lavish grounds with rich green grass and white marquees, decorated with rosy canopies. There would be a red carpet, leading up the aisle between the golden chairs our many guests would sit on. They would watch me walk up the aisle to Wagner's March on my Father's arm. I was going to wear the most glamorous, expensive dress Rochester had ever seen. Royce would be waiting for me at the front and his face would show much more affection then Ronald did to Vera.

I went into detail about my wedding plans. If the weather didn't lighten up, we may have to move the wedding indoors. I didn't want it to be inside. I wanted it to be outside, where passers-by could stare in shock at such an amazing ceremony. The details became graphic, playing out nicely in my head, which I kept down.

I passed a few homeless people and they called out to me for money but their position could not be helped. Father had told me it was their own fault: they were too lazy to try hard, like he did. Don't worry about them, enjoy your own life. They're nothing to do with you.

I wished I had called my Father to escort me home though, or taken up Ronald's offer. The street lamps had come on. I guess I hadn't realised just how late it was.

I took a shortcut through a long side road. It was empty, with no houses on any sides. The roads were slightly muddy but I just wanted to get home as quickly as possible.

Just as I rounded a corner, a loud ruckus of deep laughter burst into the night air.

I saw a few yards ahead of me, across the road, a group of four or five men. Fear trickled throughout my veins; the pit of my stomach tightened. I realised they were drunk as I got nearer. I wanted to take another route but I couldn't: I was just a few streets away from my house.

I could easily turn back— stop over reacting!I chided myself.Just keep on walking, head down. Don't make eye contact.

So I carried on walking, getting closer to the men. They were stupid-drunk, their laughter too loud for the silent, dark streets.

I was on the opposite side of the road from them when my name was called out.

"Rose!"

I turned to the sound of my name and blinked rapidly. It was Royce!

He crossed the road, coming over to me. But I didn't feel relief as he swayed towards me, a bottle of alcohol in his hand. It looked like vodka but I couldn't be sure. He said he didn't like to drink: I quickly grasped that he liked something much stronger.

I just wanted to go home. I didn't like seeing him like this. His friends followed behind him.

"Here's my Rose!" Royce shouted. His words were loud and boastful, oozed in alcohol. "You're late. We're cold; you've kept us waiting so long."

My heart picked up a faster, nervous beat. What did he mean? My lips were too frozen with shock to speak.

Soon I was surrounded by four of his friends. They were very well dressed and I thought I recognised three of them from previous parties. There was one I didn't recognise: he was looking at me with a leer on his tanned face. I stepped back.

"What did I tell you, John," Royce crowed. He grabbed my arm and pulled me close to his side, much closer then he'd ever done. "Isn't she lovelier than all your Georgia peaches?"

The man John had dark hair which he ruffled as he stepped closer. "It's hard to tell," he drawled slowly, looking at me with lust-filled eyes. "She's all covered up."

Royce and his friends laughed, the sound distorted by alcohol.

I hoped this was just a brief meeting. I'd say hi and bye and be home. Royce would apologise in the morning for his friends: they were just drunk.

But a small voice in the back of my head wasn't sure I would be home any time soon.

"I h-have to go," I stammered, wriggling out of Royce's arms.

Suddenly, Royce lunged at me and ripped open my jacket. The brass buttons popped off, scattering like stones onto the street.

"Royce!" I gasped, stumbling back.

He laughed, along with his friends. "Show him what you look like, Rose!" He took another swig of his drink and pulled my hat from my hair. The hat caught on the comb and it was yanked out of my hair, pulling out long locks with it.

I cried out in pain, clutching my hair and trying to get away from them. They laughed harder at the sound of my pain.

"Where are you going, Rose?" Royce yelled after me. "Stay and play, honey," Suddenly, his hands were on my shoulders and he towed me back.

"Let me go!" I screamed, tears springing to my eyes. "Royce, let me go!"

"Now, now, sweetheart," John murmured, nearing me. Royce threw me into his arms.

I struggled violently. "What are you doing?" I screamed as his hands caressed my stomach. His fingers went inside the band of my skirt.

"Show us what you got, gorgeous," John whispered, pushing me up against a stone cold wall.

I kicked at him and he let me go. But before I could blink, Royce was in my face, flattening his body against mine.

"Don't be like that," he whispered, lips brushing down my neck.

I shoved against his head. "Stop it, Royce! This isn't right—"

Royce's fist slammed across my cheek. His hand choked my neck. "Don't tell me what to do. You're mine."

"Don't do this!" I whispered, trying to pry his fingers off my neck.

"Fuck her, Royce!" John yelled. "She needs to learn her place!"

Royce's pale eyes gleamed.

"No, no, please!" I tried to squirm away as the men converged around me.

Royce smirked and pulled at my jumper. John grabbed my wrists and pulled my hands over my head.

"NO!" I screamed. "PLEASE, STOP! SOMEBODY HELP ME!"

My sight was obscured by tears and then white cotton as my jumper was yanked roughly over my head.

"Royce, please stop!" I cried. My hands were dropped and I instantly covered my chest with them.

They all stared at me and Royce tore my arms apart, pinning them against the wall. His smile was a dirty leer as his lips pressed against mine. He forced my lips to move but I couldn't— I wouldn't! I struggled violently and he punched me again, hitting my nose. I screamed in pain and felt blood gushing out but he ignored me. His lips crushed down my neck, onto my breasts, his teeth digging onto my bra.

"Go on, Royce," John yelled in encouragement. The other men laughed.

"Please, stop!" I begged, my hands flailing usefully at his head as I tried to push him away.

I felt another set of hands on me, tugging down on my skirt. I kicked and screamed, trying to make them stop but they wouldn't.

In nothing but my underwear, Royce threw me down on the floor. My body was grazed by the stone floor but I tried to get to my feet, get to my clothes. But John's hands closed around my hair and he pulled me back up, dragging me back into the side road, Royce and his friends following, staring at me with hungry eyes.

I tried so hard to run but John's big hand was too strong. When we were in the dark, empty road, he pulled me up to my full height.

"Go on, Royce," He laughed. "Have her."

He threw me onto the floor and before I could scramble up, Royce was on top of me. His hands wound in my hair as he kissed my mouth roughly. I couldn't do anything with his full weight on me. I was flattened on the dirty road, Royce holding me down as his friends laughed and watched on the side.

"Come on, Royce!" Another of his friends said. "Fuck her already, will you?"

Royce looked at me with dark, hungry eyes and his hands began groping their way down my cold body. His hands rested on my hips and he looked down there.

"Please, don't do this!" I begged him, sobbing. "Let me go home! I won't say a word! Please!"

"Oh, shut up!" He snapped, yanking down on my knickers.

"No, no, no!" I screamed as I felt him discover me, as his hands began intruding my body.

His friends laughed harder at the sounds of my screams. Royce ripped at my underwear until I was stark naked and he began unzipping his trousers. John kicked me in the head whilst Royce knelt over me.

"Please!" I gurgled, struggling in vain.

"Such a pretty girl," Royce crooned, leaning in towards me.

I screamed again as Royce came inside me. He dove hard and my fist pounded against his chest as I begged him to stop. Laughter and sick jokes abused my airs as more hands attacked my body, as more men went into me.

"Stop, please!" I screamed over and over but it was no use. They hit me harder when I screamed too loudly. I could feel blood and other things all over my body as I begged them to stop. Why wouldn't they stop? Why were they doing this to me? What had I done?

How could Royce do this to me?

He was supposed to be my perfect prince but he was the devil in disguise.

I sobbed harder as they continued to fuck me, as they continued to use my body for their own sick pleasure.

I stopped screaming and focused on trying to ignore this. This was a nightmare, a sick nightmare. I'd wake up in the morning, having come home safe from Vera's house because I'd called my Father to come and take me home.

Why didn't I just call my father to take me home?

Eventually, they tired. The laughter picked up again and more kicks rolled my battered body into the mud.

"Bitch looks dead. You're going to have to find a new bride, Royce." Someone said and they erupted into more laughter.

"I'll have to learn some patience first." Royce said and they laughed harder, the sound ringing in my ears as they sloped away.

I couldn't open my eyes: they were swollen shut. I knew I had no chance of survival. I was too far from help. I was going to die.

My body convulsed and I coughed hard. They'd shoved more than just their mouths into mine. At that thought, bile rose up in my throat and I threw up blindly, feeling more than just Vera's lunch spluttering its way out of my ragged body.

When I was done coughing up blood, food and semen, I rolled back over and curled into a ball, sobbing. My eyes hurt more as the tears found it hard to escape. My bruised body throbbed all over, intensified by the cold, bitter wind. I could feel tears trailing down my battered face and blood seeping from my vagina, bite marks around my breasts. I felt so sore everywhere. It hurt too much.

All I'd ever wanted, taken away from me.

Just let me die. It's all I want, to die and forget.

But death was taking too long to come for me. I was still conscious which made the tears fall harder. I wanted to be home, safe in bed, near my family. I wanted this to be a nightmare. But I knew it wasn't.

I just wanted to forget. I just wanted to die.

Please, let me die.