A.N Phew ... reading all of your reviews for chapter 8 was a blessed relief let me tell you and overwhelming (in the best way possible). I was rather nervous about posting that last chapter and understandably so some of you have not been happy about Kubra and his personal attack on poor Piper. But I'm also pleased to hear that many of you are still enjoying my story and I'm glad that no one has threatened either bodily harm or expressed the desire to not continue reading. For that I'm both relieved and grateful you are sticking with me and my angst ridden storytelling.
(To the guest reviewer who posted twice and gave me the longest comment I think I have ever received a huge thank you and I'm supremely glad you are enjoying the story so far!)
And now as I hope you are all patiently waiting I will stop my not so interesting thoughts and continue ...
"Ok so now you've got the biggest ice cream ever are you going to tell me the real reason you won't call Kubra uncle anymore"
Alex had decided to just ask her question outright hoping it would make this discussion easier she had never been good at beating around the bush she had always confronted any situation head on. Ava did not reply and Alex sighed but made sure not to look too disgruntled knowing that it would not help the situation.
"Do you want to ask me a question first?"
Ava nodded and turned to look at Alex eagerly "I don't understand why Kubra would tell mummy she couldn't speak to you"
Alex raised an eyebrow "Is that what your mum said?"
Ava nodded "She got all upset and was talking real fast but why would Kubra stop you two from talking it doesn't make any sense"
Alex whole heartedly agreed it made no sense whatsoever to her either but for now she was going to carry on trying to glean information.
"Kubra can seem strange sometimes he can be very secretive even if he doesn't mean to be" Alex rolled her eyes and nudged Ava's shoulder "He's just weird like that"
Ava giggled softly before she leant her head on Alex's arm and let out a big sigh.
"Kubra was really nice to me when we first came here he played games and told me stories but now he never seems to have time for me and I think mummy's scared of him"
"What makes you think that?"
"Because mummy acts like she did when we used to live with daddy. I've heard her crying when she thinks I'm not listening and sometimes when she thinks I'm not looking she looks really sad. I asked her if it was because she missed daddy and she told me no and I asked her if it was because of her being hurt and she said no. I asked her if it was her new job that makes her sad and she said no again but this time I think she was lying"
Alex, knowing exactly what Kubra was employing the woman to do, knew why she would be struggling in this life she now found herself in.
Kubra's justifications did not sit well with Alex but she also knew Kubra did not do favours and he certainly did not provide help without seeking reward.
"Kubra is mummy's boss so it's his job that makes her sad which means it's his fault"
Alex opened her mouth to retaliate not harshly for she did not want to upset Ava but she wanted to explain that Ava's beloved mummy had known what she was signing up for. Before she could begin to try and explain Ava continued to talk this time her voice becoming strained.
"He also promised that we would be safe at the hotel that's what mummy keeps saying but then mummy got hurt twice by bad men"
Ava's breath hitched slightly and Alex squeezed her shoulder reassuringly.
"That means Kubra has broken his promise and I'm not calling him uncle while it's his fault mummy was hurt"
Alex found she didn't know how to respond to that particular statement. She could completely understand Ava's logic and she found herself unable to argue in Kubra's favour. Luckily she was spared from answering when Ava asked another question.
"Does working for Kubra upset you?"
Alex shook her head "I do a different type of work to what your mum does like I've said before it offers me more freedom"
"I just want mummy to be happy"
Alex wrapped an arm around small shoulders and squeezed tightly "I know Kid but I'm sure she's happier at the hotel with Kubra than back at your old home with your dad"
Ava smiled although it was strained and Alex decided to change the topic of conversation from Kubra and the business.
"So what's she like your mum?"
Ava's face brightened and Alex was pleased to see her more relaxed and open to her gentle questioning.
"She's pretty and kind and clever, she loves books almost as much as me!"
Alex chuckled "Sounds like me and your mum would get on well"
Ava nodded "I think if you knew her you would be friends"
"So do you look like your mum or your dad?"
"Just like mummy we have the same hair and the same eyes just like you and your mummy!"
Alex almost laughed blonde hair and blue eyes Alex's perfect combination in a woman. She did not share this tit bit of information with Ava though who was looking at her closely.
"My daddy has dark hair and dark brown eyes I'm not like him at all"
Alex could understand why Ava said this statement so fiercely she to at one point had tried to deny that she was like her sperm doner in any away not wanting to think of any way she could possibly be like the man who abandoned her mother.
"I'm really glad we don't live with him anymore. I won't have to see him again will I Alex?"
Alex squirmed she did not want to make a promise that she couldn't guarantee but she also didn't want to add to Ava's worries.
"Well you won't be seeing him anytime soon I won't let that happen while you're with me"
Ava beamed and hugged her hard almost squashing her ice cream in between them.
"I'm so glad I met you Alex"
"I'm glad I met you too"
"Will you always be my friend?"
Earnest wide eyes looked up at her own and Alex didn't have the heart to explain that always couldn't last forever. Instead she smiled and nodded before ruffling blonde hair affectionately.
"I think I can manage that. Now come on finish that ice cream and then we'll go and visit these swings!"
Piper struggled with the door to her suite her body, sluggish with pain, was struggling to respond to even basic requests. Her hands shook as she placed her key into the lock and as the door clicked open she stumbled falling across the threshold her knees thudding into the floor. Her body throbbed with pain, her head pounding and between her legs felt like it was on fire. Kubra had not held back after he had forced himself on her he had beaten her with his fists over and over until Piper was certain she could take no more. Just as she had begun to give in to the pull of unconsciousness, not having the will or inclination to prolong her suffering, he had stopped informing her that she was to leave for her room immediately and he would be in touch with regards to her continued employment. Piper knew he would not be returning to deal with her tonight and she was supremely grateful that at least for the next twelve hours she would be alone.
Wincing she half crawled half dragged her limp body into the bedroom each forced movement causing her head to throb. After realising there was no way she could hoist herself up on to the bed she grabbed at the duvet, pulling it to floor and wrapped it around her shaking body as best she could. No more tears were shed she was certain she could produce no more instead she battled with the fact that Kubra had raped and abused her, the sentence flashing in her mind over and over she tried not to wretch knowing it would be excruciating for her bruised stomach muscles. The shaking though would not stop and Piper knew that she had no semblance of control while her body was still in shock.
Closing her eyes she prayed for sleep willing her broken body to seek relief in dark and dreamless slumber. It would not come exhaustion was prickling the edge of her mind but sleep was not coming easily so she gave up and tried to think of happy thoughts. Ava. Ava telling her about Alex, Ava who was so happy that they were no longer living with Larry, Ava who would do anything to try and look after her beloved mummy. Her heart ached for her blonde haired beauty but her head won out hoping against hope that Ava would remain with Alex safe and blissfully ignorant of the latest harm that had befallen her pathetic mother. Alex would look after her, protect her Piper was sure of it her ex-girlfriend for all her confidence and swagger had the biggest heart and she hoped it had taken Ava into its hold. Piper smiled easily for the first time in hours picturing the pair together in all their wondrous glory her blonde angel and her dark haired beauty. Piper wished that she could be part of that picture but her brain snidely reminded her that Ava might be her angel but Alex was not her beauty and she had no one to blame but herself.
Sniffing harshly Piper winced when it sharply reminded her of her busted nose and she raised a still shaking hand to wipe the blood away from her top lip. She knew she needed to clean herself up but right now she knew she had neither the energy or the inclination to move from the cocoon of covers she had wrapped around herself. Her exhausted mind was now in tatters this latest ordeal fragmenting, mixing with her previous struggles, all merging into one bleak mass of unhappiness. She could now barely comprehend what had happened and she found she was almost pleased for it. However it did not mean that the weight of her abuse was any easier to deal with the emotions bubbling away causing her to pray for release in any form. Reaching a hand up to her bedside table she grasped blindly until she found the remote to her docking station. Pressing play she tried to lose herself in the music intent on shutting out the world around her, her devastated mind needing a reprieve from reality while it tried to piece the broken shards of her sanity back together.
"Can I see mummy on the way back?"
Alex frowned slightly Kubra hadn't said that Ava couldn't visit her mum but he was usually the one who came to pick her up and drop her off insisting that Alex was not to become involved with the mother. It irritated her but she did as she was told not wanting to cause anymore tension. Reaching into her jacket she pulled out her phone frowning when she noticed the black screen and she realised her phone was out of battery.
"Please Alex? I have a key you can just drop me off at the door then I don't have to wait for Kubra"
Earnest little eyes looked up at her and she sighed before nodding if she didn't go in surely that wasn't breaking any of Kubra's rules.
"Cool you're the best Alex!"
They laughed and joked all the way back to the hotel Alex feeling a lot less stressed after the fresh air and being away from the hotel. Once they were in the hotel lift Alex gestured to the control panel.
"Come on then I don't know were your room is"
Ava pressed number three and the lift roared into life. Stepping out into the corridor Alex followed Ava down the hall until they reached the door numbered thirteen. Lucky for some unlucky for most.
"I can hear mummy's music"
So could Alex in fact she was fairly certain the whole corridor could and it pissed her off. To Alex it seemed like another sign that Ava's mum just couldn't be bothered looking after her sweet little girl who Alex was becoming quite attached to.
"Listen I'm going to go back to my place I'll tell Kubra you're here and I'll see you later ok?"
Ava nodded and wrapped her arms around Alex's middle in a tight hug.
"See you soon!"
Alex smiled and waited until the blonde had opened the door before she started to make her way back down the corridor. Just as she reached the lift she turned slightly when she heard a muffled shout. Curious she turned her head fully just in time to see the door to Ava's home snap open.
"Alex! Alex help me!"
Ava came running out into the corridor tears already running down her face her eyes wide open in fear. Alex ran back down the corridor and grabbed Ava by the shoulders crouching down to look into terrified blue eyes.
"What is it Ava?"
"M,M,Mummy"
Ava stuttered through sobs her breath catching as the tears streamed down her cheeks.
"What's the matter?"
Reluctant to go inside unless absolutely necessary Alex tried to keep her voice calm needing Ava to tell her what had happened that had her so upset.
"She's hurt Alex please help me"
Alex stood quickly and took Ava's hand tightly in her own. Making her way into the suite she was taken aback by how homely the place felt and it stopped her in her tracks catching her off guard. The place was clean and tidy obviously well looked after and pictures drawn by Ava adorned every surface. There was a photograph of Ava as a baby and Alex smiled she was just as cute then as she was now. The generic hotel suite had been made into a proper home and once again Alex felt uncomfortable at how Kubra was treating this woman when it was obvious she was trying so hard to provide her daughter with a stable life. A book was resting on the arm of the couch in the living area and Alex's heart skipped a beat when she saw the title 'Alice in Wonderland'. It had been Piper's favourite book when they were together and she always used to joke that Piper was Alice and their adventures were as if she had tumbled down the rabbit hole. Piper always laughed pressing a loving kiss to her lips and said if that was the case then she never wanted to wake up in case it was all a dream. Staring at the book a funny sensation ran over her causing Alex to shiver. Diane always used to say the sensation was someone stepping on your grave it had always made her laugh as a child but now she felt a great sense of unease. It was compelling and she stepped forward shaking her hand free from Ava's grasp the reason why she was here at all falling away into the background.
"Alex!"
"Just a minute..."
Alex reached out and ran a finger down the front cover before she picked up holding the book almost reverently in her hand.
"That's mummy's favourite"
Alex turned to look at Ava and she felt almost sick. With the vivid image of Piper so clear in her mind Ava could be Piper's mini me and she could feel panic and turmoil threatening to break across her skin. Ava scrunched up her nose and worried at her bottom lip and almost immediately a corresponding memory of Piper doing the exact same expression flashed across her eyes.
"Can we help mummy now Alex?"
"Ava I need you to answer me a question ok?"
"But mummy-"
"Ava please!"
Alex did not mean to shout but she couldn't help it her body taught with nerves and stress. Ava nodded fearfully her eyes darting from Alex to the bedroom door frantically her teeth almost threatening to break the skin on her lip.
"What's your mummy's name?"
Before Ava could answer the music suddenly came to an end and a low whimpering echoed into the room. Turning her fearful gaze back to the bedroom Ava shot forward ignoring Alex's question and Alex almost felt frozen her limbs refusing to cooperate as her mind was jumping to conclusions. Forcing her heavy limbs to move she walked slowly forward when she reached the half open door she swallowed hard peering through the gap.
She could just see Ava's small form crouched on the floor next to a body wrapped in a duvet on the floor. From were she was standing the woman's face was obscured but she couldn't make herself move to get a clearer look. Instead with fear and adrenaline threatening to cripple her usual calm and rational self she listened hard as Ava whimpered.
"Mummy, mummy are you ok?"
"Shhh darlin' ... it's 'k mummy's goin' to be fine"
White noise rang in Alex's ears as her heart lurched and her brain went into overdrive. She knew that voice it was one she hadn't heard in over 10 years but she would recognise it instantly even when slurred in obvious pain. Opening the door blindly she stood in the threshold as her eyes tried to prove what her brain was already desperately trying to process.
"Mummy..."
As Alex took in the sight of Piper's beaten face her heart lurched beating wildly in her chest and her eyes locked onto Ava's worried gaze.
"No..."
"Alex?"
Taking a step back she ignored Ava's call of her name and ran blindly through the living room her shaking hands grasping at the lock of the door. Barrelling out into the corridor she fell against the wall clenching her eyes tightly shut as she struggled to comprehend exactly what she had just seen.
"Alex?"
Ava's voice grew louder and Alex panicked. Quickly she rushed down the corridor to the lift pushing the button repeatedly trying to force the doors to open quicker than they were. Engrossed in her task she didn't notice that Ava had caught up with her and she flinched harshly when she felt a small hand rest on her own.
"Alex where are you going?"
Shaking her head Alex tore her gaze from small tear stained cheeks as the lift doors opened and she made to step forward but the hand gripping her arm didn't move.
"Ava let go"
She couldn't deal with this she couldn't understand all she knew was that Piper was here, the love of her life, the one who broke her heart all those years ago and left her behind without so much as a backwards glance.
"But I need your help"
The emotion in her chest reached new heights threatening her entire being and she wrenched her hand free from the small blonde sending her stumbling backwards before she swiftly stepped into the lift shaking her head as she did.
"I can't, I'm sorry, I just can't"
"But you said you were my friend"
The doors slid closed and Alex felt bile rising in her throat as the image of Ava's devastated little face burned in her eyes. As soon as the lift reached the ground floor she burst through the doors and almost ran out onto the street. Taking in a large gulp of fresh air she turned to the side of the pavement and vomited hard her stomach trying to expel the turmoil she felt within. Heaving and gasping she raised a hand to face surprised to find that her cheeks were wet with tears that she couldn't remember shedding.
"Hey are you alright?"
Alex nodded hurriedly to the well meaning passerby as she pulled her leather jacket around herself firmly before setting off striding down the street. She needed to get away from here while she dealt with the carnage that was running rampant through her mind and she found herself almost running towards the safe haven of her flat as her thoughts threatened to spiral out of control.
