"Felix, stop!" Brooke begged, fearing him again. Who knew that he could be so conieving, such a good liar? He promised she wouldn't get hurt, but literally he was beating her. The blow came on her cheek, as she covered it up, horrified. It hurt so bad. "Why would I ever think of trusting another guy again?" she thought to herself. She should have known. Why say something stupid that he would disagree to?
Another punch landed her on the floor, and she was too weak to give up. Felix gave her a stare, than walked out of the room. He never had time for her.
Brooke's eyes filled with tears as she pulled herself onto her bed. It was getting worse. At first it had been teasing, than had progressed to shoving, and finally punching. She wanted to tell Peyton, but was afraid of the consequences. Peyton knew that something was wrong though, and had tried to talk to her. It wouldn't be long till she found out.
The next morning, the swelling had gotten bigger. Brooke cursed to herself. She was supposed to go shopping with Peyton and Haley today, and Peyton was going to come over before and hang out. How was she supposed to hide this?
The door opened to her room. Peyton looked around, and was surprised at how empty Brooke's room was. She had gone through a hard few months, with her parents debt and all. Peyton looked at Brooke, and her mouth opened in surprise.
"Oh my God," she whispered, as she hurried to Brooke. "What happened?"
Brooke tried to laugh it off. "Yesterday in cheer I fell," she said, blantely lying.
Peyton shook her head worridly. "That's bullshit and you know it. You've been getting hurt so much lately, Brooke. What's happening?"
Brooke bit her lip, and tears welled up in her eyes. Peyton took her hand, and looked at her with concern.
"It's Felix.. lately he's been hitting me, and..and I don't even know what I've been doing wrong. Everything I do is wrong, he makes me feel so worthless." She took a few breaths, leaning her head onto Peyton's lap. Peyton stroked Brooke's hair. "I should have known," she thought to herself. All those times Brooke had come to school with injuries,and always making excuses for them. "I should have known.." Peyton
"How did it start?" Peyton asked, trying hard not to cry. She felt like bursting into tears, but Brooke needed someone strong righ now. Brooke answered slowly,
"It started off with him teasing me, calling me chubby and stuff. Then I couldn't say or do anything right. Remember that one night he "cancelled" his date with me? It was actually me being too scared to be with him alone, and than I got yelled at by him. About two months ago, he started to hit me. I wanted to tell you so much, and Lucas was starting to suspect something, too. Peyt, what are we gonna do? I'm so scared."
Peyton was scared also. She was holding a crying Brooke in her arms. How could anyone do this to her best friend? One of the sweetest people in the world. Someone who loved so unconditionally.
"We'll find a way, Brooke. I promise." She hesitated. " Listen, I'm gonna go call Hales and tell her we'll go some other time, okay? We can just hang out here today, and you can crash here tonight,too."
Brooke paled. "Don't tell anyone yet, okay? I'll tell Tutor Wife soon, but I'm not ready for anyone else. It's too risky if anyone else found out.
Peyton nodded, as she walked out of the room. She leaned her head on the wall outside of her bedroom, eyes closed. This couldn't be happening. Peyton looked up at the ceiling.
"God, Mom..? If anyone's listning, please let Brooke be safe. Please, no-one can lose her. I know I don't pray much, but this is really important."
Peyton opened her eyes as tears ran freely down her cheek. She didn't bother to wipe them off.
"What am I supposed to do?"