Chapter 3- Broken Inside and Out
Several hours after her beating, Jade regained consciousness. She tried to open her eyes, but could only get them open so all she could see was a thin line. Her eyes were black and swollen after that day's event. Her whole body throbbed in pain, not a single muscle could be moved. She tried to move her arms, but sharp piercing pain shot up through them every time she tried. She tried to speak, to regain the use of her voice, but all that came out was a gargling sound. Sharp pain shot up through her body, especially from her torso. Jade suspected that she had one or two broken ribs.
The slaps she received a few hours before were only the start. Jade couldn't remember when her Dad had beaten her this bad. Sure, he'd put the boot in quite a number of times and then some, but never like this. He'd never beaten her to within an inch of her life.
Time passed as Jade pondered on life in general. She felt like she could slip away at any moment. Her head was spinning, her body going in and out of consciousness. Once again, she tried to use her voice, to try to yell, scream; anything. It was no use. She was sure her father would be back within the hour.
Panic started to constrict her, adrenalin charging through her system. Her will to live was too strong. She was a fighter, she always had been. Jade knew if her father was to return, he would give her one last blow that would end her life.
Jade thought about Cat, her one, true best friend. She worried about where she was, if she was safe. She regretted leaving things the way they were, which ended with Cat practically running out the door.
Jade almost began to cry at the sound of the soft tap at the door. Jade froze in fright, scared it was her father. Then again, why would he knock? And why would he do it lightly? The most beautiful voice Jade had ever heard spoke at that moment.
"Jade? Are you home?" she heard the door handle try to turn. Cat was trying to get inside. Her father must have locked the door behind him. "Hello?" Cat spoke, knocking on the door once more.
Jade tried to move again, but the pain and agony wouldn't let her. She slumped on the cold tile floor, defeat washing over her. She started to cough, pain shooting through her throat with every breath. "I can cough." Jade thought, knowing it was her last chance. She let out a row of coughs in no order, almost crying from the searing pain.
"Jade? Is that you?" Cat whispered urgently through the door. "Cough twice for yes."
Jade coughed twice, another wave of pain washing over her. Cat urgently turned the door handle, trying to push against it. It was no good. There had to be another way of getting inside. Cat looked around before spying a half open window, just enough for her to fit through.
She ran towards it and started to climb inside. Cat wiggled and squirmed until she gracefully landed inside. Her eyes widened as she spotted Jade, barely able to move. She ran to her side, too afraid to touch her friend.
"Jade? What happened? Cat questioned, fearful for her friends life. She leaped up to the phone and started to dial 911. Jade shook her head painfully, the movement catching Cat's attention.
"You need a hospital!" Cat reasoned. Grabbing a pen and note pad, she handed it to Jade who was now able to move her fingers to write.
"No, please no Cat. They will ask questions. Please trust me on this." Jade wrote in a messy scribble. Cat stared at the poor broken girl before her, catching her pleading eyes.
A tear rolled down Cat's cheek. She knew Jade was right, before she could answer, Jade started to write down another sentence.
"Get your Mum to come and get me. I have to get out of here." Cat gave a nod and reached for her phone again and started to dial her Mum's number.
Mrs. Valentine burst through the door in a fit of hysteria, tears in her eyes. Jade was like a second daughter to her. In fact some would say that Mrs. V was the only adult Jade trusted. Jade whimpered as Cat wiped her tears away.
Cat's mother knelt beside her second daughter, assessing the situation. Mrs. V had once been a doctor, but when she fell pregnant with Cat, she gave it up and became a full time mum. She began to lift Jade slowly and carefully into her arms, with Jade crying every time she was moved.
"You poor thing…what's that man done to you…" she whispered softly. Cat held Jade's hand, never wanting to let it go. Her heart was broken. To see her usually strong and healthy friend, to this…it was too much. Tears spilled out of Cat's eyes, her hand squeezing Jade's as hard as she dared.
Mrs. Valentine carried Jade out to her car and laid her on her back seat. Cat sat in the back, with Jade's swollen unrecognizable head in her lap. Cat stroked her hair softly, wiping away her friends tears.
"I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you…" she whispered, tears streaming down her face.
Jade's head lolled to the side as she began to fall out of consciousness. Cat panicked, placing two fingers to her neck. She sighed in relief, feeling Jade's pulse. Cat kissed her friend's forehead gently, her tears splashing onto her face.
AN:- Sorry it's a little short, but it's a bit of a filler. The next one will be longer I swear. Thank you for reading (: