Saving My Broken Mute

Chapter 5: Telling The Truth

Nasha's P.O.V.

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I just told Aunt Pam everything. Everything about Dad, and what he does. The abuse, that Dad never allows me any kind of relationship, not even friends. I told her how he pretends to be nice in front of others, but treats me awfully at home. I described what Dad expected of me when it comes to school and housework, and what happens when I disappoint him.

It was like word vomit. Once I got started, I couldn't stop. It all just tumbled out of me. I think I spoke for a straight hour. I don't think I've ever talked that much in my life.

However, by the time I was done, I wished I wouldn't have said anything.

Aunt Pam had been pacing the room for a few minutes. She clearly has thoughts running through her brain faster than she can keep up. I should have just kept my mouth shut.

"I-I'm sorry Aunt Pam..." I said softly.

"Sorry? For what?" She asked me.

"I-if I wouldn't have s-said anything... Y-you wouldn't be worried," I told her.

Aunt Pam sat back on my bed, and grabbed my hand.

"Nasha, you never have to be sorry for any of this." She said sternly. "I'm glad you told me. It's just... Ugh!"

Aunt Pam shot back to her feet as she groaned.

"That bas.tard, now it all makes sense." She muttered more to herself. "He told me that they couldn't stand to see me anymore. That it brought up too many bad memories. That's why he never allowed me to visit. That son-of-a-bi.tch."

I watched my aunt as she frowned at the floor.

"M-maybe I sh-shouldn't have said anything." I mumbled.

"No, you definitely should have Nasha. Now we can do something. Take this to the police-"

I jumped up from my bed, and grabbed my aunt's hands. I started shaking my head frantically as fear struck me. My dad has beaten me in front of his cop friends before. They never cared.

"N-no... p-please Aunt Pam. Th-that won't do anything. B-believe me. P-please," I begged.

"Nasha... how else am I supposed to protect you? I can't let you stay with him." Aunt Pam said.

"They… won't believe you," I told her.

"Honey-"

"What if you just tell Dad that I'm afraid to go back to school. Maybe he'll let me live with you for the rest of school. Then I'll be 18. I can run away, he won't be able to hurt me anymore." I suggested.

"Nasha, I don't know. Your dad needs to pay for this." She replied.

My face fell. I dropped my arms to my sides as my eyes fell to the floor. I thought I was going to get punished for leaving home and ending up here. Now...

Now, I'll be lucky to walk after Dad finds out.

"I-I shouldn't have told you... I sh-should have... kept my mouth shut." I said as I sat back on my bed.

Dad is going to kill me. Literally. His biggest rule was to never tell anyone about this. I was stupid to think that anyone could help me. So stupid...

"Nasha, calm down, okay?" Aunt Pam said as she sat next to me. "I won't tell him, I'll figure something out, okay? I promise."

Promises... are always broken.

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Pam's P.O.V.

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I promise? Why would I say that? I shouldn't have made that promise. I have no idea how I can keep that promise.

I should have known that John was doing something like this. I should have, at the very least, expected it. All those times he made excuses to not let me talk to Nasha... It was all to keep her quiet and isolated.

John never used to be like this. When he first met my sister, he was a gentleman. A very busy man, but he always made time for her. I know that John was nervous when he found out they were pregnant, but to think he'd turn out like this...

I know that death can change you. I saw that when my father died. I was only 11, and my sister was 16. Our mom completely changed after that. She was like a shell of a person.

To think that John would... harm his daughter the way he has been though... This isn't like the man my sister fell in love with. Nasha looks so much like her mother... She's so innocent and small... How could he do this to her?

I don't know what I'm going to do exactly, but I have to do something. I can't let Nasha go back to live with that monster. He'll kill her one day. Or worse, she'll attempt to kill herself again, and really do it that time.

"You get some more rest. I'm going to go get us some food." I told Nasha.

I helped Nasha climb back into bed before I left the room. I went to the cafeteria, and got myself a tea. I sat down at an empty table as I thought about what to do.

Nasha has a point... John is a very powerful lawyer. He probably has the police in the palm of his hand. Not only that, but what can they really do without proof? If I go tell them everything now, would they even be able to take Nasha out of the home? Or will John get to her first?

Maybe I can do what Nasha said. If I can convince him to let me keep her until she's done with school, she'd have a chance at least. I can save up cash in secret for her. Then help her run when she turns 18.

The only thing with that plan is... With all that power John has... will he be able to find her anywhere?

Not only that, but John needs to pay for what he's done. Maybe I can find a lawyer of my own to ask for advice. Maybe the doctor can tell me if these scars are really self-inflicted or not. No, they would have known right away.

Suddenly, my phone started to ring in my pocket. I pulled it out to see that it was the Devil himself. I scoffed as I answered.

"Don't tell me you're calling to check up on the daughter you left here." I said flatly.

"What's with the hostility? Am I not allowed to inquire about my daughter?" John asked, unbothered.

I shook my head.

"She's doing fine." I gritted out.

"What's with your attitude?" He asked.

"Nothing," I stated.

"Did Nasha say something to you?" He asked.

Like what? That you beat her?

"About what?" I asked.

"Uh, about whom the hell assaulted her?" John replied.

This could be my chance to use Nasha's excuse.

"She told me a little bit," I admitted.

"Who was it?" John asked.

"Some boy from school. She said his dad is a sheriff or something. He told Nasha that if he ever caught her alone again he would ra.pe her. That's why she tried to kill herself. She's terrified." I said.

John was silent for a moment.

"I know the boy. I'll take care of it," he stated.

"What is that supposed to mean? Are you going to press charges?" I asked.

"Worry about yourself, Pam," John spat.

"Worry about myself?" I asked incredulously. "I'm worried about your daughter. Nasha is scared out of her mind. Do you really think that just handing it is going to make her feel better?"

"That's for Nasha and I to worry about-"

"I want Nasha to come live with me." I blurted out.

Sh.it, I should have gone about that differently.

"Excuse me?" John asked lowly.

I gulped.

"W-well... Nasha is clearly having a hard time. She's scared out of her mind. Taking her far away could be good for her. Just until she graduates from high school. She needs a woman around now anyway. You never have time for her with your work. Let me take her." I said.

John was silent again. This time it was so long that I had to check to make sure he didn't hang up on me. My anxiety is at an all-time high as I wait for him to say something.

"She told you, didn't she?" He asked.

"I already told you that she told me what happened. I just told you." I replied, annoyed.

"That's not what I meant." John said dangerously. "She told you everything else, didn't she?"

I didn't reply.

"You've never offered to take Nasha before. Even though you already thought I was too busy for her. She must have told you everything," he stated.

I clenched my phone.

"I think you should just be happy that I'm only asking to take her, and not going to the police." I replied.

"Is that so?" John asked, amused.

I don't like the amused tone of his voice.

"Fine," John said. "You can take Nasha until she turns 18, but... I'm still picking her up first tomorrow."