A beautiful storm *COMPLETE*

Call from "home"

MADELINE POV

I couldn’t focus after I received that phone call. The area code was the same for where I grew up. It was probably just a coincidence, but I couldn’t shake the deep pit that had formed in my stomach. I felt sick, but I wasn’t going to ruin this dinner for Gemma. She was so happy with Maverick. I mean, she flew us to Hawaii for the week just to meet him. He seemed like a great guy. I got no bad vibes from him at all and he did nothing but compliment and dote on Gemma. Damien hasn’t let go of my hand since I ignored the call. He can read me like an open book. I was thankful that Gemma was so distracted with Maverick that she didn’t notice. My thoughts were interrupted when Maverick spoke. “I am so happy that Gemma invited you all here. I hope that we can do this more often. It was a pleasure meeting you.” “The pleasure was all ours. Anyone who can capture Gemma’s heart is a winner for me.” Damien nodded at my statement and Gemma blush grew a shade darker. We all stood from the table and headed towards the exit. Gemma and Maverick fell behind a bit and were talking in hushed whispers. I heard Gemma giggle before the clank of her heels quickly caught up to us. “Do you guys mind if I go home with Maverick again? His driver will take you guys back to the airbnb.” I raised my eyebrows at her. “Girl, this is your trip. Don’t worry about us.” She mouthed a thank you and gave me a tight squeeze, nodding at Damien, and then retreating back to Maverick with a smile plastered on her face. I loved seeing her so happy. Gemma was always smiling. She always had a bubbly personality, but I knew she wanted something more solid eventually.

Mavericks driver dropped us off after a very quiet ride. Damien still squeezed my hand the whole ride, waiting until we were home to talk to me about the call. As soon as we closed the door to the airbnb, he turned to me with knowing eyes. “Are you okay?” he asked. I took a deep breath “I’m sure it’s just a weird coincidence, but the number that called me is from my hometown.” Damiens eyes went wide for a moment, before regaining his composure. “Did they leave a message?” I bit my bottom lip “I don’t know, I’ve been too nervous to check.” He came over to me, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me close. “Do they know where you are?” he asked. I just shook my head into his chest. He put his hands on my shoulders, pushing me back slightly and looking down at me “I’m here for you baby. You’re not alone.” he whispered. I just nodded, pulling away and grabbing my phone out of my purse. Glancing at the screen, I had a notification for a voicemail. It’s probably nothing Madeline. You’re getting worked up for nothing. Take deep breaths. I looked up to see the worry etched on Damiens face. “I better listen to this.” We walked over and sat on the couch. I opened the voicemail, putting my phone on speaker. “Good evening, this is the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department. We are trying to get in contact with a Miss Madeline Miller. This call is in regards to the recent arrest of an Amber Miller. If you could give us a call back or pay us a visit at the station, that would be helpful. Thank you for your time and have a good evening.” I think my heart stopped. I feel like the air was sucked out of my lungs. “Why? Why do they need to speak with me? She got arrested. It was only a matter of time.” I mumbled out. Damien grabbed my hands “You can call and tell them that you don’t want anything to do with your mother. They can’t force you to talk to her or see her.” He’s right. I am in control now. But if she just got arrested, then why do they need to speak with me? My mind was swirling with questions that I needed answers for. “Let’s get some rest and we can call them tomorrow to find out what they need to speak with you about.” Damien said while pulling me up off the couch into a tight hug. I’m glad he’s here. I don’t think I could make this phone call without his support. I’d probably end up having another panic attack.

I’m awoken by the creak of my door. The house is quiet, but I don’t bother moving, pretending that I’m still asleep. I feel a presence in my room, the sound of footsteps coming closer. Then, weight. My body is being crushed by the weight of someone on top of me. No. Not again. “I’m here to take what you owe me.” I feel the sting of tears in my eyes. “f**k you” I spat in his face. ‘Slap’ “Shut your mouth and be a good girl” he said, with a sinister grin smeared on his face. He took his hand, covering my mouth. I thrashed, trying to fight him off, but I was weak. He ripped my pants down, coming back to hover over me. It’s not or never, Madeline. You have to do something. Think. Think. Think. I glance down as he’s grabbing himself to enter me. I buck my hips, catching him off guard. He still has his hand over my mouth, so I move my head just enough to bite his hand. Hard. I taste blood but don’t stop. “YOU b***h. I was going to make this painless, but you deserve to hurt.” I’m able to get free, but as I’m running to the door, I’m pulled back with force. No. This can't be it. He slaps me again. Painfully twisting my arms behind my back and pushing me face first into the bed. He has one hand holding my arms back and one pushing my head down. “f**k you, you pathetic piece of shit.” He grabs my hair painfully, lifting my head off of the mattress. “All of your fighting is making this that much better.” he whispered sadistically. No, I refuse to let this happen to me. I thrash and fight with everything I have in me.