I heard my mum come home, I still hadn’t moved from the floor. How do I face her knowing my father is back? Yes the person was my father. Why did I run? Because my father is abusive. An abusive drunk who used to beat me on a daily basis.

“Bianca?!” I heard her call.

“I’m doing homework mum!” I called back. She wouldn’t bother me if I told her that. Leaving my door locked, I climbed out the window & onto my roof. Who do I call? I had no-one right now. I couldn’t even tell Tony. I knew what would happen.

“Bianca Sierra Márquez, es una vergüenza a esta familia, es sólo 16.” He spat at me. He had caught me & Tony alone in my room. [translation: you are a disgrace to this family, you're only 16.]
“Señor, nosotros sólo mirábamos una película. Nada sucedió. Le prometo.” Tony was trying to reassure him. [translation: Sir, we were only watching a movie. Nothing happened. I promise you.] That didn’t stop him. He grabbed a fistful of my hair, dragging me to my feet. He threw my tiny frame against the wall before punching Tony hard to the floor. His attention soon turned to me, his hand colliding with my face.

I felt the tears pricking my eyes.

New Message; Turtle.
Where’d you go? Call me, love Tone x

I composed myself, calling him. “Tone? Yeah....No, I’m fin—At home....He’s back” I whispered the last bit. I hung up before he could say anything. I sat up to see someone on the roof opposite my house on the estate facing mine. “Bianca?”

“Vic? Who knew you lived so close. I laughed a little. “What you on the roof for?”

“Mike’s had a drink. Best to stay out of his way.” He called back. I just looked in his direction. Not knowing what to say. It seemed like forever before any of us spoke again. “I’ll see you around.”

“Yeah, alright. Night Vic!” with that he went back inside. Leaving me with my thoughts. I looked down at my legs, rolling my sweats up. Tracing each scar slowly, these ones being a couple years old. I’d been clean for over a year now. I was too caught up in my own thoughts to even notice Tony & Jaime sat next to me. Each at either side.

“Don’t cry beautiful, he can’t hurt you.” Whispered Jaime.

“You don’t know that.” I sighed. Bringing my knees up to my chest, I fought back my tears. Both of them hugged me. Only these two, apart from my mum, knew about my past. I closed my eyes & took a deep breath. Before I knew it, I started falling asleep.

***
“Bianca, you have visitors!” I popped my head out my bedroom door. “Who is it?”

“It’s the Fuentes brothers from the house behind us.” Ugh, what do they want? I wasn’t going to school today. That was for sure. I was going to stay at home, in bed. That’s where I would be safe. I shoved my hair in a bun, Tony & Jaime had already left. Walking downstairs, I saw them both stood awkwardly. “Sea agradable a ellos Bianca, yo le miro chica.” [translation: be nice to them Bianca, I'm watching you girl]

“No preocupe a Sra. Márquez, ella es siempre agradable. En muchos sentidos.” Mike replied, my eyes widened & I shot him a look. [translation: Don't worry Mrs. Márquez, she's always nice. In more ways than one.] why does he have to speak my language? Fuck. A smirk came upon him as he looked at me. Vic elbowed him. Mentally thanking Vic I asked them what they wanted.

“To take you to school, Tony’s moping around.” Said Mike.

“So? I’m not his guardian you know.” I snorted, walking into the kitchen & setting myself upon the counter. I saw him say something to Vic & he left. Mama was due to leave soon, hopefully he’d go as well. It wasn’t long till mama left, which as she left Mike made his way towards me. I could feel my heart race. I began to become a bit breathless, What was happening to me? His grip on my thighs was tight, I was sure they would certainly have marks on them. His hands moved up & down them, never breaking eye contact with me.

“You really think I want to take you to school?” he whispered in my ear. I shrugged. “I want you to remember that night.”

“What night?” I asked, acting dumb. What the hell was I saying?

“Tony’s party” he mumbled, before pressing his lips on mine. I pushed him off me. He looked at me confused. I bit my lip & looked at him.

“You’re half baked Michael.” I simply said. Anyone would be stupid not to see it. He smiled a little, oh god dammit that smile will kill me one day. Taking his coat off he put it on one of the chairs. “Please just leave.”

“Now see, I can’t.” Shit, please god no. That’s why he used to say right before he hit me. He inched closer to me, I closed my eyes & flinched. When the blow didn’t arrive, I looked up. “I wasn’t going to do anything.”

“I thoug—nevermind.” I replied, I grabbed a drink & offered to put a movie on. I let him pick one out of my Harry potter collection. I led down on the couch, head on his lap with a blanket over me. He gently stroked my hair. I could feel myself falling asleep half way through the film.

***

I woke up, to see Mike still sat there watching a blank screen. “The movie’s finished.” I yawned, stretching a bit.

“Yeah, an hour ago.” He laughed. Shit, I was gone for so long.

“You should of woken me.”

“Nah, you looked peaceful.” He smiled weakly, before kissing my forehead. My front door suddenly burst open. A pissed looking Tony was stood there. I stood up, asking what was wrong. He just ignored me. His eyes looking at everything but me or Mike. What the hell was wrong with him?

“Can you give us some alone time?” I asked Mike. He nodded & left. I sat Tony down on the bottom step, kneeling in front of him. I was going to get him to tell me what was wrong. “Tone? Turtle?” I gently said.

“I saw him B, I saw him.” I’m going to take that as he had seen my father.

“Oh Tone, don’t let him get to you.” I hugged him tightly. I didn’t want my Turtle being upset. Especially not because of that father of mine. “Tell me, about the band.” I wanted to help cheer him up, music was one way to do it.

“There’s 4 of us. Me, Jaime, Vic & Mike.” He started, “Vic being the singer, his voice is amazing B. Jaime’s doing bass/back up vocals. Sick bassist, I didn’t even know he played. Mike’s drums. Then there’s me on guitar.” His smile was back.

“So you & Mike huh?” He nodded. “I thought you didn’t like him?”

“I don’t, but this is my chance B.” He was right. This way his chance, if they did well enough it would be amazing. Imagine the life he’d have. I’d also have a famous best friend. I got excited over that.

“Make me a promise Tone?” I had to ask him this now. Just in case. He nodded.

“Promise me, if you ever make it in the world with music that you’ll never forget me.”

“I promise. I’d never ever ever forget you Bianca. You’re my best friend.” He grinned before hugging me. “Love you B.”

“Love you too Tone.” I kissed his cheek. We just sat there talking about when we were younger. We had some amazing memories. We spent hours sat crying, laughing. But the voice came back.

He’s lying Bianca, open your eyes. He’ll forget you when he becomes famous. He’s only using you

No, he’ll never forget me. He’s promised me.