As soon as I reached her, I grabbed her hand and pulled her into the janitor’s closet and closed the door.
”James, what are you doing?” She asked with an annoyed glance at me.
”You know what. Take off the longcoat. Now.” I gestured at the dark coat.
Mia rolled her eyes. “Can we please just-“
”Mia! Now!”
Mia gritted her teeth as she untied the knot, and unbuttoned the coat until she was in her black tank top. I stared at her body. The burns and bruises were almost everywhere. Her arms were a nasty shade of purple with multiple welts that trailed up to her shoulders.
”Mia,” I whispered. “He didn’t-“
”James, it’s not that bad. I’m fine, really.”
’”Not that bad?’” I said, a note of hystaria creeping into my voice before a slammed a fist into the wall behind me. Mia flinched. “That bastard would kill you if he got his hands on a knife!”
I hit the wall again, hearing my knuckles crack on impact.
I pulled my arm back, ready to hit the wall again...when I felt a pair of cool hands clasp my wrist. Mia put her hands on my face and pulled me down, her soft lips meeting mine.
”I’ve cried enough for one lifetime...” She whispered, finally pulling away. “Please, don’t make me cry for you.”
I looked at her face; noticing the tears that streamed down her cheeks. The broken girl put on a sad smile, her eyes filled with hurt and fear.
”Mia...” I said softly, my forehead coming to rest on hers. “I’ll never make you cry again.”
”Good.” Her answer was almost silent, but it was filled with hope.
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