Tangled Love

CHAPTER 99

Emily's POV -

I twiddle my thumbs and actually laugh out loud as I realise what I'm doing. This is how I know I've reached the ultimate peak of boredom. I sigh and attempt to brush my hair back with my fingers, grimacing at how dirty the strands feel.

I grab my phone from my bedside table, turning it on. My eyes widen as it springs to life and I realise I have over fifty messages. I scroll through them, pausing on one from my mother —

I'm so sorry Emily.

I re-read the text over and over again until the four words begin to blur on the screen. Jake's words play through my mind and I shake my head, feeling hurt.

How could she only visit me in the hospital once?

I'm her daughter, her only daughter.

What is she apologising for?

Me being kidnapped?

Or for Trevor beating me? Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Being shot by Jones?

Never telling me he was my real father?

The way she treated, spoke or threatened me with Trevor?

The list is endless.

I shut my eyes, my chest overwhelmed with pain. It hurts to have my only alive treat me like I'm non existent. My relationship with her has completely burned down, the flames too thick and strong to ever be put out.

Maybe in the future, we could work on building it back up but right now, things are too raw, cut too deep. I need time to allow the wounds to heal, metaphorically and physically.

My body is a complete mess, proof of the turmoil I've been through. My scars show I'm a fighter and instead of being ashamed of them, I want to learn to embrace them. The scars are part of me and I have to come to terms with that.

I spent years covering the horrible lines that run up and down my skin but now is the time to finally be at peace with my scars. I trace over my wrists, remembering how the ropes had cut deep into them a mere four weeks ago.

When Jake told me Jones was dead, I remember feeling empty. I didn't register the fact he was really gone but once it hit me, a huge weight lifted from my shoulders. Even with him behind bars, I wouldn't have felt safe.

I turn my phone off and throw it to the end of the bed, watching it bounce before finally landing softly.

The door open and I glance up, expecting to find Jake standing there. My eyes meet with two police officers,I've never seen either of them before.

"Hello Emily," the female officer smiles at me and I smile back, sitting up a little straighter.

"Can we come in?" The male officer asks and I nod, knowing what's about to happen. It's time I told them everything I've been through with Jones.

The officers step into the room and close the door over before pulling a chair up next to the bed.

"You understand why we're here, don't you?" The female asks me and I nod, remaining quiet. She nods approvingly before taking her notebook and pen out from her pocket.

"I'm April and this is Oliver, don't be intimidated. It's just a uniform." April smiles warmly at me and I nod for the third time.

"I've seen a lot of the police officer's lately, good and bad." I finally manage to speak, my voice low and trembling. I close my eyes briefly and wish Jake was here to help me through this.

I feel a hand on my knee and open my eyes to find April looking at me with sadness in her eyes. I breathe in sharply, forcing myself to remain strong.

"So what do you need to know?" I ask, clearing my throat. Despite sounding confident and strong, I feel the complete opposite.