Desperate Measures

"Jake, look I'm due out of here this afternoon, so can you bring me some clothes ready for that?" I asked, trying to stay calm.

"Yeah, I'll be there in like twenty minutes," he agreed. I could hear him crashing around in the background, probably throwing all of my stuff in a bag or something.

"Thanks." I snapped my phone shut, pressing it against my forehead, thinking. Was there any other way? I just couldn't see another option.

My hands were shaking, I was scared as hell, but I dialled my father's house number. It rang for a long time. Just as I was about to give up, he answered. His voice was thick with sleep; it sent a shiver down my spine. I squeezed my eyes shut. "Hello?" He somehow managed to sound terrifying with one word.

"It's Amber," I said, swallowing the lump in my throat.

He laughed. "And what can I do for you, Amber?"

"I want you to drop the charges against Liam," I answered, trying to sound confident.