Chapter 4: Wonder

My alarm buzzed loudly next to me, waking me up and having me groan from tiredness. I sighed while sitting up and stretching, hearing my bones pop and feeling the soreness of my body. Looking at my phone I saw 3 text messages already from Nik. "For God's sake Nik." I almost laughed at her eagerness to see me again. The truth is I do miss her also for she was the only person in this world that tried to understand and protect me the best she could. We used to always hangout together every day and she would take me shopping most days. Whenever Mom got into fights with me, she would take me to my room and always have a stash of chips so we could watch Netflix together.

I finally got the energy to pull my sore body out of bed and limp my way to the bathroom, turning on the lights as I went. It was about 5:40 in the morning and already dark clouds were covering the sunrise. 'The only thing I don't like about Washington. Can hardly watch the sunrises and sunsets because of all the damn clouds' I thought to myself with a smile. Finally, in the bathroom, I turn on my Bluetooth speaker and play some old songs I used to love. I hummed quietly to the song, Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol, and turn on the bath.

After an hour of sitting my sore body in the hot water hoping to relax the sore muscles and bruises that formed overnight, I got out and quickly dried myself off while getting dressed in some old clothes. I decided to call in to my boss and tell her I won't be coming in for the next few weeks and that I had a family emergency.

Looking into the cabinets for something to make, I realized that I'll have to go to the store and get some food. I knew it might be a bad idea, but I wasn't going to sit here without food when I need to have these bruises healed. I put on a black hoodie and some old jeans. 'Hopefully I can get everything quick,' I thought to myself.

I decided to ride my bike so I can work out most of the soreness in my legs and rode to the nearest store. I bought most of what I needed along with some personal items that I'd probably need soon. Suddenly I saw a dark-skinned guy watching me and instantly the hairs on my neck rose up in warning. I quickly paid for everything at the counter and got out as quickly as I could, placing everything in the basket I had put on my bike.

I turned my gaze to see the same man coming out of the store and walking straight towards me, so I instantly stared straight at him with defiance. "May I help you?" I asked calmly but on the inside, I was already hearing warning bells.

"Yes, I just happened to notice how pretty you are Miss. But those bruises look brutal. Abusive boyfriend perhaps?" He asked with a sickening sweet voice that made me want to throw up on him.

"Well not exactly. Why are you asking?" I tried my best to stay calm and collected.

"No one should treat such a pretty girl like that. I'd treat you a lot better than that. Unless you like the pain? Then I wouldn't mind that too." He gave a smirk with a feral glint in his eyes.

"I'm sorry but I'm afraid your flattery isn't going to get you anywhere with me. So, if you would please let me continue on with my morning, I would be very appreciative." I glared.

"No can-do Honey." He went to grab my arm, stopping me from turning around.

I instinctively punched him straight in the stomach, watching him double over in pain.

He growled and pinned me to the nearby brick wall. "I didn't like that very much. I'm going to make you regret that."

Suddenly he fell to the ground with a sickening thud. I looked up and saw a tall guy holding a thick branch. "That isn't very nice to be doing to a helpless woman. I called the police, so you better be ready for some time in prison for sexual assault." He said in a smooth and calm voice.

The guy walked up to me and put his hand on my shoulder which I flinched back. He dropped his hand to his side. "You alright? How bad did he hurt you?" He said while looking at my bruised face.

"I'm fine," I whispered while being utterly shocked that someone saved me from that.

"May I?" He asked softly while bringing his hand back up. I nodded and he brushed my bangs out of my face so he could see the bruises better. "These look like a day or two old already. He wasn't the first one was he." He gestures to the man on the floor groaning in pain.

"No, he wasn't. He won't be my last either," I said sadly. I looked into my savior's soft brown eyes. I suddenly felt like I knew him though I was sure I had never met him in my life. "Who are you?"

"My name is Vole Sky. What might yours be?" He said with a little half-smile.

"I'm Silver. Silver Ride." I said while kinda smiling back, not knowing whether to trust Vole.

I didn't notice I was crying until Vole lightly hugged me and petted my hair to try and calm me. "Hey, hey, hey. It's okay. Your safe now. Don't cry." He whispered while trying his best to comfort my while I sobbed into his shoulder.

'What the hell is wrong with you Silver! You can't be letting a guy you just met that you don't even trust hold you!' I thought to myself, but for some strange reason I couldn't bring myself to pull away from him. My body relaxed and somehow felt safe in his arms. 'Maybe I'm actually safe now... He did save me after all and now he's comforting me while I bawl into his shoulder... I'll try to trust him for now'

I let my heart continue to keep me put in Vole's arms. Hoping I have someone to keep me safe.