After being disowned by her parents, fifteen year old Serena Verlice finds herself in a toxic relationship with a much older man. She undergoes four years of emotional and physical abuse until one day she goes to the doctor and receives a devastatin...
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"Serena let me in!" I shout, banging on the door as the sound of her vomiting echos from inside the bathroom.
It's been almost two weeks since her first radiation therapy session and so far she's had ten of them in total, with one more left until she has a consultation to see if it was successful.
I thought the state she was in after the first session was hard to see but the past two weeks have proved me wrong. It got so much worse.
She hasn't been doing too good which is to be expected.
We're all trying to help, with me helping her do things as simple as showering when she's too weak to do it herself, Harper making Serena her famous soup everyday which is the only thing she can keep down at the moment and we all take turns staying up with her when her body hurts so much she can't even sleep.
The sound of vomiting ceases from behind the bathroom door, only furthering my worry.
"Serena?" I call out, pressing my ear to the door.
No reply.
"Serena if you don't reply I'm going to kick the door down," I shout. "N-no I'm fine I just can't get up," She cries, her voice laced with pain.
I line my shoulder up with the door, barging into it two times before it bursts open.
She sits on the cold white tile next to the toilet, her face hollow and sweaty.
"Was that really necessary?" She lets out a tired laugh, leaning back against the bathtub.
I want to scold her for locking me out but I feel no anger as I look down at her fragile figure, only the need to care for her.
I walk over to the sink, turning on the hot water and holding a cloth under it. I take it and crouch down in front of her, dabbing her cold skin with the warm flannel.
She closes her eyes, resting her head in my cupped hand.
"Are you tired?" I ask although I already know the answer. She hums sleepily so I pick her up, letting her wrap herself around me as I carry her back out to the bedroom.
I lay her down on the bed, adjusting a pillow behind her head so she's more comfortable before reaching over to her nightstand to grab a glass of water.
I cup her face, placing the glass to her lips and tilting it for her. She takes a few sips before indicating for me stop.
"Thank you," She yawns, leaning back further and snuggling into my side.
I sit leaned against the headboard, stroking her hair as she drifts off. I don't sleep, it being only nine pm but I do stay with her for a good forty minutes until I climb out of bed and head towards the kitchen.
"How is she?" Lucian asks as I come strolling into the living room.
"Not good," I reply bluntly, running a stressed hand through my hair. I really underestimated how hard the treatment would be on her, as well as the pain she's going through she's also struggling to sleep, eat and even drink water.
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It breaks my heart seeing her like this. I just want her to be happy and healthy, like she deserves.
"Well I've made some pasta for the both of you," He offers, motioning towards the large pan on the counter.
"Thanks, she's asleep so I'll put her's in the fridge," I tell him, pulling out two bowls from the cupboard.
I plate up her food, wrapping it in film and putting it in the fridge before plating up my own and joining everyone on the sofa.
"So..." Harper trails off as I sit down. "Are you nervous for tomorrow? you know with Serena's last day of treatment and all," She asks curiously.
"Not really," I reply, feeling more excited than nervous. I hold hope that it worked and this'll be the end of Serena's suffering.
"Really? What if it didn't work?" Tyler questions, causing Harper to back hand the side of his head.
"Don't say that, of course it will!" She exclaims, sounding sure of herself. I smile, grateful that Harper's always optimistic.
The conversation eventually drifts away from Serena as we shift into comfortable silence whilst eating our meals and watching the tv.
As I drop my dirty plate into the sink my phone starts vibrating in my pocket. I pull it out, immediately answering when I notice the caller is my dad.
"I've got an update," He states as soon as I pick up, leaving no time for greetings.
"Go on," I urge, knowing exactly who he's talking about.
"It appears James sold his apartment months ago and started renting number twelve at the apartment complex on Vittorio street," He reveals.
This information is clearly alarming. Why would he randomly decide to relocate up here if not to be closer to Serena.
"The problem is my men are currently busy with a prior engagement so they won't be able to deal with him until next week," He explains apologetically.
"What? Next week?" I question angrily. I wanted this done as soon as possible so Serena can finally rest. Ever since she saw him at the concert she's been having nightmares and has been constantly on edge.
"I'm sorry son there's nothing I can do about it," He apologises. "But under no circumstance are you to take matters into your own hands okay? Is that clear Emilio?" He orders sternly.
"Crystal." I reply sarcastically before hanging up.
Apartment number twelve, Vittorio street. Apartment number twelve, Vittorio street.Apartment number twelve, Vittorio street.
I repeat it over and over again in my head as I leave the kitchen and head towards the hallway.
"Are you not going to finish the movie?" Harper asks from the sofa. "Nah I'm going out," I reply vaguely, trying to inch out of the room.
"Where?" Lucian asks, only half interested as he stuffs his face with a bag of Cheetos. "Just to help mum with something," I lie, waving him off dismissively.
That seems to pacify their questions as they return their attention to the tv and let me exit the room.
I walk through the hallway, quietly entering our room and heading to my wardrobe.
I change into a long sleeve black top with a pair of black cargos, slipping a pistol into my waistband.
I turn to Serena before exiting the room, staring in awe at her utter natural beauty. Even when sick she's genuinely the most beautiful girl I've ever seen.
Looking down at her adorably wrapped up in a large fluffy blanket beckons me to join her.
I want to climb in and hold her throughout the night but I have to do this, for her. I quietly walk over to the bed, leaning down to deliver a soft kiss to her forehead.
"I'm in love with you Serena," I whisper, gently brushing her hair out of her face.
I reluctantly back away from her, shoving my hands into my pockets and stepping out the room.
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