I cried harder as Tyler spoke. I couldn’t take the pain any longer. Not from my mother, or from Tyler. And I knew I was causing him pain by forcing him to see me like this, but I had no one else to turn to.

“Rose… Who did this to you?” Tyler asked, gently stroking my hair.

“My mom…” I told him reluctantly.

“Why?! Does she hit you often… Rose?” Tyler was know freakng out.

“No… only when I talk back and she’s within reach…” I looked away as a new wave of tears hit me.

“Oh Rose…” Tyler whispered, bring me close to him. I laid my head on his chest carefully. “It’ll be ok…”

He had his arms around me tight and I cried for some time before Tyler’s Dad walked in.

“Rose…?” He asked gently.

“Yes…?” I answered unwillingly. I sniffeled but didn’t move from Tyler.

“Your mother wants to talk to you… She’s cooled down and is really upset by what you told her.” He told me.

“If she wants to talk, fine. I’m not leaving Tyler’s side again, though.” I said sitting up.