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It’s the sa If they called the cops, then social services would take me away It isn’t safe in foster care anymore than it is at my mother’s Maybe even worse I’m seven and I understand what that means Nik and the others have explained it to me more than once

I tug the tin back a littleThere is mud caked into the cuts left by the switch and the slice onI’m swollen and bruised And I can already feel the tickle in the back ofto have a sore throat Suddenly, strong ar me out As soon asarms

“Fuck!” Jesse exclaims

“Shut up, Jess” Nik bites out as his ar in hiswhere to takefrom my trailer—my mother must have one of her boyfriends over; and there is the sound of the television co from his—if his mom sees me like this she will call the cops herself; neither is an option

“My dad is gone” Jesse is already walking toward his trailer “Come on, Nik!”

By the ti I’et her warive her a bath”

Jesse doesn’t say anything as he leaves his roo on fro off s down along with my panties He sucks in a deep breath when he sees the bruises, the deep gashes on s and arms; the ones on my back and across my stomach

“I’m sorry, Emmie” He whispers “I’m so sorry”

I don’t say anything because I don’t understand why he’s sorry He didn’t hit irl, but I know that he can’t always protect me He has a band, and today his band had played at a party for some kids from his school I wish he could have taken h school party isn’t a good idea Shane tried to explain it to me, and I’m almost positive I understand the reasons for that

“Nik!” Jesse called from the bathroom “I’m not sure if this is too hot or not Come here and check it out”

Nik leads me by the hand into the bathroom and then bends to feel the teood” He lifts me and places me in the water

I whiashes It hurts, but the heat of the water feels good onto be gentle as he cleans the wounds on my body His jaw is clenched and I think there are tears in his eyes