After Dunkirk [Discontinued]

Ten ~ Photograph

🚨Trigger Warning🚨
As you can tell by the header pic, physical abuse is mentioned in this chapter.

I do not condone such behavior, or any type of abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, here's some info:

You're not alone. There is hope.
❤️❤️❤️❤️

Raking my hand through my unruly mess of curls, I take the last step up to the Meikle's porch and exhale a nervous breath. It's only been a couple of hours since I last saw my darling; since we went all the way for the first time, and I think I'm more nervous now than when we were in the barn.

Asking Dottie to marry me probably wasn't the smartest thing I've done, considering we're only fifteen years old, but it's the best decision I've ever made. My impromptu and heartfelt proposal was perfect, except for when my father barged in, but thankfully I got Dorothy out in time.

I don't remember much after that since I was knocked unconscious, but as I was laying there, clad only in my underwear and taking the hits and hearing him call Dottie those horrible names, I knew my darling was safe and that was all that mattered.

Thankfully my father can't go one hour without having a drink and God only knows where my mother is, so I've decided to take the chance and sneak out to see if my darling is okay.

Here goes nothing.

I knock on the blue door and quickly put my hands behind my back to hide the flowers that I picked for Dottie on the way here. Not only do I have her favorite yellow flowers, but I'm wearing the suit that she likes. It's my father's old suit and bow tie that he gave me for Christmas a year back, but it's the best clothing I own and my darling deserves the best.

As I nervously shift my weight in my shoes, I realize they are practically coming apart at the seams and I can't do a damn thing about it.

That's the least of your worries, mate. God, I hope she won't notice my busted up lip and the shiner on my eye. Who am I kidding? Of course she will. At least she can't see my bruised ribs.

The sound of the door opening captures my attention and I can't tame my smile that's sure to showcase my dimples. The person staring back at me through the screen door is my darling, but she's not smiling, which I find odd.

"Good afternoon, Dorothy," I squeak out, immediately clearing my throat and I smile in embarrassment. "I-it's lovely to see you again. Twice in one day, even."

"What do you want, Alex?" she asks in a short tone, catching me off guard.

"Uhm, I wanted to see if you'd like to take a walk with me down by the river? You know, our spot."

"I can't."

"Oh, o-okay, well here then, you can have these," I bring the flowers from behind my back, trying my best to hide my confusion and disappointment. "I picked them just for you."