Chaeyoung was jolted awake the next morning when she felt something press into her side, nearly rolling her off of the bed. The blonde girl quickly sat up to prevent herself from falling to the ground.
She immediately realized what was going on when she saw the Thai girl next to her mumble something inaudible and curl up into a ball.
"Lili?" Chaeyoung whispered, nudging Lisa's shoulder. The Thai girl almost immediately shot awake, sitting up and looking around the room in a panic.
"Lili, Lili, it's me," Chaeyoung said quickly, finding Lisa's hand squeezing it. "I'm right here."
Lisa studied Chaeyoung's face for a few moments, slowly coming down from the panic. She found familiarity in the girl's eyes and quickly crawled into Chaeyoung's open arms.
The older girl pulled Lisa into her lap, wrapping her arms around her girlfriend and rocking back and forth slowly to comfort her. "You're okay, I've got you," she whispered, combing her fingers through Lisa's hair.
"I-It keeps h-happening," Lisa sniffed, shaking her head and wrapping her arms around Chaeyoung's neck. All the Thai girl wanted was to be able to get a good night's sleep, but the nightmares always seemed to prevent that from happening.
"I know, baby," Chaeyoung sighed, holding Lisa tighter. "I'm sorry I can't just take them in your place," she separated them slightly so she could wipe Lisa's tears with the pads of her thumbs. "We're gonna get rid of them, I promise."
"Promise?" Lisa whispered, holding up her pinky. Chaeyoung nodded, interlocking their fingers and hoping this was a promise she could keep.
I watch your troubled eyes as you rest,
And I fall in love with every breath.
Wonder if those eyes are really shut,
And am I the one you're dreaming of?
'Cause underneath the darkness
There's a light that's trying so hard to be seen.
And I know this 'cause I've noticed
A little bit shining through the seams.
And if this is what it takes,
Then let me be the one to bear the pain.
Oh if this is what it takes
I'll break down these walls that are in our way,
If this is what it takes.
You keep on telling me I'm wasting time,
But to call it wasting time oh that's a crime.
And you think it's crazy what I'm trying to do.
Well baby, I'm a fool for you.
'Cause underneath the darkness
There's a light that's trying so hard to be seen.
And I know this 'cause I've noticed
A little bit shining through the seams.
And if this is what it takes,
Then let me be the one to bear the pain.
Oh if this is what it takes
I'll break down these walls that are in our way,
'Cause if you don't understand yet
Then I'll never let you forget
That you don't have to do this on your own.
I'll be your shoulder to lean on.
I'll be your right when you feel wrong.
So come on, take my hand, we're moving on.
And if this is what it takes,
Then let me be the one to bear the pain.
Oh and if this is what it takes,
Then I'll break down these walls,
These walls that are in our way.
If this is what it takes.
Just as Chaeyoung finished singing, she caught sight of two blonde pigtails watching them from a crack in the door. The blonde girl raised an eyebrow at her younger sister. Lisa lifted her head from Chaeyoung's shoulder, suddenly growing embarrassed when she saw Daniela watching them from the door.
The small girl quietly slipped into the room, walking over to the bed and studying the two girls before crawling up beside them. Chaeyoung was surprised when Daniela leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Lisa's neck, hugging her gently.
"When I see monsters, I have to be brave and tell them to go away," Daniela nodded confidently. "You've gotta tell them that you're not scared of them."
Lisa nodded softly, wiping her eyes and giving Daniela a soft smile. The small girl simply gave Lisa another hug before hopping off of the bed and disappearing out into the hallway.
"You okay?" Chaeyoung asked softly, moving Lisa's hair out of her face.
"I will be," Lisa nodded, taking a deep breath and giving Chaeyoung a genuine smile. "I like it when you sing," she added shyly. Chaeyoung couldn't help but laugh.
"I can tell," the blonde girl teased, lying back on the bed and bringing Lisa down next to her. "I'll keep on singing for you until the end of time."
"That's a long time," Lisa giggled, hiding her face in the crook of Chaeyoung's neck. The older girl just laughed, running her fingers up and down Lisa's arm.
They laid in silence for a while, just enjoying one another's company. Eventually, Daniela convinced them both to come downstairs where the rest of the family was having breakfast.
Chaeyoung was now clearing the table while Lisa fiddled aimlessly with a Rubix cube she had found in one of the drawers. Everyone else had already gone into different rooms of the house, leaving just the two girls in the kitchen. Chaeyoung was taken by surprise when Lisa's voice filled the air.
"What are we doing today?" the Thai girl set the Rubix cube down, wandering over to Chaeyoung and looking at her curiously.
"I, uh," Chaeyoung cleared her throat, thinking for a few moments. "You'll have to see when we get there, if you remember it." She bit her lip and watch a look of confusion spread across her girlfriend's face.
"It might be a little scary," Chaeyoung answered honestly. "But I'm gonna be there the whole time, okay? You say the word and we can leave if it's too much for you."
"Okay," Lisa whispered, still thinking over this in her head. "I can do it, Rosie," she added, giving her girlfriend a soft smile.
"I know you can," Chaeyoung nodded softly, hoping what she said was true. She wasn't sure how this was going to turn out, but she felt ready to get it over with.
After cleaning up the table, Chaeyoung led Lisa out to the car, watching her girlfriend as they drove the familiar route. Lisa didn't seen to remember anything, but Chaeyoung reached over and grabbed her hand just to keep her calm.
Lisa grew confused when Chaeyoung abruptly pulled off onto the side of the road. She didn't see any buildings around, only trees.
"It's through here," Chaeyoung nodded, getting out of the car and helping a hesitant Lisa out of the passenger side. Even though she was somewhat confused, Lisa allowed Chaeyoung to lead her through the trees and into the woods.
"Here," Chaeyoung whispered, pushing them through the brush and into the clearing. Lisa instantly knew where they were when her eyes fell on the back of the small brick house that she had come to know so well.
"Do you remember?" Chaeyoung asked, leading her over to the storm cellar. Lisa raised an eyebrow, wondering what Chaeyoung was doing when she began to crawl in.
"I lived here," Lisa said before shaking her head. "That is now how you get inside."
Chaeyoung paused, standing back up and raising an eyebrow as Lisa lifted one of the potted plants on the back porch, revealing a dull colored key. She held it up, dusting it off on her shirt before handing it to Chaeyoung and pointing at the sliding glass door.
"That would've been useful the first time," Chaeyoung laughed nervously, turning the key in the lock. Sure enough, it clicked right open, and she slowly slid the door to the side.
Chaeyoung carefully set foot into the house, glancing behind her as Lisa stood hesitantly on the porch. Just as she was about to ask if she was okay, Lisa hurried to join Chaeyoung inside, grabbing onto her girlfriend's arm.
"Do you remember any of this?" Chaeyoung asked, motioning around the living room. Lisa just shrugged. She knew this is where she had lived. That's about where it ended, though.
"I lived here," Lisa nodded slowly, scanning the room. "Before I found friends. Before I found you."
Chaeyoung nodded. She bit her lip, looking around the room one last time before leading Lisa over to the staircase. The Thai girl clung onto Chaeyoung's arm as they made their way upstairs, slowly following her down the hallway.
Lisa froze when they stopped in front of the last door, which Chaeyoung slowly pushed open. The blonde girl took a step forwards, but Lisa grabbed her hand and pulled her backwards just as a rush of memories overwhelmed her.
[TRIGGER WARNING - Abuse/Violence - Please don't read the flashback if it could be harmful to you. I love you.]
"Help?"
The man looked up from his chair, scanning Lisa, who stood in front of him. She had half of a hairbrush in one hand, the other half was still knotted in her messy hair.
"Broken," Lisa mumbled, looking down guiltily. She limped forward, the large black boot on her foot thumping down in front of her. She grimaced, glaring down at the annoying cast-like material.
"Get out of my face," he muttered, ignoring her and taking another swig from his bottle. The girl tilted her head to the side and held out the handle of the brush.
"Help?" she inquired, wiggling the brush in front of his face hopefully. She flinched back when only moments later, he snatched the handle out of her hand and sent it flying across the room.
"Ouch," Lisa mumbled, shaking her head and limping over to retrieve the handle once more. She stumbled over her boot, running into the wall and mumbling something inaudible under her breath before waddling back over in front of her uncle.
"Dropped it," she held out the handle once more, tapping on the brush still stuck in her hair. "Help."
"Get the fuck out!" he snapped, standing up and taking a step towards her. Lisa instantly stumbled backwards and brought her hands up in front of her face.
"Please!" she whimpered, shaking her head.
"Oh, do you need help?" he laughed bitterly, feigning concern and moving forwards. Confused, Lisa slowly nodded and pointed to the brush in her hair.
"Too bad," he growled, taking a step forwards and grabbing the front of her shirt, which was on inside out. "You can't even fucking dress yourself, how do you expect to do anything with your life? You're fucking useless."
"Ouch," Lisa whimpered, shaking her head and trying to pull out of his grip. He only held on tighter.
"Here, let me help," his voice was laced with venom as he curled his fingers around the brush in her hair. Lisa paused, looking up hopefully.
"Thank yo-" she paused when he practically tore the brush out of her hair, making her wince in pain and nearly fall backwards. Tears stung at her eyes and she flinched when he threw the brush across the room.
"Ouch," she whimpered, bringing her hands up to her face to hide her tears. When she saw him moving back towards her, she panicked and tried to push him away.
His eyes immediately darkened when he stumbled backwards. Lisa whimpered when he grabbed the collar of her shirt once more, practically dragging her towards the stairs. At first she tried to break free from his grip, but she yelped in pain when her boot got caught on the edge of the couch and twisted her leg in a painful direction.
He completely ignored her, though, forcing her up the stairs and shoving her into the bedroom. Lisa whimpered when she heard the door slam shut behind her, immediately bringing her hands up to cover her ears.
She tried to hold back her tears, limping over to her closet and sliding down against the wall to bury her head in her knees. Lisa did her best to keep herself quiet, knowing what would happen if he heard her crying.
She sat there for god knows how long until she eventually fell asleep.
Lisa was only awoken hours later when the rumble of her uncle's old pickup truck stirred her from her slumber. She blinked a few times, glancing at the window and realizing it was night time.
Lisa immediately stumbled to her feet, limping over to the window and pressing her palms against the glass. She raised an eyebrow when she saw his truck begin to back out of the driveway. Where was he going?
She hurried over to her bedroom door, but was met with a new problem. The Thai girl began to panic when she couldn't pull the door open. Something was holding it shut from the other side.
"Finnegan!" Lisa cried, pounding her fists against the door as she felt tears forming in her eyes once more. She didn't understand any of this.
When no one answered her cries for help, the Thai girl slid down to her knees and pressed her forehead against the door, tears streaming down her cheeks. She just wanted things to get better. She didn't like hurting all the time. What was she doing wrong?
"N-no," Lisa's voice trembled, tugging Chaeyoung away from the bedroom. "Bad... bad things," she clung onto Chaeyoung's arm and looked up at her slowly.
"Okay, okay, I won't," Chaeyoung quickly shook her head, pulling Lisa into her side. "What's wrong?"
"Finnegan..." Lisa shook her head, slipping past Chaeyoung and opening one of the closets in the hallway. She dug around in the towels, tossing them every which way until she pulled out a long, metal chain. She held it up to show Chaeyoung with shaky hands.
"What...?" Chaeyoung grew confused. Lisa shook her head, moving over to her bedroom door and pulling it shut before frantically looping the chains around her doorknob. Chaeyoung watched as she moved across the hallway, trying the opposite end of the chain to the other door, so that neither door could be opened from the inside.
Chaeyoung nearly choked on inside when she made the realization. Lisa looked at her shamefully, shaking her head and looking down at the floor. The Thai girl couldn't help but blame herself.
"We don't have to go in there," Chaeyoung shook her head and moved forwards, pulling Lisa into her side and kissing the crown on her head. "I'm so sorry you had to go through that."
Lisa just nodded softly, allowing Chaeyoung to lace their fingers together and lead her downstairs. The blonde girl paused, glancing at Lisa and then taking a breath. Might as well jump in with both feet.
Lisa followed right behind Chaeyoung into the kitchen, scanning the room. The Thai girl quickly looked down when she felt something crunch under her feet. Tilting her head to the side, she bent down and carefully picked up the clear material. Glass.
Suddenly, everything hit her at once.