The Innocent and the Bad Boy (CLOSED)

Colton released a breath through his nose and looked back towards her before following. He knew she was going to ask again and he was going to have to tell her, no matter what happens.

Paige lead the way to the closet and her secret haven. She opened the door and held it for Colton to enter. She looked around constantly and was tense until the door shut.

“What’s going on Paige?” Colton asked, walking towards the bench but stopping and looking back at her.

"You tell me first," Paige replied.

“Oh no, we are not doing this,” Colton rubbed his face, “Why are you hiding?”

Paige pursed her lips. “Fine… I’m hiding from my mother.”

“Why? What did she do?” Colton took a step towards her.

“She’s making me the lead role in the play!” Paige cried. “I told her I didn’t want to try out at all and she said she would make me the lead role by default!”

Colton clentched his fists at his side but willed himself to relax, “Tell her that just because she made you the lead, doesn’t mean you’re going to do it. Don’t show up to the rehearsal and she’ll see your point.”

"That's why I've been hiding in here all day!" Paige justified. "But then I'll have to go home with her…"

“You’ll be okay. I know you will.” Colton have her a smile.

Paige smiled wryly. "We'll see what happens. Now, what happened to you?"

The smile dropped and he turned away, “Nothing…”

"I told you," Paige said, crossing her arms. "Now you tell me."

“I’m just… a little sore.” Colton said.

"From what?" Paige pressed. She was genuinely worried ever since he rushed off without her yesterday.

“From…” Colton couldn’t say it so instead, with some difficulty, removed his shirt, his back to her to reveal lines in fresh slash wounds, clearly from a whip and other bruises down his arms.

Paige cupped her hands over her mouth. Tears welled up in her eyes. She couldn't bring her lips to move.

Colton sighed and put his shirt back on, not borthering with his jacket. He sat down on the bench.

Paige finally mustered words. "What… What happened?"

Colton swallowed and took a minute before saying, “Parents.”

That's why he doesn't like physical contact… Despite the thought, Paige tentatively reached out to put her hand on top of his to silently comfort him.

Colton tensed for a moment but soon relaxed slightly, "I mean… it's just dad and his bit- annoying girlfriend, I don't even know where mum is but….. I guess it could be a lot worse…."

"How long?" she asked softly.

"How long the abuse has been going on? I can't remember, a long time." He shrugged.

Paige breathed slowly. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

Colton shook his head, "No, there isn't."

“There’s nothing?” she asked, incredulous.

"Nothing." He repeated.

Paige wasn't going to give up. "Do you need food? Or water? Or… anything?"