“Fuck hold on just hold on please” I rushed as quickly as I could over to the couch lying Ashley down gently. There were bruises all over her face and her lip had obviously been busted open again with dry blood smeared on her chin. She curled her body up as soon as I had put her down. My thoughts were so jumbled together I could barley think of what to do. All I did know was that I had to get her out of these wet clothes. I ran up the stairs to my bedroom busting open the door. Flinging myself toward my closet I started to pull clothes out rapidity finally finding a pair of shorts and a t shirt, which I figured would be comfortable. With my clothes in hand I ripped my comforter off my bed and rushed back down the stairs almost running into the wall as I slid a crossed the floor at such a high speed.

As I made my way back over to the couch Ashley appeared to be rocking herself again, with her eyes tightly closed like I had witness her do earlier in her bedroom.  The sound of her whimpering was bounce around inside of my head and I couldn’t shake it out even if I tried. I reached out to still her rocking while trying to lift her hoodie up gently.

“No no don’t touch me please don’t touch me ” Ashley wrenched my hand away and scooted back as far as she could into the couch, wincing and holding tighter  on to her side. Silent tears started to flow down her cheeks, meeting at the bottom of her chin.

“God I’m sorry I didn’t mean to hurt you” I cried out now realizing that I too seem to be sobbing “just tell what to do… I don’t know what to do… please I don’t want to cause you anymore pain” I released through my tears.

“I need to call my dad” I go to stand up to retrieve my cell phone when a strong hand grips my forearm.

“No please no parents just… help me sit up ok” Ashley pleaded to me through hooded eyes.

“Ok but I still need to call my dad” I move forward waiting for her to tell me what to do.