Hiding Behind Her Superficiality by Kyla Olson

Tina dared not look Elspeth in the eye, and her body shrunk back into her corner when she heard those words. “I really didn’t—”

“This room is filled with a strong scent. While most people wouldn’t be able to identify it at the get-go, I know what that is. It’s an ointment for bruises.”

Elspeth knew that the truth behind Tina being covered with countless bruises and that she was going out of her way to avoid exposure would be revealed soon enough.

“Miss Fowler, I’ll keep it a secret. I won’t tell anyone.” Elspeth promised in a gentle tone. “Believe me, Tina, alright?”

Tina’s eyes reddened upon hearing Elspeth’s reassurances, making her look like a porcelain doll close to shattering.

“Don’t cry. Tell me. I’ll help you.”

Tina took in a deep breath before slowly recounting her story, “My mom divorced my dad and remarried Alex Fowler a few years later when I was four.”

Elspeth listened attentively to Tina, but she could already guess what had happened in her mind.

“Unfortunately, Alex showed his true colors just a couple of years later and started abusing me. He would beat me up whenever my mom wasn’t around. My mom really liked him. So, despite all the violence he had hurled at me, I kept my silence. I kept it a secret and didn’t even tell Spencer. Alex’s abuse worsened because of my lack of reaction.”

Tears rolled off Tina’s cheeks as she told her tale. It was agonizing to bare her story to another after keeping it a secret for so many heartrending years.

“Then, the heliophobia…”

Pain flashed across Tina’s eyes as she muttered bitterly, “I don’t have heliophobia. I just didn’t want to see people. The beating was frequent, and I was constantly covered with bruises. I was afraid people might notice. So, I came up with an excuse to avoid ever leaving.”

Only Spencer, her childhood friend, didn’t distance himself from her and often came over to accompany her.

“Why didn’t you fight back?”

Elspeth couldn’t wrap her mind around it. Why would Tina be willing to suffer the beating for such a long time?

despite being gentle. You make me feel safe. But you’re also a young girl. You may

liked Alex. She didn’t

likes him. I don’t want to

your mom wouldn’t feel disappointed instead? You saw how she looked at you just now. Do you really think this is good for her? Her daughter suffering in silence for her happiness? Any mother would be miserable if they knew what you’ve hidden. You should talk to her about this. Maybe the happiness you thought was right for her was only a

her mouth to defend herself, but no words came to mind. She couldn’t find

to walk out of the room where

was about to leave, she glanced at Spencer.

and hastily

Tina isn’t

disbelief, “How is that

you see the

gingerly moved forward and lifted Tina’s long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Sure enough, all sorts of wounds covered her

Fowler immediately burst into tears

Fowler, abused her. That’s why she pretended to be sick because she didn’t want to

started crying silently as she saw her

had hugged Tina

Miss Lynwood. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t know what

caressed Tina’s hair, treating her daughter with utmost

plan to do

with. I married him only because I wanted Tina to have a better life. I always thought that a father figure was important to a child’s development. Who knew…

mind. “But Tina’s injuries can’t

of leaving this dumpster

family in Blaydal. I’m a mere

sneered when he heard that. “The Fowler Family is nobody. They can’t even compare to the White Family. Tina is my friend, and I will make him

murmured with a slight waver in her tone, “There was once he beat me up when he was drunk.

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