My Pretty Sweetheart (Arianna)

Suddenly, with a loud bang, the lamp on the bedside table and the other things on top fell to the floor, and I was plunged into utter darkness.

Fear engulfed me, I shrank into the corner. Within the darkness, and I heard a baby's cried.

My heart raced, long- buried fear and untold sorrow washed over me and threatened to suffocate me. I curled into myself, feeling all my carefully constructed self crumble in agony. Memories of that terrible night flooded my mind. I felt the same wave of helplessness and fear from that night. I looked down and saw a large pool of blood.

I screamed at the sight.

"Arianna!" Someone called out to me, from outside the window.

Terrified, I yelled, "Go away, all of you go away!"

Trying to stop the shaking, I buried my head in my knees, my body trembled so hard my teeth hurt.

"Arianna, it's me, Hendrix!" A soothing voice rang in my ears. The sounds of thunder receded slightly.

room were turned on, and I blinked at the sudden brightness. The curtains were tied

me. Don't be afraid!" A low

vision to get used to the light. It was only then that I

I burst into tears, my voice choked out, "It's the child. He's here. He... he blames

him take a deep breath and said hoarsely, "No, he won't. He knows you love him. How

patted my back and I leaned in his arms. My tears kept flowing and my heart felt like it was suffocating. "I'm sorry, I've worked so hard, but the rope was too thick.

tightly. "He knows.

his chest and warmed up a little, and when I calmed down enough, I attempted to push away to stand up. My eyes

me to bed instead and drew the blanket

saw in the darkness. With the lights on, I then realised that it was not blood, but just a small puddle of water that blew in through the window from the heavy rain.

did you get in?" He hadn't come in through the bedroom door just

"Our balconies are connected, so

to look at him with a frown, "Hendrix, you

His eyes fell on my elbow and he scowled. "How did you