Page 13 of Mind Games

“My mum kept him away from me. I had my meals in my bedroom. I wasn't part of the family after I told her,” she said quietly as she wiped her face. “I was the household punchbag.”

Unfortunately, Daisy’s story wasn't unique. Some mothers prostituted their children or looked the other way like Daisy’s did. Her brother was nineteen years old now. Her mother was fifty-four, and Tom was fifty-eight.

“You were a child, Daisy. There was little you could do against a grown man. He groomed you for years,” I said as I continued to rub her arm.

“Logically, I know that, but my head gets so fucked up. The memories—”

She didn't finish her sentence, but I stayed silent to let her finish.

“Humans want to believe the best in people. As a child, this is even more so. When you feel up to it, start reading the books I got you,” I said when she said nothing. “The Psilocybin pills will help you.”

My eyes widened when she moved close to me before placing her arm around my waist.

She was hugging me.

Chapter 9

Daisy

No matter his ulterior motive, it felt good to share a few moments from my past, but how he held me tightly against him helped me more than I could’ve imagined. Here I was in his basement with a metal collar around my neck, but his embrace and words made me feel safe. I put my arm around his waist. He was hard, strong, warm and comforting.

Maybe I was crazy.

???

I woke up alone but well-rested. There was a book about complex PTSD on the pillow beside me. My stuffed bear was tucked into the covers with me, and I hugged him. His words echoed through my mind.

Daddy will help you every step of the way.

For twenty-two years, Tom ruled over my mind. Dr Lewis was allowing me to free myself in his own twisted way. He didn't say anything derogatory about my past, but who knew what he thought? He was shameless in his admission of capturing me.

I would always carry Tom and Violet with me, but perhaps with Dr Lewis’s assistance, he would be a muted voice rather than the roaring, chaotic demon inside me. I closed my eyes.

“This is our little secret.”

“It won't hurt again.”

“Look how wet you are, Daisy. You want this, don't you?”

“You're prettier than your mother. Come and give me a special kiss.”

“Tonight is special. I’m going to fuck you somewhere else. You will love it, Daisy.”

“If you tell anyone, who do you think people will believe? A dirty whore like you or a respectable businessman like me?”

“You are nothing.”

“You are mine.”

“I love you, Daisy. You're so good with your mouth, better than your mum.”

“I know you're awake,” he whispered into my ear as he slid into bed with me. “Your mum is asleep. She didn't believe you. If you tell anyone else, I will hurt you far worse than tonight. I could kill you, and no one would care.”

It wasn't just his voice or nasty laugh. I remembered his weight on top of me. The cruel slaps and pinches, and the times I thought he would choke me to death. His eventual effort to try and make me cum. He loved doing that to me because he knew it broke me a little more each time.

I hated them all, but I hated Violet the most. I couldn't call her mum anymore.

Why didn't she protect me?

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