Concrete Angel

By Heidi Pennington

Perrie Rose Duncan is a normal girl. She has a boyfriend, great best friends but she is also hiding a big secret. What happens behind closed doors? What happens when Perrie's friends find out the terrifying truth. Who is Luke really? Can Perrie escape the clutches of her boyfriend?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Sep 12, 2020
• ISBN: 9781716586408

Book preview

Chapter 1:

The sun filled my room, I squinted my sleepy eyes before throwing the blanket over my head. I burrowed further into the covers taking in the warmth, I like being under here, I felt safe. This is the same exact place a child hides when the monsters get too scary. It’s a safe haven. I’m not sure how it works, I just know it does.

Perrie, your ass better be out of bed!

Mom’s voice traversed from downstairs. Her voice was always so light and gentle. There wasn’t ever a day where it sounded bitter; even when she is exhausted it is gentle and so kind. She makes your ass better be out of bed, sound pleasant. Dad said he’s only seen her mad a few times and they’ve been married for twenty-five years. He says when she does get mad, she looks like a little chick which is actually easy to believe since she is so petite and sweet.

Perrie!

I sighed, kicking off my blanket. Same old routine every damn morning but today was different. Mom and I had plans to go shopping, even though I didn’t really feel up to it but she always looked forward to our weekend shopping trips. My body aches even more today than any other day. I stretched my achy muscles, a yawn took over as I climbed out of bed.  I slipped out of my nightshirt and tossed it in the hamper on my way into my bathroom. I look myself over in the mirror; bruises laminate my body like a canvas of black and blue, and even sometimes yellow.  Luke doesn’t mean to hurt me, he loves me very much; he just gets angry sometimes.  I traced the bruise on my wrist where he held on a little too tightly, he told me he was sorry. I shy away from the mirror and turn on the water. A hot shower is what I look forward to the most in the mornings, it relaxes me and helps my body be a little less achy. I step into the tub, letting the hot water surround me. I just stood there as the steam  filled the room, and tears started to fall, blending in with the water. This has been the only place I’d cry, and it’s been happening a lot lately. I don’t mean for it too, it’s something I can’t really control, especially when I’m alone. On the bright side though I do sometimes feel better after. We all need a good cry every once in a while. After the last tear fell, I wiped it away with wet hands and took a deep breath. After counting to five, I grab my mint wash and finish my shower. I found this article one day when I was browsing the internet, about after taking a deep breath, count to five and it will calm you instantly. I found this to be very helpful. I turn off the water and grab my towel that was hanging over the shower curtain and wrap tightly around me. I stand in front of the mirror once again, running a second towel through my wet hair. My bruises aren’t visible now, well except for the one on my wrist but that one would be a little harder to hide; I am getting better at hiding them though. I hung the towel I used to dry my hair and headed back into my room. My room has always been my favorite place. It wasn’t too big, it was the perfect size. It was just the size to hold my queen poster bed, my dresser and my rocking chair that sits close to the window. I had a closet by the wall closest to the bathroom and still enough space for  another bed and maybe two chairs. Okay, my room is pretty big but I love the extra space. The lavender walls made my room look bright, lavender was my favorite color. It’s been this color for as long as I remember.

About time! You women take forever!

I jumped, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. Damon was sitting on my bed, smirking. I was so lost in thought I didn’t even see him sitting there.

Shit Damon, what the hell are you doing here?

Um, no real reason actually.

I pulled my towel tighter around me to ensure myself that no bruises were visible and I crossed my arms. I really didn’t want to have to come up with a dumbass story to cover up the real one. I tripped up the stairs. I ran into a wall. They would actually believe this shit due to the fact I am clumsy.

Uhh, Jesy wanted me to tell you to call her.

Why didn’t she just call me?

I don’t know. She might have. I don’t understand the woman's logic. That’s why I’m delivering the message.

I grabbed my phone off the nightstand and the screen came to life. Nothing. No calls or texts from Jes. I shook my head.

Well, you gave me the message. You can go now.

You act like we’ve never seen each other like this before. Come on, we grew up together.

Damon smirks, the kind of smirk that would make you feel like your heart is about to come out of your butt and then butterflies go crazy in your stomach. I cleared my throat, trying not to smile.

Yeah, well we were kids then, Damon. We are much older now.

He stood up, he was only about an inch taller than me. I could see his chest tattoo through his white shirt. "I don’t really think anything changed.

Heey! I cross my arms and pout. He threw his head back with laughter. I’m just kidding. You are so much more beautiful.

I smile and uncross my arms. Thanks, D but seriously you can go now. I really don’t need an audience while I get dressed.

He smiled again and my heart leaped in my chest. He always knew how to make me smile even if I’m at my worst, that’s why he is my best friend. He crosses the room and climbs through the window. The same window he uses every time, I honestly don’t think he ever uses the front door.

Don’t act like you don’t fantasize about me. He poked his head back through my window and grinned.

Just go! I launched a pillow at him, it smacked the window and fell to the floor with a thud. He chuckled and left. I sighed. Damon and I have been friends pretty much since birth. My mom and his mom are pretty good friends. We spent every day together as kids. I sometimes can’t get his dark eyes out of my mind. I felt my cheek flush and I turned to my closet to distract myself from my thoughts. I settled with the usual outfit, my high waisted jeans and my favorite sweater. The outfit I use when I have bruises to cover, which lately that seems to be all the time.

                          ***

Mom was sitting at the table, drinking her coffee when I walked into the kitchen. She looked up and smiled. Her long blonde hair fell over her left shoulder, her blue eyes so clear and bright.

Hey, doll. Are you ready to go to the mall?

Of course. Is it okay if Jes comes along today? I'm supposed to give her a call anyway.

I don’t know, Pez. You two are trouble when you are together! She smirked.

We’ll be good, I promise!

I highly doubt that. She chuckled and put down her paper. Of course she can come along. You know Jesy is like a daughter to me.

Thank you, mom.

She finished off her coffee and left me alone in the kitchen as I dialed Jesy’s number.

Hello. Jesy’s voice sounded in my ear.

Hey, Jes. Damon stopped by today and told me that you needed me to call you, is everything okay?

Everything is fine. I haven’t even talked to Damon today.

But he said. I shook my head, holding back my smile. He really didn’t have a reason for being in my room.

Sorry, P, but you know how Damon is. She laughed and I felt extremely stupid. Damon doesn’t often stop by without a warning first, my cover could have been blown if he were to see my bruises.

You’re right. Anyway, I had another reason for calling. Mom and I are going to the mall and I was wondering if you would like to come along?

Yes, definitely! I will be right over!

She hung up before I could even respond. Jesy only lived a street away from Damon and I so it only took her a minute or two to get here so I waited at the door.

Hey! Jesy smiled widely.It’s a little cold this morning! I should have worn a jacket but I look hot today!

I laughed, typical Jesy. She did look good today, she looks good any day. She always picked clothes that complimented her curves. She wore her beautiful burgundy hair in curls down her back most of the time. I was always jealous of her hair. Hell, I'm jealous of her, she is stunning.

Good morning, Jessica! Mom yelled from the living room as Jesy came into the house. Her soft voice travels so lightly.

It is a good morning, Mrs.Duncan.

Oh no, there’s trouble. Dad came into the hallway with mom at his heels. She swung her purse over her shoulder.

Good morning, daddy. I stood on my toes to kiss his cheek.

Good morning, Mr Duncan.

Good morning, Jesy. I hope you are well.

I am, thank you.

My parents and I have a pretty tight relationship.  They even treat Jesy like she is their own. They adore Damon as well. He's the only boy allowed in my room. Luke’s not even allowed, I'm surprised they even let him in the house. They talk about Damon all the time. How handsome he is, how much he has grown. They always want him over. I wish they wanted that with Luke.

"Are you girls ready?

Ready when you are!

Let's go then. She kissed dad goodbye. We will be back later, babe. I love you.

I love you both more. Dad said, smiling as we headed out the door.

Not possible. Mom yelled before shutting the door behind us.

***

The mall was huge and extremely crowded even with how early it was. People pushed past us, bumping and stepping on toes. Jesy grabbed my arm, pulling herself closer to me as I grabbed on to mom’s purse, worried we were going to get pulled into the craziness. We stopped next to the mall fountain, there were less people in this area. I felt like I could breathe again.

Okay ladies, I’ll let you two go off on your own but please meet back at this fountain at noon for lunch.

Are you sure mom,  we can stay with you?

She smiled. No, Perrie. It’s fine. I couldn’t keep up with you two if I tried. She grabbed her wallet out of her purse and pulled out some money.

This is for you, please don’t spend it all at one store.

Thank you mom! After taking the money, I threw my arms around her and gave her a big hug. Are you sure you don’t want to tag along, we will walk slowly? I took a step back and looked at her.

Go, get out of here! Have fun!

Jesy and I headed off, pushing our way through the crowds. We went from store to store, trying on clothes after clothes until we found the perfect matches. We laughed as we tried on the most ridiculous things, from funny hats, to ugly shirts. We pushed ourselves out of the last store, our head thrown back with laughter. I was laughing so hard my stomach was hurting. Jesy’s face was turning a little red.

Did you see that ladies face when you knocked that mannequin down? Jesy said, still chuckling.

Yes, but it was an accident. I even apologized.

She was so angry! She took a deep breath, trying not to laugh again.

But not as angry as that man. I giggled. His face when he caught you dancing behind him!

Jesy laughed again, her whole face lighting up.

We may never be allowed in that store again.

Oh well. We are too punk rock for them anyway!

We made our way back to the fountain, it was