Tainted Love

Monte kissed Bradley's forehead, and sat next to him. "Now.....what's this I hear about you not letting the doctors check you out?"

"I...I don't want them touching me..." Bradley said, looking scared. "What if they don't...?"

"Kiara's nice," said Monte. "She took care of me, and Lennon when momma and dad got us away from her."

"Oh....sh-she did...?" Bradley asked quietly.

Monte nodded. "Let her help baby, I'll be right here."

Bradley hesitated for a few seconds before quietly saying "Okay...."

"I'll be right here baby," said Monte. "I promise."

Bradley gave a small nod, pulling a face as he did so before reaching his uninjured hand out to Monte.

Monte took Bradley's hand. "I'm here baby, I'm here."

Bradley squeezed Monte's hand, tears in his eyes as he looked at him. "It hurts..."

"I know baby, I know," said Monte softly. "I know."

After a small silence, Bradley couldn't help but ask "How...how bad do I look?"

"Not that bad," said Monte. "It probably just hurts worse than it looks."

"Prob'ly..." Bradley said miserably.

"Shhhhhh," Monte soothed softly

"But...but it hurts..." Bradley said, tears falling from his already red eyes, having been crying before Monte showed up.

"I know it does baby," Monte said gently. "but it'll be okay, I promise."

"No it won't." Bradley said. "They...they hate me..." He told Monte, tears flowing.

"Bradley..." said Monte softly. "Don't think like that..."

"But they do." Bradley sobbed. "He...he said so..."

"Don't worry about him baby, he doesn't understand you," said Monte. "He doesn't understand us."

"But he's my dad..." Bradley sobbed.

"I know, I know," said Monte, getting pulling Bradley close. "She's the same way y'know."

Bradley nodded, relaxing against Monte.

"Just try to relax ," said Monte. "You don't wanna hurt yourself worse getting all worked up."