Creating God | Closed.

Matt frowned, deciding to give her a minute to cool down before he walked to the door. He knocked on it. "Scarlett? Can I come in?" he asked.

Scarlett quickly walked into her bathroom and splashes some water on her face, hoping it would hide that she has been crying before she laid back down in her bed. "Come in," she mumbled.

Matt walked in. He made his way to the bed and sat on the edge of it. He let out a breath as he stared down at his hands. "My dad was abusive," he said.

Scarlett sat up, fresh tears falling down her face as she moved to hold one of Matt's hand in hers. "Don't," she stated. "Don't force yourself to do this because I have unresolved shit in my past I haven't dealt with."

Matt looked at her. "If we're going to make this work, we have to be honest with each other," he said.

Scarlett stayed quiet, knowing Matt was right. "Only if you're sure you want to tell me," she replied.

"I do," Matt mumbled. "I haven't told anyone else before. I was always embarrassed."

Scarlett gave Matt's hand a light squeeze so he'd know she wouldn't judge him. If he wanted to tell her he could.

Matt sighed heavily. "My dad abused my mom. Like, real bad. He almost killed her once," he muttered.

Scarlett felt more tears fall down her face as Matt talked. No one deserved to live with that.

"He only hit me if I got in the way," Matt mumbled. "I should have gone to the cops or to the neighbors, but I was so afraid he would kill us."

Scarlett frowned, not knowing what to say or how to help the guilt Matt still obviously felt. "You were a kid," she stated. "None of that was your fault."

"I could have stopped him," Matt mumbled. He shook his head. "I was too afraid to admit my feelings for you because I was afraid I'd end up like him."

"You aren't like your father," Scarlett stated. "You're a good man Matt."

"What if I get really angry and lose control?" Matt asked.

"Ask Brian what happened the last time someone tried to lay their hands on me," Scarlett stated. "I fractured Scott's arm and last I heard he's sober and actually respects women now."

Matt frowned. "I don't want it to come to that," he said. "Promise me you'll leave me if I ever get violent."

Scarlett opened her mouth to try and argue with Matt, sighing softly when she saw the look on his face. "I promise," she mumbled.

Matt kissed her forehead. "Thank you," he said. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close to him. He hadn't been able to protect his mom, so he was making it his job to protect Scarlett at all costs.

"My mom left right after she had me," Scarlett mumbled into Matt's chest. "My dad worked hard to take care of me. He was a good man but growing up I was naive and my dad had to save me too many times."