Lost Tribrid

Chapter 6

Holly took the plate and cup from my hands before I had a chance to place them back on the tray. I had expected her to ask me something, hell anything, but she didn’t. After she placed everything back on the tray, she simply took it and left the room. Silently closing the door behind her as she went. Hell I wanted to ask her how she managed to not only carry me upstairs but change my clothes. Something I would have to ask when I talked to her about the fee for the room. Needing to determine how long I would be able to stay. f**k! I shouted, what was I going to do? I only had the money that Rick handed me before he saved me. There wasn’t much change after the bus ride and sure as hell not a lot to begin with.

Shaking my head because I didn’t have anything! Everything Jeremy allowed me to wear, which wasn’t much, had all been left. My safety was the only thing that mattered when Rick helped me get away. The man I didn’t know was kind enough to give me a sweater to cover my battered body. Helping to make it less obvious that I needed to seek medical attention. Not that it mattered, because no one seemed too concerned with my appearance. Slowly walking to the bathroom as I thought about everything that had happened since I made it out of the house. Turning on the light and taking a breath before meeting my own gaze in the mirror. My eyes widened as I noticed I had been cleaned up. My hair is a mess of curls with nests twisting in all kinds of directions.

Letting me know that I was lying in bed with wet hair. Not to mention that my skin, which had bruises of all different colors. Didn’t bare any dried blood, only the scabs where the blood would seep from the wound. I couldn’t believe that this petite woman was capable of such strength. Though I, more than anyone, have learned to never judge someone by their looks alone. Looking through the tiny bathroom, I could see it managed to have a separate tub and a standing shower on the other side. Not sure I could handle being exposed in a bath, unsure if someone would barge through the room. Even though the shower door was all glass, I could make it quickly enough.

Turning on the water, I slowly pulled the shirt off as the water warmed. Unable to look at my pale skin and the bones it stretched across. I just climbed into the hot water and sighed as it pounded on my sensitive flesh. Making quick work to wash myself as I fought the urge to scrub my skin raw. Biting my lip as the rag came into contact with the bruises and wounds. Daring not to make a sound out of habit, I knew the beating would come because of making any noise that was disturbing his silence. Once, I was washed off because I knew just the thought of being clean would have me scrubbing harder. I turned off the water and pulled the towel off the hook.

Making quick work of drying myself off before I stepped back to the sink. Reminding myself that I truly did need to thank Holly for her kindness. As the bathroom was fully stocked, including the small hair brush, toothbrush and toothpaste that sat upon the sink. Feeling ten times better now that I was able to wash all the blood and dirt from my mouth. Fighting with all the tangles in my curls. I had to sit on the toilet because it took so long as I ran the brush through my hair. Finally, feeling the smooth soft curls, I put the brush down. Relief flooded me as I couldn’t remember the last time I actually brushed my hair. For work, my hair was always in a bun so it couldn’t be seen how wild and tangled my hair really was.

I only used a basin of water to clean myself daily with a simple bar of soap. Meaning my hair couldn’t ever be really washed. Just dunking the top in the water while attempting to scrub the bar of soap on my scalp. Giving the appearance that my hair was cleaned and maintained every day. Truth be told, if anyone was really paying attention, all the signs were there. No one cared, only consumed with their everyday lives and for that I could never blame anyone. Heading back into the room, it hit me that I didn’t have anything to put back on. Sighing, I went to turn back to the bathroom when movement had me pausing.

My heart rate picked up as I slowly turned back into the room. The fire had died out and for some reason the bedside lamps were off. Shrouded in darkness, there was still movement in the shadows that stilled my beating heart. As the drapes blew in front of the window. From a window I didn’t open. Moon light would glitter into the room depending on where the drapes blew. When blue eyes drew me to the far corner of the room, I knew without a doubt. The man who helped Rick make sure that I got away had found me.

How in the f**k did he find me! Feeling as though the walls were closing in, I squeezed my eyes shut. Waiting for the man to make a move or do whatever it was he came here for, but nothing happened. Unsure of how long I stood frozen with my eyes closed, I slowly opened them. To see the bedside lamps on and the window closed. No fire in the fireplace but the room wasn’t consumed in darkness any longer.

“What the hell is happening?”

I asked myself aloud as I took a seat on the side of the bed. Dropping my head into my hands, trying not to lose my composure. Knowing it wouldn’t help and nightmares would plague me probably until the day I died. I just wished they would only come when I slept and not while I was awake. Making me unsure of what is real and not in my already uncertain brain.

“Dear, are you okay?”

Holly’s soft voice rang through the door. Wanting to shout that I was fine, I couldn’t bring myself to be rude. She had been so understanding considering the circumstances. Since I had questions, no time like the presence, I guess. Walking to the door, I opened it to a frowning Holly.

“Are you okay?” I asked, worried something had really happened.

When Holly looked into my eyes, I could see something pass through her gaze. However, she covered it before I could determine the meaning.

“Of course, I was coming to see if you felt like washing up and bring you some fresh clothes. Though it seems as though we had the same thought.”

Holly’s eyes gazed over my towel-covered body and where it would normally cause me to shudder and back away. I didn’t feel the need to do either, just watched her before our eyes met again.

Holly walked past me into the room. Closing the door, I followed her to the small table. She placed the clothes on the table before turning to face me again.

“I am usually a pretty good guess about size. Why don’t you try this stuff on and let me know if it fits,” she smiled almost smugly.

Nodding as I took the pile and headed for the bathroom. She not only had underwear but a bra that was too much lace for a woman her age. She also had socks with what appeared to be skinny jeans and a turtle-neck sweater. After putting everything on, being more than relieved it all fit. Understanding all too well why the old woman wore such a smug look after she spoke. Opening the door and hesitantly stepping back into the room. Unsure if my mind would try to play more tricks or if I would just encounter Holly.

Relieved when everything was the same and Holly sat on the edge of the bed. “You weren’t lying,” I smiled.

“Fantastic!” Holly said, clapping. “Now I am not one to pry because it’s just rude, but I would like to help.”

Holly pat the mattress beside her, and I willingly took a seat next to her as I drew my knees into my chest. Hugging them tightly as I prepared for her next words.

“I am sure you can tell I don’t have anything. I am more sure that I can’t afford to stay even though the thought of leaving terrifies me,” I honestly confessed.

“Well, I am not asking or making you leave,” I gasped when I turned her way. “I want to help in any way that I can. I can’t imagine what you have been through, and I won’t ask. If you need someone to talk to, then I will listen, but I won’t pry.”

Holly rubbed my back, and I knew she was waiting for me to speak. Tears slid down my cheeks, causing my throat to burn as I held down the sobs. Knowing I wouldn’t be able to get any words out in my current state. I just nodded my head, hoping she understood my thankfulness.

“Alright, so the first thing we need to do is get you a job. Before you panic and pass out on me again. I want to promise you that everyone in our small town are just like me, kind and honest. I never break a promise, so you will just have to trust that. Do you have any skills?”

Holly continued to look in my direction, so I nodded. Knowing this wouldn’t be enough for her to be able to help. Swallowing multiple times, trying to get the lump to go down my throat.

Thankfully, Holly sat in patience as I slowly gathered my composure. When I knew I could speak coherently. I lowered my feet down to the floor and wiped the tears from my face. Turning towards Holly, letting her know that I was ready for this conversation.

“I was a divorce lawyer back home. I will say I am not sure it will be smart to continue practicing,” I paused when fear started to creep back up.

Holly didn’t wait, as though she knew my next words, “nothing you need to worry about. We can get that all taken care of without you having to be afraid.”

Holly hugged me as she let me know that there were calls to be made. I wasn’t exactly sure how she planned on me practicing without fear. To run an internet search for something as simple as a divorce lawyer. Would lead Jeremy right to me and that wasn’t a risk I could take!