She Who Laughs Last

Chapter Three.: A Cracked Mask

"Hey, Serenity!" Khalia's voice crackled through the receiver, bright and cheerful. "Listen, me, Tessa, and Sienna are grabbing coffee this morning. Wanna join? Just a quick catch-up, I haven't seen you in ages!"

Serenity hesitated. There was a mountain of chores waiting for her at home, but the thought of some friendly company was tempting.

"I don't know, Khalia," she admitted, glancing at the time. "8:58 am... I have a lot to do."

"Come on, cuz!" Khalia's voice was filled with excitement. "Just for like, thirty minutes? We haven't properly gossiped since, like, forever!"

Serenity sighed again, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. Khalia. They were practically sisters, having grown up practically inseparable through high school. Tessa and Sienna, on the other hand, were Khalia's friends, not really hers. They had a habit of making snarky remarks about her clothes or her quiet demeanor, which Khalia thankfully always shut down. Still, there were good memories with them too.

"Alright, alright, you win," Serenity relented, a ghost of a smile touching her lips.

Khalia's delighted squeal filled her ear. "Awesome! We'll meet at Café La Rue at 9:30. See you then!" The call ended with Serenity feeling a flicker of excitement for the first time in what felt like an eternity. She couldn't wait to catch up with Khalia, even if the others were a bit...much.

The bus arrived shortly, and Serenity hopped on. A few minutes later, she stepped off at the next stop, town square and made her way towards the quaint little cafe. She could feel the stares of the other passengers as she walked by, their gazes lingering on the bruises she hadn't fully concealed. Her heart raced as she pushed through the cafe's doors, the bell chiming a sweet greeting.

As she neared, she spotted Khalia, Sienna, and Tessa tucked into a corner booth. "Hey, Serenity!" Khalia greeted, her face lighting up as she saw her cousin approach.

Khalia's warm brown eyes sparkled with joy, framed by long, thick lashes. Her dark skin, a rich brown tone, seemed to glow under the café lights. Her hair was styled in neat box braids that fell just past her shoulders, covered with small golden beads. She wore a vibrant yellow sundress that complemented her complexion beautifully, paired with delicate gold hoop earrings and a matching necklace. Khalia's style was a perfect blend of modern chic and cultural pride.

Serenity managed a smile. Just then, as they exchanged hellos, a stray comment from Sienna drifted past Khalia's ear.

"...Honestly, I don't see why you invited her, Khalia. She's so boring..."

Serenity froze, the warmth in her chest replaced by a familiar coldness. Sienna, with her pin-straight platinum blonde hair that fell to her waist, fixed her piercing emerald green eyes on Serenity. Her fair skin was flawlessly made up, with a hint of a summer tan. She wore a form-fitting red dress that accentuated her tall, willowy figure, paired with sky-high stilettos. Every inch of Sienna screamed high-maintenance glamour, from her perfectly manicured nails to her designer handbag.

But before Serenity could react, Khalia cut Sienna off with a sharp tone.

"Hey! That's not nice. Serenity's my cousin, and we're here to catch up. How about we leave the negativity at the door?"

Sienna and Tessa mumbled apologies, their smiles not quite reaching their eyes. Tessa, the shortest of the group at barely over five feet, pushed a strand of her wild, corkscrew curly red hair behind her ear. Her pale, freckled face was a mask of feigned contrition, her hazel eyes darting between Khalia and Sienna. Tessa's petite frame was clad in a flowing, floral-print bohemian-style blouse and distressed jeans, her feet in well-worn leather sandals. Her style was a deliberate contrast to Sienna's polished appearance, embracing a more free-spirited, artistic vibe.

Taking a deep breath, Serenity pushed past the hurt and slid into the booth, ready to enjoy her stolen moment with Khalia, no matter the company. The conversation flowed around Serenity, a whirlwind of chatter she couldn't seem to catch hold of. Khalia, ever the bubbly one, was recounting a disastrous date, her hands animated and her laughter infectious. Tessa and Sienna listened, nodded, and offered their own tales of love gone wrong, their giggles echoing through the café.

Serenity gave small occasional smiles and nods, trying to keep up with the conversation, but her mind was elsewhere. Cole's cruel words and actions from the night before were a persistent buzz in the back of her mind, a grim reminder of the life she was trapped in. Despite the warmth of the café, she felt a cold shiver run down her spine every time she thought about the monster that was her husband.

The waitress arrived, taking orders with practiced efficiency. When she reached Serenity, a small smile played on her lips. "What would you like dear?"

Serenity shook her head, her stomach grumbling in protest. "No, thanks. I'm fine." She couldn't even bring herself to look at the menu, the prices alone were a reminder of the control Cole had over their finances.

Khalia turned to Serenity; her brow furrowed in concern. "Are you sure, hun? Didn't you just drop off Kaia at school, you probably didn't have enough time to eat breakfast."

Serenity forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm just not that hungry."

Thankfully, the conversation shifted, Khalia launching into a story about a new bakery she'd discovered. Briefly, Serenity allowed herself to get lost in the sweetness of her words, imagining the warm scent of fresh bread and the sticky goodness of a glazed donut. But as the minutes ticked by, the weight of Cole's verbal abuse grew heavier, his voice echoing in her ears. "Bullshit," he'd say, slamming his fist into the wall when she'd done something wrong. "Stupid b***h," he'd spit out, when she didn't meet his expectations.

Serenity sat in the cafe, her mind racing. Cole's profanities had become the background noise of her life, a constant reminder of her fear and subjugation. She tried to focus on Khalia's stories, but the memory of his cruel words lingered like a foul taste in her mouth. Then, abruptly, the conversation landed back on Serenity. "So, how's Kaia?" Khalia asked, her smile genuine.

"She's doing great," Serenity replied, her voice brittle.

Tessa piped up, "Seven years old, right?"

Serenity nodded, her fingers twisting in her lap.

Sienna leaned forward, her lips pursed. "Your only child? Don't you think Cole deserves more? I mean, he takes care of the family. The least you could do is give him more kids."

Serenity felt the heat rise in her cheeks. "It's not that simple," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Kaia's pregnancy... well, it was very difficult. The doctors... they recommended I shouldn't have another child."

Internally, Serenity winced. Doctors? There had been no doctors. Just a cold, fear that had taken root in her heart. Fear of Cole, fear of another pregnancy, fear of bringing another child into a world that already felt so cruel. But she couldn't tell them that.

Tessa scoffed. "What use is a housewife if she can't even give her husband children?"

Khalia bristled. "That's a horrible thing to say, Tessa!"

Serenity wanted to sink into her seat, to disappear entirely. But before she could shrink further into herself, Sienna chimed in, oblivious to the tension. "Why don't you just get a job then, Serenity? Help out financially?"

Serenity opened her mouth to reply, then closed it again. The truth, the suffocating truth, wouldn't be understood here. Cole wouldn't allow her to work, he had made her drop out of high school when she got pregnant with their first child. He wanted her trapped, dependent, utterly under his control. And in a way, she was.

Taking a shaky breath, Serenity managed a small voice. "I... I didn't graduate high school. Remember?" She swallowed hard. "And Cole... he doesn't think it's necessary for me to work."

Sienna took a sip of her latte, her eyes scanning Serenity from head to toe. "Wow," she finally drawled, "you're so lucky to have Cole take care of you. I can't imagine a life of just sitting around all day."

Tessa on the other hand spoke up. "For someone married to a rich man, your dress sense is...hideous."

Sienna burst out laughing, the sound grating on Serenity's already raw nerves. Khalia slammed her hand on the table, her eyes flashing. "That's enough, you guys," she said firmly. "Serenity, you look lovely."

Serenity forced a smile, the words stinging more than the bruises on her skin. "It's fine, Khalia, really." She looked at Tessa and Sienna, her voice flat. "It was... lovely catching up with you both."

"Already leaving?" Tessa smirked.

Serenity started to rise, her escape a welcome relief. "Yes, I think I'll head home."

"Wait, Serenity!" Khalia called out before Serenity could take another step.

Serenity turned back, a flicker of hope battling the weariness in her eyes. "Yes, Khalia?"

"Are you sure you're okay? You seem...off." Khalia's voice was laced with concern.

Serenity shook her head, a fresh wave of nausea washing over her. "No, I'm fine. Really."

Just then, her phone buzzed in her pocket. It was an unknown number. With a trembling hand, she answered.

"Hello?"

"Ms. Vale ? This is the Mercy General Hospital. Your mother, Mrs. Lewis, has been admitted. She seems to have collapsed..."

Serenity's eyes widened in horror. "My mother? I'm on my way right now!"

She hung up, the phone trembling in her hands. "Everything alright?" Khalia asked, worry etched on her face.

Serenity took a shaky breath. "My mom... she collapsed."

Khalia's jaw dropped. "Oh my god! That's terrible! Don't worry, I'll drive you to the hospital."

"No, I can't ask you to do that..." Serenity started to protest, but Khalia cut her off.

"Nonsense! Come on, let's go."

Khalia grabbed her purse and practically dragged Serenity out of the cafe. Tessa and Sienna watched them go, their snide comments forgotten. Outside, Khalia sprinted towards her car, a sleek red convertible. Serenity blinked in surprise.

"Wait, you have a car?"

Khalia unlocked the door, throwing her purse in the passenger seat. "Yeah, my boyfriend got it for me."

Serenity climbed in, a wave of relief washing over her. "Boyfriend? You didn't tell me!"

Khalia laughed, a genuine sound that warmed Serenity's heart. "Sorry, cuz! It happened really fast. We've been dating for about one and a half years now. He's a sweetheart. Anyway, let's get going."

"Almost two years!" Serenity exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine happiness for Khalia. "You've got to tell me everything!"

"You'll meet him sometime, but right now, let's focus on your mom," Khalia said, her voice firm as she started the engine.

As they pulled out of the parking lot, Khalia squeezed Serenity's hand. "Seriously, though, are you okay? How are Kaia and Cole?"

Serenity forced a smile, the lie tasting bitter on her tongue. "We're all fine, Khalia. Really. But thank you. For everything."

Khalia nodded, her concern still lingering in her eyes. "If you need anything at all, anything, you call me, okay? No matter what time."

Serenity looked at her cousin, a wave of gratitude washing over her. In this world of darkness, Khalia was her beacon of light. For the first time that day, a tiny spark of hope flickered in her heart. Maybe, just maybe, things could change.

Khalia pulled into the bustling hospital entrance, the flashing lights momentarily blinding Serenity. "I'm so sorry, cuz," Khalia apologized, her face etched with concern. "I wish I could stay with you, but I have a meeting at ten I can't miss."

Serenity offered a weak smile. "It's okay, Khalia. Thank you so much for the ride. Honestly, I don't know what I would've done..."

They shared a quick hug, and Serenity stepped out of the car, the hospital's cool air a stark contrast to the warmth of Khalia's embrace. She watched as her cousin drove away, the hopeful spark from their conversation fading. The reality of her situation crashed back down around her, and she couldn't help but feel a sinking dread as she approached the hospital's sliding doors. The antiseptic smell washed over her, bringing with it the echoes of Cole's harsh curses and the painful memories of his fists.

Serenity shook her head as she walked towards the receptionist. Hi, I'm here to see DeeLewis."

The receptionist looked up at her with a kind smile. "Ah, yes, Ms. Vale . Your mother is in room 213. Take the elevator to the second floor and turn left."

Serenity nodded, her heart racing as she made her way to the elevator. The journey to the second floor felt like an eternity, the sterile walls closing in on her with every floor they passed. When the doors finally opened, she stepped out into a hallway that smelled faintly of bleach and fear. The clicking of her heels echoed off the linoleum, a stark contrast to the muffled whispers and distant cries of pain.

As she approached room 213, she couldn't help but remember the last time she had been in a hospital...for herself. Pushing open the door, she braced herself for the worst. Instead, she found her mother, Dee, laying on the edge of the bed, a half-knitted scarf draped over her lap. A wide smile on her face as she looked up at Serenity.

"Mom!" Serenity rushed to her side. "What happened? Are you okay?"

Her mother looked up, her smile widening at the sight of her daughter. "Serenity, darling! Don't you worry about me. I just... fainted a little spell this morning. The doctor says I'm all fine now, just a touch of dehydration."

Serenity stared at her mother, bewildered. "Fainted?"

Her mother chuckled, patting the space beside her on the bed. "Come, sit with me. Tell me all about Kaia and Cole. How's that new school working out for the little one?"

Serenity hesitantly took a seat, her gaze flickering to the window. "They're... fine," she mumbled. She reached out to take her mother's hand but flinched as a sharp pain shot through her arm.

Vicky's eyes narrowed. "Serenity? What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Serenity lied, averting her gaze. "Just... slept funny."

But her mother wasn't fooled. Reaching for Serenity's arm, she gently pulled up the sleeve of her turtleneck. Her brown skin was marred by the telltale signs of abuse – fingerprints like purple ink on her wrist. The room grew quiet as Serenity felt the weight of her mother's gaze.

"Cole?" Serenity whispered; her voice hoarse from the tears she had been holding back. "I am afraid of him, Mom. Every day is like walking on eggshells."

"Kaia...Kaia," Serenity's voice cracked as she spoke her daughter's name. "She's so young, so innocent. I don't want her to grow up thinking this is normal." She stared at her mother, the words coming out in a rush as if they had been damned up behind a wall for too long. "I...I want...I want to leave him," she whispered, the fear palpable in the air.

Finally, her mother spoke, her voice surprisingly firm. "No, Serenity. You can't leave Cole. He's your husband, and he takes good care of us." She glanced around the comfortable hospital room. "Your father's in rehab, and I'm here in this fancy hospital. Without him, we'd be struggling."

Serenity stared at her mother, her heart sinking. "Mom, are you serious? You know what he does to me! You've known for years! And I'm here telling you I can't take it anymore, and you're worried about money?"

Her mother's expression grew solemn. "Serenity, sweetheart, I know it's hard. But think of Kaia. You have a good life. Don't throw it all away because of some bruises."

Serenity felt a knot form in her stomach. Some bruises? Was that all her suffering amounted to? The room grew colder, the words like ice in her veins. "Some bruises?!" she exclaimed, her voice shaking with anger and despair. "You know what he does to me, Mom! You've seen it with your own eyes!"

"Serenity! Do you want to be on the streets? Where will you go?" Dee's voice grew frail, her grip tightening around her daughter's hand.

"I...I... I don't know," Serenity replied, her voice trembling. "But I can't stay with him, Mom. He's hurting me, and it's not just bruises." Tears fell silently down her cheeks, her chest heaving with each painful breath. She had hoped, just for a moment, that her mother would understand, that she would offer a way out. But her mother's eyes were filled with greed, not compassion.

"Serenity-" her mother began but Serenity yanked her hand away, her eyes blazing with anger and pain.

"Serenity don't be stupid," her mother's voice grew sterner. "You've got a good life. You're just overreacting."

"Forget it, Mom," she said, her voice shaking. "I guess... I guess I was just hoping for something different."

Serenity turned towards the door; her heart heavy. Her mother tried to say something else, but Serenity was already out the door, her steps echoing down the hallway. She couldn't bear to stay in that room, surrounded by the stench of her mother's denial and her own desperation. The elevator ride down felt like a descent into hell, each floor dropping away like layers of hope. She stumbled out into the parking lot, her vision blurred by tears. The cold, harsh sunlight hit her like a slap in the face, a cruel reminder of the world that continued to turn despite her pain.

The world seemed a blur as she walked, each step a battle against the weight of her own despair. Reaching the bus stop, she sank onto a worn bench, the cold metal seeping into her skin. Tears welled up, spilling over like a dam finally breached. Sobs wracked her body, wracking, desperate gasps for air that went unheard by the people who hurried past, oblivious to her silent scream.

A crumpled tissue appeared in view, startling her. Looking up, she met the gaze of a man unlike anyone she'd ever seen. A giant, easily towering over her at 6'5", with a jawline that could cut glass and a physique that spoke of hours in the gym. His skin was a deep tan, a stark contrast to the white collar of his shirt, and his long, black hair was pulled back into a bun. The tattoos on his arms were intricate, weaving patterns that danced from his wrists to his elbows, hinting at a past filled with untold stories.

He had brown eyes, deep and knowing, that seemed to look right through her. "Here," he said gently, his voice a low rumble. "Take it."

He had an accent, something unfamiliar yet soothing, and Serenity took the tissue, wiping at her eyes. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion.

The man didn't speak immediately, just continued to watch her with those warm, concerned eyes. Finally, he spoke, his voice thick with a French accent and firm. "Be careful who you keep close, Miss..." he trailed off, waiting for her to fill in the blank.

Serenity hesitated, unsure if she should trust this stranger. But something in his gaze, a quiet strength and unexpected kindness, disarmed her. "Mrs Vale ," she whispered.

"Ms. Vale ," he echoed, his voice a caress. "Be careful who you keep close, Ms. Vale . And if you ever need someone to talk to, someone who can help..." He reached into his pocket, pulling out a sleek, black business card.

There were no words printed on it, just a single phone number.

"Call this number," he instructed, handing her the card. Before Serenity could even stammer a question, the man turned and walked towards a waiting black Range Rover. He slid into the passenger seat, offering one last look in her direction. For a fleeting moment, there was a glint of understanding, maybe even a hint of sadness, in his eyes before he pulled away, leaving Serenity alone on the bus stop bench, clutching a mysterious business card in her hand.

Confused but strangely hopeful, Serenity stared at the card. What did he mean? Who was he? And why did he care? She had a million questions, but for now, all she had was a phone number and a promise of help. It was more than she'd had in a long time.