Havoc

16 - A chance at my dream

Wynter

When I woke up later that night, Cassie was sleeping beside me. I narrowed my eyes because she was freshly showered and wearing clean clothes. She was curled up in a ball, and she had a contented smile on her face.

Tears filled my eyes because I was afraid, at first, that Rob had made her do the things he had me do. My gut dropped to my feet, and I fought the urge to vomit.

What would I do if Rob had tricked Cassie into bed?

I couldn’t bear that thought. I gave away my innocence to protect her, but all I could think at that moment was that she had to do the same thing.

My heart hammered as I sat up in bed. I prayed it wasn’t true and that my best friend hadn’t had se.x with the man who promised he wouldn’t touch her.

I gasped to see Rob sitting at the small dining table. He smiled and told me that a promise was a promise, and he hadn’t laid a finger on Cassie – not in the way I thought he might have.

While I slept, he’d gone and picked Cassie up from where I told him I’d left her. He explained to her who he was and that he would bring her to me. Cassie was too ill to fight him, so came willingly.

He brought Cassie to the motel, had her take a shower, and change into the clothes he provided. After that, he took her to a doctor friend of his who said Cassie had flu, which had been made worse by improper care, but that she’d be fine in a few days. Rob had even bought medication to help Cassie get better faster. He fed her soup and then laid her down to sleep off the effect of her illness.

Rob told me Cassie, and I could stay in the motel room for the rest of the week. I thought that meant he wanted to sleep with me again as payment. That wasn’t the case. He thanked me for what I’d given him, handed me a hundred dollars, and then he left.

When Cassie woke up, I asked her if everything Rob had told me was the truth. Cassie never could lie to me because I would always know. But she swore that Rob hadn’t touched her inappropriately and a weight lifter off my chest.

Three days later, the authorities came knocking. I had no choice but to answer the door. Though the room had been paid for until the end of the week, the owner had realized we were alone, and she’d called the police. Cassie and I were taken back to the care home and made an example of showing others what happens when you run away.

After that, I always swore I’d do more to help people who needed it. Putting aside the men who are after me, I don’t want to give up that dream.

“You know,” Ember says, bringing me out of my thoughts. “My mother runs a shelter for battered women, abuse victims, people on the streets. You name it; Second Chance House has it. I’m sure she could find a place for you there.”

My heart hammers with hope, and a smile spreads across my face. “Really?”

“It’s a wonderful place,” Taylor points out. “Nova has done amazing things there.”

“Mom!” Ember yells, and my eyes search the room for Nova.

I giggle to myself when she seems to appear out of nowhere beside the table. “Yes, Ember?” Nova laughs.

“Wynter was just telling me how she’d like to work for you.”

I open my mouth to say something, but nothing will come out. I didn’t say that; Ember did!

“Is that right? And does Wynter have any experience?” Nova is addressing me.

I feel uncomfortable. I don’t want to tell these people about my past, but I have to tell Nova something. “Personal experience.” Is all I offer up.

Nova gives me a knowing look and smiles. “I find sometimes that’s all a person needs. Can you tell me why you want to work with the homeless and abused?” She asks while sitting down.

I swallow hard. I don’t want to give too much away in front of Taylor and Ember. I can explain everything to Nova when we’re alone if that’s what she needs.

“Well, I’ve always had a compassionate nature. I also feel that the homeless are overlooked a lot. Most people walk past them in the street because they think the beggar on the street will attack them or that they did something to deserve where they are now. It’s their own personal ignorance that makes them act that way.”

I take a sip of my drink to cool my dry throat.

“If just one person looked past the fact those less fortunate are unwashed and a little scared to trust, they’d find someone who just needs a little kindness in their lives. I’m not saying every homeless person is innocent and won’t attack another. However, I often find that all they want is help. The selfishness of some is abhorrent. The unwillingness to look past the outside and deep within is something I’ll never understand. If I can help just one person find their feet, then I’ll be happy.” I smile at Nova.

She’s looking at me with a curious smile on her face.

“Well said,” Taylor takes my hand across the table and squeezes, making me blush and smile.

“How can you say no to that, Mom?”

“I can’t,” Nova smiles again. “You’re exactly the type of person I’d hire any day of the week. I’m pretty staff full at the moment, however.”

My heart sinks a little, though it’s not the end of the world.

“I understand. Could you keep me in mind for the future?”

“I can do better than that, Wynter.” My ears prick up. “If you’re willing to get your hands dirty, I could find you something in our homeless department, as that seems to be where your passion lies.”

I don’t care what job Nova gives me; I’ll do anything.

“We have a young woman and child staying at the shelter. They’ve been with us for two days, and I need someone to help Zena and her daughter Claire get back on their feet. From how you spoke just now, I think you’re up to the task.”

“Yes,” I shift excitedly in my seat. “Anything they need, I’m more than willing to help.”

“Well, Zena needs a friend right now. That’s what we offer at the shelter, friendship. Sure, we give them a room, a place to sleep, and food in their bellies. But there’s a lot that goes into helping a person. Some are mistaken, thinking their work is done once those in our care find a job and a home. That is not the case. Follow-ups and support are offered once they leave us, for as long as they need it.”

“I can do that!” Shi.t, I can do that and more if needed.

“Great! Come and see me tomorrow at Second Chance House, and we’ll go through everything that will be expected of you. You’ll need to read over the contract I hand you and get it looked at by a lawyer if need be. Once you’re happy with it and the salary I offer you, sign it, and I’ll put you to work.”

“Oh, my God! Thank you!” I screech with happiness so loudly that everyone is looking at me. I don’t care if they are; I’m so happy! “I could just hug you right now.”

Nova holds her hand up to me. “Please don’t.” She shakes her head.

“Mom’s not a hugger,” Ember informs me. “But I am!” She jumps out of her seat, pulls me from mine, and hugs me tightly. Taylor gets out of hers and joins us, and I could just cry with happiness right now!

My life is looking up!