Jerking around I dropped my bag and jerked up against the wall, instinctively trying to hide in the shadows.
“Ma’am, I’m a cop. It’s ok. Everything’s alright now. Can you tell me what happened?”
I looked out from the shadows, seeing the kind face staring back at me. Sandy blond air and twinkling blue eyes stared back at me. He kept his distance, probably knowing I couldn’t take him being even one step closer right now. My eyes flicked down to the badge on his shirt. He wasn’t a real cop, just arena security. That was good. Good. I could get away from him. I just had to get home. Home. God, what a wonderful word.
I shook my head and swallowed thickly, hating myself for the lie I was going to tell. Just in case anyone had seen me with Mark I kept my head down. I’m sure my features weren’t recognizable now anyway but I didn’t want word getting back to him. “My . . . my boyfriend and I had a fight.” Licking my lips nervously, I almost gagged at the taste of blood. Slowly, painfully I reached down and picked up my bag. “We’ve parted ways. I’m going home.”
The cop started to frown. “Bastard.” He took a step closer and involuntarily I backed away. He stopped immediately, holding out his hands and backing a few steps away. “Honey, it’s ok. Don’t worry. He won’t hurt you again. We’ll file a report and we’ll have his ass in jail before you know it. Come on. . .” He held his arm out invitingly, motioning me forward.
I was already shaking my head. “No. I’m going home.”
“Honey, you need to go to the hospital. We’ll get you checked out and then you can go home.”
I just shook my head and started backing away from him.
“Damn it you have to go to the hospital. You’re hurt!”
I jumped at his raised voice, raising haunted eyes to his. Instantly he calmed down, frowning. “Jesus, I’m sorry. Don’t mind me. I just want to get you taken care of. We need to get you checked out.”
Shaking my head again I backed away. I hated how jumpy I felt. I was scared of my own shadow. Taking a deep breath, I felt the catch again in my ribs. Wrapping one arm tight around my waist, I looked back at the guard. “I’m going home.”
He turned away and I watched carefully as he walked in a tight circle, once, twice, before turning back to me. “Hell, let’s get you home. Maybe someone there can talk some sense into you. You need to be checked out.” I saw his eyes flick down my body and moved a few steps further away. He ignored my movement. “From the tight grip you have on those ribs, I’d say a couple might be cracked, maybe broke. You’ve got two black eyes, a busted lip. Can you breath through your nose ok?” He waited for my cautious nod before continuing, “Well, at least it shouldn’t be broken. Come on, I’ll give you a ride.”
I shook my head. “Taxi. Get me a taxi.” Looking back at his gentle eyes I added, “Please.”
He looked like he wanted to argue. I even saw him open his mouth before snapping it shut. Finally unclipping his cell phone he made a call and a few minutes later a taxi pulled around to the side of the building. I sent him a questioning look.
“They usually hang around out front but I asked him to just come around to the side. I didn’t figure you could walk that far.” Walking over to the car he opened the back door, standing back from it as I walked closer.
Slowly I took the few steps needed to get me even with the car. Without asking he reached out and took my bag, tossing it onto the back seat. “Don’t go skittish on me now, honey. I’m just trying to help. Now let me help you in. You have money for the fare?”
He grabbed my arm and I had to bite my lip to hold back a moan. My arms were sore where Big Show had grabbed me repeatedly. Slowly he eased me onto the backseat, helping me get settled before slamming the door shut.
“Honey, answer me now. You have money? I’ll loan you some and you can just pay me back. Just come back here and ask for Jack. That’d be me.”
I shook my head. Mark had given me some money that morning and I hadn’t spent any of it. I had enough to get home. “I’ve got enough.”
He nodded, not sure what else to say.
I leaned forward and told the woman driver to take me to the nearest airport. I could see Jack start to frown but cut him off. For the first time I looked up and met his eyes, “Thanks Jack.”
As we pulled away he waved a hand and I could still see the concerned look on his face even after I’d leaned back and closed my eyes. I was going home. Home.
I paid off the taxi and finally convinced the woman that I didn’t need to go to the hospital first. Stopping just inside the terminal I counted the cash I had left. There was over a thousand dollars there. Looking around I finally spotted what I wanted. Ignoring all the stares and the whispers I made my way toward the shop advertising gaudy sunglasses and beachwear. The little bell tingled when I pushed the door open. The woman behind the counter looked up and I watched through one eye as her mouth fell open in shock as she looked me up and down.
I could understand the reaction. My jeans were filthy and crusted with blood where I’d wiped my hands. There was a hole in one knee and more buttons were missing from my shirt than it had on it. I’d just criss-crossed the front and tucked it in my jeans to keep it closed. I ignored her and headed directly for the hats on a rack by the door. Grabbing the least gaudy one I quickly turned for the sunglasses rack. I picked out the pair with the biggest, darkest lenses and grabbed a long, black beach cover up. I quickly put my purchases on the counter. I wouldn’t win a fashion award but at least I’d be able to hide the blood and bruises and get on the plane.
The woman’s mouth was still catching flies, her eyes flicking from my swollen eyes to my split lip. I glared at her for a minute and slapped my cash down on the counter. She finally got the message and quit staring, ringing up my purchases instead. Her vague, “Come again” was still ringing in my ears as I headed out of the store. I looked around cursing Big Show again and again as I had to squint to see anything clearly. Finally spotting the bathroom sign I headed in that direction. Walking through the door I was thankful to find it empty. I walked over and sat my bag down before glancing at the mirror. My face was a mess. No wonder everyone wanted to commit me to a hospital. All I wanted to do was go home. I just wanted to go home. I just needed to hold it together long enough to get home and I’d be ok.
Grabbing a few paper towels I ran cold water over them and washed the blood off my face, dabbing gently at my split lip. Finally I sighed, there was nothing else I could do. I washed my hands before jerking my new shirt out of the bag. Not bothering to take off my old one, I slid the cover up over my shirt and did up all the buttons. From what I could see that hid the blood pretty good, its hem dropping well past my knees. Pulling out the hat next I stuffed all my hair up underneath it and then slid the glasses on my nose. Taking a quick glance in the mirror I shook my head. I looked like I didn’t have any fashion sense but the only blood you could see was my nose which was still a little swollen and my busted lip. Hopefully I’d pass muster.
Tossing my shopping bag in the trashcan I made my way out of the bathroom. My ribs were killing me by now. I could hardly walk straight. Damn it! Stumbling across the terminal I made my way to the ticket desk.
“I need the next available flight to Paris, Texas.”
“That will be six hundred and seventy eight dollars. The flight leaves in twenty minutes and the boarding gate is at the far end of the terminal. You’ll have just enough time to check your luggage and get in line to board. Will that be cash or charge?”
The clerk kept looking straight ahead after one startled glance at me. He kept his eyes averted and his tone completely neutral. “Cash,” my voice was hoarse but he never blinked as I slapped the cash on the counter. He handed over my ticket and I turned away. The guy next in line stepped up too quick and walked right into me. I moaned as the pain went right through me. I wavered on my feet barely keeping my balance. He never even noticed. Stepping carefully around the rest of the people waiting impatiently I started toward the gate on the ticket. By the time I made it to the gate, the announcement was made to board. I hurried to be one of the first on board, hoping to avoid being jostled unnecessarily. Finally making it on board, I looked for my seat, collapsing gratefully into it. I was asleep before take off.
“Miss, oh miss, you have to wake up now. We’re going to land in ten minutes.”
I jerked awake as the stewardess moved on. At first I wondered why I couldn’t see quite right, why my vision was so dark. But it only lasted a minute before the memories flooded back. I could feel his huge hands on me, his hot breath on my neck, his threats ringing in my ears. Nervously I glanced around. I knew it was impossible but I couldn’t help myself. I had to make sure he wasn’t there.
I moved to sit up and moaned out loud in pure misery. My whole body had stiffened up during the flight. God, there wasn’t a part of me that didn’t ache or feel like it was going to fall off if I moved too quickly.
“Are you okay, dearie?” an elderly voice to my right questioned.
I looked around and saw the little old lady in question. She sat beside me in the aisle seat, her wrinkled face a mask of concern.
I just nodded and turned away. I didn’t want anyone’s concern. I didn’t want any nosy questions. I just wanted to be left alone. I just wanted to go home.
“I wouldn’t put up with that from him, dearie. I’d dump his ass. You can do better.”
I jerked my head back around towards her at her language. She looked like the perfect little grandmotherly type but her words . . .her words caught me off guard. I just nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
Reaching out she patted my arm carefully, gently, making sure she didn’t inflict any additional pain. She seemed to be a sweet thing. We bounced on the runway and I thought I was going to die. All my muscles had stiffened up, my ribs were aching and the jostling around wasn’t helping me any. As soon as we were released the little old lady was on her feet in the aisle, blocking the other passengers.
“Come on dear. We’ll get out of here, get you settled.”
I opened my mouth to argue but changed my mind. I’d been stupid enough for one night. I needed help. All it would take was one hard bump and I’d be on the ground. Nodding my head, I grabbed my bag and got to my feet, letting her lead the way.
“All right now, let an old lady through. These brittle bones can’t stand to be bumped. Make way, make way!”
I could feel my eyes widen. She had a big mouth. The little grandmother image faded further and further the longer I knew her. I stumbled slowly into the aisle behind her. We made our way slowly down the aisle with everyone getting out of her way. If her mouth didn’t warn them, her sharp cane did. Out into the milling crowd of the terminal she led me.
“We’ll get our baggage first and then a taxi, ok dear?”
Reaching out I took her hand in mine. Clasping it gently with one hand, I reached up and pulled my sunglasses off with the other hand. I ignored her shocked gasp. “Ma’am, I truly appreciate your help in getting me off the plane. As you can see I did need your help.” Reaching up I slipped my sunglasses back on. I didn’t want to draw any more attention than necessary. “But I’ll be fine now. I’m going to call my brother to pick me up. He’ll come and get me. He’ll take me home.”
I could tell I’d shocked the woman. My sunglasses must have hid more of my face than I thought. Or my face is worse now than it was earlier. But she finally composed herself. “If you’re sure you don’t need anything else. . . ”
“I’m sure. But I do appreciate your help.”
The woman started toward me, reaching her arms out for a hug before hesitating and drawing back. Finally with a sweet smile she turned and walked away. It was so easy to hold it together with her there. To act like everything was ok. Sure there were a few bruises, but I’d had bruises before. No big deal. I was ok. I’d gotten away before it was too late. Just some ugly memories. It was only as the lady walked away that these memories began to close in on me.
A tall man walked by, big in the shoulders with a crew cut cutting off my sight of the little old lady. Oh God, he’d followed me. He’d found me! Shrinking back into the shadows I searched frantically for a way out, for a way to escape. He turned right towards me and I’d already plastered myself against the wall, tears streaming down my face before I realized the guy had light blond hair and blue eyes. It wasn’t him. Wasn’t even close. But I’d thought it was. Still sobbing, I searched for my cell phone, desperately pressing the numbers. The ringing seemed to go on forever.
“Yeah?” a groggy male voice finally answered.
“Robert?” I sobbed. Taking a deep breath I closed my eyes. I had to keep it together. I had to. “Robert, it’s Dory.”
“Dory?” There was a long pause. “Dory, it’s one o’clock in the morning. What’s wrong? Where the hell are you?”
“Robert, I need you to come pick me up. Please. Come get me.”
“I’m coming, Dory. I’m coming. Just tell me where.” He could hear the tears in her voice. His little sister didn’t cry over every little thing. Something awful must have happened. “Just tell me where you are. Tell me what’s going on.”
“Robert, I’m at the airport. Come and get me. Please.”
“Dory, what’s wrong? Tell me what’s wrong!”
“I need to go home. Home, Robert. Please.”
“I’m coming, Dory. Goddamn it. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes. You stay right there, you hear me? Don’t you move! I love you and I’m coming. You stay right there!”
There was a click and Robert was gone. I was alone again in the terminal. Through the shaded lenses of my glasses I watched the people pass around me. Without even realizing it I’d backed myself into a corner near the doors, jumping every time someone new came in or went out. I kept my back pressed to the wall, my eyes sweeping the milling crowd, desperately searching for Robert’s beloved face.
“Dory?”
“Ah!” Jumping away from the voice that had snuck up on my left, I twisted around, causing pain to shoot up through my chest. Looking up I saw the shock twist the man’s features, saw the anger harden his eyes as they swept over my face before I threw myself against him. The comfort of his arms was worth the pain. “Hold me, Robert. Hold me tight.”
His arms tightened around me, crushing my already injured ribs but I didn’t care. I was so cold all I could think about was his warmth and getting as close to him as possible. Finally, he pushed me a little away from him.
“Dory, what happened? Where have you been?” Reaching up he pulled the sunglasses off my face. I reached a hand up, trying to stop him but he already had them off. “What the hell happened to your face?” Rubbing a thumb gently under the edge of one bruised eye he swore under his breath. “Who did it, Dory? Where is he? Give me a name.” His voice was rough, gravelly with the emotion he was trying to contain.
I couldn’t talk. I opened my mouth but all I could do was close it several times and I could feel the tears start trickling down my cheeks. Until that moment, until I’d found myself safe in Robert’s arms I’d been able to hold it together. But now, now I could feel myself falling apart. Robert’s arms closed around me again, keeping me safe. Unconsciously I groaned aloud at the pain his embrace caused and I felt his arms loosen around me.
“What’s wrong?”
Grabbing my glasses from his hand I slid them back on my nose, hiding my bruises from him as best I could. But there was no sense in hiding my injuries, I needed his help.
“I think I’ve got some cracked ribs, Robert. I—I—I can’t breathe very good. Each breath hurts.”
There was stunned silence for a minute before Robert turned the air blue with curses. Finally he was quiet. Gently he reached up and took my sunglass off again, sticking them in his jacket pocket. “Don’t hide from me. What did that bastard do to you?” He reached out and ran his hands gently around her ribs, grimacing when she sucked in her breath. Trailing a hand across first one cheek and then the other, he ran a gentle hand down her nose. “You’ve got two black eyes, cracked ribs. Can you breathe through your nose?” He waited for her nod before continuing, “Well, at least that’s not broken.” Looking around for somewhere to sit he led her over to a row of chairs off to the center of the terminal. Grimacing in pain she lowered herself to a seat and he sat down beside her. Waving a hand at her, he asked, “What’s with the outfit? There’s blood everywhere. Your clothes are ripped. Tell me what’s going on, Dory. Then we’ll make the trip to the hospital.”
“No hospital.”
“Dory . . . ”
I jerked unsteadily to my feet, determined in this if nothing else. I was going home. I felt Robert grab my wrist and it was all I could do not to moan in pain. Taking a deep breath I finally got control and looked down at him where he still sat, watching me.
“Sit down Dory. Talk to me.”
I shook my head, refusing to sit back down. “Take me home Robert. I’ll tell you everything there. I promise.”
There was a long pause while Robert studied me. I could see the wheels turning in his mind. Standing abruptly he draped his arm around my shoulder and led me through the terminal. The arm around my shoulders protected me from the jostling of the crowd and it was the safest I’d felt all night since Mark had left. I didn’t have to worry as long as Robert was close.
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