Page 5 of Beaten

I nodded and whispered, “I know.”

“You don’t have to give them details, but they love you and they’ll want to help.”

“I’ll talk to them tomorrow, after I’ve rested and calmed down. It’ll be hard enough for them to hear it as it is without me acting like a blubbering fool.”

“Hate to say it, sis, but I think they’ll react the same way whether you’re calm or a blubbering mess.” I half laughed at his honesty. “They’ll be worried. And pissed. Dad will probably want to drive to Houston and crack Craig’s skull open.”

Panic flooded my system. “He can’t.” Craig wouldn’t hesitate to beat my father senseless. Dad talked tough but he wasn’t in fighting shape; he’d settled into a happily married lifestyle with a good cook, and it showed. My lip quivered asI asked, “Will you go with me tomorrow? Help me keep him from doing something stupid?”

And provide emotional support. Not wanting to sound too pathetic, I kept that last part to myself.

“Of course, but I doubt he’ll follow through with any threats he makes, and I think you know it too. He’s not the vigilante type, but he’ll do everything in his power to protect you if Craig shows up, we both will.”

“I know.” But I couldn’t let either of them get hurt because of me. I’d go back with Craig, give him whatever he wanted, before I’d let that happen.

“You’re exhausted. Go to bed and try to rest. We’ll figure out the best way to tell Mom and Dad in the morning.”

“Alright. Is it okay if I take a quick shower?" A hot shower sounded good.

Having all day to think about how I’d explain my appearance, and the abuse, to my parents didn’t make it any easier. Luckily, I spent a lot of that time with my six-month-old niece, Zoe. She didn’t care about the bruises, or my past; she was just happy to be held. Chris must have told Vicky what had happened before I got up, because my appearance didn’t surprise her. She didn’t say anything, but her actions were sympathetic and supportive.

When I offered to watch Zoe so they could have a few hours to themselves, they rushed off to bed, hand in hand. And napped.

Before lunch, I called my mom and asked if we could come over for dinner, and of course she agreed. I did my best to sound casual, a giggling Zoe in the background helped. I’m sure she thought it was weird I was in Weatherford in the middle of the week, especially since I’d cancelled my last few trips with lame excuses. I told her I broke up with Craig, and said I’d fill in the details at dinner.

The evening went exactly as I’d expected. Mom’s expression switched from a big welcoming smile to somewhere between anger and sadness in the span of a heartbeat when she saw my face. Not wanting to hide the truth from them anymore, I hadn’t put on any makeup.

Dad’s anger rolled off him in waves, but he was gentle as he held me in a papa bear hug and asked what he could do to help. I had a feeling Chris had given them a head’s up about what to expect because their emotions were more subdued than I’d anticipated: mom didn’t cry or freak out, and dad didn’t threaten to go to Houston and kick Craig’s ass.That, or they suspected the truth so it's not a surprise.Not that I was complaining, I didn’t want or need them freaking out.

“You can stay with us as long as you need to.” My mom said as we set the table.

“Thanks mom.” Chris and Vicky had offered too, but it’d be too hard for them with the new baby. “That’d be helpful.”

“Will you have to quit your job?”

“No, I work from home most of the time, so it doesn’t matter where I live.” I designed and managed websites for businesses. It was the perfect job; I set my own hours, had no commute, and it paid well.

“That’s a blessing.”

I agreed. Having to look for a new job with a bruised face and my self esteem at an all-time low would’ve sucked.

“Can you tell everyone dinner’s ready?”

“Sure thing.” My stomach growled; I’d been too worked up to eat, and the smell of mom’s fried chicken had my mouth watering.

As I walked into the living room, I overheard Dad ask Chris, “Have you talked to Jamie? I’m sure he could help.”

“Not yet, but I’m meeting him for drinks tomorrow and can talk to him then.” Of course he’d talk to Jamie—his best friend since forever, who also happened to own a private investigation and personal security company. The same company who's ribbon cutting ceremony I had to miss.

“When were you going to tell me?” I wasn’t mad he wanted to talk to Jamie, though I wasn’t thrilled about it either, but I was upset he hadn’t talked to me about it first. My plan was to hide until my cuts and bruises had healed enough that makeup could cover them before going out in public. The last thing I wanted was to see an old family friend while looking like I’d been used as a punching bag.

“Sorry, Em. I was going to talk to you about it after dinner.” He had the good sense to look ashamed. “We made plans to grab a beer and catch up at the ribbon cutting ceremony, before any of this happened.”

“Do you really need to tell him?” I wanted to hide until my bruises faded away, then start over with no one in Weatherford knowing what I’d let happen to me. Besides, we'd filed a restraining order, so he couldn't comenear me.

“Not everything, but I want to ask his advice on how best to protect you.”

Dad nodded. “He’s right, Jamie’s a good guy and he’ll know what to do.”

---