Page 35 of Love's Cure

Wearing jeans and a T-shirt, Misty lowered herself on the couch and covered her face in her hands. “I should’ve ended it after the first time he hit me. But, Crystal, he seemed nice, and he came from a wealthy background. I thought I would be safe with him, that he’d take care of me.”

“You’re a strong woman, Misty. You don’t need someone to take care of you. That’s something that Mom thought she needed. You’re much more courageous than that.”

Misty lifted her face and Crystal caught her breath as she assessed the black eye and bruises marring Misty’s pretty brown face. With one finger, she lightly traced Misty’s cheek. “Where else did the bastard hit you?”

Misty caught her swollen lip. “I’ve got a few other bruises ...”

Crystal checked her clock. It was almost six. Emmett would be up or close to it. “I’m calling a friend. The new doctor in town. While it’s quiet, I’ll take you to see him without causing any embarrassment to you.”

“I don’t need ...” Misty began.

Crystal gave her a withering stare. “I’m not going to let this go. Can I get you a glass of water? Anything?”

Misty shook her head and began to cry. “I love you,” she managed to get out.

“I love you, too, sis.” She went into her bedroom and grabbed her cell, then quickly returned to the living room where she could keep an eye on Misty.

Emmett answered the phone sleepily. “Hi, Crystal. What’s wrong?”

Crystal explained that she needed to bring her abused sister to him to be checked over.

Alert now, Emmett asked, “Is a hospital needed?”

“Not that I know of, but I want you to examine her. I’ll take photos for any necessary legal records. I want to give Misty some privacy by coming to your practice early.”

“Understood,” said Emmett. “Come now. I’ll meet you at the office.”

“Thanks,” said Crystal, holding in her emotions as memories of her mother in similar circumstances swirled around her. She thought of the times she’d protected her sister from being abused and now, here she was.

Crystal handed her sister a bottle of water and a couple of cookies. “When did you last eat?”

Misty shrugged. “I got a couple of snacks on the road, though I didn’t want to waste any time getting here.”

“After we meet with the doctor, I’ll fix you a nice hot meal at the Café,” said Crystal leading Misty outside to her SUV.

On the drive through town to Emmett’s practice, Crystal felt as if she was reliving her painful past. But determined not to show the horror she felt, she patted Misty’s shoulder gently. “We’ll sort this out. You know you’re welcome to stay as long as you want.”

“I brought my belongings from the apartment I share with my friend Maddie. She’s out of town, but I trust her to pack anything I’ve left behind.”

Crystal pulled up to the medical building and went around the back of the car to help Misty. She’d seen a few bruises on her arms but wanted to know the full extent of her injuries.

A light snapped on inside the building, and Emmett came to the door.

The concerned look that crossed his face seeing Misty brought a sting of tears to Crystal’s eyes. He was such a decent man, a sympathetic doctor.

“Emmett, this is my sister, Misty. Misty, Dr. Chambers.”

Emmett shook Misty’s hand. “Hello, Misty. I’m here to help you in whatever way I can. Please come inside.”

Misty stared at his bruised face but remained quiet.

“He and I were in an auto accident,” explained Crystal. “I’ll tell you about it later.”

Emmett led them through the reception area and into an examination room. “I’ll check your pulse and temperature and then get a look at those bruises. Want to tell me what happened?”

“My boyfriend got mad,” mumbled Misty. She studied the floor.

“Does this happen often? His hitting you?” asked Emmett as he began taking her vitals.

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