This chapter is graphic. There is NO SEX in this chapter, because I am trying to develop the characters. Please, read it and understand that this is a fictional story. It is not about anyone that is real. All of the characters are figments of my imagination. I hope you enjoy it. Please vote and comment.
Michal awoke Wednesday morning ready to accompany his mother. He didn't have classes, so he was available to go with her at any time.
Delia wanted to talk to Clementine early, because she knew how hectic a full workday could be. She based this in how grumpy Shaun was at the end of the day when he worked long hours. Shaun and already contacted the retirement home Clemmie worked at to request the time for the meeting. At first her supervisor refused, but when she realized with whom she was speaking, her tune changed quickly.
Clemmie arrived at work earlier than usual. She had liberally applied makeup to cover the fading bruises on her eye. It was mostly unnoticeable. If anyone noticed, no one said anything. She was worried about Darren. When he saw her face, he knew something was wrong. Even with makeup, she could not hide the truth from her baby brother.
She recalled what had happened days before. Shuddering at the memory.
"Clemmie, hey big sis. Glad you made it." Darren hugged his sister.
Clemmie groaned inwardly because his embrace hurt. "She hugged him back lightly, with her left arm. It was then that Darren noticed she favored her right arm. He looked closely at his sister, something was off. She wore too much make up. Clemmie didn't wear makeup. She was hiding something.
"Clemmie, what's going on?" but he knew. Robert had hurt her in some way.
"Nothing Darren, I'm fine. Just working so hard." She tried to change the topic. "How are you doing? Where are your friends Kevin and Gianni?"
Darren didn't fall for it. At this point, Gianni and Kevin had walked in. They knew something was wrong. Darren glared at Clemmie. Fury rolled off of him in waves. "Darren" Gianni ventured to ask, "What's wrong?" his voice was filled with fear.
"Darren, what is it?" Kevin asked, looking from his friend to his sister.
Darren didn't address them. His eyes were trained on his sister. "Clemmie, what are you hiding?" he asked quietly.
"Nothing, Darren, Stop being weird." She answered. Thinking
I have to be careful. He can't learn the truth. He'll snap.
Gianni and Kevin sat beside their friend, both concerned, Then Kevin looked closely at Clemmie. He noticed her left eye was bloodshot. Her right eye was clear. She seemed so afraid, and it wasn't because of Darren. Kevin began to speak, but Darren spoke first.
"Clemmie, take your jacket off." Darren demanded softly. Clemmie seemed terrified at the request. She was visibly shaken.
"Wait, Darren, she shouldn't-"Gianni tried to intervene when Darren stopped him but holding up his hand.
Clemmie stood. She couldn't hide the bruises on her arm and her brother didn't need the trouble. She should not have come. "Darren, you're tripping, and I'm out." She declared, as Darren reached her and the jacket fell down her arms. She was covered in black bruises. One name escaped his lips. "Robert, Robert did this."
Klaus the floor guard had made it to the group to see what was wrong. He realized the sister was the cause and ordered her to leave. He caught her arm to escort her out when she screamed in pain. He immediately let her go. He had no intention of causing her pain. When Clemmie screamed in pain, Darren attacked. The other two boys tried to pull him off as a female officer came and escorted Clemmie out. Clemmie stood at the window to the visitor's area sobbing, helpless as she witnessed the guards take her brother down.
She was then asked to leave the building. At this point the weekend supervisor had come down and the situation was contained. Clemmie was escorted off the premises and left sitting at the bus terminal. She was so worried about her brother, but there was nothing she could do for him now.
I shouldn't have come,
she thought.
I should have waited at least until the bruises had healed. If anything bad happened to Darren, it's my fault.
Clemmie sat crying quietly, rocking back and forth, seeking what comfort she could find in the cold small space.
When the security officer grabbed her arm, it hurt and she yelled. If Robert hadn't twisted her arm so hard, the guard would not have hurt at all when he grabbed it.
The last thing she remembered was being forced out of the visitor's area as two guards cornered her brother. She tried to call Sunday, but no one would tell her anything or even let her speak with him.
She prayed this didn't cause serious problems for him. He was making such good progress and had even made friends. Kevin and Gianni seemed to really care about him. He often spoke of a Mr. MacGregor, as did the other two young men. They all had great respect for this man. Hopefully, he could help her brother.
"Clemmie, I'm glad you're here early. You have a meeting at nine o'clock. I'm not sure why, I was just told by the director. Be there on time." Her supervisor, Ms. Weeks, informed her.
"Yes Ma'am," Clemmie answered.
Oh God what could this be about. I come to work on time. Take care of my patients. I even fill in when we are short staffed. I haven't taken a day off since I started. I hope it's nothing bad. I need this job.
At eight forty-five, Clemmie reported to the administrator's office. As she entered, she saw a lovely lady sitting with the most handsome man sitting beside her. It was obvious they were related, but Clemmie wondered who she had to meet with.
"Good morning, Clemmie. Mrs. Kent will be right with you. Have a seat." Then Gladys turned to greet the other people who were waiting as well. "Do you all need anything?"
"No, thank you." Delia answered gracefully. She watched Clemmie covertly acknowledging that she was truly a lovely young lady. It didn't past Delia's attention that Michal was enthralled by the lovely young lady as well. Delia could tell the girl was nervous. The lines of stress on her face spoke of years of worry. Just as she was about to speak, the administrator opened the door and invited all three of them into her office.
Clemmie stood and followed the well-dressed woman and her son into the office, Now, she was even more nervous.
"Good morning, Clemmie. Let me introduce a friend of mine and her son this is Delia MacGregor and her son Michal. Delia, Michal, this is Clemmie, one of the most dedicated assistant nurses that we have in staff. Now I realize this is a private meeting, so I'll leave and make my rounds while the three of you talk." Soon after that Mrs. Kent excused herself.
Wait, MacGregor, I wonder if
"Clementine, I'm Delia. My husband, Shaun mentors your brother." Delia started to explain.
"Oh God, Is Darren OK? Are you here because something else happened to-" Clemmie asked clearly distraught at the thought of her brother being hurt.
Wanting to alleviate her fear, Delia quickly reassured her, "No, Darren is fine. Shaun went Sunday and he was allowed to return to his room. He's fine. I'm here because of you, Clemmie. We're worried about you. From the information Shaun gathered, we know something is going on in your life. Whatever it is, Darren has had a major setback. I'm here to try and help. We need to know what happened. Sweetheart is someone hurting you?" Delia asked concerned etched all over her face.
Michal's heart pounded. The thought of someone hurting this young lady didn't sit too well him. He didn't know why. He liked Darren and the other guys, so maybe that was the reason he was reacting so strongly. Clemmie looked away. She was clearly embarrassed.
"Mrs. MacGregor, I am fine. My boyfriend gets angry and sometimes he loses control. That night I pushed him too far and..." she looked away unable to continue.
"He hit you!" Michal whispered. Now he was becoming really agitated. He understood Darren's anger. Clemmie was small. She was barely five feet tall, and weighed less than 100 pounds, almost as small as a child. He could not fathom someone hurting someone so small.
Clemmie flinched at the inflection in his voice. Delia touched his arm to remind him to remain in control. "Clemmie, where is he now? " she asked.
"He's back in jail." She looked away for a second. "I don't know for how long, though. It's my apartment, but he lives with me. I want to move, but he won't..."
Delia looked at the young woman sitting across from her. She'd never met Darren, but he was younger than his sister. This girl could not be more than nineteen or twenty.
"Clementine, listen to me. I will help you find a place. If you really want to leave, let me know and we can help you relocate today. But, you have to take that first step." Delia whispered.
Clemmie looked at her. Eyes so bright with the hope of a promise, she couldn't believe that this lady whom she didn't even know was willing to help her.
Then she remembered how possessive Robert was. If this lady helped her, he might retaliate and cause her family harm. When Darren was out, Robert was afraid to even touch her, but now that Darren was locked up, he felt that nothing would happen to him.
She knew that if anyone helped her; he'd go after them. How manty times had he told her tht she belonged to him. So Clemmie decided to decline.
"Mrs. MacGregor, I can't. This isn't your problem. But thank you for offering. I know you and your husband mean well, but..." she sighed sadly. "Listen, thank you for helping my brother. Darren is a great guy, and he can make it. I'll be fine. When Robert gets out, I'll just have to be more careful." She explained hesitantly. It was clear she didn't believe a word she was saying.
Michal was stunned. She refused the help.
What is she thinking? Someone is offering you a chance to get away and you refuse. This is ludicrous.
"Clemmie, you don't have to be afraid. When he gets out, you'll be somewhere safe. I promise." Delia whispered.
