“Don’t you dare say that, babe, you have nothing to be sorry for.”
She hugged me gently, yet it was full of strength.
“Let’s get you showered and cleaned up, hey?” She released me, I sobbed and nod.
***
I curled up in bed, it had been a long, draining and above all else, emotional day.
I flicked through all twenty-seven texts from Kaden, I finally sucked it up and answered him. It was eight at night and he would be expecting me to have my dinner break with him.
Me: Hey you.
I placed my phone on the bed and peered out the window. The wind blew the net curtain into the room, the breeze welcomed on my hot skin.
Kaden: Hey babe, you okay?
Me: No
Kaden: What happened, babe, you went ghost on me?”
Me: Ben...
I closed my eyes, knowing he would be close to losing it. Martha had said she was headed into the hospital to cover my shifts and tell Kaden.
She’d taken photos and I’d promised I would let her know the following morning if I’d press charges.
Kaden: Babe I wish I could see you.
My heart fell to my feet.
Me: No, you don’t. Believe me, you really don’t.
I smiled at my comment, because in reality, he doesn’t know I look like a monster.
Kaden: What the hell do you mean Gracie-May?
Oh fuck! Martha hadn’t told him. Face slap. Ouch. Broken eye socket and split lip - not a good move, Gracie.
Kaden: Don’t nothing me, Gracie.
Kaden: He’s hurt you, hasn’t he?
Shit, I didn’t even get to answer him back.
Kaden: Fuck, I wish I was there.
No, you don’t. I shook my head and it hurt. Everything hurt.
Me: I’m fine, Kaden, I can take a lot.
I could too. This wasn’t the worst beating I’d had from Ben.
Kaden:I wish I could take it all away
and be there to catch all your tears, babe.
Me: I know, somehow I’ll get through this.
