I noticed a note on my bedside table, messy scrawl on a pizza place napkin.
“Put ya in bed, no woman deserves what happened, nor to wake up on the floor.”
I turned it over, they were the only words written. Well, that explained how I got to bed, I guess. Nice.
Opening my phone, I texted Martha and waited for her answer. I would leave Kaden for later.
***
My house smelled of Dettol and apple spray which was odd. I heard humming as I pulled my sore, aching body from my bed. I picked up my cardy from the chair next to my bed and wrapped myself deep in it. It smelled like Kaden and my heart pinched. He couldn’t see me like this.
I headed into the kitchen to find the mess, broken bottles, smoke butts, smashed bench and wall was all cleaned up.
“Hey sweets, ya were sleeping when I arrived so I just got stuck in.”
I smiled at the back of my friend, how Martha knew I was there was beyond me.
When she turned, I saw the look of horror lace her beautiful features and pain flickered in her eyes. “God damn, Gracie.” Her tone was one of hurt for what had happened to me.
“It’s not as bad as it looks.”
Her hands slammed on her hips “Like fuck it isn’t Grace. Damn, hon.”
“I’m sorry.” Tears began to flow, I just couldn’t be strong anymore. I couldn’t do it. I’d been broken one to many times to be put back together with plasters and tape.
“Come here.” Her arms wrapped around me, her scent floated over me - honey and lemon.
“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.
