Page 32 of Finessed By A Hood White Boy

“I can take them on my phone and email them to you. Cool?”

“Okay.” I agreed.

First, she began taking pictures of my face at every angle. Then, she helped me remove the dress, which left me standing in nothing but a thong. Hell, we were both women so I wasn’t shy nor was I embarrassed to stand in front of her naked. I stood still as she snapped pictures of me all the way down to my legs. Well, I thought she was taking pictures but once she was done, she said it was actually a video. Even better, I guess. Julia offered to help me in the shower but I politely declined. I wanted to take that time to decompress as much as possible. The hot water that rained over me, temporarily soothed the pain. Images and thoughts of my baby flashed through my mind as I cried. I knew Rob would attempt to come after me, once he realized I was gone and never coming back. I had never taken papers out on him but this was the cherry on top. Not only was I pressing charges, but I was also going to get an order of protection for me and Savannah. This shit was crazy. I never thought my life would turn out like this. It’s cool though, because I was done with the bullshit, and I’ll never allow myself to go through it again. Once I came out the bathroom, Julia was sitting on the bed waiting for me. Quietly, I sat down beside her with nothing to say.

“Here, this will help with the swelling.” She handed me an ice pack to place on my face.

“I’m so sorry this happened to you, Ava. Who in the hell would do something like this? Were they trying to rob you or something?”

I looked down at the floor, and hesitated for a moment before I decided to answer her question.

“My husband did this.” I mumbled, my lips were so swollen.

Tears immediately flooded her eyes as her skin turned rosy red.

“Wait a minute. Where’s Savannah?” She asked, alarmed.

“She’s with my sister.”

Julia let out a sigh of relief as she held her chest.

“I’m not trying to bring my drama to your front door. I didn’t know who else to turn to. I hate to even ask this, but I really need a favor.” I wiped my eyes. “I’m not going to be able to come to work for a few days.”

“Don’t worry about work, Ava. You take as much time off as you need to get better.”

Since I was leaving with nothing, I had to keep working to save up. However, I wouldn’t dare clock in with my face battered. I’d never been the type of person to ask for anything unless I truly needed it. Right now, I truly needed a helping hand.

“I just wanted to know if…if I could get an advancement. I can’t go back to that house. I can’t take my baby back there either. I would go stay with family but that’ll be the first place he would look to try to get me to come back. They don’t care too much for him anyways and I don’t want any more drama to take place.”

Julia wrapped her arm around my shoulder and pulled me close.

“I’ll be more than happy to help you. As a matter of fact, I have a townhouse right outside the city not too far from the office. I’m going to give you the key and you can stay there for as long as you need. In the morning, when the bank opens, I’ll get your money.”

“Thank you,” tears continued to fall as I sniffed. “You don’t understand how much that means to me.” I hugged her.

“Oh honey, I definitely understand. Trust me. I’ma tell you something that I’ve never told anyone before. You’re honestly the first person I’m telling my story to. Two years ago, I was in a relationship with this guy. At first it was great, I really thought that asshole was my prince charming. On the outside looking in, we were madly in love. Literally the perfect couple. But I was sleeping with the devil. He liked to party…a lot. Spent tons of money on coke and ecstasy. I hated it and we argued about it alot. The first time I told him that I wanted out of our relationship he went crazy. He pulled a knife on me and threatened to kill me then kill himself. That seemed to be one of his favorite things to do because everytime it made me stay. I didn’t want to die or have his blood on my hands. That’s until he beat me up pretty badly. Broke my nose in three places and fractured my collarbone.” She stared at the wall.

“I lied and told my parents that I took a trip to the Dominican Republic to get a nose job because I felt insecure.” She chuckled, wiping her tears.

“Instead, I was in Colorado hiding while my wounds healed. I didn’t want to go to my family or tell anyone because I didn’t want people to look at me as weak. When you’re in an abusive relationship, it’s hard to get away, especially when there’s an ounce of genuine love involved. But, eventually, it’ll get to a point where love no longer matters.”

“You’re right,” I agreed. “I’m glad you made it out okay.” I tried to smile.

“So am I, and you’re going to be okay as well. I knew there was something about you when I saw you at the coffee shop. You’re a good person, Ava. You deserve to be with someone that’s going to treat you right. And to be honest, since we’re on the subject. I think my brother might be a good candidate. He definitely has a crush on you.”

“Who? Ethan?” I laughed for the first time even though it hurt.

“Um huh, see how excited you just got. Oh my good, you like him too don’t you?” She shrieked.

“We’re just friends. He’s the boss, and I’m the employee. I can’t cross that line.”

Who was I kidding? The line had already been crossed, but I wasn’t telling a soul about that interaction.

“I don’t know. He seems very persistent. Don’t think I haven’t noticed the fact y’all talk all the time. And the whole time, y’all are smiling like you’re in highschool.” She bumped my shoulder gently.

“We’re just friends.” I reminded her again.

“Okay, but for how long?” She tooted her lips.