Just Checking up! Part Seven: A Thorn in my Side!

Silks:

Mavis dragged me into the local dress store, her perfect bun accentuating her ladylike features. Dusting off her silky black A-line dress, her pearls glinted in the morning light. Focusing on her fancy pearl covered heels instead of the wedding dresses, a panic attack waited in the wings. Fussing with Rip’s borrowed sweater, my fishnet tights began to rub against the skin on my bump. Scratching my beat up sneakers on the polished wooden floors, an icy voice paralyzed me. Looking up slowly, a tremble claimed my body. Please don't be real!

“Are you real or a figment of my imagination?” Rip’s mother uttered in hatred laced disbelief, her once perfect bob tweaking out with frizz. “If I didn’t need this job, I would tell you to leave. You ruined my life.” Tears welled up in her eyes, a spot of guilt eating at me. Too stunned to move, her death glare dropped to my obvious bump in his awkwardly fitting sweater. Of all the places, she had to find employment here. No, bad luck had a way of finding me.

“I won’t tell him that you saw me today.” I choked out between quickening breaths, her fists clenching around the hem of her fraying black designer dress. “Please trust me.” Rolling her eyes, Mavis sauntered up to her with a cocky grin. Moving me behind her, the gentle manager and her exchanged an entire conversation without talking. Would I have friends like that one day?

“No thank you with your offer of assistance today.” She spoke politely, her smile so sweet it could kill someone. “We have this handled. Please give us the proper amount of space.” Sweeping me away to the Gothic section, fine black lace and silk sank me deeper into the pool of guilt. Slamming her palm on top of my head, her gentle smile returned my breathing to normal.

“Give me the opportunity to buy the one person I think of as my daughter a damn dress. I didn’t have kids, remember? Let me spoil you.” She urged in a motherly tone, her fingers dancing along the hangers. Plucking a few with a quick examination, her slender arm guided me to a dressing room. Backing off to give me a little bit of space, the light flickered over my head. Every option would expose my scars, a tremor claiming my hands. Shrinking into the furthest corner, silent tears stained my cheeks. The door clicked open, his bully of a mother pinning me to the wall. Too emotionally unstable to fight her off, her crazed expression sent chills up my spine. Her lips moved, the words not registering. Shaking me violently, the volume of her voice increased. Staring numbly at the scars on my arms, a pathetic fit from her wouldn’t snap me out of whatever mental trap I had spun myself into.

The crack of a slap followed by a sting whipped me back into reality, her angry eyes hovering inches from mine. Shoving her off of me, her palm slammed me into the mirror. Cracks danced up the glass, another slam shattering it. Feeling glass shards sink into my back, her rage drove her to fly into another incoherent rant. Jamming my knee into her stomach, dresses fluttered to the floor. Thudding onto the floor, a locked door prevented me from escaping. Banging on the door for help, a crack around my ankle had me hitting the floor next to her. Vision blurred, an angry swollen ankle throbbed violently. Snatching a large shard of glass off the fuzzy blue carpet, a sick grin spread across her lips. Crawling towards me, sharp jolts of pain shot up my arm. Wincing at the glass sticking out of my palm, ruby pooled around the small pieces. When was this nightmare going to end?

“Please put the glass down.” I pleaded desperately, her head shaking in gleeful defiance. “Help! I need help!” Banging on the door, every attempt to move failed spectacularly. Covering my bump, horror rounded my eyes at her raising the glass over my hand. The color drained from my cheeks, a layer of clammy sweat beading on my skin. Scrambling behind the black chair in the other corner, a couple of stabs had fluff floating into the air. How the hell was I going to get out of this freaking mess!

“If I can’t have him, you can’t!” She screamed shrilly, a new level of terror forcing me into a paralyzed position. “Ever since he went to that damn coffee shop, he wouldn’t stop talking about how amazing you were! Ripping my hair out would have been better than torturing my ears.” Imagining my mother’s face over hers for a second, the fight or flight response seemed seconds from kicking in. Wondering where the other people were, an eerie silence answered me.

“What did you do?” I interrogated cautiously, a watery tone biting my voice. “Why isn’t anyone coming?” Leaning forward, shadows flickered across her face. Shrugging her shoulders,the lack of answer gave birth to even larger fears. Scooping up the closet objects, the pricks of glass finding its way deeper into my tender flesh as I picked up the navy vase. History wasn’t going to repeat itself, the crazy lady getting closer with every breath. Lifting it over my head, a wet thump stunned us both. Collapsing into a heap, only a small cut came from the attack. Rolling onto my back, a long reach had my fingers underneath the stall door. Pulling myself out from underneath, a knocked out Mavis laid next to the manager. Crawling towards the closest phone, ruby glinted on my finger tips. Knocking it off the receiver, a long reach allowed me to dial nine one one. The dressing room blew open, questions going unanswered. Stumbling out clumsily, time had to be bought before she made it over to us. Sirens sang out down the street, red and blue lights painting the walls. Dragging myself in front of Mavis, protecting her became my top priority in a matter of seconds. Kicking up an open container of glitter into the air, her ragged appearance threatened to shatter me.

“Are you going to kill me like your mother? I know you want to do it!” She laughed maniacally, her eyes narrowing into a sickening slit. “Come on, be the monster I know you are!” Shaking my head, no words escape my quivering lips. No, a repeat didn’t need to happen.

“Back off!” I wheezed through quickening breaths, my hand clutching my aching chest. “You don’t need to do this. I love Rip with every fiber of my being. His heart won’t be hurt with me around. What the hell is your problem!” Knocking down furniture to block her, seconds became hours. Shaking Mavis, her eyes fluttered open. Fretting over me instead of taking care of herself, my protests fell on deaf ears. Officers burst in, a rub of my thumb informed me of a busted lip. Smashing Rip’s mother to the carpet, a young officer approached me. Soaking in my appearance, I had to have been a wreck. Hours blurred into an endless sea of reports, Mavis struggling to keep my injuries a secret. Limping out of the store, the lack of insurance would eat all of my savings. Running into a firm chest, Rip lifted up my chin. Fury flashed in his eyes, the gentle manger and Mavis hovering in the back. Wiping away the dried blood on my lip, his arms scooped me up.

“We’re going to the hospital.” He uttered firmly, his tone leaving no room to protest. “Don’t worry about the money. With my salary, the help you need is available.” His words faded in and out, the adrenaline dying down. Everything blurred, a rough slumber stealing me away.

Groaning awake, beeping had me wanting to rip needles out of the top of my hand. Rip nearly dropped his cup of coffee, tears of relief swam to life in his eyes. A black cast clarified its annoying ass into view, my ankle looking hidden. Cursing under my breath, his psycho mother certainly did a number on me. Showering me in feverish kisses, his hands cupped my cheeks. Flinching from the sting of his grip, a flurry of apologies flooded from his lips. Staring numbly at my reflection, a nasty bruise painted my left cheek. Tracing the stitches on my palm, more scars to make me uglier than I was.

“Sorry about fighting with your m-” I began, a tender kiss silencing me. Sitting down next to me, his fingers intertwined with mine. Immense regret mixed poorly with guilt in his eyes, dark emotions splashing onto our hands. Burying me into a desperate bear hug, a knock on the door prevented either of us discussing the horrible day. Releasing me, sore muscles screamed in protest as I sat up. Mavis let herself in, a black garment bag hanging off of her arm.

“Of course you picked out a dress.” I wept openly, everything hitting me at once. “Fat good that will do. I have an ugly cast and more scars to destroy what little good looks I had.” Bowing my head in shame, Mavis asked him to go get her a cup of tea from the hallway. Obliging to settle his serenity, the officers in front of my door sickened me. No wounds but a small cut on her forehead taunted me, relief slowing my tears. Laying the dress on my lap, a dramatic zip revealed a vintage ivory fifties style wedding gown. Delicate lace floated over fine silk, bewilderment breaking down into a shadow of my real smile. Admiring the tea length dress, the darn thing was too gorgeous for me to destroy.

“My good friend got married in that dress and let me tell you something. They were married in a healthy relationship until death. She was with a child like you.” She recalled fondly, a single tear dancing down her cheek. “You remind me of her, bold and strong in the face of fright.” Those words didn’t describe me at that moment, my brow cocking. Kissing the top of my head, her slender finger zipped up the bag.

“True heroes push forward through fear, my dear. You saved me from uncertain doom. Apologies for overwhelming you. This doesn’t cost me a dime.” She continued jovially, her fingers working through the snarls in my hair. “Do you mind if I do your hair for your ceremony?” Shooting out a gentle yes, real bliss returned to her eyes. Cupping my good cheek, her thumb wiped away my tears.

“Why do you care so much?” I sniffled brokenly, her hand dropping to her lap. “Not to sound rude but you people keep investing in my life. Don’t you know the danger of it? Hell, my very presence is social poison.” Donning a motherly smile, her finger rose into the air. Digging around her purse, a package of markers bounced into her palm. Setting them onto my lap, a gracious smile curled across my lips.

“Simply put, you are a kind soul that stumbled into my life. The moment you offered to be my daughter is the moment I knew we were connected in our past lives.” She sighed warmly, her hand resting on my thigh. “I can’t help but to think we came into each other’s lives for a reason.” Leaning onto her shoulder, her arm draped over my shoulder.

“Did the shop get too damaged?” I asked shyly, a scared tone creeping into my voice. “Her actions resulted because of me and me alone.” Lifting up my chin, a calming look met my frightened expression. Fresh tears dripped off of my chin, every breath quickening. Smiling softly to herself, something about presence returned my breathing to normal.

“Everything will be okay. The main thing was you being alright.” She spoke softly, a migraine throbbing to life. “Good news, that monster is rotting in a jail cell with not a damn soul to bail her out. You are safe. Trust us with keeping you safe.” Her lips parted to speak, my faith in them keeping me safe not being the strongest. Rip entering had her rising to her feet, a half-ass excuse leaving us by ourselves.

“How are you holding up?” He choked out awkwardly, the bed creaking as he crashed down next to me. “Sorry about your broken ankle. More like sorry about my mother. Really didn’t know that she was working there.” Cuddling onto his chest, her gifts weighed down heavily onto my body. Glancing up at him, his loving gaze met mine.

“Trying my best to smile for everyone.” I answered honestly, his smile falling. “Don’t do that. Trauma happens to me more than you think. I want to go home and hide but that won’t work this time. She won’t win. Soon we will be husband and wife, a real family.” Stressing about the financial strife this stay was going to bring, worry must have written itself all over my features.

“You didn’t hear? Mavis agreed to pay half the bill and the shop owner agreed to pay the other half of the medical bill.” He informed me with a frown, my shaking fingers beginning to struggle with the needle sticking out of the top of my hand. Charity, that was too much charity. Swinging my feet over the edge of the bed, the first attempt to stand had me falling forward. Catching me by my waist, a yank had me on his lap. Holding me until I stopped struggling, a long breath drew from my lips.

“Absolutely not. You have a few medical issues that need more attention. You know, the stitches in your back.” He growled huskily, part of me wanting something else while the other part fell in line. “Thank you for granting that much solace. Besides, my father might be on his way with the paperwork.” Singing the marriage march, the garment bag clattering to the floor with the markers numbed my mind out. Try to say within reality, annoying mental space.

“Shut up and hold me.” I begged between sniffles, his grip on me getting stronger. “I don’t know what to do anymore. All these people keep helping me and I can’t give them anything in return.” An idea came to mind, a tremble coming to my hand. Time to get over the fear, and make something beautiful. Praying to the one up above, any amount of bravery would be needed for my little surprises. Asking for him to get me discharged, he finally relented. Ditching me to stew on the hospital bed. A few tugs had my bloody clothes back on me, a kick landing the markers into my eager palms. Opening up the package of markers, a heave bringing the cast onto my thigh. Drawing away, a bit of art would make this dark day beautiful. Beauty could come from the shadows after all. Getting lost in the magic of it all, the clack of dress shoes whipped me out of it. Gushing over the whimsical picture of trees and forest animals, nurses found their way in. Adoring my work, kids poked their heads in. Asking for me to draw on their casts, life returned to my eyes. Giving into their requests, sweet relief found her way back to me. Finishing up a few hours later, nurses had my number for when the severely ill kids wished for a few art lessons. Smiling the whole way out, the fresh air of the lake called me. Watching the trees flash by the window of his hearse, the familiar sight of the A-frame woke up a warmth in my soul. Those walls and windows granted me the security my heart craved for years. Rip swung me out of the passenger seat of the hearse, his father crunching up to us. His words faded in and out, the urge to use my oil pastels burning within me. Squirming out of Rip’s arm, both of them tracked me hobbling into the A-frame. Setting up a mini-studio, hesitation lingered in my heart. Time to break off the chains of apprehension. Laying the trays of oil pastels on the table, blank canvases begged to be brought to life. Snapping on the radio, music became background noise to the scratches of my oil pastels. Time slowed down, each stroke dulling the emotional agony of the horrible events of the past couple of days. Finishing up with the last canvas, my real smile illuminated my features. Three black and white pictures of forest animals sitting among the trees, Rip coming up behind me.

“There’s the art I missed. All that darkness finds hope in the light.” He speculated correctly, his chin resting on my head. “Judging by that smile, art has freed up your clouded mind once more. Don’t forget to sign them. Dinner is almost ready.” Acknowledging him with a peck to his cheek, his hand slid down to my bump. Grounding himself by rubbing the smooth surface, scarlet flushed my cheeks. Walking away with a kiss to the top of my head, inky blackness coated my fingers. Grinning with tears in my eyes, the darkness blocked the blood from showing up. Leaning back in my chair, my head cocked back. Art had been a tool to shield me from the agony back then, not heal it. Turning my head over to the kitchen, the garment bag dangled off the furthest cabinet door. Kindness came from the oddest places, a crestfallen expression replacing the joy from my art. Lord, help me heal this shattered heart.