Dnaleri

Jacob jumped as he sat at his computer, his phone buzzing on his desk. Delighted, he saw it was Rebecca calling him. Perhaps he’d broken through a wall after all! Picking it up he said happily,

“Master Jacob, as your service…!” Sniffling crying answered him. Humor instantly evaporated and he asked, “Rebecca, what’s wrong?”

“I-I just ne-eeded to hear your voice.” She cried heavily.

“I’m here, what happened?” he asked gently. Though he wanted to be there for her, it hurt him to hear her pain. What happened in the time he’d seen her earlier that day to make her so afraid?

“R-rememb-er how I told you I wasn’t good with people?” she asked sorrowfully. “I…I can’t go to the café anymore.” Jacob frowned.

“Who hurt you?” he demanded.

“How did you…?” She stopped and sighed. “It doesn’t matter.”

“The hell it doesn’t!” he replied as gently as he could. “Rebecca no one has the right to hurt you.” Her crying subsided and he heard her sigh in relief.

“Thank you, it’s nice to hear someone say that for once.”

“Is there anything I can do?” Jacob pleaded. A long pause.

“Can we meet up somewhere else from now on?” Though he wanted to push and insist she tell him who hurt her, he decided to leave it be. She was in enough pain and wasn’t ready to confide in him yet.

“Of course, wherever you feel comfortable.” He replied gently. Rebecca thanked him again and they decided to have their lunch dates in the public library instead.

********************

Rebecca checked her face again in her little compact mirror. She never worried about her appearance this much. But this time there was a reason. The abuse she’d sustained from the previous day had left a large bruise on the side of her face and it took a lot of makeup to hide it. She worried that Jacob would see it and discover how much of a coward she really was.

As an extra precaution, she moved her hair in front of her face then tried to relax by reading. This time though, her faithful companion didn’t comfort her. Her nerves were wound too tightly. Every heavy footfall made her jump. What if he came here? What would he do next time they ran in to each other.

“You’re hear early.” Rebecca jumped slightly as Jacob sat down. Seeing her shock he asked, “Are you always so jumpy?” It was meant as a joke but Rebecca failed to laugh.

“Sorry.” She whispered, closing her book. He studied her thoroughly. “What?”

“What happened to your face?” he demanded firmly. Rebecca swallowed. “I’ve seen abuse Rebecca. Makeup can’t hide it and neither can you.”

“Please, don’t say anything.” She begged softly. Glancing around she was grateful to see no one was paying them any attention. One reason why she always felt comfortable here, or used to. He got up and sat next to her, still studying her closely. Normally she hated when people stared, but with him it felt different.

“I wish you would trust me.” He whispered. “But I know victims of abuse don’t trust easily.”

“I’m not a victim.” Rebecca replied hotly. “I’m perfectly fine.” Trying to make him drop it, she opened her book again but he took it away, setting it on the table.

“You’re not fine.” His blue eyes softened and he sighed. “Rebecca, you called me yesterday because you needed me. Let me help.” Tears welled in her eyes and she bowed her head. Taking her hands in his he asked, “Is there anything I can do to help?” Without a word, Rebecca rested her head on his shoulder. She needed comfort and safety. Jacob instantly offered both, holding her hand and rubbing her back.

“Thank you.” She whispered.

“Any time.” He replied strongly, holding her tightly.

********************

For the rest of the week they met up at the library and Rebecca eventually seemed to feel safe. Her secret smile became more frequent and he even discovered she had dimples when she laughed. Everything about her was beautiful. Except the dark sadness that loomed over her. She still wasn’t ready to confide in him and though it killed him to wait, he knew it meant the world to her that he did.

On Friday, he decided to try something new. When he called Rebecca, he asked what she had going on that evening. He could hear sounds of cooking in the background as she made a quick and easy dinner for herself.

“Why?” she asked, interested. Jacob braced himself, his energy twisting with anxiety.

“Well, I thought maybe we could go do something together... tonight?” There was a pause, his energy twisting even tighter.

“What did you have in mind?” she asked with an excited giggle. He released a breath and swallowed. Was it supposed to be this nerve wrecking? Even with Lucy he hadn’t been this flustered.

“I was thinking... if you want... maybe we could go ice skating?”

“I’d love to!” Rebecca’s voice nearly shouted with delight. “I’ll text you my address.”

“Great, I’ll be there soon.” He hung up the phone then dashed to the closet to find clean clothes and dig out his skates. As he stuffed them and some extra gloves in a backpack, he sensed a presence behind him. Then an arm wrapped around his neck and he was tackled to the ground, pinned as a young man roared with laughter.

“Ha! You’re too easy, man!”

Author: Katie (Crios) Editor: Elizabeth (Eala)

Patreon: patreon.com/ealacrios