Chapter Two

        

I really wanted Nora to be the first to share. Nora. Such a pretty name. Refined, patient, formal yet spunky. Beautiful, the kind of name fit for a princess. James, on the other hand, is a strong, brave name. But I felt neither strong nor brave. I felt beaten, battered and bruised, and I was.

Her paper beat my rock, so I had to show her my bruises. The entire right side of my ribcage was a dark purple color underneath the ace bandage applied to protect my cracked ribs. Then I told her the stories of how my father beat me, and sometimes my mother. I told her how when I was younger, my father favored his belt over just beating the snot out of me, but I told her those scars were for another time. I told her of the nights I wasn't abused, the nights where I heard the arguments of my parents filtered through the paper-thin walls of my house. I told her of the bruises my mother walked away with, and the ones she couldn't walk away from. I told her how scared I was.

I could tell she felt sorry for me, and wished she never asked. She inched closer to me on the headboard. I pulled her closer, and lay my head on hers, smelling the sweet, floral scent of her shampoo. I whispered softly in her ear for her to show me her scars, her story. She told me the entire story could be read in a glance, and she wouldn't have to say anything. Apparently, Nora was not a woman of words. I rolled up the sleeves of her sweatshirt and read the story of her scars. I could see the pain she went through, how much she had suffered when she was alone. I then made a decision. She should not be alone anymore.

My hand searched for hers. I held it tightly, and told her I'd miss her the moment she was gone. She said she'd miss me too. She vowed she'd return, and I vowed to wait for her.

 

~

 

“I'm not going to leave yet.” I said “I've still got too many things to talk to you about.

“Like what?” He asked.

“Ummmm.... where did you live before you came here?”

“In a little brick house a few blocks behind Tradewinds.”

I knew where he meant, behind Tradewinds Supper Club, right here in Jefferson. It was across town from my house, or in other words, less than a mile.

“Do you plan to get out of here soon?” I asked.

“Not really,” He replied “ I think Mom's really liking the community of this place. She'll probably see if she can get a part-time job and rent this room. I don't she why not, she helps out so much, tis like the Shelter has an extra employee, and I don't make any trouble.”

“Is that what you want to do?”

“I wouldn't mind, I'm only a couple of blocks from your house, and not far from the school. Speaking of which, I haven't seen you at school. Do you go to Jefferson High?”

“Yeah, but I'm not the type to draw attention to myself. I'm more comfortable in the background.”

“I could could have guessed.” He said. “Myself as well. I prefer to be unknown. It's hard enough to do in a school of less than a thousand. Everybody seems to know you.”

“Can I ask you something?” I asked, both fear and trust in my eyes.

“You've been asking many things. One more can't hurt.” He replied.

“You said Saint Mary's is only a few blocks from my house. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”

“Good thing”

“How good?” Hope brightened my face.

“Very, very good. Very good indeed.” He said as he leaned closer.

Author's Note

Please comment on the style of the first four paragraphs of this chapter. I'd like your opinion on it please ^_^

Reviews

[Samantha Ashley*]

I think its good, and I myself feel sorry for James about his past.