Damaged Goods

Chapter 8

        I don't notice the girl in the mirror when I look. I know the facial structure and the body, but not the hair or makeup or clothes. I have on my yellow dress and a white cardigan over it, then my hair is in loose curls that go a little past my shoulders. I had Myra come over to curl my hair and do my makeup which feels like it is painted all over my face. How did I end here? Before this the only time I would wear a dress was to a wedding or funeral and now I am wearing a bright dress and putting on white pearls, of course fake ones. I can't help but wonder if this is a good change or a change I'm just doing for Alastair, but then again it seems that Alastair has changed since I first met him that Sunday in the diner. Or maybe Alastair hasn't changed at all, he's simply just being careful around me like everyone else was after I was abused. 

        I understand that people want to protect me and keep me safe. I understand that there are more people out there like that man who hurt me, but I can't be kept under the protection of someone for the rest of my life. It's been three years and although I'm hesitant about people touching me, I am very sensable when it comes to protecting myself. I just wish people would see that in me and not someone who was taken advantage of.

"You look so hot!" Myra says as she steps away from me. "I can't believe you are going to a mansion for brunch. That's so mature of you."

We both laugh and I grab my shoes when I hear a knock at the door.

"Trinity, Alastair is here" my dad calls from downstairs. I take a deep breathe after putting on my sandals. Myra gives me a quick hug and nudges me to go downstairs. It's now or never so I go to take a step down the stairs when all of the sudden Shad pushes through me and races downstairs. 

"Alastair!" He screams and runs to hug his legs. Alastair laughs and picks Shad up to put him on his hips.

"What's up little man?" Alastair gives him a high five and sets him back down. I start to make my way down the stairs and when Alastair lifts his head up to look at me his mouth is open. "Woah, you look... wow."

I feel my cheeks start to heat up and I go down the rest of the stairs but when I go to hug Alastair my dad steps in between us facing Alastair. Oh crap.

"Alastair, I'm afraid we haven't met yet. I'm Trinity's father."

I peer around my dad's shoulder and smile a little at Alastair. He looks at me and winks, then stands up straight to shake my dad's hand. "Hello Mr. Scott, my name is Alastair Carr."

My dad shakes his hand and I can see my dad flex his arm a little, I'm guessing trying to have the firmer handshake but Alastair seems to handle himself.

"Honey, stop it. The kids are going to be late" my mom says when she comes in from the kitchen. I look at her and give her the best smile that says thank you. I walk around my dad to go over to Alastair.

"Don't worry sir, we are just going over to my house for a brunch. I promise nothing too crazy" Alastair says and he holds the door open for me. I crouch down to give Shad a hug and kiss. 

"Be good and listen to Grandma and Grandpa. Okay?" 

"Okay!" He gives me another hug and I stand up to wave goodbye to my parents. When I step outside I see the famous black matte Audi. Alastair steps in front of me to open up my door gesturing me in. I laugh and sit down on the leather seat. I look back at the house and see three heads looking out of the window and I laugh to myself.

Alastair comes in on the driver's side and starts the car. "What I was trying to say was that you look absolutely beautiful." He smiles at me and I see him lift his hand up to hold mine but he then decides against it. I take a deep breathe and reach over to hold his hand. He looks over at me and smiles. I can't help but smile at his beautiful eyes.