Benji wanted to try focusing on healing her mind and body after an abusive relationship with her now ex-husband. Her best friend, Sarah takes her in and helps her readjust given her condition. When work whisks her away suddenly, Sarah calls in an ol...
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Mason
I called off the next day, they can get someone else to fill in and I'll deal with the paperwork tomorrow. These instances were getting worse, Benji looked pale and shaken even just sitting at her computer. I'm watching from the bed while resting a book in my lap as she types away on her computer, she seemed at ease with me there but... Was she?
I came home early on a business call with someone in Norway and she hid from me in a closet, I thought she was fine when we stayed home the other night but she's definitely in worse shape. Doesn't help I put her there. Maybe not on purpose but I definitely wasn't taking these instances seriously.
Why you may ask?
Benji turned in her chair, removing her headphones, scanning the room carefully before looking at me "Did you tap something?" she signed. I shook my head so she shrank back into her work, typing away.
She's been like this since we came back together, every little crick in the house and she's asking it to bring her some water. In the beginning I thought it might have had something to do with her not talking but now I'm more than a little concerned. Mostly because it got the cops called to our place last night and I was eyeballed like some rapist while she disassociated on the bed in a towel. 'I need to cancel this trip, I can't leave her in this state even if Noel offered to stay' I decided, it was just bad timing. After another hour she stood up so I cleared my throat, she turned with her cup and pointed at mine "No, thank you, but can we talk?" she blinked and nodded.
She set down her drink and crawled at me on the bed, I almost forget what we were doing when she kneels in front of me. I leaned forward and took her hands "I'm cancelling the work trip" her eyes widen and she shakes her head. I reach up to her face "Calm down, calm down. Its not a huge deal I can reschedule for after we find out about Carter, okay?" I asked.
She huffed, I know she's upset, she gets upset when anyone pays her any form of mind "You don't need to do that I'll be fine!" she signed. "I don't want to leave if you don't feel safe... I'm sorry but yesterday was more than enough evidence that you're not okay." I said.
She tilts her head as I sigh "You're jumpy since all that started, and it's understandable but you need to remember that Carter is in jail, you are safe." I said. She recoiled, she looks annoyed at me "I remember that every day, but that still doesn't mean there aren't others out there, like whoever was on the fence!" she signed.
She's right too "Yeah and living in fear of every man you come across isn't life." I said with a shrug, trying to take her hands again. She recoils them and scoots back "You're right, it isn't but it's my reality. It's very real to me when I go out and can get a carton of eggs without the possibility of being followed to my car" she signs rapidly, her cheeks red with anger.
She scoots off the bed entirely "It's real when I have to make sure I have mace when I walk my dog, and it's very real when I'm in a foreign country where I don't know anyone!" she finishes. I watch her intently trying to understand her words and pain, and I remember Sarah and I having the same talk when she was younger. I forget the dangers of being born for some people. I nod and sit up "Okay, I'm sorry... But that's all the more reason I should stay home, if you think you're not safe" I try speaking gently but it does nothing.
